1 Kings 19:8-18
So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.
And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."
I wasn't so sure what to think of this passage at first. But I think sometimes I feel like Elijah.
Here's what I think is happening in this story:
Elijah sees a ton of destruction and fears for his life, so takes off to Horeb, the mountain of God. God sees this (obviously, He's God) and speaks to Elijah while he's in a cave at Horeb. He says "um... Elijah, what are you doing here?" He obviously already knows, but wants to see what Elijah has to say about it all. Elijah pouts, and begins to tell God about all the woes of his life lately - "I've been zealous and faithful, but the Israelites are bad. They're wrecking everything, and now I'm all alone because they want to kill me too." God says "ok, well I'm about to go pass by the mountain, and I'd like to talk to you about this. Go meet me there." So Elijah goes. God sends a huge wind, an earthquake, and a fire. Elijah did not see God in these things. But then came a still, small whisper, and Elijah knew it was God. He covered his face and went out to where God was. God asked again, giving Elijah a change to align his perspective back with God's while he's here with him. I think God was trying to prove a point - "look to ME, listen to ME, even though I may talk softly, because I have it all under control." Elijah responds - exactly as he had before. Still pouting, still thinking his life is just sucky. Even though he is right there with God, he is in the presence of the Almighty (and even has to cover his face because no one can see God!)... he was still stuck in his fear and doubt. He didn't understand the power of what had just happened. I can almost sense God taking a deep breath and saying "ok... let me try this another way. Here's exactly what's going to happen and what you need to do. And by the way, there are 7,000 others that I chose - just like you, Elijah! You're not alone! Trust me."
I think very often, like Elijah, I come to God like "this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong, and I'm all alone" - pouting almost, and forgetting who I'm talking to. This is the Guy who put me here, now, for His purpose. Nothing is accidental, and everything is meant to lead to Him. And here I am, in essence, saying - you're wrong. Sometimes I need God to smack me upside the head and say - "I have a plan! Quit worrying about it! There are 7,000 others like you and I'm going to use you to help them! But you just need to trust me!"
God gave Elijah a chance to sit down with Him, a change to realign his perspective, and Elijah chose not to. God, give me that chance, and help me take it. Remind me of who You are and how much You love me. And use me for those 7,000 (honestly I believe it's more) others that You have also set aside for your purpose.
Another thing:
Notice verse 8. Elijah spent 40 days and 40 nights alone (sound familiar?? see Exodus 34:28 and Matthew 4:1-2) just before God sends him out to do big things. Huh, I'm seeing a pattern here... :-p
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
1 Kings 19:1-18 Awaken Day 17
" 11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper."
One of my favorite passages for when life is a mess, for when there's a windstorm, earthquake or fire in my life...to remind me that God didn't do it to me, but His still, small voice is still there speaking to me. I may not be able to hear Him because of the storm, but he's there. And sometimes I need to slow down and listen to Him- to put myself into a position to be able to hear Him.
It's been a crazy week for me with preparations for our trip. I have a list of things to do that fills an entire sheet of paper. It has forced me to restructure my days so that I can get a lot of it done during the day, rather than at night. But it's been ok. I have kept myself calm and not worried about it at all. And in the midst of that- we got to go see Isaac last night because we weren't too busy. Cool.
Lord, help me to keep my head on straight! Help me to trust you through the storm- to seek your voice when chaos exists around me. Help me to cast my worry to you.
One of my favorite passages for when life is a mess, for when there's a windstorm, earthquake or fire in my life...to remind me that God didn't do it to me, but His still, small voice is still there speaking to me. I may not be able to hear Him because of the storm, but he's there. And sometimes I need to slow down and listen to Him- to put myself into a position to be able to hear Him.
It's been a crazy week for me with preparations for our trip. I have a list of things to do that fills an entire sheet of paper. It has forced me to restructure my days so that I can get a lot of it done during the day, rather than at night. But it's been ok. I have kept myself calm and not worried about it at all. And in the midst of that- we got to go see Isaac last night because we weren't too busy. Cool.
Lord, help me to keep my head on straight! Help me to trust you through the storm- to seek your voice when chaos exists around me. Help me to cast my worry to you.
Mark 6 (Awaken Day 16)
We were talking a while back in small group about prayer before you eat. It was brought up that nothing says you have to pray before you eat (there's nothing magical about that time). I thought it was interesting as I read this verse, that Jesus thanked God before he continued with the food. I was going to say maybe that doesn't apply necessarily because Jesus was maybe thanking God for the miracle He was about to perform more than the food, but I think what He was doing was thanking God for being His Provider.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.
My dad never came to church with us when I was a kid, and I always felt awkward about talking about God and church and stuff in front of him, like he would get mad or something... and sort of almost like it was my little secret from him or something, yeah that's weird. Anyways... I think that might be part of why we never prayed before we ate. It was something I did when I went to friend's houses and we did on holidays with the extended family, but never with my immediate family. So it is very much not a habit for me.
This verse challenged me not necessarily to pray before I eat, but throughout my day to thank God for all the things He provides for me all day long.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.
My dad never came to church with us when I was a kid, and I always felt awkward about talking about God and church and stuff in front of him, like he would get mad or something... and sort of almost like it was my little secret from him or something, yeah that's weird. Anyways... I think that might be part of why we never prayed before we ate. It was something I did when I went to friend's houses and we did on holidays with the extended family, but never with my immediate family. So it is very much not a habit for me.
This verse challenged me not necessarily to pray before I eat, but throughout my day to thank God for all the things He provides for me all day long.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Boo
Just thought I'd share a fun story with anyone who might want to "listen" :).
Tonight my mom was home working on her school work when the doorbell rang. She stomped down the stairs, annoyed thinking it was someone coming (again!) to promote a political candidate. When she got to the door, there was no one there. Just a little brown paper bag sitting on the step with a little note that said "You've been boo-ed!" The note also encouraged the reader to go 'boo' others to pass on some cheer. Inside the bag was candy, an apple, and a little homemade spider.
How cool. There are still good people in the world. It made me smile, and also challenged me to stop, in the midst of my craziness, and bless others in the world around me.
Tonight my mom was home working on her school work when the doorbell rang. She stomped down the stairs, annoyed thinking it was someone coming (again!) to promote a political candidate. When she got to the door, there was no one there. Just a little brown paper bag sitting on the step with a little note that said "You've been boo-ed!" The note also encouraged the reader to go 'boo' others to pass on some cheer. Inside the bag was candy, an apple, and a little homemade spider.
How cool. There are still good people in the world. It made me smile, and also challenged me to stop, in the midst of my craziness, and bless others in the world around me.
More thoughts...
I knew there was something else I wanted to share at small group tonight, but I just couldn't think of it. Like always, I remembered it on the way home :-p...
One other thing that has stood out to me throughout these readings is getting to read different parts in the Bible and passages by lots of different authors. David, Matthew, Mark, Paul, etc. I find it amazing to find out more about those people's lives. I think it is so cool to see how God so specifically used each one of them for His purpose and they followed Him with abandon. They had nothing to fear or worry about, they believed without a shadow of a doubt in the one true living God. Even those in the Old Testament who never had anyone like Jesus, didn't have a Bible - what a crazy amount of faith and trust that must take to blindly follow something with your whole life that you've got nothing to base anything on. Just God. YHWH. I am.
That is way cool. And makes me feel very small and unworthy as I struggle to trust and follow Him with all that I am, and hold back when I should be giving Him my best.
One other thing that has stood out to me throughout these readings is getting to read different parts in the Bible and passages by lots of different authors. David, Matthew, Mark, Paul, etc. I find it amazing to find out more about those people's lives. I think it is so cool to see how God so specifically used each one of them for His purpose and they followed Him with abandon. They had nothing to fear or worry about, they believed without a shadow of a doubt in the one true living God. Even those in the Old Testament who never had anyone like Jesus, didn't have a Bible - what a crazy amount of faith and trust that must take to blindly follow something with your whole life that you've got nothing to base anything on. Just God. YHWH. I am.
That is way cool. And makes me feel very small and unworthy as I struggle to trust and follow Him with all that I am, and hold back when I should be giving Him my best.
Mark 6:30-56 Awaken Day 16
"They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in."
How amazing is God? How many miracles does He perform every single day? Are we too busy with hearts too hard to notice or accept that He is working in our lives??
Lord, help me to see You. Open my eyes to your work, and use me.
How amazing is God? How many miracles does He perform every single day? Are we too busy with hearts too hard to notice or accept that He is working in our lives??
Lord, help me to see You. Open my eyes to your work, and use me.
Psalm 46 (Awaken Day 15)
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
In my Bible it explains, "Be still. Here, the Hebrew for this phrase probably means 'Enough!'."
God, give me the strength to say "enough!" to the things in my life and take time for You to give You my best.
Another thing in this verse stood out to me, and I feel its particularly important right now. The beginning of this verse is always recited, but who knows the rest? God says He will be "exalted among the nations." In the Message, the verse goes like this:
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."
God is bigger than all the political junk going around right now. I have to vote absentee because I will be gone next week, which means I need to send it in like now :-p. Part of the reason I still haven't yet is the procrastination in me, but part of it is I just don't know what the right choice is. I don't feel educated or wise enough to make that decision. This verse reminds me my God is bigger than politics, he is bigger than an election. It is Him who is ruler over the nations, and it is Him who is ruler over me. He wants me to take a "long, loving look" at Him, "above politics, above everything." I need to look to Him for wisdom and Him to provide.
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
In my Bible it explains, "Be still. Here, the Hebrew for this phrase probably means 'Enough!'."
God, give me the strength to say "enough!" to the things in my life and take time for You to give You my best.
Another thing in this verse stood out to me, and I feel its particularly important right now. The beginning of this verse is always recited, but who knows the rest? God says He will be "exalted among the nations." In the Message, the verse goes like this:
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything."
God is bigger than all the political junk going around right now. I have to vote absentee because I will be gone next week, which means I need to send it in like now :-p. Part of the reason I still haven't yet is the procrastination in me, but part of it is I just don't know what the right choice is. I don't feel educated or wise enough to make that decision. This verse reminds me my God is bigger than politics, he is bigger than an election. It is Him who is ruler over the nations, and it is Him who is ruler over me. He wants me to take a "long, loving look" at Him, "above politics, above everything." I need to look to Him for wisdom and Him to provide.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Psalm 5 (Awaken Day 14)
Psalm 5:5,7
5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.
...
7 But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.
A note in my Bible describes the arrogant as "those who refuse to live in humble reliance on the Lord."
David tells us here that what God desires from us is humility, a humble reliance on Him, and reverence for who He is and what He has done. He also explains, though, that it is only by God's mercy that we can come to Him, and I believe it is by His mercy we can have that humble heart. Our human nature is less than humble, to say the least :), but God can soften our heart to a place of humble reliance on Him.
5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.
...
7 But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.
A note in my Bible describes the arrogant as "those who refuse to live in humble reliance on the Lord."
David tells us here that what God desires from us is humility, a humble reliance on Him, and reverence for who He is and what He has done. He also explains, though, that it is only by God's mercy that we can come to Him, and I believe it is by His mercy we can have that humble heart. Our human nature is less than humble, to say the least :), but God can soften our heart to a place of humble reliance on Him.
Psalm 5:1-12 Awaken Day 14
I love how the Psalms are full of real struggles and real praise. I don't know if I've ever really let it all out with God like that. Reading the Psalms makes my prayers seem superficial somehow.
I can't say that anything spoke directly to me in this Psalm...just maybe a conviction that somehow I need to dive deeper into my prayer life.
I can't say that anything spoke directly to me in this Psalm...just maybe a conviction that somehow I need to dive deeper into my prayer life.
Matthew 6:1-34 Awaken Day 13
Huh, sometimes I think God is writing to me...oh wait...
A passage about worry...just as we are preparing to leave for our trip to Daytona, which requires a fair amount of planning, preparation and packing. I need to relax and trust him.
I also love the Lord's Prayer:
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, adoration
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven. Our efforts ought to be bringing about Kingdom values here on Earth- striving not for Heaven, but for Heaven on Earth- crazy!
11Give us today our daily bread. Trust in Him for our needs.
12Forgive us our debts, Forgiveness...
as we also have forgiven our debtors. Forgiving.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' Prayer for protection.
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15But if you do not forgive men their sins,
your Father will not forgive your sins. Forgiving and forgiveness again.
I find this prayer so rich. I want to be in a place where my heart always is in line with this prayer- to always be forgiving of others, and humble enough to request forgiveness when I need it. To trust Him for my needs and protections against evil. To constantly be striving for Kingdom values in my life and in my area of influence.
A passage about worry...just as we are preparing to leave for our trip to Daytona, which requires a fair amount of planning, preparation and packing. I need to relax and trust him.
I also love the Lord's Prayer:
9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, adoration
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven. Our efforts ought to be bringing about Kingdom values here on Earth- striving not for Heaven, but for Heaven on Earth- crazy!
11Give us today our daily bread. Trust in Him for our needs.
12Forgive us our debts, Forgiveness...
as we also have forgiven our debtors. Forgiving.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' Prayer for protection.
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15But if you do not forgive men their sins,
your Father will not forgive your sins. Forgiving and forgiveness again.
I find this prayer so rich. I want to be in a place where my heart always is in line with this prayer- to always be forgiving of others, and humble enough to request forgiveness when I need it. To trust Him for my needs and protections against evil. To constantly be striving for Kingdom values in my life and in my area of influence.
Matthew 6 (Awaken Day 13)
A couple things in this passage stuck out to me. First, the Lord's Prayer is contained in this chapter of Matthew. Like Andy said the other day, this prayer is powerful, and I don't necessarily think the exact words need to be prayed, but the concept of the form is something to be noted.
Matthew 6:9-13
This, then, is how you should pray:
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
One thing I find interesting about this prayer is it focuses on God first. Then it focuses on us here and now. How often do we selfishly pray only about us, and forget to thank and ask God about Him? I shared the "form" of prayer we always practiced when I was a kid last week at small group, and I think its interesting because in other prayers in the Bible, you can see these different parts.
Matthew 6:9-13
This, then, is how you should pray:
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one."
One thing I find interesting about this prayer is it focuses on God first. Then it focuses on us here and now. How often do we selfishly pray only about us, and forget to thank and ask God about Him? I shared the "form" of prayer we always practiced when I was a kid last week at small group, and I think its interesting because in other prayers in the Bible, you can see these different parts.
A doration
C onfession
T hanksgiving
S upplication
I love also that this way of praying follows the example of the Lord's prayer - adoration (about God) first, supplication (about us) last.
Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Again, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. If we seek Him first, we have nothing to worry about. His kingdom and the righteousness that comes from a relationship with Him is bigger than anything we could ever worry about.
C onfession
T hanksgiving
S upplication
I love also that this way of praying follows the example of the Lord's prayer - adoration (about God) first, supplication (about us) last.
Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Again, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. If we seek Him first, we have nothing to worry about. His kingdom and the righteousness that comes from a relationship with Him is bigger than anything we could ever worry about.
Philippians 4 (Awaken Day 12)
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
The note in my Bible says, "Paul understood the influence of one's thoughts on one's life. What people allow to occupy their minds will sooner or later determine their speech and action. Paul's exhortation to 'think about such things' is followed by a second exhortation, 'put it into practice.' The combination of the virtues listed in verses 8-9 is sure to produce a wholesome thought pattern, which in turn will result in a life of moral and spiritual excellence."
Romans 8:6 says "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." I want life and peace - real life and real peace! Paul says (in Philippians) to do that - think about those things that are true, noble, right, pure, admirable, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy - and "God, who makes everything work together will work you into His most excellent harmonies" (Philippians 4:9 The Message). By keeping my thoughts pure and on things that are true, God will work me into His most excellent harmonies - which I believe includes real life and real peace!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
The note in my Bible says, "Paul understood the influence of one's thoughts on one's life. What people allow to occupy their minds will sooner or later determine their speech and action. Paul's exhortation to 'think about such things' is followed by a second exhortation, 'put it into practice.' The combination of the virtues listed in verses 8-9 is sure to produce a wholesome thought pattern, which in turn will result in a life of moral and spiritual excellence."
Romans 8:6 says "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." I want life and peace - real life and real peace! Paul says (in Philippians) to do that - think about those things that are true, noble, right, pure, admirable, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy - and "God, who makes everything work together will work you into His most excellent harmonies" (Philippians 4:9 The Message). By keeping my thoughts pure and on things that are true, God will work me into His most excellent harmonies - which I believe includes real life and real peace!
Philippians 4:1-23 Awaken Day 12
I do love reading Paul's letters. The thing that I get convicted of when I read them, is how he so boldly speaks the Truth. I often wonder who God is calling me to speak so boldly to- whose life does He want to speak to, through me?
I love this:
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Lord, may I not worry about anything, but trust you in all things (especially in this crazy busy week before our trip...with more to do than hours in the days!).
I love this:
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Lord, may I not worry about anything, but trust you in all things (especially in this crazy busy week before our trip...with more to do than hours in the days!).
Thursday, October 23, 2008
John 17 (Awaken Day 11)
John 17:15-18
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
Jesus knew God had the power to take us out of the evil world to protect us, but that was not his prayer. He prayed that we would stay, but have God's hand of protection on us - Jesus understood there was work to be done!
Merriam-Webster defines sanctify as "to set apart to a sacred purpose." Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified - and he says we are set apart by truth - the truth that comes from God's word.
Just as God sent His son Jesus into the world to do His work, so has Jesus commissioned us as believers into the world to continue that work.
Lord, help me to continue your work in this world, and protect me from the evil one. Set me apart by the truth of your word.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
Jesus knew God had the power to take us out of the evil world to protect us, but that was not his prayer. He prayed that we would stay, but have God's hand of protection on us - Jesus understood there was work to be done!
Merriam-Webster defines sanctify as "to set apart to a sacred purpose." Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified - and he says we are set apart by truth - the truth that comes from God's word.
Just as God sent His son Jesus into the world to do His work, so has Jesus commissioned us as believers into the world to continue that work.
Lord, help me to continue your work in this world, and protect me from the evil one. Set me apart by the truth of your word.
John 17:1-26 Awaken Day 11
A few things stuck out to me in this passage:
"Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you"
An interesting concept...and one that bears a ton of responsibility. Glorify me so that I can glorify You. How easy is it for us to seek the glory for ourselves, not for Him? Man, we really have to be in the right mindset to be able to ask for Him to glorify us so that we can glorify Him.
"I pray that they will all be one. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."
The main thing He prayed for here. Interesting- not prayer for advancement of His Word or anything like that, but a prayer for unity in his people. As I think about our experiences in the Kingdom...I see this being very important also- just never fully realized it. We can only do so much by ourselves, but when we get together...unified...with out believers, we accomplish so much more. Way cool.
"Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them."
I guess this would be the purpose- the reason for Him to glorify the Father, the reason for the rest of us to be unified: so that our hearts will be full of His love, full of Him.
So my prayer today? Glory, unity, and a heart filled with Him.
"Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you"
An interesting concept...and one that bears a ton of responsibility. Glorify me so that I can glorify You. How easy is it for us to seek the glory for ourselves, not for Him? Man, we really have to be in the right mindset to be able to ask for Him to glorify us so that we can glorify Him.
"I pray that they will all be one. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."
The main thing He prayed for here. Interesting- not prayer for advancement of His Word or anything like that, but a prayer for unity in his people. As I think about our experiences in the Kingdom...I see this being very important also- just never fully realized it. We can only do so much by ourselves, but when we get together...unified...with out believers, we accomplish so much more. Way cool.
"Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them."
I guess this would be the purpose- the reason for Him to glorify the Father, the reason for the rest of us to be unified: so that our hearts will be full of His love, full of Him.
So my prayer today? Glory, unity, and a heart filled with Him.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Psalm 34:1-22 Awaken Day 10
Psalm 34:1-22
I can't say it better than David. This is my prayer today (well, actually yesterday...since I forgot to post this then! But today too...:)
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
I can't say it better than David. This is my prayer today (well, actually yesterday...since I forgot to post this then! But today too...:)
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Daniel
Good ol' Insight for Living on KTIS at 10pm :-p. On my drive home this is often whats on the radio. For a while he (Chuck Swindoll) has been talking about Daniel, and tonight he happened to be talking about Daniel in reference to prayer (which of course goes right along with everything else this week :)
Last night he talked about Daniel 6:4 "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." Chuck said - everybody has SOMETHING, some skeleton in the closet, something someone could find on you. Not Daniel. He was so persistent and consistent in his relationship with God that they could find NO corruption in him.
Tonight he talked about the rest of the story in Daniel 6, about Daniel in the lion's den. Daniel was appointed one of 3 administrators to the 120 satraps under King Darius. Basically he was in the top 3 guys in the country - in fact he distinguished himself even among the 3 administrators so much that the King wanted to "set him over the whole Kingdom" (verse 3). The other administrators and satraps were so jealous of this that they had to find some reason to make the King believe Daniel was not fit for the Kingdom and they should inherit it instead (this is where the part came in about them trying to fin some fault in Daniel, with no luck at all).
So the rest of the administrators and satraps got together and devised a plan to make everyone in the Kingdom bow down to only King Darius for 30 days. They knew Daniel would not obey this, and therefore (they thought) the King would find fault with him and disapprove. They went to King Darius to tell him to issue this law. They told him, "The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den" (Daniel 6:7) - which is a LIE. They told the King that they "have all agreed" hmm... that doesn't include Daniel! They made this decision without him, and forgot that little detail when they went to the king. The King issues the law...
Daniel's reaction is the important part of the story I think. When he finds out about this law, here is his response:
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10).
Just as he had done before. Prayer was such an integral part of Daniel's life, that this huge trial did not even faze him. When he was told to worship someone else, he didn't hesitate for a monent - he went immediately back to him room and to his window that faced Jerusalem where he met God multiple times a day and prayed. Even gave thanks to God. Daniel consistently kept his life and his burdens at the throne of God, and this was no exception.
Last night he talked about Daniel 6:4 "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." Chuck said - everybody has SOMETHING, some skeleton in the closet, something someone could find on you. Not Daniel. He was so persistent and consistent in his relationship with God that they could find NO corruption in him.
Tonight he talked about the rest of the story in Daniel 6, about Daniel in the lion's den. Daniel was appointed one of 3 administrators to the 120 satraps under King Darius. Basically he was in the top 3 guys in the country - in fact he distinguished himself even among the 3 administrators so much that the King wanted to "set him over the whole Kingdom" (verse 3). The other administrators and satraps were so jealous of this that they had to find some reason to make the King believe Daniel was not fit for the Kingdom and they should inherit it instead (this is where the part came in about them trying to fin some fault in Daniel, with no luck at all).
So the rest of the administrators and satraps got together and devised a plan to make everyone in the Kingdom bow down to only King Darius for 30 days. They knew Daniel would not obey this, and therefore (they thought) the King would find fault with him and disapprove. They went to King Darius to tell him to issue this law. They told him, "The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den" (Daniel 6:7) - which is a LIE. They told the King that they "have all agreed" hmm... that doesn't include Daniel! They made this decision without him, and forgot that little detail when they went to the king. The King issues the law...
Daniel's reaction is the important part of the story I think. When he finds out about this law, here is his response:
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10).
Just as he had done before. Prayer was such an integral part of Daniel's life, that this huge trial did not even faze him. When he was told to worship someone else, he didn't hesitate for a monent - he went immediately back to him room and to his window that faced Jerusalem where he met God multiple times a day and prayed. Even gave thanks to God. Daniel consistently kept his life and his burdens at the throne of God, and this was no exception.
James 15:1-17 Awaken Day 9
A commonly recited passage it seems. 2 things stuck out to me:
Verse 3:You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.
I always focused on the "I am the vine, you are the branches" part, but right after that it says how He is already pruning me. And I see it in my life too- the more time I spend in His Word, the better I feel, the more healthy my relationships, and the more natural I find it to be to act Christ like.
I often dream of working a 9-5 job....well doing anything other than what I do. I really think that a big part of that is the strain that working with my dad has placed on our relationship. It has been my focus lately to concentrate on that, and I have already seen small changes. It makes it easier to make the changes in myself when I have been reading Scripture. Funny how that works. I also have been realizing more and more how he is a good and Godly man- one with a long standing habit of reading Scripture and praying each morning as he starts his day. May others be able to say the same thing of me someday.
Verse 16: You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.
Why? Why me? Especially when He had a choice! I don't get it, but I know it's for a reason. My prayer today is that He transforms me to be who I need to be in all my relationships, and that I fulfill His purpose in my daily walk.
Verse 3:
I always focused on the "I am the vine, you are the branches" part, but right after that it says how He is already pruning me. And I see it in my life too- the more time I spend in His Word, the better I feel, the more healthy my relationships, and the more natural I find it to be to act Christ like.
I often dream of working a 9-5 job....well doing anything other than what I do. I really think that a big part of that is the strain that working with my dad has placed on our relationship. It has been my focus lately to concentrate on that, and I have already seen small changes. It makes it easier to make the changes in myself when I have been reading Scripture. Funny how that works. I also have been realizing more and more how he is a good and Godly man- one with a long standing habit of reading Scripture and praying each morning as he starts his day. May others be able to say the same thing of me someday.
Why? Why me? Especially when He had a choice! I don't get it, but I know it's for a reason. My prayer today is that He transforms me to be who I need to be in all my relationships, and that I fulfill His purpose in my daily walk.
Luke 11 (Awaken Day 8)
In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus says, "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
As I read that, something stood out at me.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
These are not passive means of accomplishing things or communicating with God. These are all action words - action on our part. God's part will follow. Like Jason said on Sunday, God doesn't need to talk to us. He wants to. He wants us to seek Him and talk to Him and bring Him our needs and desires. He is the only one who can provide, and He wants to hear from us.
As I read that, something stood out at me.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
These are not passive means of accomplishing things or communicating with God. These are all action words - action on our part. God's part will follow. Like Jason said on Sunday, God doesn't need to talk to us. He wants to. He wants us to seek Him and talk to Him and bring Him our needs and desires. He is the only one who can provide, and He wants to hear from us.
Hello
Since the discussion board thing just ends up being Andy and I posting our thoughts, we'll start posting them here instead. That way, you can read them if you like and comment if you want!
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