Session 6 - Blessing from Zion
And so we reach the end of the Stepping Up Bible Study. Funny how it took much longer than 6 weeks to complete...many times we were taking steps off of this particular path! This session discussed how Psalms of Ascent were centered around the Israelites pilgramage to Jerusalem and how we as Christians are also on a journey. Beth gave us 4 ways to have a satisfying journey.
1. We are to continually survey the road. Jeremiah 31:21 God gives us signs along our journey and the Holy Spirit helps us to interpret those signs.
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to lighten our load. All of our sin entangles us and does not let us get closer to God. To be able to take those next steps we need to throw off everything that is hindering us.
3. Take the next step with the strength that is provided by Him. Isaiah 40:28-31 He will give you the strength that you need to walk out of whatever valley that you are in.
4. Know with certainty that the destination is worth the trip. Isaiah 35:3-10 Our pilgramage will come to an end. We will meet God and have everlasting joy!!!
keep on walking...
keep putting one foot in front of the other...
keep on taking that next step
and every step we take we praise the LORD.
Psalm 134
1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Showing posts with label Stepping Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stepping Up. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 6 - Day 5
Day 5 - The Lord Bless You
Psalm 134
1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
Everytime you praise God you are doing what He created you to do. The lesson states "that we depart times of blessing God with blessings from God."
There are many moments of blessing or praising God through the Psalms of Ascent. The pilgramage to Jerusalem was all about praising God. Now in this final Psalm of Ascent we see the Benediction, the final words of praise the pilgrams heard and the final words were "May the Lord bless you." It is a final encouragement and a reminder that when we praise God we will be blessed.
Psalm 134
1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD
who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
Everytime you praise God you are doing what He created you to do. The lesson states "that we depart times of blessing God with blessings from God."
There are many moments of blessing or praising God through the Psalms of Ascent. The pilgramage to Jerusalem was all about praising God. Now in this final Psalm of Ascent we see the Benediction, the final words of praise the pilgrams heard and the final words were "May the Lord bless you." It is a final encouragement and a reminder that when we praise God we will be blessed.
Stepping Up: Week 6 - Day 4
Day 4 - Bless the Lord
Psalm 134
1 Oh, praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
you who serve at night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up holy hands in prayer,
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, who made heaven and earth,
bless you from Jerusalem.
At the end of the journey to Jerusalem all that is left to do is praise the Lord! Nothing is more important than that. A quote from the lesson, "You and I...were created to praise God; so let's spend priority time doing what we came to do". The lesson also said this "Gratitude follows grace as thunder follows lightning. Has God lit up your sky with lightning that you've not answered with thunder?"
After hearing that metaphor for praising God I don't think I will ever view a thunder storm in the same way again!
Let's praise our Lord...
Psalm 134
1 Oh, praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
you who serve at night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up holy hands in prayer,
and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, who made heaven and earth,
bless you from Jerusalem.
At the end of the journey to Jerusalem all that is left to do is praise the Lord! Nothing is more important than that. A quote from the lesson, "You and I...were created to praise God; so let's spend priority time doing what we came to do". The lesson also said this "Gratitude follows grace as thunder follows lightning. Has God lit up your sky with lightning that you've not answered with thunder?"
After hearing that metaphor for praising God I don't think I will ever view a thunder storm in the same way again!
Let's praise our Lord...
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 6 - Day 3
Day 3 - A United Family of God
Psalm 133
1 How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron’s head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting.
The previous day's lesson looked at unity in the family. Today the lesson expands into unity within the Church. This is not only within your local church, but the whole Church, the entire body of Christ.
I have often wondered what is the difference between all the Christian denominations and why there are so many. If we are all Christians then why are there so many different kinds of churches. It seem that Christians have broken off into so many different directions and denominations that the Church as a whole is confused and even some important, fundamental doctrines are not common among them. These differing beliefs have caused Christians to fight with Christians. The unity we are called to uphold is destroyed.
A couple of quotes from the lesson:
"Christ wants believers to be one: black, brown, or white. Charismatic or noncharismatic. Calvinist or Arminian. Southern Baptist or Freewill Baptist."
"Jesus' kind of unity doesn't exist until two people stand shoulder to shoulder who before stood sword to sword...Let's love each other when we wouldn't even like each other."
The lesson had an exercise in thinking about differing issues of various churches. Which issues are nonnegotiable fundamental doctrine and what are some issues that are varying between denominations. I thought of a few and then did an internet search. I was surprised at some of the real differences when I looked closely at this document that compares many denominational beliefs.
For example, I assumed that believing in the Inerrancy of the Bible was a solid foundational doctrine - well, not according to 2 of the 7 denominations compared. There was also one that views Satan metaphorically, one that does not entirely believe in eternal hell, 2 that believe it is possible to lose salvation, and 1 that believes that salvation can be found outside Christianity!
Satan is winning and we need to fight back!
Psalm 133
1 How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron’s head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting.
The previous day's lesson looked at unity in the family. Today the lesson expands into unity within the Church. This is not only within your local church, but the whole Church, the entire body of Christ.
I have often wondered what is the difference between all the Christian denominations and why there are so many. If we are all Christians then why are there so many different kinds of churches. It seem that Christians have broken off into so many different directions and denominations that the Church as a whole is confused and even some important, fundamental doctrines are not common among them. These differing beliefs have caused Christians to fight with Christians. The unity we are called to uphold is destroyed.
A couple of quotes from the lesson:
"Christ wants believers to be one: black, brown, or white. Charismatic or noncharismatic. Calvinist or Arminian. Southern Baptist or Freewill Baptist."
"Jesus' kind of unity doesn't exist until two people stand shoulder to shoulder who before stood sword to sword...Let's love each other when we wouldn't even like each other."
The lesson had an exercise in thinking about differing issues of various churches. Which issues are nonnegotiable fundamental doctrine and what are some issues that are varying between denominations. I thought of a few and then did an internet search. I was surprised at some of the real differences when I looked closely at this document that compares many denominational beliefs.
For example, I assumed that believing in the Inerrancy of the Bible was a solid foundational doctrine - well, not according to 2 of the 7 denominations compared. There was also one that views Satan metaphorically, one that does not entirely believe in eternal hell, 2 that believe it is possible to lose salvation, and 1 that believes that salvation can be found outside Christianity!
Satan is winning and we need to fight back!
Stepping Up: Week 6 - Day 2
Day 2 - A United Family of Man
Psalm 133
1 How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron’s head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting.
The lesson today talks about family unity and the idea that God placed us within our specific family for a reason. We can choose our friends and generally we make friendships with people that we prefer to be around. However, we cannot choose our family, we are stuck with them, but this can be good for us. The lesson stated "if we only choose to be around those who require virtually nothing hard from us, what will prompt us (force us) to change."
Of course we can also choose to not be around those family members that are hard to be around. But is that what we are supposed to do? No, God has put these family members permanently in our lives for a reason. That reason may be to require you to change something about yourself.
If you are estranged from any family member you need to seriously evaluate why that is and what you can do to change the situation. God is telling us in this Psalm that living in harmony with our family is as precious as the oil used to dedicate priests to God's service.
In Psalm 23 God anoints our heads with oil too. We are called into that same service and part of that service to God is to ensure harmony and unity within our families. This may seem an impossible task, especially in some situations, but think of what you can do to promote harmony or at least not provoke further disunity!
Psalm 133
1 How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron’s head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting.
The lesson today talks about family unity and the idea that God placed us within our specific family for a reason. We can choose our friends and generally we make friendships with people that we prefer to be around. However, we cannot choose our family, we are stuck with them, but this can be good for us. The lesson stated "if we only choose to be around those who require virtually nothing hard from us, what will prompt us (force us) to change."
Of course we can also choose to not be around those family members that are hard to be around. But is that what we are supposed to do? No, God has put these family members permanently in our lives for a reason. That reason may be to require you to change something about yourself.
If you are estranged from any family member you need to seriously evaluate why that is and what you can do to change the situation. God is telling us in this Psalm that living in harmony with our family is as precious as the oil used to dedicate priests to God's service.
In Psalm 23 God anoints our heads with oil too. We are called into that same service and part of that service to God is to ensure harmony and unity within our families. This may seem an impossible task, especially in some situations, but think of what you can do to promote harmony or at least not provoke further disunity!
Stepping Up:Week 6 - Day 1
Day 1 - God Talks Back
Psalm 132: 11-18
11 The LORD swore an oath to David
with a promise he will never take back:
“I will place one of your descendants on your throne.
12 If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant
and the laws that I teach them,
then your royal line will continue forever and ever.”
13 For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem;
he has desired it for his home.
14 “This is my resting place forever,” he said.
“I will live here, for this is the home I desired.
15 I will bless this city and make it prosperous;
I will satisfy its poor with food.
16 I will clothe its priests with godliness;
its faithful servants will sing for joy.
17 Here I will increase the power of David;
my anointed one will be a light for my people.
18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but he will be a glorious king.”
This Psalm shows how God answers prayers but then goes so much further. God granted the Psalmist plea that the king would not be rejected. Then He added so much more to it
- his decesendant would sit on the throne forever
- the city would be abundantly blessed
- his enemies would be shamed
- the king will be glorious and a light for the people
Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
We cannot begin to imagine what He can do. If we think it and pray for it, He will come up with something better. No matter what we think up and pray for, He can do it and much, much more. Of course, He may not grant our requests, but it is important for us to realize that He can. He is the maker of heaven and earth, so certainly He can do better than anything we can dream up!
Psalm 132: 11-18
11 The LORD swore an oath to David
with a promise he will never take back:
“I will place one of your descendants on your throne.
12 If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant
and the laws that I teach them,
then your royal line will continue forever and ever.”
13 For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem;
he has desired it for his home.
14 “This is my resting place forever,” he said.
“I will live here, for this is the home I desired.
15 I will bless this city and make it prosperous;
I will satisfy its poor with food.
16 I will clothe its priests with godliness;
its faithful servants will sing for joy.
17 Here I will increase the power of David;
my anointed one will be a light for my people.
18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but he will be a glorious king.”
This Psalm shows how God answers prayers but then goes so much further. God granted the Psalmist plea that the king would not be rejected. Then He added so much more to it
- his decesendant would sit on the throne forever
- the city would be abundantly blessed
- his enemies would be shamed
- the king will be glorious and a light for the people
Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
We cannot begin to imagine what He can do. If we think it and pray for it, He will come up with something better. No matter what we think up and pray for, He can do it and much, much more. Of course, He may not grant our requests, but it is important for us to realize that He can. He is the maker of heaven and earth, so certainly He can do better than anything we can dream up!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Stepping Up - Session 5
Session 5 - My Hope is in the Lord
This session was about travelling and being on a journey with your fellow pilgrims. The Israelites were frequently journeying to Jerusalem and they travelled together, helping and encouraging each other to get to their destination.
We too are on a journey, and our destination is heaven. Our fellow pilgrims are our brothers and sisters in Christ. The session discussed 4 ways we can be effective travellers to our fellow Christians.
1. Wise up concerning the enemy's schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
1Peter 4:7-8 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Nehemiah 4: 16-18 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.
This session was about travelling and being on a journey with your fellow pilgrims. The Israelites were frequently journeying to Jerusalem and they travelled together, helping and encouraging each other to get to their destination.
We too are on a journey, and our destination is heaven. Our fellow pilgrims are our brothers and sisters in Christ. The session discussed 4 ways we can be effective travellers to our fellow Christians.
1. Wise up concerning the enemy's schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
- if there is any unforgiveness or offense not resolved within the body of Christ, between fellow believers the the enemy is winning his war against Christians.
- Any fighting or harsh words that happen within the Church are the result of the enemy, he is the author of the scheme and his plan is to get us away from the church.
- We need to stop fighting within the church and start winning against the enemy.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- The enemy widely uses discouragement. Any little bit of discouragement allows him to get us away from church, away from fellow believers, and away from God. When we are discouraged we are focused on ourselves - woe is me, rather than worshipping God.
- As we get closer to the Day of the Lord, we will see discouragement continue to grow.
- Find every possible opportunity to encourage others and focus on positives, you never know when your words will be a source of encouragement to someone else.
1Peter 4:7-8 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
- God created us to be able to connect to Him and to other people. We require deep meaningful relationships.
- The age of social networking and texting does not promote the kind of relationships we need and even though we may have hundreds of contacts we can be incredibly lonely.
- Developing deep meaningful friendships with fellow Christians takes effort, but produces results - we will love each other deeply and that is what God intends for us.
Nehemiah 4: 16-18 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.
- they were armed as they worked. They did not put down their weapons while they worked.
- our opposition is Satan and we carry the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph 6:17)
- in all that we do we should have the Word of God right there with us!
Stepping Up - Week 5 Day 5
Wow, talk about taking a break from Bible study! We had a few meetings where we did no Bible study at all, just girl-talk. However, sometimes those are needed as well. Then I was away for several weeks and none of us kept up with Bible study. And so here we are a few months later and finally getting back to it. I am desperate to get back into God's Word, aren't you?
Day 5 - At His Footstool
Psalm 132: 1-10
1 LORD, remember David
and all that he suffered.
2 He made a solemn promise to the LORD.
He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,
3 “I will not go home;
I will not let myself rest.
4 I will not let my eyes sleep
nor close my eyelids in slumber
5 until I find a place to build a house for the LORD,
a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”
6 We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah;
then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.
7 Let us go to the sanctuary of the LORD;
let us worship at the footstool of his throne.
8 Arise, O LORD, and enter your resting place,
along with the Ark, the symbol of your power.
9 May your priests be clothed in godliness;
may your loyal servants sing for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not reject the king you have anointed.
This first part of Psalm 132 is David's oath to God. The next segment, verses 11-18, which we will look at in the next day's homework, is God's response.
The urgency we see in these words are because they are building a temple to have a place for the ark of the covenant. This ark held the stone tablets which God had written the 10 commandments. It was where the Israelites felt they were in god's presence and by being in His presence they were blessed. This Psalm speaks of the urgency King David had to be near God and be in His presence.
This also speaks to us today, and particularly to me. I had just finished writing about how I desperately wanted to get back into God's Word. Of course I know that we no longer need to be near the ark to be in His Presence. God is always with me and I am always in His presence. But are we always aware of being in His presence? I think that since I have not been diligent in Bible study recently I have not been as aware of His constant presence.
Today Beth ended the homework by saying this...
"Invite Him back with the fullness of His presence...God cannot abide near you without blessing you. Call for Him. Somewhere in the heavenlies the music is playing, and it is time for you to dance again."
Hallelujah and AMEN!!!
Day 5 - At His Footstool
Psalm 132: 1-10
1 LORD, remember David
and all that he suffered.
2 He made a solemn promise to the LORD.
He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,
3 “I will not go home;
I will not let myself rest.
4 I will not let my eyes sleep
nor close my eyelids in slumber
5 until I find a place to build a house for the LORD,
a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”
6 We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah;
then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.
7 Let us go to the sanctuary of the LORD;
let us worship at the footstool of his throne.
8 Arise, O LORD, and enter your resting place,
along with the Ark, the symbol of your power.
9 May your priests be clothed in godliness;
may your loyal servants sing for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not reject the king you have anointed.
This first part of Psalm 132 is David's oath to God. The next segment, verses 11-18, which we will look at in the next day's homework, is God's response.
The urgency we see in these words are because they are building a temple to have a place for the ark of the covenant. This ark held the stone tablets which God had written the 10 commandments. It was where the Israelites felt they were in god's presence and by being in His presence they were blessed. This Psalm speaks of the urgency King David had to be near God and be in His presence.
This also speaks to us today, and particularly to me. I had just finished writing about how I desperately wanted to get back into God's Word. Of course I know that we no longer need to be near the ark to be in His Presence. God is always with me and I am always in His presence. But are we always aware of being in His presence? I think that since I have not been diligent in Bible study recently I have not been as aware of His constant presence.
Today Beth ended the homework by saying this...
"Invite Him back with the fullness of His presence...God cannot abide near you without blessing you. Call for Him. Somewhere in the heavenlies the music is playing, and it is time for you to dance again."
Hallelujah and AMEN!!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 4
Day 4 - Like a Weaned Child
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
When I first read verse 2 I had to re-read it because the noise level in here was so high I couldn't think straight. Then when I did grasp what it was saying I laughed at what was certainly not true at that moment. My small children are definitely not still or quiet! But soon enough someone came running, crying with some major disaster - perhaps it was a boo-boo, or a stolen lollipop, or a needed turn on the swing. I played the role of problem solver and comforter and the crying child was soon still and quiet, comforted in an embrace and ready to move on to the next battle.
A quote from the lesson "Tomorrow there will be more battles to fight, but for now the child lets down his guard, lets his parents be in charge, and surrenders every care in the world." You are a child of God, seek His comforting embrace, let Him be in charge and surrender to Him.
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
When I first read verse 2 I had to re-read it because the noise level in here was so high I couldn't think straight. Then when I did grasp what it was saying I laughed at what was certainly not true at that moment. My small children are definitely not still or quiet! But soon enough someone came running, crying with some major disaster - perhaps it was a boo-boo, or a stolen lollipop, or a needed turn on the swing. I played the role of problem solver and comforter and the crying child was soon still and quiet, comforted in an embrace and ready to move on to the next battle.
A quote from the lesson "Tomorrow there will be more battles to fight, but for now the child lets down his guard, lets his parents be in charge, and surrenders every care in the world." You are a child of God, seek His comforting embrace, let Him be in charge and surrender to Him.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 3
Day 3 - Things Too Great
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
Do we really understand what the word proud means? I looked up 'proud' i the dictionary and found that it has two meanings. First, we can be proud of our children or the accomplishments of someone else and in this way 'proud' is an affectionate and justifiable pride concerning someone else. I don't believe this is the context of the word 'proud' in this psalm.
The second meaning is what the Bible refers to when it speaks of being proud or prideful. Here are some meanings and synonyms:
- contended or self-satisfied
- overbearing, self-important, presumptuous
- implies sensitiveness, lofty self-respect, of jealous preservation of one's dignity
- a belief in one's superiority
- arrogant: insolent or overbearing behavior from an exaggerated belief in one's importance
- haughty: implies lofty reserve and confident, often disdainful assumption of superiority over others
YUCK! No wonder God hates pridefulness!
- you are focused on yourself and others rather than on Him
- you place a higher importance of your superiority over others rather than on His superiority
- you are serving yourself and your own self-esteem rather than serving others
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
Do we really understand what the word proud means? I looked up 'proud' i the dictionary and found that it has two meanings. First, we can be proud of our children or the accomplishments of someone else and in this way 'proud' is an affectionate and justifiable pride concerning someone else. I don't believe this is the context of the word 'proud' in this psalm.
The second meaning is what the Bible refers to when it speaks of being proud or prideful. Here are some meanings and synonyms:
- contended or self-satisfied
- overbearing, self-important, presumptuous
- implies sensitiveness, lofty self-respect, of jealous preservation of one's dignity
- a belief in one's superiority
- arrogant: insolent or overbearing behavior from an exaggerated belief in one's importance
- haughty: implies lofty reserve and confident, often disdainful assumption of superiority over others
YUCK! No wonder God hates pridefulness!
- you are focused on yourself and others rather than on Him
- you place a higher importance of your superiority over others rather than on His superiority
- you are serving yourself and your own self-esteem rather than serving others
Friday, March 18, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 2
Day 2 - Full Redemption
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
When you are overcome by sin in your life, it is powerful. But more powerful is the full redemption you receive when your sins are forgiven. This is shown in the power of restoration. "God can restore our identity, our purity, our ability, and our sanity."
As you begin to realize you are forgiven and your see restoration in your life you begin to see how abundantly blessed you are. Things that you did not consider are suddenly huge blessings and the blessings are continually increasing.
It is possible for "God to heal the worst of hurts". As you wait for healing put your hope in His Word. Cling to the Word and its promises.
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
When you are overcome by sin in your life, it is powerful. But more powerful is the full redemption you receive when your sins are forgiven. This is shown in the power of restoration. "God can restore our identity, our purity, our ability, and our sanity."
As you begin to realize you are forgiven and your see restoration in your life you begin to see how abundantly blessed you are. Things that you did not consider are suddenly huge blessings and the blessings are continually increasing.
It is possible for "God to heal the worst of hurts". As you wait for healing put your hope in His Word. Cling to the Word and its promises.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 1
Day 1 - If You Kept a Record
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Verse 3 tells us that if God kept a record of our sins we would not stand a chance! Instead, Christ paid the debt for all our sins. When we recognize we have sinned, we should ask forgiveness (which we will receive) and repent (which means to change our ways).
Once we have moved past the sin we need not and should not keep going back to it. In God's eyes it is over, done, finished. The study said it wonderfully "You may think you're honoring God with misery over your past mistakes, but you're no. ...you're walking in unbelief - not trusting what He promised to do if you'd repent. ...self-condemnation. It does not honor God."
Satan is using that self-condemnation to keep you in bondage, to keep you down, and to allow your enemy to continue to walk all over you (even your own thoughts can be your enemy).
Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long.
Stop being miserable! Honor God by being grateful for His forgiveness. Repent then respond to the forgiveness you have received with joy.
Psalm 32:1-2 Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Verse 3 tells us that if God kept a record of our sins we would not stand a chance! Instead, Christ paid the debt for all our sins. When we recognize we have sinned, we should ask forgiveness (which we will receive) and repent (which means to change our ways).
Once we have moved past the sin we need not and should not keep going back to it. In God's eyes it is over, done, finished. The study said it wonderfully "You may think you're honoring God with misery over your past mistakes, but you're no. ...you're walking in unbelief - not trusting what He promised to do if you'd repent. ...self-condemnation. It does not honor God."
Satan is using that self-condemnation to keep you in bondage, to keep you down, and to allow your enemy to continue to walk all over you (even your own thoughts can be your enemy).
Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long.
Stop being miserable! Honor God by being grateful for His forgiveness. Repent then respond to the forgiveness you have received with joy.
Psalm 32:1-2 Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Stepping Up - Session 4
Session 4 - A Fruitful Vine
This session focused on The Feast of Tabernacles. It is another session that I highly recommend that you watch or listen to. Truly fascinating! I can't begin to restate everything that fascinated me about this session, so you should see it for yourself. However, here a couple points that stood out to me the most.
This feast was one of three times the Jews came together.
Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.
This would have included Jesus and is the Feast he is attending in John chapters 7 and 8. During the festival there would have been thousands of lights in all the huts or shelters they were staying in. But at end of the Festival all these lights would be gone, but the wonderful sight of it would be fresh in their minds. The morning after the festival ended was when Jesus said this...
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
In the session Beth Moore spent a considerable amount of time describing the celebration of water pouring and how it would have been the climax of the festival. The rejoicing was at its peak and even the priests were dancing without restraint. It was a time that they would have been praying for the Messiah to be sent and also for God to send them rain in the coming year so their crops would grow. Again, you really should see the session because she does an amazing job at setting the stage of what the level of festivity and rejoicing would have been at this celebration of water pouring.
It was at this very time of the festival that Jesus said this...
John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
And yet, they still did not recognize him as the Messiah!
This session focused on The Feast of Tabernacles. It is another session that I highly recommend that you watch or listen to. Truly fascinating! I can't begin to restate everything that fascinated me about this session, so you should see it for yourself. However, here a couple points that stood out to me the most.
This feast was one of three times the Jews came together.
Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.
This would have included Jesus and is the Feast he is attending in John chapters 7 and 8. During the festival there would have been thousands of lights in all the huts or shelters they were staying in. But at end of the Festival all these lights would be gone, but the wonderful sight of it would be fresh in their minds. The morning after the festival ended was when Jesus said this...
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
In the session Beth Moore spent a considerable amount of time describing the celebration of water pouring and how it would have been the climax of the festival. The rejoicing was at its peak and even the priests were dancing without restraint. It was a time that they would have been praying for the Messiah to be sent and also for God to send them rain in the coming year so their crops would grow. Again, you really should see the session because she does an amazing job at setting the stage of what the level of festivity and rejoicing would have been at this celebration of water pouring.
It was at this very time of the festival that Jesus said this...
John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
And yet, they still did not recognize him as the Messiah!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 5
Day 5 - To Be Heard
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verses 5-8. Have you ever noticed that some of the Psalms are asking God to bring harm or even to curse the Psalmist enemies? We see this in these verses that David is asking God to not only defeat his enemies but to shamefully defeat them, to make them useless and despised, and to even refuse them any blessing. Another example of this type of harsh 'request' against enemies is in:
Psalm 5:10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
Well, did you know that this actually has a name! This portion is called an "imprecatory psalm, or one that invites or invokes judgement, evil or even some kind of curse on someone or something." This has confused me because I knew that all scripture is inspired by God. So why would He allow these negative thoughts to be part of Psalms?
2Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
The answer is in right there - 'to make us realize what is wrong'. When we pray to God we should bring everything to Him - even all our negative thoughts and even those curses we would like to see brought down on those who oppress us. The key is in the last sentence of 2Tim 3:16 "It straightens us out". The lesson from an "imprecatory psalm" (yeah I can't say it either) is that we bring all negative thoughts to God and leave them with Him so that we can move on from the negativity and not turn bitter and resentful.
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verses 5-8. Have you ever noticed that some of the Psalms are asking God to bring harm or even to curse the Psalmist enemies? We see this in these verses that David is asking God to not only defeat his enemies but to shamefully defeat them, to make them useless and despised, and to even refuse them any blessing. Another example of this type of harsh 'request' against enemies is in:
Psalm 5:10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
Well, did you know that this actually has a name! This portion is called an "imprecatory psalm, or one that invites or invokes judgement, evil or even some kind of curse on someone or something." This has confused me because I knew that all scripture is inspired by God. So why would He allow these negative thoughts to be part of Psalms?
2Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
The answer is in right there - 'to make us realize what is wrong'. When we pray to God we should bring everything to Him - even all our negative thoughts and even those curses we would like to see brought down on those who oppress us. The key is in the last sentence of 2Tim 3:16 "It straightens us out". The lesson from an "imprecatory psalm" (yeah I can't say it either) is that we bring all negative thoughts to God and leave them with Him so that we can move on from the negativity and not turn bitter and resentful.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 4
Day 4 - They Have Not Prevailed
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verse 4 and the idea that maybe your 'enemies' are walking all over you. Here is a quote from lesson. "If we don't allow God to heal our hearts, minds, and habits, we will either continue to allow people to walk all over us or we'll become people who walk all over them."
You can get up and stop getting walked on!
Isaiah 49:25b For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.
The enemy - whoever or whatever it is, won't win anyways, so gain your strength from verse 2 they have never been able to finish me off. Your victory is right in front of you - it is in your Bible!
I love the end of this lesson, it is so powerful and pulls in what we learned about sowing the seed - that if we continue to sow in the Word of God we will reap a harvest. The quote from today's lesson..."When oppressors have walked all over us, the plowed up ground left by their feet can become a fertile place for God to cultivate some seed."
If you are in the Word, you can escape whatever has been holding you down, and in the process of getting up you will grow closer to God and He will abundantly bless you!
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verse 4 and the idea that maybe your 'enemies' are walking all over you. Here is a quote from lesson. "If we don't allow God to heal our hearts, minds, and habits, we will either continue to allow people to walk all over us or we'll become people who walk all over them."
You can get up and stop getting walked on!
Isaiah 49:25b For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.
The enemy - whoever or whatever it is, won't win anyways, so gain your strength from verse 2 they have never been able to finish me off. Your victory is right in front of you - it is in your Bible!
I love the end of this lesson, it is so powerful and pulls in what we learned about sowing the seed - that if we continue to sow in the Word of God we will reap a harvest. The quote from today's lesson..."When oppressors have walked all over us, the plowed up ground left by their feet can become a fertile place for God to cultivate some seed."
If you are in the Word, you can escape whatever has been holding you down, and in the process of getting up you will grow closer to God and He will abundantly bless you!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 3
Day 3 - Olive Shoots Around Your Table
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
In verse 3 the blessing is the wife who is like a fruitful vine and children who are like healthy, young trees. In verse 6 the blessing is being able to enjoy your grandchildren. This lesson built on this concept and we can see the idea of this increase of blessing throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, God's command was to increase in number.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
In the New Testament, Jesus commands an increase as well.
Mathew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
In order to fulfill this command we need to use the gifts that we are given (see the parable in Luke 19:21-27). Another way to think of it is to be fruitful. Being fruitful is another command to increase.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
In verse 3 the blessing is the wife who is like a fruitful vine and children who are like healthy, young trees. In verse 6 the blessing is being able to enjoy your grandchildren. This lesson built on this concept and we can see the idea of this increase of blessing throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, God's command was to increase in number.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
In the New Testament, Jesus commands an increase as well.
Mathew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
In order to fulfill this command we need to use the gifts that we are given (see the parable in Luke 19:21-27). Another way to think of it is to be fruitful. Being fruitful is another command to increase.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 2
Day 2 - Enjoy the Blessing
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
What words jump out at you when you read this Psalm? Maybe you see happy, enjoy, rich, fruitful, flourishing, vigorous and healthy, reward, prosper, quietness and peace.
Doesn't that all sound delightful and how amazing that all of that is available to each of us! We can be continually blessed and we are told how in verses 1 and 4, simply by fearing the Lord.
This is actually an unfortunate translation into our English language. When we think of fear we generally think of being afraid or scared. But the original word in the Hebrew language also means:
- to stand in awe of, be awed,
- to reverence, honour, respect
Changes the feel of the idea to fear the Lord doesn't it. Rather than be scared of God I am instead in total awe of Him and because of that I honor and respect Him.
Luke 11:28 He replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."
Isaiah 33:6 In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
The blessings come when you 'fear' the Lord and walk in obedience. Submitting to God and immersing yourself in His Word is your treasure...you are rewarded with salvation, wisdom and knowledge.
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
What words jump out at you when you read this Psalm? Maybe you see happy, enjoy, rich, fruitful, flourishing, vigorous and healthy, reward, prosper, quietness and peace.
Doesn't that all sound delightful and how amazing that all of that is available to each of us! We can be continually blessed and we are told how in verses 1 and 4, simply by fearing the Lord.
This is actually an unfortunate translation into our English language. When we think of fear we generally think of being afraid or scared. But the original word in the Hebrew language also means:
- to stand in awe of, be awed,
- to reverence, honour, respect
Changes the feel of the idea to fear the Lord doesn't it. Rather than be scared of God I am instead in total awe of Him and because of that I honor and respect Him.
Luke 11:28 He replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."
Isaiah 33:6 In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
The blessings come when you 'fear' the Lord and walk in obedience. Submitting to God and immersing yourself in His Word is your treasure...you are rewarded with salvation, wisdom and knowledge.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 1
Day 1 - A Heritage from the Lord
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
It is easy to see from these verses that children are a gift from God. It says it right there in verse 3! That is a whole lesson in itself! However, not for today... In verse 4 the image of the arrow in a warriors hands can be thought of as the strength, protection and provision that your grown children will provide for you. And in verse 5 we see the ultimate image of a family, a family that works together as a unit, as a team.
Okay, so what about those that do not have children? There are so many who do not have children, so how does this apply? Matthew 12:46-50 brings a much bigger picture to this image of family...
Matthew 12:46-50 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers were outside, wanting to talk with him. Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you." Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"
Our famly then is not only those we are related to, but every Christian is a member of our family. How are you treating your family? What can you do to be a better family member? Can you provide the strength, protection, or provision that someone needs who may not have children, or whose children are not near enough to be there? Just a thought...
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
It is easy to see from these verses that children are a gift from God. It says it right there in verse 3! That is a whole lesson in itself! However, not for today... In verse 4 the image of the arrow in a warriors hands can be thought of as the strength, protection and provision that your grown children will provide for you. And in verse 5 we see the ultimate image of a family, a family that works together as a unit, as a team.
Okay, so what about those that do not have children? There are so many who do not have children, so how does this apply? Matthew 12:46-50 brings a much bigger picture to this image of family...
Matthew 12:46-50 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers were outside, wanting to talk with him. Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you." Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"
Our famly then is not only those we are related to, but every Christian is a member of our family. How are you treating your family? What can you do to be a better family member? Can you provide the strength, protection, or provision that someone needs who may not have children, or whose children are not near enough to be there? Just a thought...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Stepping Up - Session 3
Session 3 - He Surrounds His People
This session further focused on the symbolism of the Old Testament feasts and how they are important to New Testament Christians.
The Feast of Weeks occurs seven weeks after the Feast of First Fruits. Christians may know this as Pentecost. The Feast of Weeks was a time to remember their former bondage, a time to reflect back and realize how far God has brought them. It was also a time of great generosity and freewill offerings.
In Exodus 23:16 it is also called the Feast of Harvest and is the timing of Acts 2:41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church—about three thousand in all. Christ is the First Fruit offering and the Church is the harvest!
This session further focused on the symbolism of the Old Testament feasts and how they are important to New Testament Christians.
The Feast of Weeks occurs seven weeks after the Feast of First Fruits. Christians may know this as Pentecost. The Feast of Weeks was a time to remember their former bondage, a time to reflect back and realize how far God has brought them. It was also a time of great generosity and freewill offerings.
In Exodus 23:16 it is also called the Feast of Harvest and is the timing of Acts 2:41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church—about three thousand in all. Christ is the First Fruit offering and the Church is the harvest!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 3 - Day 5
Day 5 - Vain Labor
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
This lesson is two very simple messages.
1) "all labor spent on anything God Himself has not built is in vain." We know that prayers are answered and that God is control so our focus on anything other than what He is building is a waste of our energy.
2) I kind of like verse 2 don't you! It seems as if it is an invitation to take a nap! We need time for adequate rest and time for spiritual refreshment.
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
This lesson is two very simple messages.
1) "all labor spent on anything God Himself has not built is in vain." We know that prayers are answered and that God is control so our focus on anything other than what He is building is a waste of our energy.
2) I kind of like verse 2 don't you! It seems as if it is an invitation to take a nap! We need time for adequate rest and time for spiritual refreshment.
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