I've read through Psalm 55 since I've last updated on this. Here are a few things that jumped off the page and slapped me in the face...
Job 8:14-15
What he trusts in is fragile;
what he relies on is a spider's web.
He leans on his web, but it gives way
he clings to it, but it does not hold.
We must rely on God. Anything else...and we'll fall.
Job 17:9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.
Job 28:28 The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.
Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies-
make straight your way before me.
Psalm 14:5b for God is present in the company of the righteous.
Psalm 25:3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame,
Psalm 28:8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Psalm 49:20 A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
This is the last verse of a great chapter, one that I've been in and out of a lot the past few months. This is a great chapter about how worthless the worldly possessions we seek really are. It's been very helpful to Jenny and I as we are still seeking employment for her. We know God will take care of us, we just need to stop trusting in our "stuff."
Showing posts with label The Highlighter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Highlighter. Show all posts
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Highlighter [Nehemiah 1 - Job 4]
I hope these passages will bless you as much as they have blessed me...
Nehemiah 8:10b This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
The joy of the LORD is our strength. One might ask "How can the joy of the LORD be our strength?" Look, we are blessed. It is often times really easy to focus only on the negative (I'm probably speaking to myself here more than anybody else). I have a house, I have wonderful friends, I have a loving family, and God is great for showering me with such wonderful blessings! I know that when my time on earth here is done, I'm going to be with my heavenly father. That gives me an "uber" amount of joy! This joy helps get me through the rough patches of life. This joy is my strength!
Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?
Still, one of the most powerful sermons I've heard came from this verse and it was titled "for such a time as this."
Job 1:22, 2:10b In all this, Job did not sin
Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important. Even though Job suffered through many tough situations, he didn't sin. Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important. Even if we are going through a period of bad luck, we should always do what we know is right. Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important. Let's take this lesson from Job and do the right thing NO MATTER WHAT! Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important.
Nehemiah 8:10b This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
The joy of the LORD is our strength. One might ask "How can the joy of the LORD be our strength?" Look, we are blessed. It is often times really easy to focus only on the negative (I'm probably speaking to myself here more than anybody else). I have a house, I have wonderful friends, I have a loving family, and God is great for showering me with such wonderful blessings! I know that when my time on earth here is done, I'm going to be with my heavenly father. That gives me an "uber" amount of joy! This joy helps get me through the rough patches of life. This joy is my strength!
Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?
Still, one of the most powerful sermons I've heard came from this verse and it was titled "for such a time as this."
Job 1:22, 2:10b In all this, Job did not sin
Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important. Even though Job suffered through many tough situations, he didn't sin. Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important. Even if we are going through a period of bad luck, we should always do what we know is right. Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important. Let's take this lesson from Job and do the right thing NO MATTER WHAT! Whenever you see a repeated phrase in a section of the Bible - it's important.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Highlighter [2 Kings 24 - Ezra 10]
I missed the past two weeks doing this. I wish I had a great excuse, I just flat out forgot. Thankfully, I was able to catch up and get back on pace to where I should be.
I'll limit what I log since so many chapters are covered...
1 Chronicles 11:9 And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him.
When we have the LORD on our side, we can do great things!
1 Chronicles 28:9 If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
2 Chronicles 2:5b because our God is greater than all other gods.
Just a friendly reminder :-)
2 Chronicles 7:17 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
1. Humble themselves
2. Pray
3. Seek God
4. Repent from their ways
Doing those 4 things will change your life! I promise. We we do this we will realize how great God is and how much we need him. Once we come to that realization, HE will take care of the rest.
2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.
Ezra 3:3 Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and the evening sacrifices.
I love that they did this "despite their fear." Imagine what we, as Christians, could accomplish if we didn't let our fear hold us back. How many times are we worried about "the peoples around us" and what they might say or think about us? Let's worship God always, and not let our fear stop us from glorifying HIM.
I'll limit what I log since so many chapters are covered...
1 Chronicles 11:9 And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him.
When we have the LORD on our side, we can do great things!
1 Chronicles 28:9 If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
2 Chronicles 2:5b because our God is greater than all other gods.
Just a friendly reminder :-)
2 Chronicles 7:17 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
1. Humble themselves
2. Pray
3. Seek God
4. Repent from their ways
Doing those 4 things will change your life! I promise. We we do this we will realize how great God is and how much we need him. Once we come to that realization, HE will take care of the rest.
2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.
Ezra 3:3 Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and the evening sacrifices.
I love that they did this "despite their fear." Imagine what we, as Christians, could accomplish if we didn't let our fear hold us back. How many times are we worried about "the peoples around us" and what they might say or think about us? Let's worship God always, and not let our fear stop us from glorifying HIM.
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Highlighter [2 Kings 5 - 2 Kings 23]
I missed 2 days this week. So forgive me for being a bit behind. But here is what God has blessed me with this week:
2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel..."
Here, really it is the order of events that particularly jumps out at me. I've always thought it was cool that in order to be healed he had to humble himself. In typical fashion, I'm getting of the subject of this verse a little bit, but I've always been fascinated how much spiritual growth occurs simply by humbling ourselves. When we acknowledge how big God is then we see a huge need for him in our lives.
2 Kings 17:7-8 All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduces.
I can't remember who originated this statement, but there is a quote out there that says "You can either live for God or die for yourself." The LORD judged the people of Israel because they copied the surrounding nations and worshiped other gods and welcomed pagan customs. God has never given us a reason not to trust him, yet we often turn out back on him. So here, we see exactly why Israel was exiled, because of their sin.
2 Kings 17:15 ...They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless...
I love this description of what happens when we follow other Gods in our life. We become worthless. The other idols that we chase are worthless, and we become worthless too. This one verse can preach many sermons.
2 Kings 17:18 ...removed them from his presence...
Wow, powerful.
2 Kings 17:37 You must always be careful to keep the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands he wrote for you.
Just a friendly reminder that we could all use everyday :-)
2 Kings 17:41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols.
One of the most powerful lessons I have taught to this day combined this verse with "no one can serve to masters". While this verse may seem kind of weird at first, we do it all the time. We claim to follow God with all of our heart yet we also have our secret sins and addictions. We must give the LORD 100% of our life.
2 Kings 19:19 Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.
I love Hezekiah, he's one of my favorite Old Testament characters. His prayer is also a great and powerful prayer. A good one to mark! I won't go into the many reasons why, but trust me that if you read it you will be blessed.
God Bless!
2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel..."
Here, really it is the order of events that particularly jumps out at me. I've always thought it was cool that in order to be healed he had to humble himself. In typical fashion, I'm getting of the subject of this verse a little bit, but I've always been fascinated how much spiritual growth occurs simply by humbling ourselves. When we acknowledge how big God is then we see a huge need for him in our lives.
2 Kings 17:7-8 All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduces.
I can't remember who originated this statement, but there is a quote out there that says "You can either live for God or die for yourself." The LORD judged the people of Israel because they copied the surrounding nations and worshiped other gods and welcomed pagan customs. God has never given us a reason not to trust him, yet we often turn out back on him. So here, we see exactly why Israel was exiled, because of their sin.
2 Kings 17:15 ...They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless...
I love this description of what happens when we follow other Gods in our life. We become worthless. The other idols that we chase are worthless, and we become worthless too. This one verse can preach many sermons.
2 Kings 17:18 ...removed them from his presence...
Wow, powerful.
2 Kings 17:37 You must always be careful to keep the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands he wrote for you.
Just a friendly reminder that we could all use everyday :-)
2 Kings 17:41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols.
One of the most powerful lessons I have taught to this day combined this verse with "no one can serve to masters". While this verse may seem kind of weird at first, we do it all the time. We claim to follow God with all of our heart yet we also have our secret sins and addictions. We must give the LORD 100% of our life.
2 Kings 19:19 Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.
I love Hezekiah, he's one of my favorite Old Testament characters. His prayer is also a great and powerful prayer. A good one to mark! I won't go into the many reasons why, but trust me that if you read it you will be blessed.
God Bless!
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Highlighter [1 Kings 4 - 2 Kings 4]
Here's what blessed me in my reading this week...I'm not going to give a lot of commentary this week, but there is little doubt that these verses stuck out to me for a number of reasons.
1 Kings 8:51 for they are your people and your inheritance,
1 Kings 8:61 But our hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.
I pray that God helps me be fully committed. Not partially or halfway, but fully. It's easy to commit to God part of our hearts...but giving him all of it requires sacrifices that we are often unwilling to make.
1 Kings 9:4 As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.
1 Kings 10:9 Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel...
1 Kings 18:36b-37 O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."
I've always loved Elijah's prayer for many reasons.
God Bless!
1 Kings 8:51 for they are your people and your inheritance,
1 Kings 8:61 But our hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.
I pray that God helps me be fully committed. Not partially or halfway, but fully. It's easy to commit to God part of our hearts...but giving him all of it requires sacrifices that we are often unwilling to make.
1 Kings 9:4 As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.
1 Kings 10:9 Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel...
1 Kings 18:36b-37 O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."
I've always loved Elijah's prayer for many reasons.
God Bless!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Highlighter [2 Samuel 3 - 1 Kings 3]
This week I read 2 Samuel 3 - 1 Kings 3]
2 Samuel 13:2, 15 Amnon became frustrated to the point of illness...Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her, Amnon said to her, "Get up and get out!"
I know I touched on this a bit last week, but again we notice that when we get what we want...we often aren't happy with it. In Amnon's case, he got what he wanted (Tamar) and it resulted in hatred. We must know and understand what brings us true joy.
2 Samuel 14:14b But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person my not remain estranged from him.
We could spend a long time talking about this verse. It's very though provoking.
2 Samuel 21:1 ...David sought the face of the LORD...
I love that phrase!
2 Samuel 22:2-4
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior -
from violent men you save me.
I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
This is David's song that he sang to the LORD after being delivered from the hands of enemies. This is a good verse to flip to if you are ever in a time of struggle or conflict.
1 Kings 2:2 So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go,
This is David's "passing the torch" speech to his son, Solomon. What great advice this would be to pass around!
God Bless!
2 Samuel 13:2, 15 Amnon became frustrated to the point of illness...Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her, Amnon said to her, "Get up and get out!"
I know I touched on this a bit last week, but again we notice that when we get what we want...we often aren't happy with it. In Amnon's case, he got what he wanted (Tamar) and it resulted in hatred. We must know and understand what brings us true joy.
2 Samuel 14:14b But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person my not remain estranged from him.
We could spend a long time talking about this verse. It's very though provoking.
2 Samuel 21:1 ...David sought the face of the LORD...
I love that phrase!
2 Samuel 22:2-4
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior -
from violent men you save me.
I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
This is David's song that he sang to the LORD after being delivered from the hands of enemies. This is a good verse to flip to if you are ever in a time of struggle or conflict.
1 Kings 2:2 So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go,
This is David's "passing the torch" speech to his son, Solomon. What great advice this would be to pass around!
God Bless!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Highlighter [1 Samuel 6 - 2 Samuel 2]
This past week I read 1 Samuel 6 through 2 Samuel 2. Here is what particularly stuck out to me...
1 Samuel 12:21 - Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.
When it comes to idolatry, I believe it's worth mentioning that idolatry never really accomplishes what we want it to. Let me explain. Contrary to what I hear quite often, idolatry doesn't just occur in the OT. It still occurs in 2009. Although instead of worshiping golden statues and fountains, we are worshiping our status, fame, money, [insert your favorite material object].
But it never accomplishes what we want it to. We want these things to make us happy. We convince ourselves "If I put this new mega-booming-super-sonic stereo in my car, then I'll be happy." So we save up. We work that extra hour, bag that extra bag of groceries, flip that extra burger, till finally we have the money we need. We purchase this stereo. Then we live happily ever after. Until...
We see that other stereo. One that is even more mega, more booming, more supersonic than the one we recently purchased. All of a sudden, we aren't so happy.
See what I mean? It doesn't accomplish what Satan wants us to think it accomplishes. Solomon says it better than I can ever say it...whoever loves money never has money enough...(Eccl 5:10)
This particular verse in 2 Samuel ends with the phrase because they are useless. Useless. That's powerful.
Obviously, and I think this goes without mentioning (but I suppose I'll mention it anyways) we know we aren't going to be thrown into the eternal fire for purchasing a stereo. But no matter where we are in our walk with Jesus, we ALL need reminders that only Jesus brings us eternal hope and joy.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
It's hard for me to talk about this verse without mentioning the lyrics of one of my favorite Contemporary Christian songs growing up. So I'll just point you to the lyrics and avoid being repetitive. (By the way, it's truly an awesome song!)
1 Samuel 23:2 he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?"
I love that phrase inquired of the LORD. It occurs frequently throughout both 1 and 2 Samuel, but I'll just mention it here.
1 Samuel 30:6 But David found strength in the LORD his God.
Amen. What is our true source of strength?
-------------------
I love the David story. I've always thought that the David story, if done properly, would make an incredible movie.
Grace and Peace!
1 Samuel 12:21 - Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.
When it comes to idolatry, I believe it's worth mentioning that idolatry never really accomplishes what we want it to. Let me explain. Contrary to what I hear quite often, idolatry doesn't just occur in the OT. It still occurs in 2009. Although instead of worshiping golden statues and fountains, we are worshiping our status, fame, money, [insert your favorite material object].
But it never accomplishes what we want it to. We want these things to make us happy. We convince ourselves "If I put this new mega-booming-super-sonic stereo in my car, then I'll be happy." So we save up. We work that extra hour, bag that extra bag of groceries, flip that extra burger, till finally we have the money we need. We purchase this stereo. Then we live happily ever after. Until...
We see that other stereo. One that is even more mega, more booming, more supersonic than the one we recently purchased. All of a sudden, we aren't so happy.
See what I mean? It doesn't accomplish what Satan wants us to think it accomplishes. Solomon says it better than I can ever say it...whoever loves money never has money enough...(Eccl 5:10)
This particular verse in 2 Samuel ends with the phrase because they are useless. Useless. That's powerful.
Obviously, and I think this goes without mentioning (but I suppose I'll mention it anyways) we know we aren't going to be thrown into the eternal fire for purchasing a stereo. But no matter where we are in our walk with Jesus, we ALL need reminders that only Jesus brings us eternal hope and joy.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
It's hard for me to talk about this verse without mentioning the lyrics of one of my favorite Contemporary Christian songs growing up. So I'll just point you to the lyrics and avoid being repetitive. (By the way, it's truly an awesome song!)
1 Samuel 23:2 he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?"
I love that phrase inquired of the LORD. It occurs frequently throughout both 1 and 2 Samuel, but I'll just mention it here.
1 Samuel 30:6 But David found strength in the LORD his God.
Amen. What is our true source of strength?
-------------------
I love the David story. I've always thought that the David story, if done properly, would make an incredible movie.
Grace and Peace!
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Highlighter [Deuteronomy 5 - Joshua 8]
Sorry I'm a day late on this. I was slammed yesterday as I was finalizing some "2 weeks before Winterfest" details.
Nonetheless, here's just a few of the many passages that blessed me this week:
Deuteronomy 5:33 Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your dayus in the land that you will possess.
Deuteronomy 6:14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.
How many times must we be reminded of this? The Israelites needed this reminder before crossing into the promised land. And thousands of years later, I need this reminder before I get out of bed each day. No, I don't have a problem with bowing down to statues or fountains. But even today there is a strong temptation to follow the ways of man. To make money the most important thing in our life. To seek power, to seek fame, to try and make a name for ourselves. Our cars, stereos, computers can all quickly become Gods to us. Let's not follow the God's of men, but the God in heaven.
Deuteronomy 8:5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
The father/son analogy is one of my favorite illustrations to use in describing God's love. God doesn't give us certain commands to pick on us or to be mean. He wants us to be safe and protected. Protected by his love. Through his love we become holy.
Deuteronomy 14:2 for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
I just really like that phrase treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 20:4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.
Why be afraid? The LORD goes with us and fights for us against our enemies? To quote one of my favorite preacher and blogger, "For a Christian, fear is not an option."
Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
My thoughts on this verse will kind of overlap that of the next verse so...
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Throughout the end of Deuteronomy and the first couple of chapters of Joshua, God continuously promises to be with his people. I believe that is a promise that he continues to keep throughout our days on this earth. Knowing that God is with us brings peace, comfort, and security. He is our ultimate provider, our Abba, Father. God is with us! Let's rejoice because of that.
God Bless!
NOTE: Yes, I'm aware that I left out the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4ff. While it is a blessing to read, I chose not to include it in this list. Usually when I type these up every week, I just select some of the many passages that have blessed me. But if you'd still like to talk about the Shema, that's great too!
Nonetheless, here's just a few of the many passages that blessed me this week:
Deuteronomy 5:33 Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your dayus in the land that you will possess.
Deuteronomy 6:14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.
How many times must we be reminded of this? The Israelites needed this reminder before crossing into the promised land. And thousands of years later, I need this reminder before I get out of bed each day. No, I don't have a problem with bowing down to statues or fountains. But even today there is a strong temptation to follow the ways of man. To make money the most important thing in our life. To seek power, to seek fame, to try and make a name for ourselves. Our cars, stereos, computers can all quickly become Gods to us. Let's not follow the God's of men, but the God in heaven.
Deuteronomy 8:5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
The father/son analogy is one of my favorite illustrations to use in describing God's love. God doesn't give us certain commands to pick on us or to be mean. He wants us to be safe and protected. Protected by his love. Through his love we become holy.
Deuteronomy 14:2 for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
I just really like that phrase treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 20:4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.
Why be afraid? The LORD goes with us and fights for us against our enemies? To quote one of my favorite preacher and blogger, "For a Christian, fear is not an option."
Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
My thoughts on this verse will kind of overlap that of the next verse so...
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Throughout the end of Deuteronomy and the first couple of chapters of Joshua, God continuously promises to be with his people. I believe that is a promise that he continues to keep throughout our days on this earth. Knowing that God is with us brings peace, comfort, and security. He is our ultimate provider, our Abba, Father. God is with us! Let's rejoice because of that.
God Bless!
NOTE: Yes, I'm aware that I left out the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4ff. While it is a blessing to read, I chose not to include it in this list. Usually when I type these up every week, I just select some of the many passages that have blessed me. But if you'd still like to talk about the Shema, that's great too!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Highlighter [Numbers 7-Deuteronomy 4]
This week I read Numbers 7 through Deuteronomy 4. Here is what God put on my heart:
Numbers 7:9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
Numbers 9:23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.
I hate to seem like a broken record. I know I've touched on this idea the past couple of weeks. But I really don't think obedience is to be taken lightly. If there is one thing we've learned about God thus far, it's that he means what he says. "Good news" or "bad news" he is serious.
Numbers 11:10-12 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers?
To me, this is one of those comparative lessons. I didn't type out verse 1, but verse 1 says Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. Ouch! The people complain and God sends a fire!
Yet, compare that to what happened to Moses a few paragraphs later. He was troubled...but God didn't send one of his flaming special deliveries to Moses. What's the difference? He took his burdens to the LORD. He "asked the LORD" as the text reads.
That comparison teaches me a lot. I hope it blesses you the same way it blesses me.
Numbers 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.
Numbers 15:30-31 But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or alien, blasphemes the LORD, and that person must be cut off from his people. Because he has despised the LORD's word and broken his commands, that person must surely be cut off; his guilt remains on him.
It is important to note that those who sinned defiantly and deliberately received a harsher punishment. They were to be cut off. There is a temptation to justify our sin by saying "It will be ok, I can do this. God will forgive me". Well, we can see what happened to the Israelites when they intentionally sinned.
Paul addresses that particular justification in Romans 6:1-2 as well. Whichever verse you use, I think the point is that we aren't to take sin so lightly.
Numbers 20:12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."
What jumps out at me here is that phrase "you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy". He didn't say "you disobeyed me", even though Moses clearly disobeyed. He didn't say "you lost your temper" even though that is what happened. Instead, the LORD used the phrase "you did not trust me".
My Hebrew knowledge is limited (one semester's worth). Someone smarter than me is going to have to handle that part.
Anyways, I find that phrasing interesting. I have a few thoughts about it, but I'd love to hear yours as well.
Numbers 33:52 drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places.
I love how there is to be a high priority in getting rid of the idols before they move into the promised land.
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
There is a passage similar to this in Jeremiah that is a bit more well known. The context in this one is a bit different though. However, they both have one thing in common: look for him, seek him with all our heart.
I don't think we can emphasize enough what that phrase "all your heart" really means. All of our heart! What would it be like if we looked for God with half of our heart? Can we seek God with half our our heart while the other half follows the ways of the world? (Revelation 3 refers to that as "lukewarm")
God Bless!
Numbers 7:9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
Numbers 9:23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.
I hate to seem like a broken record. I know I've touched on this idea the past couple of weeks. But I really don't think obedience is to be taken lightly. If there is one thing we've learned about God thus far, it's that he means what he says. "Good news" or "bad news" he is serious.
Numbers 11:10-12 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers?
To me, this is one of those comparative lessons. I didn't type out verse 1, but verse 1 says Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. Ouch! The people complain and God sends a fire!
Yet, compare that to what happened to Moses a few paragraphs later. He was troubled...but God didn't send one of his flaming special deliveries to Moses. What's the difference? He took his burdens to the LORD. He "asked the LORD" as the text reads.
That comparison teaches me a lot. I hope it blesses you the same way it blesses me.
Numbers 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.
Numbers 15:30-31 But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or alien, blasphemes the LORD, and that person must be cut off from his people. Because he has despised the LORD's word and broken his commands, that person must surely be cut off; his guilt remains on him.
It is important to note that those who sinned defiantly and deliberately received a harsher punishment. They were to be cut off. There is a temptation to justify our sin by saying "It will be ok, I can do this. God will forgive me". Well, we can see what happened to the Israelites when they intentionally sinned.
Paul addresses that particular justification in Romans 6:1-2 as well. Whichever verse you use, I think the point is that we aren't to take sin so lightly.
Numbers 20:12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."
What jumps out at me here is that phrase "you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy". He didn't say "you disobeyed me", even though Moses clearly disobeyed. He didn't say "you lost your temper" even though that is what happened. Instead, the LORD used the phrase "you did not trust me".
My Hebrew knowledge is limited (one semester's worth). Someone smarter than me is going to have to handle that part.
Anyways, I find that phrasing interesting. I have a few thoughts about it, but I'd love to hear yours as well.
Numbers 33:52 drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places.
I love how there is to be a high priority in getting rid of the idols before they move into the promised land.
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
There is a passage similar to this in Jeremiah that is a bit more well known. The context in this one is a bit different though. However, they both have one thing in common: look for him, seek him with all our heart.
I don't think we can emphasize enough what that phrase "all your heart" really means. All of our heart! What would it be like if we looked for God with half of our heart? Can we seek God with half our our heart while the other half follows the ways of the world? (Revelation 3 refers to that as "lukewarm")
God Bless!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Highlighter [Leviticus 6-Numbers 6]
Well, it's Thursday and we all know what that means. Today I get to share what I've been reading from God's word as well as the thoughts it has planted in my head.
Leviticus 6:8-13 it [the fire] must not go out
Interestingly, Leviticus and Numbers features a lot of sections where a word or phrase is repeated. I think words and phrases like that are repeated for a reason.
Here is one of those sections. The fire on the altar had to keep burning. To me, this is a representation of the eternal God and his presence in our lives.
Leviticus 8 as the LORD commanded Moses
This is almost an exact duplicate of something I shared last week. Again, we learn how important it is to follow God's commands to every last detail. We can't just pick and choose what commands (or what part of the commands) we want to obey. God wants all of us, not just part of us!
Leviticus 10:1-2 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, but fire in them and added the incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
Speaking of following God's commands to the exact detail, we have a case in point right here. Nadab and Abihu offered an unauthorized sacrifice. I think this is the point where we see (if we haven't already) exactly how important the sacrificial system is. It certainly isn't to be taken lightly. We mustn't be lackadaisical in our obedience to God.
Leviticus 10:10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean.
What I find neat here is that the opposite of holy is common. We are to distinguish between the two. Remember, holy is often translated set apart. We are to be set apart, different. We aren't to be like the world (common). We need to stand up for what we believe in and be set apart.
Leviticus 11:44-45 I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
I think anything I said or commented about this verse would just take away from it's beauty.
Leviticus 20:7 Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.
The last phrase is a phrase that needs to be starred, underlined, highlighted, italicized, etc. I think it is important to note that the LORD makes us holy. We often think that holiness comes simply by "being good". Well, as we can see, it is a bit deeper than that. Although, there is certainly an aspect of obedience, we must submit ourselves to God. HE makes us holy.
Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
This is the priestly blessing. But I find this is a good verse to go to whenever thinks are "down". When struggles are surrounding us, repeat those words. If you need to, put them at a place where you will see them frequently. It's a great "pick me up" verse.
God Bless!
Leviticus 6:8-13 it [the fire] must not go out
Interestingly, Leviticus and Numbers features a lot of sections where a word or phrase is repeated. I think words and phrases like that are repeated for a reason.
Here is one of those sections. The fire on the altar had to keep burning. To me, this is a representation of the eternal God and his presence in our lives.
Leviticus 8 as the LORD commanded Moses
This is almost an exact duplicate of something I shared last week. Again, we learn how important it is to follow God's commands to every last detail. We can't just pick and choose what commands (or what part of the commands) we want to obey. God wants all of us, not just part of us!
Leviticus 10:1-2 Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, but fire in them and added the incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
Speaking of following God's commands to the exact detail, we have a case in point right here. Nadab and Abihu offered an unauthorized sacrifice. I think this is the point where we see (if we haven't already) exactly how important the sacrificial system is. It certainly isn't to be taken lightly. We mustn't be lackadaisical in our obedience to God.
Leviticus 10:10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean.
What I find neat here is that the opposite of holy is common. We are to distinguish between the two. Remember, holy is often translated set apart. We are to be set apart, different. We aren't to be like the world (common). We need to stand up for what we believe in and be set apart.
Leviticus 11:44-45 I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
I think anything I said or commented about this verse would just take away from it's beauty.
Leviticus 20:7 Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.
The last phrase is a phrase that needs to be starred, underlined, highlighted, italicized, etc. I think it is important to note that the LORD makes us holy. We often think that holiness comes simply by "being good". Well, as we can see, it is a bit deeper than that. Although, there is certainly an aspect of obedience, we must submit ourselves to God. HE makes us holy.
Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
This is the priestly blessing. But I find this is a good verse to go to whenever thinks are "down". When struggles are surrounding us, repeat those words. If you need to, put them at a place where you will see them frequently. It's a great "pick me up" verse.
God Bless!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Highlighter [Exodus 21-Leviticus 5]
This week I read Exodus 21-Leviticus 5. Here's what stuck out to me.
Exodus 22:31 You are to be my holy people.
Ultimately, this is what God wants. I feel like many of the commands God has for us can be summarized into this one verse, be my Holy people.
He wants us to be his. He wants us to be Holy. Christlike, set apart. As we walk this earth, we are to be different.
One of the most challenging things I've ever heard comes from one of my favorite authors. Think about this question: Why has it become so hard to pick a Christian out of a crowd?
I love that quote for a number of reasons. I take that back. I'm not really sure that I love it. I love how challenging it is to my life and to others, but I don't like the truth that is embedded in that question.
As God's holy people, we need to stand out. Be in the world, not of it, as the New Testament says. But that's not until October-Novemberish :-)
Exodus 23:33b because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.
That was certainly the case for the nation of Israel. However it is also the case for you and me. It is important to keep in mind that idolatry isn't limited to worshiping golden statues. Idolatry can also be worshiping our money or addictions. We must rid ourselves of anything that keeps us from the one, true God, our father.
Exodus 29:45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them.
Exodus 33:14 My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
This verse comes right after one of the most challenging chapters of the whole Bible for me. I've always found Exodus 32 hard to read, mostly because I'm glad I'm not Moses. If I'm Moses coming down from Sinai and I see what the Aaron and the rest of the Israelites are up to (The Golden Calf) I'd probably scream and say "OK, God, just zap them dead now." Turns out, three thousand of them did die (32:28)
God took care of them and what did they do? They turned away from Him. Thankfully, God (and Moses) have (had) more patience than I do. In the chapter after that (33) we see the above phrase. It is such a comforting phrase to me. God's Presence was with them as they set out. God's Presence is with us on our journey as well.
Exodus 39-40 as the LORD commanded Moses/him
Phrases that are often repeated usually stick out to me. As I read the last 2 chapters of Exodus I underlined every time the above phrase appeared. Assuming I didn't miss one, I counted 18 times this phrase appears.
From that...we see how important it is that we follow every single command/detail/footnote that God gives us. With God, detail is important. We can't say to any of His commands "Oh, that's not important." Rather, we must follow them EXACTLY. Cross every "t" and dot every "i". Let's follow His commands with the same determination and attention to detail that Moses did.
Leviticus 5:5 When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned
I find it interesting that this verse jumped out at me. Confession was a part of the sin offering process. Obviously, because of Christ's death on the cross we no longer have to sacrifice an animal. However, confession is still an important aspect of our journey to repentance. The animal sacrificing stopped, but the confessions continue.
That's what stuck out to me this week! God Bless!
Exodus 22:31 You are to be my holy people.
Ultimately, this is what God wants. I feel like many of the commands God has for us can be summarized into this one verse, be my Holy people.
He wants us to be his. He wants us to be Holy. Christlike, set apart. As we walk this earth, we are to be different.
One of the most challenging things I've ever heard comes from one of my favorite authors. Think about this question: Why has it become so hard to pick a Christian out of a crowd?
I love that quote for a number of reasons. I take that back. I'm not really sure that I love it. I love how challenging it is to my life and to others, but I don't like the truth that is embedded in that question.
As God's holy people, we need to stand out. Be in the world, not of it, as the New Testament says. But that's not until October-Novemberish :-)
Exodus 23:33b because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.
That was certainly the case for the nation of Israel. However it is also the case for you and me. It is important to keep in mind that idolatry isn't limited to worshiping golden statues. Idolatry can also be worshiping our money or addictions. We must rid ourselves of anything that keeps us from the one, true God, our father.
Exodus 29:45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them.
Exodus 33:14 My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
This verse comes right after one of the most challenging chapters of the whole Bible for me. I've always found Exodus 32 hard to read, mostly because I'm glad I'm not Moses. If I'm Moses coming down from Sinai and I see what the Aaron and the rest of the Israelites are up to (The Golden Calf) I'd probably scream and say "OK, God, just zap them dead now." Turns out, three thousand of them did die (32:28)
God took care of them and what did they do? They turned away from Him. Thankfully, God (and Moses) have (had) more patience than I do. In the chapter after that (33) we see the above phrase. It is such a comforting phrase to me. God's Presence was with them as they set out. God's Presence is with us on our journey as well.
Exodus 39-40 as the LORD commanded Moses/him
Phrases that are often repeated usually stick out to me. As I read the last 2 chapters of Exodus I underlined every time the above phrase appeared. Assuming I didn't miss one, I counted 18 times this phrase appears.
From that...we see how important it is that we follow every single command/detail/footnote that God gives us. With God, detail is important. We can't say to any of His commands "Oh, that's not important." Rather, we must follow them EXACTLY. Cross every "t" and dot every "i". Let's follow His commands with the same determination and attention to detail that Moses did.
Leviticus 5:5 When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned
I find it interesting that this verse jumped out at me. Confession was a part of the sin offering process. Obviously, because of Christ's death on the cross we no longer have to sacrifice an animal. However, confession is still an important aspect of our journey to repentance. The animal sacrificing stopped, but the confessions continue.
That's what stuck out to me this week! God Bless!
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