Monday, November 28, 2011

Nov 28-Dec 4

monday: joshua 19
tuesday: 2 chronicles 27
wednesday: psalm 20
thursday: isaiah 24
friday: amos 7
saturday: john 8
sunday: ephesians 4

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Joshuah 19 47 (But the Danites had trouble taking their land.)

What hinders me from "taking hold" of the territory that Christ allots me in His kingdom? insecurity? distraction? self consumption? these three words come to mind quickly.

Unknown said...

2 Chronicles 2:27 Jotham did what the Lord said was right, just as his father Uzziah had done. But Jotham did not enter the Temple of the Lord to burn incense as his father had.

the burning of incense was an act of dedication and devotion, signifying the prayers of God's people wafting up to heaven as a pleasing fragrance to God (psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3-4)

When I am pressed, what fragrance do I emit? Is it a pleasant fragrance of submission and devotion to God? How many times do I try to "do what was right" as Jotham did, but at the heart of the matter my life is not fully devoted or relying on Him, but I am going about on my own two feet in my own mule headed way, refusing to come to the altar and offer Him what He really desires?

Psalm 40:6 You do not want sacrifices and offerings.
But you have made a hole in my ear
to show that my body and life are yours.

Berry Girl said...

Psalm 20
I love this Psalm, particularly the end - "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright"
So beautiful.

Unknown said...

I like that verse, too. It is familiar so I looked it up in the Message to get a fresh insight.

Psalm 20:7 "See those people polishing their chariots,
and those others grooming their horses?
But we're making garlands for God our God."

LOVE it. And we really are, here in our house today. One of the first items on our advent calendar is to put up the garland and read the passages on HIM being the vine and we are the branches. Remain in Him today!

Unknown said...

Isaiah 24:13 This is what will happen all over the earth
and to all the nations.
The earth will be like an olive tree after the harvest
or like the few grapes left on a vine after harvest.

14 The people shout for joy.
From the west they praise the greatness of the Lord.
15 People in the east, praise the Lord.
People in the islands of the sea,
praise the name of the Lord, the God of Israel.
16 We hear songs from every part of the earth
praising God, the Righteous One. "

When the world experiences drought, famine, hardship and trial... that is when all of our distractions and idols are stripped bare and we are left standing naked and needy, turning to God. The desolation of earth in this chapter is disturbing, the result (spiritual awakening) is thrilling. It brings to mind the words from a favorite song, "grant that I might have enough that I don't have to beg, grant that I don't have too much that I forget your grace."

Unknown said...

Amos 7. There is so much to ponder in this chapter. The changing of God's mind. The "end" to His patience (Beth Moore would say His patience has limits). The turning of a blind eye to the prophetic word (yeah, thanks but no thanks, I'd rather not even consider that). Not sure where to go with any of it but I will be pondering this concept that *I* have the power to change God's mind, to change destiny if you will, and what does that look like? I would be afraid to even try, and yet God calls us to actively partner with Him in His works on earth. Wow. And may I never close my eyes to His rebuke!

Sheila said...

Amos 7 - Do our prayers change God's mind? I followed a link to Exodus 32 where the notes use the analogy of a novice chess player & a master player. It suggests that the novice can make any move he wishes, and the master adjusts his moves accordingly. We as His people choose our path, but God knows where our path will ultimately lead - He's always in control. Good comparison - we need to choose wisely. (Notice that my notes say that the analogy stops there!)

Unknown said...

I love that analogy!

Unknown said...

John 8:23 Jesus said, "You people are from here below, but I am from above. You belong to this world, but I don't belong to this world."

I went to the word for comfort tonight. found it here. He is there.

Unknown said...

ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, and God called you to have one hope.