Psalm 33-35

35  v27-28 
But those who want
    the best for me,
Let them have the last word—a glad shout!—
    and say, over and over and over,
“God is great—everything works
    together for good for his servant.”
I’ll tell the world how great and good you are,
    I’ll shout Hallelujah all day, every day.

I didn't have many takeaways from these 3 chapters, I don't feel attacked personally those against God.  I read the last verse and thought I need to take this action.  Then I thought maybe the reason I don't feel attacked by the enemies of God is because they don't know where I stand because I don't tell the world how great he is every day.  hmmm

have a great weekend!

knut

Lamentations 5

5 Remember, Lord, what has happened to us;
    look, and see our disgrace....

19 You, Lord, reign forever;
    your throne endures from generation to generation.
20 Why do you always forget us?
    Why do you forsake us so long?
21 Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return;
    renew our days as of old

It appears the writer understands the people's actions earned their disgrace and he knows the Lord can restore them.  But I can't help wondering how long it would take after God would save them from themselves before they would forget and revert to their old ways.

I see it myself, when I'm in tough times I'm more apt to spend time in prayer then it smooths out and I try to take the reins again.  Probably not the point of this chapter but just something that came to mind as I read.  I need to find a way to break out of that pattern.  Our daily time helps me for sure but I need to do more.

knut

Lamentations 4

6 The evil guilt of my dear people
    was worse than the sin of Sodom—
The city was destroyed in a flash,
    and no one around to help.

Those in Jerusalem knew a lot about God, yet chose to ignore his instructions.  Those in Sodom did not know God as well and clearly lived immoral lives.  But those who knew him well and ignored him suffered an even worse fate.

It feels a little along the lines of--

Luke 12:48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

His word is always consistently woven together.

I would say for you and I the pressure is there are high expectations, beyond just giving money.  We have been blessed to learn and grow closer to God over our lives, so it is even more incumbent upon us to follow ALL of his instructions for us.

And on that note, have a great weekend!

Knut 

Lamentations 3

37-39 Who do you think “spoke and it happened”?
    It’s the Master who gives such orders.
Doesn’t the High God speak everything,
    good things and hard things alike, into being?
And why would anyone gifted with life
    complain when punished for sin?

I read through this on my Nook in the NIV version and nothing hit me.  Then in the Message where it groups the verses together this one smacked me.  How true, talk about the ultimate 'looking a gift horse in the mouth' complaining about being punished for sin when without God we wouldn't even exist to have committed the sin.  

How can I ever complain about anything to him, without him I am literally nothing?   Kind of funny how indignant I get with my kids because I provide them iphones, good food, nice vacations and then they don't mow the lawn on time and I'm ticked!  --I mean really it ticks me off, its the one time that I actually raise my voice because they won't do a little simple thing I ask of them. 

Hmmm, who do my kids sound like...me!  I screw up I don't listen and yet to God I must appear so unconcerned that I didn't follow his simple request.  I'll do it later, or better yet I'll just pray for forgiveness and then ignore the exact same instruction from him again later.

i am just a kid.
knut

updated Reading list

good memory you were correct, I think deleted Nehemiah on accident.  ok we will get through Laementations then some Psalms, then Daniel and Revelations!  we got some work to do, but I love doing it with you!

Book:	Completed
Written by Moses
1. Genesis	Oct-13
2. Exodus	Dec-13
3. Leviticus	Mar-14
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy	Oct-11
OT Narratives
6. Joshua	Oct-11
7. Judges	Dec-11
8. Ruth	Dec-11
9. 1 Samuel	Feb-12
10. 2 Samuel	Mar-12
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra	Apr-14
16. Nehemiah	Apr-14
17. Esther	May-14
Wisdom Literature
18. Job	Aug-14
19. Psalms	Ch 1-32, Jan 2013
20. Proverbs	Mar-13
21. Ecclesiastes	Apr-13
22. Song of Songs	Apr-13
Major Prophets
23. Isaiah	Isaiah 1-35 Jun-13
24. Jeremiah	Apr-15
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel
Minor Prophets
28. Hosea	Sep-14
29. Joel	Sep-14
30. Amos	Sep-14
31. Obadiah	Sep-14
32. Jonah	Sep-14
33. Micah	Oct-14
34. Nahum	Oct-14
35. Habakkuk	Oct-14
36. Zephaniah	Oct-14
37. Haggai	Oct-14
38. Zechariah	Dec-14
39. Malachi	Dec-14
NT Narratives
40. Matthew	Feb-14
41. Mark	Jan-15
42. Luke	Jan-13
43. John	May-15
44. Acts	Aug-13
Epistles by Paul
45. Romans	May-12
46. 1 Corinthians	May-12
47. 2 Corinthians	Jul-12
48. Galatians	Jul-12
49. Ephesians	Jul-12
50. Philippians	Aug-12
51. Colossians	Aug-12
52. 1 Thessalonians	Sep-12
53. 2 Thessalonians	Sep-12
54. 1 Timothy	Sep-12
55. 2 Timothy	Sep-12
56. Titus	Sep-12
57. Philemon	Sep-12
General Epistles
58. Hebrews	Oct-12
59. James	Apr-12
60. 1 Peter	Nov-12
61. 2 Peter	Nov-12
62. 1 John	Nov-12
63. 2 John	Nov-12
64. 3 John	Nov-12
65. Jude	Nov-12
Apocalyptic Epistle by John
66. Revelation

Lamentations 2

17 God did carry out, item by item, exactly what he said he’d do.
    He always said he’d do this. Now he’s done it—torn the place down.
    He’s let your enemies walk all over you, declared them world champions!

He did exactly what he said he'd do.  Over and over, he is true to his word.  So why would we ever have any doubt.  If we don't listen to his instruction, there absolutely will be consequences...eternal ones.

knut

Lamentations 1

21 "Oh, listen to my groans. No one listens, no one cares.
    When my enemies heard of the trouble you gave me, they cheered.
    Bring on Judgment Day! Let them get what I got!

I read that Lamentations is a collection of bleak poems following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586bc by Babylon, God does not speak in this book.  so this may be a downer book, but it is relatively short.

This verse captured a thought I had while I was reading, that might be how any of us will feel if we are not saved and we are left feeling alone and in pain when Jesus returns.  Feeling mistreated, but the reality is for those who are not saved they will have earned the position they find themselves in on Judgment Day.

knut

Reading List

I over slept this morning, so here is our list.  All but Revelations done in New Testament.  Where too next?  If you don't know we could do Psalms for a coupe weeks.

knut

Book:	Completed
Written by Moses
1. Genesis	Oct-13
2. Exodus	Dec-13
3. Leviticus	Mar-14
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy	Oct-11
OT Narratives
6. Joshua	Oct-11
7. Judges	Dec-11
8. Ruth	Dec-11
9. 1 Samuel	Feb-12
10. 2 Samuel	Mar-12
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra	Apr-14
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther	May-14
Wisdom Literature
18. Job	Aug-14
19. Psalms	Ch 1-32, Jan 2013
20. Proverbs	Mar-13
21. Ecclesiastes	Apr-13
22. Song of Songs	Apr-13
Major Prophets
23. Isaiah	Isaiah 1-35 Jun-13
24. Jeremiah	Apr-15
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel
Minor Prophets
28. Hosea	Sep-14
29. Joel	Sep-14
30. Amos	Sep-14
31. Obadiah	Sep-14
32. Jonah	Sep-14
33. Micah	Oct-14
34. Nahum	Oct-14
35. Habakkuk	Oct-14
36. Zephaniah	Oct-14
37. Haggai	Oct-14
38. Zechariah	Dec-14
39. Malachi	Dec-14
NT Narratives
40. Matthew	Feb-14
41. Mark	Jan-15
42. Luke	Jan-13
43. John	May-15
44. Acts	Aug-13
Epistles by Paul
45. Romans	May-12
46. 1 Corinthians	May-12
47. 2 Corinthians	Jul-12
48. Galatians	Jul-12
49. Ephesians	Jul-12
50. Philippians	Aug-12
51. Colossians	Aug-12
52. 1 Thessalonians	Sep-12
53. 2 Thessalonians	Sep-12
54. 1 Timothy	Sep-12
55. 2 Timothy	Sep-12
56. Titus	Sep-12
57. Philemon	Sep-12
General Epistles
58. Hebrews	Oct-12
59. James	Apr-12
60. 1 Peter	Nov-12
61. 2 Peter	Nov-12
62. 1 John	Nov-12
63. 2 John	Nov-12
64. 3 John	Nov-12
65. Jude	Nov-12
Apocalyptic Epistle by John
66. Revelation

John 21

²⁵ Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

I really loved this book.  So much action, so much of Jesus' actual teaching and speaking.  It's great fuel for life.  I love how it ends.  It really says it all about who Jesus was/is, and how it relates to all of humanity.

I find myself wondering about all of these times that Jesus appeared to them, but they didn't really recognize him, or their eyes weren't opened....and so on.  Does that have anything to do with us only using 10% of our brain capacity?  I know God made us in his image, and we wrecked it.  Is that part of the deal?  Or is Jesus' appearance somewhat altered to his previous body?  Don't you think its funny that the disciples knew it was him, regardless of his appearance.  Can you imagine having that strong and consistent of a personality that people would know its you by your actions....even though you didn't really look like you?  nutz!

John 20

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”


It always strikes me how hard it was for even the disciples to believe.  How could this be after all they saw firsthand?  For Thomas it still came right down to seeing Jesus' wounds in person.  This is why we need to be so into the Word, so we can grow closer to Jesus and deepen our conviction and belief in Him.  He Has Risen!

knut

John 19

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them
    and cast lots for my garment.”[a]

So this is what the soldiers did.

36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”[c] 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”[d]

Its interesting that they studied their law enough to know rules that they could use to justify putting Jesus to death for claiming to be the king of the Jews.   But they didn't recognize, as the Crucifixion was in progress, that other things were happening just as the scripture said it would that should make Jesus is God.  Shouldn't alarms have been going off in their heads saying uh oh we're in trouble?

Then again, who am I to talk?  How much is in the bible that I should know by heart but have no recollection of or do not even take note of when I read it?  How much instruction is right there for me that I do not use?

knut

John 18

²⁰ “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. ²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

Jesus is in a unique position as a human being.  If I were hauled in and questioned....probably about anything; there would undoubtedly be something I would not want to mention, or keep to myself.  Just to make sure I didn't make myself look bad.  But, Jesus never waivered once from his message.  He is completely consistent.  So, he has absolutley nothing to hide.  I love his response.  Go talk to the people that have listened to me.  They will tell you who I am and what I'm about. My message has NEVER changed. 

I find the rest of the chapter somewhat hard to read.  You can feel the weight building.  The people scheme and twist and deny.....but Jesus is focussed and on point.   He knows what's coming, and yet he's completely solid.  I found myself going back the move the Passion of the Christ as I read some of it.

have a good weekend.
tp

John 17

Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life

I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.

I read the message version this morning.  I was having a hard time staying with the NIV.
I like these two lines.  I can feel Jesus' empathy towards us.  He knows it will be difficult, and he even references the enemy that fights to drag us down.  But, in those 2 or 3 lines.....you can clearly see who has the ultimate power, and makes the ultimate decisions of what happens on this earth. 

Just like yesterday.  I think Jesus is saying these things not only for the benefit of those standing within ear-shot, but also for us.  So we could somehow get a glimpse into his mindset at this crucial time.

tp

John 16

I had a lot that grabbed my attention this morning.

16 “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. ² They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.

This one is right off the top.  I'm blown away by how messed up us humans can make things....even when we are trying to do things in God's name.  Without Jesus and the grace of God, there really is no hope for us.

³¹ “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.

I just can't believe that the disciples still are in question as to who Jesus is.  I would like to think that if I was there, I would be able to see it.  Truth is I would be reacting to him exactly the same way they are.  I would probably be very moved by the things he is doing and completely believe that he was sent from God, and then in the quiet moments wondering to myself if this is really true. 
They've seen everything first hand.  It would have been mind-blowing....and yet he still is asking them if they believe.  Not that he needs to ask the question.  He already knows the answer.  Perhaps he is asking the question on our behalf.  Maybe it is written here to show us that even the disciples needed help and they couldn't do it on their own......just to illustrate how much we need him.

tp

John 15

In my own self centered world....I really want to be liked. but,
¹⁸ “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

This verse tells me that if I'm liked by the world...I'm not living a truth life for Christ.
Something to keep in mind. 
I have really been trying lately to show others love.  Christ said the greatest command is love, and when people look at Christians, they should see love.  Its an interesting mix to show love, and be hated at the same time.
That doesn't seem to be a very good ROI.  At least not in this world.

tp

John 14

I could probably write a book today.....but it's Friday, and I won't.

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

I love the language here of the Holy Spirit being "the Advocate".  That give me comfort that he is acting as my advocate when it come to my relationship with the father.  It also give me peace that Jesus say that the Holy Spirit will remind me of his teachings.  With that on my side, I'm not sure how I could go wrong.

Its taken me a long time to come to the realization of the chronological order of the trinity and their involvement with us as people 
1.  God.....creator....and father....living with Adam and Eve and then being sometimes visible and present in the OT.
2.  Jesus.....savior.....coming to sacrifice himself for all of humanity.  The ultimate "cleaner"
3.  Holy Spirit....our advocate.....the one that is in the world now.   Gently nudging, reminding us of the teachings of Jesus, and what we should be doing.

Which then leads me to think that we are near the end of the plan for the earth.  There were 3 phases in God's plan, and we are 2000 years into the 3rd phase.

have a great weekend!
If the world ends this weekend....I'll look for you at the gate!  hahaha.