17 “He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
20 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.". 2 Samuel 22:17-20
This chapter is my favorite in the whole Bible. (and, just because I want you to know, the other chapters are Romans 8, Isaiah 40 and 43, Psalm 139, and the entire book of John ... I think that's it.)
This chapter is also where I got the phrase "the brightness of his presence." If you want to go all the way back to the beginning of this blog, you'll see why. See posts for October 11, 12, 13, 14, 2009.
This is a powerful piece of scripture. David describes himself as under attack, with nowhere to turn, until God comes flying to the rescue. Why does He rescue David? Because He is delighted with him.
Not just with him. He delights in all His creation. There's no one man or woman who deserves more favor than another. We are all the same at the foot of the cross. We all need a savior, a redeemer. We were all made in His image, created by Him, as we have studied this week.
To think that HE would find delight in me. ME. It's amazing,really. And it's just another example of how truly big He is.
Remember "great big God, little tiny me?" this great big God delights in us. That He could lower Himself to take pleasure in me . . . I'm not just talking love here. Delight takes love a step further. To me, delight means He enjoys me. He enjoys my victories. He enjoys seeing me draw closer to Him. He enjoys it when I first discover His Spirit, His Word. His son.
That huge God of the universe, who exists outside the rules of time and space, delights in us. Just try to live an ordinary day as you ponder that. I don't think you can do it. Living that truth makes us fly! Living that truth makes us want to do something special! Living that truth should make us realize just how valuable we are.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
We are Whiter Than Snow
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7
We can make jokes about snow that's not white. Lol but I definitely don't think that's what the psalmist had in mind here. He's obviously talking about pure, brand new sparkling white snow.
Here in Indiana, some would say we had way too much of snow this year! But each winter, no one can deny the beauty of the first snowfall. It looks so pristine, so crisp, so new.
That snow is so beautiful that you almost don't want to walk on it. You don't want to disturb it, mess it up.
When we are made righteous under God's grace, we should really have the same attitude about allowing sin back into our lives. We should really want to keep the whiteness of ourselves and clean and crisp as possible, shouldn't we?
But it's all too easy to allow a little bit back in. At first we don't notice a difference, but it's not long until our whiteness looks a little muddy. A little yellow. A little . . . Less than beautiful.
And we go back to God. And we become white again. And slowly but surely, we start letting things back into our lives again. And we again get dingey. Maybe not totally black, but definitely not as white as before.
The problem is, anything less than white is black to God. We can't let a little bit of sin in without being sinful. And sin takes over, consumes every fiber of our being, before we know it.
We need to cling to our Redeemer! He is the only spot remover that is eternal. There's no church good enough, no activities holy enough, no money given that's enough . . . Nothing can pay for our sin and make us whiter than snow.
Except for something that is bright, bright red. The blood of Jesus. Let's remember that the next time we are tempted to trade in our garments for dirty rags!
We can make jokes about snow that's not white. Lol but I definitely don't think that's what the psalmist had in mind here. He's obviously talking about pure, brand new sparkling white snow.
Here in Indiana, some would say we had way too much of snow this year! But each winter, no one can deny the beauty of the first snowfall. It looks so pristine, so crisp, so new.
That snow is so beautiful that you almost don't want to walk on it. You don't want to disturb it, mess it up.
When we are made righteous under God's grace, we should really have the same attitude about allowing sin back into our lives. We should really want to keep the whiteness of ourselves and clean and crisp as possible, shouldn't we?
But it's all too easy to allow a little bit back in. At first we don't notice a difference, but it's not long until our whiteness looks a little muddy. A little yellow. A little . . . Less than beautiful.
And we go back to God. And we become white again. And slowly but surely, we start letting things back into our lives again. And we again get dingey. Maybe not totally black, but definitely not as white as before.
The problem is, anything less than white is black to God. We can't let a little bit of sin in without being sinful. And sin takes over, consumes every fiber of our being, before we know it.
We need to cling to our Redeemer! He is the only spot remover that is eternal. There's no church good enough, no activities holy enough, no money given that's enough . . . Nothing can pay for our sin and make us whiter than snow.
Except for something that is bright, bright red. The blood of Jesus. Let's remember that the next time we are tempted to trade in our garments for dirty rags!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
We are a Holy People
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2
This verse calls together a number of the attributes we have talked about this month. We are called to be different. Sanctified. Holy.
I'm going to speak about the church today. It must grieve God endlessly to see the state of the church sometimes. Fighting. Selfishness. Politics. Corruption. Let's just call it what it is - sin!
There is nothing we will ever do about having sinful people in the church. We ARE all sinners, and therefore even those called and saved will mess up.
But sinners saved by grace shouldn't be led by sin. They shouldn't be led by self. That's the same thing as being called by Satan.
I'm not at home right now, and I wish I was because I would quote Francis Chan from the book, "Forgotten God.". He talks about what the church could be, should be, and in some cases, truly is.
That church is motivated by love, not money. That church is called by Christ, not by self. That church is known for doing good, reaching the lost, feeding the hungry. That church is built upon the Rock.
Holiness is a constant turning to Christ. It's nothing we can do on our own. It's falling on our faces before God, distressing over our sin, and working side by side in humble gratitude for His mercy.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "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 I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
There is a Puritan prayer that I love. They were a people who were truly horrified over their sin. When I read that in a book, I thought, when was the last time I was horrified - about my own sin? I'm horrified over murders, child abuse, etc. But my own sin?
Unmask me from sins deformity
That I may hate it, abhor it, flee from it.
Let me never forget that the heinousness of sin
Lies not so much in the nature of the sin committed,
But in the greatness of the person sinned against.
This verse calls together a number of the attributes we have talked about this month. We are called to be different. Sanctified. Holy.
I'm going to speak about the church today. It must grieve God endlessly to see the state of the church sometimes. Fighting. Selfishness. Politics. Corruption. Let's just call it what it is - sin!
There is nothing we will ever do about having sinful people in the church. We ARE all sinners, and therefore even those called and saved will mess up.
But sinners saved by grace shouldn't be led by sin. They shouldn't be led by self. That's the same thing as being called by Satan.
I'm not at home right now, and I wish I was because I would quote Francis Chan from the book, "Forgotten God.". He talks about what the church could be, should be, and in some cases, truly is.
That church is motivated by love, not money. That church is called by Christ, not by self. That church is known for doing good, reaching the lost, feeding the hungry. That church is built upon the Rock.
Holiness is a constant turning to Christ. It's nothing we can do on our own. It's falling on our faces before God, distressing over our sin, and working side by side in humble gratitude for His mercy.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "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 I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
There is a Puritan prayer that I love. They were a people who were truly horrified over their sin. When I read that in a book, I thought, when was the last time I was horrified - about my own sin? I'm horrified over murders, child abuse, etc. But my own sin?
Unmask me from sins deformity
That I may hate it, abhor it, flee from it.
Let me never forget that the heinousness of sin
Lies not so much in the nature of the sin committed,
But in the greatness of the person sinned against.
We are Sanctified
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 17:18-19
Do you remember what it means to be sanctified? It means to be made holy, consecrated. Set apart. For the holiness church movement, sanctification in a big deal. And rightly so! When you become "sanctified," you are accepting the fact that God created you for a holy purpose. When you seek sanctification, you are seeking such close communion with God that His holiness makes you holy, too.
Remember that we can never be holy, sanctified, set apart, by our own work. We can never be holy on our own. It's only through God do we ever even have the hope for a righteous life.
But just as strongly, remember is- that is what we were created for!! I love the new song by Mercy Me, "Beautiful.". In fact I was singing it to myself yesterday,watching a majestic waterfall spill down the side of a mountain. We are called. We are sanctified. We are set aside for something special. Now - let's act like it!
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
Do you remember what it means to be sanctified? It means to be made holy, consecrated. Set apart. For the holiness church movement, sanctification in a big deal. And rightly so! When you become "sanctified," you are accepting the fact that God created you for a holy purpose. When you seek sanctification, you are seeking such close communion with God that His holiness makes you holy, too.
Remember that we can never be holy, sanctified, set apart, by our own work. We can never be holy on our own. It's only through God do we ever even have the hope for a righteous life.
But just as strongly, remember is- that is what we were created for!! I love the new song by Mercy Me, "Beautiful.". In fact I was singing it to myself yesterday,watching a majestic waterfall spill down the side of a mountain. We are called. We are sanctified. We are set aside for something special. Now - let's act like it!
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
Monday, March 21, 2011
We Were Formed by Him
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”. Isaiah 1:5
It's amazing to me, time after time, to remember God's incredible love for us. To think that He formed us - that's one thing. And that beyond that, He knew us. Not knows us {of course He does that too} but KNEW us.
To be known by the one who created me . . . The one who created me to be me. What I see as flaws, He created. What I want to change, He formed. Not that sin and life haven't changed His original creation, but still . . . He made the decision to give me brown eyes. Abnormally small ears. A strange sense of humor. A mind that can't shut down. He did all that.
If you've known me long, you've heard me say: great big God, little tiny me. That great big God made the decision, in an instant, to make me a twin. To give me the struggle with infertility. To give me the gift (or curse) of sarcasm.
He knew when He created me that I would reject Him. He knew when He formed me that I would walk away from Him. He knew when He spoke my name that I would sin and do evil.
The truly miraculous thing is that He made me anyway.
How do you purposely create a being that you know is going to reject you?
What kind of person would be big enough?
My God, that's who. And only my God.
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”. Isaiah 1:5
It's amazing to me, time after time, to remember God's incredible love for us. To think that He formed us - that's one thing. And that beyond that, He knew us. Not knows us {of course He does that too} but KNEW us.
To be known by the one who created me . . . The one who created me to be me. What I see as flaws, He created. What I want to change, He formed. Not that sin and life haven't changed His original creation, but still . . . He made the decision to give me brown eyes. Abnormally small ears. A strange sense of humor. A mind that can't shut down. He did all that.
If you've known me long, you've heard me say: great big God, little tiny me. That great big God made the decision, in an instant, to make me a twin. To give me the struggle with infertility. To give me the gift (or curse) of sarcasm.
He knew when He created me that I would reject Him. He knew when He formed me that I would walk away from Him. He knew when He spoke my name that I would sin and do evil.
The truly miraculous thing is that He made me anyway.
How do you purposely create a being that you know is going to reject you?
What kind of person would be big enough?
My God, that's who. And only my God.
Friday, March 18, 2011
We are Redeemed
You stretch out your right hand,
and the earth swallows your enemies.
In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:12-13
Ahh, redeemed. I just love that word. Dictionary.com defines it as "to buy or pay off; clear by payment." Then there is the theology definition: "to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner."
Same thing, to me. I was paid for. I was cleared. Isn't it amazing that as Moses and the Israelites sang this song, thousands of years before the birth of the Messiah, they were already claiming redemption?
How did God redeem the Hebrews? He delivered them from the Egyptians. Over and over, He cleared them of their sins, made them new.
The thing about God's redemption - you can't earn it. Can't pay for it. Can't have enough money in the world to buy it. It's the most valuable, the most priceless gift in the world - and it's free. It came at a cost, don't get me wrong - but for you, and for me, it's free.
We are redeemed. Remember this old hymn:
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Redeemed through His infinite mercy
His child and forever I am
Redeemed, redeemed
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.
I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.
and the earth swallows your enemies.
In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:12-13
Ahh, redeemed. I just love that word. Dictionary.com defines it as "to buy or pay off; clear by payment." Then there is the theology definition: "to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner."
Same thing, to me. I was paid for. I was cleared. Isn't it amazing that as Moses and the Israelites sang this song, thousands of years before the birth of the Messiah, they were already claiming redemption?
How did God redeem the Hebrews? He delivered them from the Egyptians. Over and over, He cleared them of their sins, made them new.
The thing about God's redemption - you can't earn it. Can't pay for it. Can't have enough money in the world to buy it. It's the most valuable, the most priceless gift in the world - and it's free. It came at a cost, don't get me wrong - but for you, and for me, it's free.
We are redeemed. Remember this old hymn:
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Redeemed through His infinite mercy
His child and forever I am
Redeemed, redeemed
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
We are Created by Him
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
When you are the one who builds something, you take a lot of pride and satisfaction in seeing the completed project. Whether it's a house or a craft, it really becomes yours when you sit back and look at it, and realize you did it all.
If those kinds of inanimate objects could talk, it would be interesting to hear what they'd say. Would they have pride in the fact that they were built, brick by brick, nail by nail, by the same hand? Would they feel an intimacy with the one who created them?
As God's created, we should feel that way. Every bone in your body was placed there by Him. Every hair on your head was His idea. Every fingernail, birth mark, and vein was created by Him.
It's fun to have an image of God laboring over us, pouring His blood, sweat and tears into us. But that's simply not true. He just spoke . . . and man was born.
He didn't need us. He wasn't lonely. There was no hole in Him that He was trying to fill. That's our ego talking if we think like that.
Here's the thing - He didn't need us. He wanted us. Can you ponder on that for just a moment? Many times, we have children because we have this aching need inside, the maternal or paternal instinct that is screaming to be fulfilled. But that's not how God is. He didn't need us. But He wanted us.
Not only that, He wanted us so much that He made us in His image. We were designed to reflect Him. HIM!!! The King of the universe! The Creator, the Judge, the Shepherd, the One who IS all things to all people -- He created us to be like Him.
How can we ever be filled with self-loathing, knowing that? Well, we all know the answer to that. Sin. Sin distorts our God-given self-image, the image of ourselves that reflects Him.
But it doesn't have to be that way. When we turn away from sin, and back to our Creator, something within us realizes that now we are home. Right back where we belong. With our Maker.
We are created by Him. If we really believe that, it should be reflected in everything we do. So take a good look . . . are you living this truth? Do you believe that you were spoken into existence by the King?
Let me know how this truth affects you.
When you are the one who builds something, you take a lot of pride and satisfaction in seeing the completed project. Whether it's a house or a craft, it really becomes yours when you sit back and look at it, and realize you did it all.
If those kinds of inanimate objects could talk, it would be interesting to hear what they'd say. Would they have pride in the fact that they were built, brick by brick, nail by nail, by the same hand? Would they feel an intimacy with the one who created them?
As God's created, we should feel that way. Every bone in your body was placed there by Him. Every hair on your head was His idea. Every fingernail, birth mark, and vein was created by Him.
It's fun to have an image of God laboring over us, pouring His blood, sweat and tears into us. But that's simply not true. He just spoke . . . and man was born.
He didn't need us. He wasn't lonely. There was no hole in Him that He was trying to fill. That's our ego talking if we think like that.
Here's the thing - He didn't need us. He wanted us. Can you ponder on that for just a moment? Many times, we have children because we have this aching need inside, the maternal or paternal instinct that is screaming to be fulfilled. But that's not how God is. He didn't need us. But He wanted us.
Not only that, He wanted us so much that He made us in His image. We were designed to reflect Him. HIM!!! The King of the universe! The Creator, the Judge, the Shepherd, the One who IS all things to all people -- He created us to be like Him.
How can we ever be filled with self-loathing, knowing that? Well, we all know the answer to that. Sin. Sin distorts our God-given self-image, the image of ourselves that reflects Him.
But it doesn't have to be that way. When we turn away from sin, and back to our Creator, something within us realizes that now we are home. Right back where we belong. With our Maker.
We are created by Him. If we really believe that, it should be reflected in everything we do. So take a good look . . . are you living this truth? Do you believe that you were spoken into existence by the King?
Let me know how this truth affects you.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
We are Knit Together
Your hands shaped me and made me.
Will you now turn and destroy me?
Remember that you molded me like clay.
Will you now turn me to dust again?
Did you not pour me out like milk
and curdle me like cheese,
clothe me with skin and flesh
and knit me together with bones and sinews?
You gave me life and showed me kindness,
and in your providence watched over my spirit. Job 10:8-12
Have you ever seen a good knitter knit? IF they drop a stitch or make a mistake, they somehow manage to weave the mistake into the pattern, making something beautiful out of something that a novice would have pulled out. But they don't usually make mistakes. They make beautiful things out of something as simple as yarn!
God's like that. He created our flesh, gave us life, knit us together. I am reminded of a video called "Indescribable", with a pastor by the name of Louie Giglio speaking on how magnificently and determinedly we were created. He shows photos of different galaxies, stars and planets, things that we cannot see with the naked eye. God created things of such size and magnificence, it blows the mind to really ponder it.
He also created something called laminin. Laminin is a protein molecule that holds our bodies together. It is a cell adhesion molecule that literally knits us together. And it looks like this:
As I am reading through parts of the Old Testament, I am amazed at how God the Father continually and consistently points mankind to His son.
It's further amazing that one of the DNA components that He used in our creation . . . is formed in the shape of the cross.
You may think that is a coincidence. I think it's a joy. You may think I'm easily manipulated. I think I'm continually overwhelmed by God. You may think you don't have enough faith to believe in a Creator. I think it takes more faith to believe in evolution.
Cuz I didn't bang out of nothing! ;0) I am created, fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together for a holy purpose. I don't need amazing faith to believe that. I need an amazing Creator who shows me His love for me.
Will you now turn and destroy me?
Remember that you molded me like clay.
Will you now turn me to dust again?
Did you not pour me out like milk
and curdle me like cheese,
clothe me with skin and flesh
and knit me together with bones and sinews?
You gave me life and showed me kindness,
and in your providence watched over my spirit. Job 10:8-12
Have you ever seen a good knitter knit? IF they drop a stitch or make a mistake, they somehow manage to weave the mistake into the pattern, making something beautiful out of something that a novice would have pulled out. But they don't usually make mistakes. They make beautiful things out of something as simple as yarn!
God's like that. He created our flesh, gave us life, knit us together. I am reminded of a video called "Indescribable", with a pastor by the name of Louie Giglio speaking on how magnificently and determinedly we were created. He shows photos of different galaxies, stars and planets, things that we cannot see with the naked eye. God created things of such size and magnificence, it blows the mind to really ponder it.
He also created something called laminin. Laminin is a protein molecule that holds our bodies together. It is a cell adhesion molecule that literally knits us together. And it looks like this: As I am reading through parts of the Old Testament, I am amazed at how God the Father continually and consistently points mankind to His son.
It's further amazing that one of the DNA components that He used in our creation . . . is formed in the shape of the cross.
You may think that is a coincidence. I think it's a joy. You may think I'm easily manipulated. I think I'm continually overwhelmed by God. You may think you don't have enough faith to believe in a Creator. I think it takes more faith to believe in evolution.
Cuz I didn't bang out of nothing! ;0) I am created, fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together for a holy purpose. I don't need amazing faith to believe that. I need an amazing Creator who shows me His love for me.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
We are Fishers of Men
Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17
I'm not sure which is the more amazing statement. That Jesus called these simple men to be His followers, or the next verse: "They immediately left their nets and followed Him."
There was something about Jesus. Something that was dynamic, interesting, unique. He wasn't like anyone else. Nothing else could explain why these men would throw away everything, to follow a stranger. There had to have been something special about Him!
Of course, we know now that He was God - pretty special, indeed! But they didn't know Him yet. But as they watched Him over the next days, weeks, months - as they saw Him heal the sick, raise the dead, preach to the masses - they saw Him. Really, really saw Him.
Just like He really, really saw them - straight to their hearts, before He even glanced their way. He knew their thoughts, their pasts, their futures, their potentials. That's why He called them!
He knew they would fail Him. Deny Him. Betray Him. Yet He called them anyway.
He knows you, too. He knows all you've done. All you are doing. All you will do. And yet, He is calling you, too.
Really, because of the Great Commission in Matthew 28, we are all called to be fishers of men. We are called to bait that hook and reel it in. We bait that hook by living lives that are pleasing to God, reflecting His light, being salt of the earth. We reel them in by being beautiful to the world, with peace that surpasses understanding, standing on a firm foundation, loving the unlovable. That kind of spirit calls out to a hurt and dying world.
We are to be beautiful feet, as the prophet Isaiah said:
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
isten! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the LORD returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes. (Isaiah 52:7-8)
Are you ready to be a fisherman?
I'm not sure which is the more amazing statement. That Jesus called these simple men to be His followers, or the next verse: "They immediately left their nets and followed Him."
There was something about Jesus. Something that was dynamic, interesting, unique. He wasn't like anyone else. Nothing else could explain why these men would throw away everything, to follow a stranger. There had to have been something special about Him!
Of course, we know now that He was God - pretty special, indeed! But they didn't know Him yet. But as they watched Him over the next days, weeks, months - as they saw Him heal the sick, raise the dead, preach to the masses - they saw Him. Really, really saw Him.
Just like He really, really saw them - straight to their hearts, before He even glanced their way. He knew their thoughts, their pasts, their futures, their potentials. That's why He called them!
He knew they would fail Him. Deny Him. Betray Him. Yet He called them anyway.
He knows you, too. He knows all you've done. All you are doing. All you will do. And yet, He is calling you, too.
Really, because of the Great Commission in Matthew 28, we are all called to be fishers of men. We are called to bait that hook and reel it in. We bait that hook by living lives that are pleasing to God, reflecting His light, being salt of the earth. We reel them in by being beautiful to the world, with peace that surpasses understanding, standing on a firm foundation, loving the unlovable. That kind of spirit calls out to a hurt and dying world.
We are to be beautiful feet, as the prophet Isaiah said:
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
isten! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the LORD returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes. (Isaiah 52:7-8)
Are you ready to be a fisherman?
Monday, March 14, 2011
We are Blessed - Part Two
This morning I was driving home from the chiropractor and saw a sign that had one of the beatitudes on it - I honestly don't remember which one. But I got to thinking about being blessed, what it means, and the post yesterday.
Here are the beatitudes, from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, verses 3-12:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
I've always taken this message as blessed meaning, highly favored. And I definitely think that's true. But what if we applied the definition of blessed that we talked about this weekend? Sacred. Set apart. Holy.
Sacred are the poor in spirit.
Set apart are those who mourn.
Holy are the meek.
See what I mean? It adds a whole new dimension of understanding for me. I'm looking at this passage of scripture in a whole new light.
What I'm seeing is, that those who Jesus called out in this sermon aren't victim. They aren't poor in spirit victims. They are sacred, ordained, poor in spirit holy ones. Those who mourn aren't at the mercy of the Grim Reaper. They are sanctified. Those who are meek were created that way, uniquely ordained, consecrated for a special purpose.
To me it's interesting to think that these Beatitudes are celebrations of people throughout the millenniums who might not seem as if they are on the "high side" of life. But they were blessed upon their creation, when they were knit together in their mother's womb, and it wasn't an accident that they are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers. Even persecuted.
God ordained them for a special purpose. How wonderful to think that being meek is your special purpose. How majestic is God to create and bless some to be peacemakers.
How wonderful He is!
Here are the beatitudes, from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, verses 3-12:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
I've always taken this message as blessed meaning, highly favored. And I definitely think that's true. But what if we applied the definition of blessed that we talked about this weekend? Sacred. Set apart. Holy.
Sacred are the poor in spirit.
Set apart are those who mourn.
Holy are the meek.
See what I mean? It adds a whole new dimension of understanding for me. I'm looking at this passage of scripture in a whole new light.
What I'm seeing is, that those who Jesus called out in this sermon aren't victim. They aren't poor in spirit victims. They are sacred, ordained, poor in spirit holy ones. Those who mourn aren't at the mercy of the Grim Reaper. They are sanctified. Those who are meek were created that way, uniquely ordained, consecrated for a special purpose.
To me it's interesting to think that these Beatitudes are celebrations of people throughout the millenniums who might not seem as if they are on the "high side" of life. But they were blessed upon their creation, when they were knit together in their mother's womb, and it wasn't an accident that they are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers. Even persecuted.
God ordained them for a special purpose. How wonderful to think that being meek is your special purpose. How majestic is God to create and bless some to be peacemakers.
How wonderful He is!
We are the Great Multitude
<Note: if you are following the calendar, I inadvertently used "Salt of the Earth" twice. So I'm using Saturday's instead.>
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." Revelation 7:9
This verse can give us such hope. Some days it seems as if the world is only evil, there is no hope or goodness, no other Christians.
This verse reminds us of the fallacy of that thinking. Yes, the road is narrow, but that doesn't mean that the Christian walk has to be lonely. There are others, many others!
Sunday morning at church, I had a glimpse of what heaven may be like. Standing there, singing, worshiping with other believers - THAT'S what heaven will be like! Millions of others, of every race and nationality, will be standing together, united in worship.
One of the definitions of "multitude" in the dictionary says, "the common people." I love that! There's no one great, no one small under the grace of God. We're all just common, with one thing in common <grin>: we're all redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
I was told about this website recently, and it is awesome: www.greatcommission2020.com. Check it out. It is an online resource for people all over the world to ask questions about God, seek someone to pray with them, and find Christ as their Savior. God is drawing people to Himself, every minute, of every hour, of every day.
It's Satan's lie that you are alone. You are a part of a great multitude, so great it cannot be counted! Take strength in that!
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." Revelation 7:9
This verse can give us such hope. Some days it seems as if the world is only evil, there is no hope or goodness, no other Christians.
This verse reminds us of the fallacy of that thinking. Yes, the road is narrow, but that doesn't mean that the Christian walk has to be lonely. There are others, many others!
Sunday morning at church, I had a glimpse of what heaven may be like. Standing there, singing, worshiping with other believers - THAT'S what heaven will be like! Millions of others, of every race and nationality, will be standing together, united in worship.
One of the definitions of "multitude" in the dictionary says, "the common people." I love that! There's no one great, no one small under the grace of God. We're all just common, with one thing in common <grin>: we're all redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
I was told about this website recently, and it is awesome: www.greatcommission2020.com. Check it out. It is an online resource for people all over the world to ask questions about God, seek someone to pray with them, and find Christ as their Savior. God is drawing people to Himself, every minute, of every hour, of every day.
It's Satan's lie that you are alone. You are a part of a great multitude, so great it cannot be counted! Take strength in that!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
He Calls Us Blessed
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." Genesis 1:27-28
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Revelation 22:7
I use three scriptures today to show how from beginning to end, God has bestowed His blessings upon His people. He created us to be blessed, He invites us to live as though we are blessed, and He expects us to follow through on His blessing.
Blessed is not a word we use often in our every day speech. We say "Bless You!" when someone sneezes, or when we are given a special honor or reward, we might say, "I have been blessed." When we use the word in this context, it means, that we have been favored among others. And of course, that may be true.
But true blessedness has nothing to do with material goods. We have ALL been blessed (just look at the above verses) and if we think it is about STUFF we are missing out!
To be blessed means to be consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified. In other words, when God blessed us, He made us holy. He made us sacred, special. Not by virtue of anything we can do. He gave us His holiness so that we may be holy.
We are set apart for something special! We were created to live special, holy lives. How do we know if we can do it? Because He created us to do it - with Him, through Him, by Him. That was how He intended us to live when He made us.
Don't let the devil convince you that you are nothing, incapable of accomplishing anything, unable to achieve holiness. That's a LIE. We are more than able - we are called to be conquerors: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-38
Only because of Him are we blessed. He didn't give us His blessing just for us to throw it away. So today, lived BLESSED!
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” Revelation 22:7
I use three scriptures today to show how from beginning to end, God has bestowed His blessings upon His people. He created us to be blessed, He invites us to live as though we are blessed, and He expects us to follow through on His blessing.
Blessed is not a word we use often in our every day speech. We say "Bless You!" when someone sneezes, or when we are given a special honor or reward, we might say, "I have been blessed." When we use the word in this context, it means, that we have been favored among others. And of course, that may be true.
But true blessedness has nothing to do with material goods. We have ALL been blessed (just look at the above verses) and if we think it is about STUFF we are missing out!
To be blessed means to be consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified. In other words, when God blessed us, He made us holy. He made us sacred, special. Not by virtue of anything we can do. He gave us His holiness so that we may be holy.
We are set apart for something special! We were created to live special, holy lives. How do we know if we can do it? Because He created us to do it - with Him, through Him, by Him. That was how He intended us to live when He made us.
Don't let the devil convince you that you are nothing, incapable of accomplishing anything, unable to achieve holiness. That's a LIE. We are more than able - we are called to be conquerors: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-38
Only because of Him are we blessed. He didn't give us His blessing just for us to throw it away. So today, lived BLESSED!
Friday, March 11, 2011
We are His Bride
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
Revelation 19:6-8
Do you remember your wedding day? I had been engaged for almost a year and a half; I was SO ready to be married! The anticipation was almost more that what I could stand!
As a body of believers, we are the bride of Christ. Do we have that same anticipation as on our wedding day, waiting, anticipating, the moment that we see our bridegroom and join him eternally?
That is what we were created to feel, you know. Most of us struggle with an unexplained, unanswered yearning. No matter what we try to use to fill in the empty places - things, people, anything - the satisfaction we achieve will always go away.
And why? Because we weren't created to fill those spaces with things, of any kind. We were created to fill those spaces with God. And what is really a longing for fulfillment, is kind of a homesickness. We long to be home, united with our creator, together with our groom.
Equating ourselves to be the marriage partner of Christ may seem . . . icky. You have to take away the world's view of marriage, take the physical out of the equation. Because finally, at that moment, every longing will be met. Every empty space will be filled. Every hurt will be soothed. That's so much more than physical. That's emotional, mental, spiritual . . . eternal.
It's kind of weird to think of my husband and myself being a bride. (OK, I laugh at the picture in my head a little bit.) But I trust God, and I believe that this wedding feast we will one day share is a real, literal thing. No longer will the temporary try to satisfy. On that day, the temporary is no more, and I'll look into the face of the one who loves me more than my husband ever could, or even attempt to! I'll see my eternal groom, and all the anticipation will be worth it.
"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." Revelation 21:2
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean,
was given her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
Revelation 19:6-8
Do you remember your wedding day? I had been engaged for almost a year and a half; I was SO ready to be married! The anticipation was almost more that what I could stand!
As a body of believers, we are the bride of Christ. Do we have that same anticipation as on our wedding day, waiting, anticipating, the moment that we see our bridegroom and join him eternally?
That is what we were created to feel, you know. Most of us struggle with an unexplained, unanswered yearning. No matter what we try to use to fill in the empty places - things, people, anything - the satisfaction we achieve will always go away.
And why? Because we weren't created to fill those spaces with things, of any kind. We were created to fill those spaces with God. And what is really a longing for fulfillment, is kind of a homesickness. We long to be home, united with our creator, together with our groom.
Equating ourselves to be the marriage partner of Christ may seem . . . icky. You have to take away the world's view of marriage, take the physical out of the equation. Because finally, at that moment, every longing will be met. Every empty space will be filled. Every hurt will be soothed. That's so much more than physical. That's emotional, mental, spiritual . . . eternal.
It's kind of weird to think of my husband and myself being a bride. (OK, I laugh at the picture in my head a little bit.) But I trust God, and I believe that this wedding feast we will one day share is a real, literal thing. No longer will the temporary try to satisfy. On that day, the temporary is no more, and I'll look into the face of the one who loves me more than my husband ever could, or even attempt to! I'll see my eternal groom, and all the anticipation will be worth it.
"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." Revelation 21:2
Thursday, March 10, 2011
We are His Sheep
"He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out . . . I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:3, 14-15
All through the Bible, God refers to us as sheep (see Psalm 49, 74, 78; Isaiah 13, 53). It is now Jesus, who is the sacrificial lamb, who is also our shepherd. What is so significant about sheep? I mean, they are cute little animals, but why not gazelles? Pigeons? Hippos?
According to wikianswers.com, sheep are gregarious...meaning they love to be with the herd. Sheep must have a leader (shepherd) and must be told what to do and where to go, other wise they'll wander off and get lost.
All through the Bible, God refers to us as sheep (see Psalm 49, 74, 78; Isaiah 13, 53). It is now Jesus, who is the sacrificial lamb, who is also our shepherd. What is so significant about sheep? I mean, they are cute little animals, but why not gazelles? Pigeons? Hippos?
According to wikianswers.com, sheep are gregarious...meaning they love to be with the herd. Sheep must have a leader (shepherd) and must be told what to do and where to go, other wise they'll wander off and get lost.
Characteristics of Sheep
1. timid, fearful, easily panicked
2. dumb stupid, gullible
3. very vulnerable to fear, frustration, pests, hunger
4. easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd
5. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology
6. little or no means of self-defense; can only run
7. easily killed by enemies
8. the shepherd is most effective, calming influence
9. jealous, competitive for dominance
10. constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture
11. have very little discernment in choosing food or water
12. best water source is early morning dew
13. perverse, stubborn - will insist on their own way , even eating poisonous
plants or drinking dirty water
14. easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves
will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; helpless
15. frequently look for easy places to rest
16. don't like to be sheared, cleaned
17. too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast"
18. creatures of habit; get into "ruts"
19. need the most care of all livestock
20. need to be "on the move"; need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing
21. totally dependent of shepherd for every need
22. need "rod and staff" guidance
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
We are the Salt of the Earth
<Yesterday's missed post: We are His children, see Revelation 21:6-7, and Romans 8.>
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." Matthew 5:13
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages the people with a message of hope, both for the future and the present. Monday I wrote about being light; today, we will talk about the salt.
Salt, as you know, is used for flavoring and preserving. One thing that I didn't know is that salt, made up of the elements sodium and chlorine, is extremely stable and cannot lose its flavor. How, then, does Jesus talk about salt being thrown out for being no good?
There are a few keys that I see. First, just like Monday's topic, Jesus says that we ARE salt. Not will be, or He hopes we will be, or we should strive to be. We already are. It is a matter of using it or not! Are we going to use our salt to sprinkle flavor to those around us? Look at how the Message phrases it:
Second, salt is used to enhance flavor, not to be the only flavor. Have you ever over-salted something? Yuck! (And that's saying a lot coming from me, because I love salt!) In other words, our lives are purposed to reflected God, not to reflect ourselves. We can add value to the lives of others by pointing them back to Him, not to ourselves.
Third, I am reminded of the scripture in James, chapter 1: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
In other words, if salt doesn't lose it's flavor, that means that it is a pretty strong component! You don't have to worry about salt being unstable. And we are to be the same way, right?
God thinks of us as the salt of the earth. His earth. He prepares us to be wise believers, people who can be strong and stable, influencing the world around us, reflecting His nature and glory.
Sounds great to me!
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." Matthew 5:13
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages the people with a message of hope, both for the future and the present. Monday I wrote about being light; today, we will talk about the salt.
Salt, as you know, is used for flavoring and preserving. One thing that I didn't know is that salt, made up of the elements sodium and chlorine, is extremely stable and cannot lose its flavor. How, then, does Jesus talk about salt being thrown out for being no good?
There are a few keys that I see. First, just like Monday's topic, Jesus says that we ARE salt. Not will be, or He hopes we will be, or we should strive to be. We already are. It is a matter of using it or not! Are we going to use our salt to sprinkle flavor to those around us? Look at how the Message phrases it:
What does it mean to be the salt of the earth? Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Second, salt is used to enhance flavor, not to be the only flavor. Have you ever over-salted something? Yuck! (And that's saying a lot coming from me, because I love salt!) In other words, our lives are purposed to reflected God, not to reflect ourselves. We can add value to the lives of others by pointing them back to Him, not to ourselves.
Third, I am reminded of the scripture in James, chapter 1: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
In other words, if salt doesn't lose it's flavor, that means that it is a pretty strong component! You don't have to worry about salt being unstable. And we are to be the same way, right?
God thinks of us as the salt of the earth. His earth. He prepares us to be wise believers, people who can be strong and stable, influencing the world around us, reflecting His nature and glory.
Sounds great to me!
Monday, March 7, 2011
We are the Light of the World
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
We probably all sang the children's song, "This Little Light of Mine." Too bad we give that up as we grow older! It's a great song for any age.
You know what gets me about this verse? It's that Jesus says we already ARE the light of the world. Not we should be, not we will be. We ARE. The real question is not do you have the light, but what are you going to do with your light?
I love the way the Message phrases it: "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
When we are nervous or scared to talk to others about Christ, I think we need to realize - before we've ever said a word, those around us already know how we feel about God. It's apparent in the way we handle stress. How we celebrate the good things in life. How we prioritize life's responsibilities and blessings. Those around us know much about the depth of our spiritual life, before we ever say a word.
So often in today's world we talk about being ourselves, being true. I think when God created each one of us He placed a light inside, a light made to shine openly and brightly, reflecting the Creator to the created. But for one reason or another, we hide that light under layers. Those layers may sometimes be sin disguised as defense mechanisms. We hide behind sarcasm, materialism, carefree attitudes. We try to be the creator, carefully crafting an image for the world to see. But that image is false, not who we really are.
He created us to be authentically real. When we embrace as fact that the One who made the stars made us, with careful planning, precision detail, and exact thought, we embrace who we are. And that makes us want to shine!
Dr. Seuss put it pretty well. "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."
So be you. You were designed to reflect Him, to shine His light. So shine! Pour out your life into others, so that they may see God!
We probably all sang the children's song, "This Little Light of Mine." Too bad we give that up as we grow older! It's a great song for any age.
You know what gets me about this verse? It's that Jesus says we already ARE the light of the world. Not we should be, not we will be. We ARE. The real question is not do you have the light, but what are you going to do with your light?
I love the way the Message phrases it: "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
When we are nervous or scared to talk to others about Christ, I think we need to realize - before we've ever said a word, those around us already know how we feel about God. It's apparent in the way we handle stress. How we celebrate the good things in life. How we prioritize life's responsibilities and blessings. Those around us know much about the depth of our spiritual life, before we ever say a word.
So often in today's world we talk about being ourselves, being true. I think when God created each one of us He placed a light inside, a light made to shine openly and brightly, reflecting the Creator to the created. But for one reason or another, we hide that light under layers. Those layers may sometimes be sin disguised as defense mechanisms. We hide behind sarcasm, materialism, carefree attitudes. We try to be the creator, carefully crafting an image for the world to see. But that image is false, not who we really are.
He created us to be authentically real. When we embrace as fact that the One who made the stars made us, with careful planning, precision detail, and exact thought, we embrace who we are. And that makes us want to shine!
Dr. Seuss put it pretty well. "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."
So be you. You were designed to reflect Him, to shine His light. So shine! Pour out your life into others, so that they may see God!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
We are the Daughter of Zion
The hearts of the people
cry out to the Lord.
You walls of Daughter Zion,
let your tears flow like a river
day and night;
give yourself no relief,
your eyes no rest. Lamentations 1:18
Over and over again in the Old Testament, God refers to His people as the Daughter of Zion. What does this mean?
First let me say that I fully realize that God is referring to the Hebrew nation at this point. But after studying Genesis recently I realized that God's choice is for ALL of us to know Him, not just the Jewish people. He didn't choose one group of people for eternal reward and condemn another group to eternal punishment, in some kind of random game for His favor. And He sure didn't "choose" for some to know Him and others to not. We are ALL chosen, in that we are created, formed, knit together.
Second, while the Hebrews were His nation, we are all called to be His people. One day we will all, Jew and Gentile, be united into one nation of God. There are twelve gates in the city of heaven, each gate inscribed with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. I believe as we walk through those gates, God's chosen people will be complete.
Third, while Mount Zion was an actual place (see wikipedia for more information), the term Daughter of Zion is a personification of the Jewish people.
Interesting, isn't it, that God refers to His people as a daughter, not a son. Some have said that women in biblical times were not esteemed or valued at all, and that this is an indication of God's feelings on women. This name is proof of the untruth of that! If God did not value females, why would He continually refer to His chosen people as a whole as Daughter of Zion, or Daughter of Jerusalem?
I've always thought that the daddy/daughter relationship seems so tender, especially when those daughters are little girls. It's even sweeter when that tenderness carries over into adulthood. My father died when I was just 22, and I've always marveled at that relationship when I see it.
How wonderful, how joyous, is the knowledge that my eternal Daddy has such tenderness for me!
If you do a search on the term Daughter of Zion, you'll see that it's used More than 150 times in the Old Testament. Yet it's not always used in what we consider a lovey-dovey way. Sometimes God is angry with His daughter; sometimes He is disciplining her; sometimes He is outright punishing her!
But it is always done with love. God continually urges His daughter to return to Him. Such a loving Father.
cry out to the Lord.
You walls of Daughter Zion,
let your tears flow like a river
day and night;
give yourself no relief,
your eyes no rest. Lamentations 1:18
Over and over again in the Old Testament, God refers to His people as the Daughter of Zion. What does this mean?
First let me say that I fully realize that God is referring to the Hebrew nation at this point. But after studying Genesis recently I realized that God's choice is for ALL of us to know Him, not just the Jewish people. He didn't choose one group of people for eternal reward and condemn another group to eternal punishment, in some kind of random game for His favor. And He sure didn't "choose" for some to know Him and others to not. We are ALL chosen, in that we are created, formed, knit together.
Second, while the Hebrews were His nation, we are all called to be His people. One day we will all, Jew and Gentile, be united into one nation of God. There are twelve gates in the city of heaven, each gate inscribed with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. I believe as we walk through those gates, God's chosen people will be complete.
Third, while Mount Zion was an actual place (see wikipedia for more information), the term Daughter of Zion is a personification of the Jewish people.
Interesting, isn't it, that God refers to His people as a daughter, not a son. Some have said that women in biblical times were not esteemed or valued at all, and that this is an indication of God's feelings on women. This name is proof of the untruth of that! If God did not value females, why would He continually refer to His chosen people as a whole as Daughter of Zion, or Daughter of Jerusalem?
I've always thought that the daddy/daughter relationship seems so tender, especially when those daughters are little girls. It's even sweeter when that tenderness carries over into adulthood. My father died when I was just 22, and I've always marveled at that relationship when I see it.
How wonderful, how joyous, is the knowledge that my eternal Daddy has such tenderness for me!
If you do a search on the term Daughter of Zion, you'll see that it's used More than 150 times in the Old Testament. Yet it's not always used in what we consider a lovey-dovey way. Sometimes God is angry with His daughter; sometimes He is disciplining her; sometimes He is outright punishing her!
But it is always done with love. God continually urges His daughter to return to Him. Such a loving Father.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
We are His Sons and Daughters
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
Everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:5-7
What strikes me more than anything about this month's theme is how much we do not deserve to be thought of by God in such wonderful ways. To think that the King of the universe would consider me His daughter, and bestow upon me all of His attributes . . . well, it's almost more than I can bear.
Look at some more of Isaiah 43:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life. (verses 1-4)
I am humbled today. I am almost ashamed. God considers me precious. I am honored because HE honors ME. He loves me. It's almost more than I can bear.
Consider what the apostle Paul says in Romans 8:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (verses 14-17)
I am His child. I can call the Creator of the Universe, Abba. Daddy. I am His heir.
It's almost more than I can bear.
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
Everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:5-7
What strikes me more than anything about this month's theme is how much we do not deserve to be thought of by God in such wonderful ways. To think that the King of the universe would consider me His daughter, and bestow upon me all of His attributes . . . well, it's almost more than I can bear.
Look at some more of Isaiah 43:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life. (verses 1-4)
I am humbled today. I am almost ashamed. God considers me precious. I am honored because HE honors ME. He loves me. It's almost more than I can bear.
Consider what the apostle Paul says in Romans 8:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (verses 14-17)
I am His child. I can call the Creator of the Universe, Abba. Daddy. I am His heir.
It's almost more than I can bear.
Friday, March 4, 2011
We Are the Faithful City
Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City. Isaiah 1:27
"Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20
You really need to read all of Isaiah 1 to get a full picture of what God is saying to Israel. What strikes me is that God - GOD, the I AM, Jehovah, Creator - is begging His people to return to Him. He promises them a reputation (you will be called the Faithful City), restoration (though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow), as well as retribution (you will be devoured by the sword).
This could just as easily be you and I. In fact, God's word, which lasts forever, lasts for that reason - that we see ourselves in His promises, both good and bad. We are just like Israel. We know how wonderful God is, and yet we settle for less than His good and perfect plan. We know how good His fullness is, and yet we settle for small, inadequate substitutes. We know He comes through on His promises, and yet we don't trust Him and run into the arms of god we've created.
We need to get real with this; it's black and white. Everything He says is true, or He is a liar. If we are not willing to call Him a liar, then we must live as if His word is true. Every time. Every way.
I want God to call me His Faithful City, His City of Righteousness. I can only survive if I live His truth. I can only make it if I believe Him. I must believe the good stuff, and the bad. And the good and bad is laid out clearly in Isaiah 1. He longs to restore us, renew us, cleanse us. But there will come a time when the opportunity to trust Him is gone. Then the truth will be our punishment.
Oh that we will trust Him!!
"Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20
You really need to read all of Isaiah 1 to get a full picture of what God is saying to Israel. What strikes me is that God - GOD, the I AM, Jehovah, Creator - is begging His people to return to Him. He promises them a reputation (you will be called the Faithful City), restoration (though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow), as well as retribution (you will be devoured by the sword).
This could just as easily be you and I. In fact, God's word, which lasts forever, lasts for that reason - that we see ourselves in His promises, both good and bad. We are just like Israel. We know how wonderful God is, and yet we settle for less than His good and perfect plan. We know how good His fullness is, and yet we settle for small, inadequate substitutes. We know He comes through on His promises, and yet we don't trust Him and run into the arms of god we've created.
We need to get real with this; it's black and white. Everything He says is true, or He is a liar. If we are not willing to call Him a liar, then we must live as if His word is true. Every time. Every way.
I want God to call me His Faithful City, His City of Righteousness. I can only survive if I live His truth. I can only make it if I believe Him. I must believe the good stuff, and the bad. And the good and bad is laid out clearly in Isaiah 1. He longs to restore us, renew us, cleanse us. But there will come a time when the opportunity to trust Him is gone. Then the truth will be our punishment.
Oh that we will trust Him!!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
We are the City of Righteousness
OK, so I'm not doing so well staying on top of things! I'm so sorry, my lovely people. I appreciate everyone who takes time to read my thoughts, however bizarre they may be. I'll try to do better!
I'm still not done with March's calendar - I only have through the 12th. If you remember, March's emphasis is "How God Sees Us." So March 1 was, "fearfully and wonderfully made" from Psalm 139. Yesterday was "My people" from Exodus 3.
Today, God sees us as His City of Righteousness, as found in Isaiah 1:26: I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.”
In simple terms, righteousness is the condition of being morally or ethically justified. In holiness terms, however, the definition is at once broader AND more defined.
Because, we can never be justified on our own. We can never be righteous within ourselves. God is righteousness. Only God. And, through His loving kindness, He bestows upon us His characteristics . . . who He is.
Righteousness is not the same thing as having rights. (Shout out to Mom's Group!! lol) We don't have the right to any of His characteristics . . . but He gives them to us when we ask Him for them. He gives us wisdom, knowledge, discernment, love, the fruit of the Spirit . . . and righteousness.
So imagine a City of Righteousness, filled with people who love God. That's heaven, right? Literally! God allows us to be righteous through His favor, through His gift, through His restoration. That's really amazing. Look at Isaiah 61:
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor
I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations. (verses 3, 10-11)
Boy, that's just like Him. To give us these good gifts, and make us His children. To allow us to be "oaks of righteousness" . . . I'm amazed.
But remember, as I am remembering today, that it's only through His grace we are righteous. We didn't earn it, we don't deserve it, we can't buy it. All we can do is receive it.
I'm still not done with March's calendar - I only have through the 12th. If you remember, March's emphasis is "How God Sees Us." So March 1 was, "fearfully and wonderfully made" from Psalm 139. Yesterday was "My people" from Exodus 3.
Today, God sees us as His City of Righteousness, as found in Isaiah 1:26: I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.”
In simple terms, righteousness is the condition of being morally or ethically justified. In holiness terms, however, the definition is at once broader AND more defined.
Because, we can never be justified on our own. We can never be righteous within ourselves. God is righteousness. Only God. And, through His loving kindness, He bestows upon us His characteristics . . . who He is.
Righteousness is not the same thing as having rights. (Shout out to Mom's Group!! lol) We don't have the right to any of His characteristics . . . but He gives them to us when we ask Him for them. He gives us wisdom, knowledge, discernment, love, the fruit of the Spirit . . . and righteousness.
So imagine a City of Righteousness, filled with people who love God. That's heaven, right? Literally! God allows us to be righteous through His favor, through His gift, through His restoration. That's really amazing. Look at Isaiah 61:
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor
I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations. (verses 3, 10-11)
Boy, that's just like Him. To give us these good gifts, and make us His children. To allow us to be "oaks of righteousness" . . . I'm amazed.
But remember, as I am remembering today, that it's only through His grace we are righteous. We didn't earn it, we don't deserve it, we can't buy it. All we can do is receive it.
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