Sunday, November 25, 2012

Nov 26-Dec 2

Monday: Genesis 47
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 18
Wednesday: Psalm 72
Thursday: Jeremiah 10
Friday: Ezekiel 4
Saturday: Matthew 12
Sunday: 1 Peter 3

9 comments:

Unknown said...

1 Sam 18

I did a little bit of study on "the tormenting spirit from God" in verse 10. I found the following article interesting, especially the last three paragraphs. The concept of how we can get ourselves into a behavioral funk, open the door to a bad attitude, and it is not God's fault. God didn't make it happen, it is a natural consequence of our own choices or the foothold we give to the evil one in our lives through our stubborn defiance of what is right and good.

http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=6&article=1278

Denise said...

Psalm 72
"May the king's rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth" (v6). It was nice to read this this morning. Lately, I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride of exhilaration and despair. One day I will feel so energized and on fire I feel like I can take on the world! Other days I feel like I am failing miserably at everything – I am grumpy at my kids, my house is a disaster, I haven’t made a good meal in ages, my work is piling up, I am overwhelmed with trying to get my short-term mission stuff together and the idea of fundraising. I feel like I am turning in circles and look at all of the demands surrounding me and can’t just stop and do one thing well. So, I chose to stop turning for a moment and read my Bible and was encouraged to read that God wants to ‘refresh’ me!

Unknown said...

I loved this chapter. It is such a beautiful prophetic and messianic look at what life will look like under the reign of the prince of peace. Or at least I see foreshadows of that here.

Denise,so much of this chapter just made me think of what God has called you to in this moment in time. To stand up for the oppressed and give them a voice, a work towards justice. It thrilled my soul. the notes for verses 12-14 read "God cares for the poor, oppressed, weak and needy because they are precious to him. If God feels so strongly about these needy ones and loves them so deeply, how can we ignore their plight? Examine what you are doing to reach out with God's love. Are you ignoring their plight or are you helping to meet their needs?"

Girl... you are not ignoring their needs, and you are helping to meet their needs! Of course Satan is out to discourage you! May God fill you with courage, encouragement, and blessing as you step out (and UP) in obedience to Him!

Unknown said...

oh and I personally got goose bumps when I read the last verse. "May the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen."

AMEN!

Denise said...

Thanks PC!! I am SO excited to be able to help these people! Your encouragement and prayers are greatly appreciated!

Jeremiah 11 v 23-24 struck a note for me today:
"I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die."

Unknown said...

"Idols are worthless; they are ridiculous lies! On the day of reckoning they will all be destroyed." Jeremiah 10:15

So true. One day all the things that crowd God out of our lives will burn, and all that will be left is Him and the relationship that we have build with Him.

Unknown said...

Matthew 12 notes: "Jesus was not condoning disobedience to god's laws. Instead He was emphasizing discernment and compassion in enforcing the laws."

discernment and compassion... that resonated with me.

Denise said...

1 Peter 3: 1-7
"A changed life speaks loudly and clearly, and it is often the most effective way to influence a family member. Peter instructs Christian wives to develop inner beauty rather than being overly concerned about their outward appearance. Their husbands will be won over by their love. This does not mean that Christian women should be dowdy and frumpy; it is good to take care of oneself and look one’s best. But far more important is the developing of an inner spirit of godliness. Live your Christian faith quietly and consistently in your home, so that your family will see Christ in you. True beauty begins inside.”

This reminds be SO much of when I met Rob! I wasn’t a Christian at the time and the only thing I knew about religion was the crazy religious people they showed on TV and this weird character who spouted off across the street from my high school. I had dated a string of jerks and then I met Rob! There was something different about him! He had a light inside of him and was truly a good, good person. Turns out my ‘Bible thumper’ was a keeper!

Unknown said...

1 Peter 3:11 "Turn away from evil and do good, search for peace and work to maintain it."

This verse stood out to me. It is not enough to turn away from evil, we must actively pursue good works,it is not enough to be a peace "keeper" we are called to be peace "makers". Both of these callings require us to be proactive, not passive.