I don't have a great take today. Just a feeling of what a BIG deal the temple was, is.
To employ that many men just to start to pull together the raw materials needed, is really incredible. I don't think of Lebanon being full of cedar and juniper. Maybe it was, and this is the reason it isn't anymore!
The other thing that strikes me is how beneficial it is to foster relationships. Much of the raw materials came to Solomon through the relationships his father fostered.
The question I have is, what is "forced labor"? Are they using slaves? It sounds like it.
rambling today
tp
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
1 Kings 4
20 The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.
This sentence fulfills the words God gave to Abraham....way back in what book?.....I can't remember. Was that in Genesis? I think it was. God talked about his descendants being as numerous as the sands and the stars. He also promised that his people would settle into the land of milk and honey, and this is obviously it. It sounds like the Golden Age of the Israelite people. Lots of land, lots of riches, and wise and just leaders. Why do I get the feeling they are going to do something stupid?
tp
This sentence fulfills the words God gave to Abraham....way back in what book?.....I can't remember. Was that in Genesis? I think it was. God talked about his descendants being as numerous as the sands and the stars. He also promised that his people would settle into the land of milk and honey, and this is obviously it. It sounds like the Golden Age of the Israelite people. Lots of land, lots of riches, and wise and just leaders. Why do I get the feeling they are going to do something stupid?
tp
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
1 Kings 3
11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice,
There is a consistency in God's message that is fun to see as we work our way through his Word. The message in Solomon's dream is that he as a servant to God asked for wisdom so he could care for others and God was God is pleased. Jesus commands us to love God and love others and that there is no greater command.
If we focus on this command we can't go wrong. Likewise I imagine breaking these commands is probably more hurtful to God and more damaging to ourselves than other actions.
So during each day I find myself struggling with loving others who I have some friction with--one person in particular at work. I find myself showing or implying my frustrations with this person to others. I have prayed to be able to control my tongue and my actions but repeatedly fall down. Its not that I'm doing anything overt to hurt this person but at the same time I'm not showing grace. I pray for wisdom in how to handle this situation so that I am showing God's love but also not being a pushover to someone who I don't agree with from a business perspective. I know this is insignificant in the grander scheme but I also know God cares about my concerns and challenges--so i ask again for his guidance.
knut
Thursday, March 24, 2016
1 Kings 2
2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.
I love how this chapter starts. David is giving Solomon his wisdom and direction on how to rule, once he is gone. This really reads as a great charge, and is good advice for ANYONE. Good stuff.
I was a little confused as to why Solomon got so upset at the request being made of him. First of all, I don't know why Adonijah would request to have Abishag. Seems strange. I have a feeling its all tangled up with Abishag being the one that kept David warm in his bed?
Any thoughts on that one?
Have a great and meaningful Easter!
tp
I love how this chapter starts. David is giving Solomon his wisdom and direction on how to rule, once he is gone. This really reads as a great charge, and is good advice for ANYONE. Good stuff.
I was a little confused as to why Solomon got so upset at the request being made of him. First of all, I don't know why Adonijah would request to have Abishag. Seems strange. I have a feeling its all tangled up with Abishag being the one that kept David warm in his bed?
Any thoughts on that one?
Have a great and meaningful Easter!
tp
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
1 Kings 1
6 (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.)
I agree with you let's knock out the Old Testament! So we have Kings and Chronicles left I believe. Here we go through Kings--
It was a good story of a power struggle to read through but I did not get any real clear messages to gleam from it. Maybe all families have problems even the mighty King David?
I did note this one verse that points out that maybe David wasn't the best at disciplining his children. By not doing it his child goes on to do destructive actions to others and himself. Simple message tucked into a large chapter.
Its really probably too late in our house now, most of our teaching in terms of discipline has already occurred. I was just talking about this with a friend a couple nights ago about the challenges we see with another friend of ours who's kids are having some challenges because boundaries weren't established when they were younger.
I am thankful that Gina and I were aligned and consistent in discipline with our kids almost all of the time. I do think we benefit from it now. I'm sure our kids will make some bad choices, I know I do. But hopefully they will charter a generally good course because we did 'rebuke' them at times.
knut
I agree with you let's knock out the Old Testament! So we have Kings and Chronicles left I believe. Here we go through Kings--
It was a good story of a power struggle to read through but I did not get any real clear messages to gleam from it. Maybe all families have problems even the mighty King David?
I did note this one verse that points out that maybe David wasn't the best at disciplining his children. By not doing it his child goes on to do destructive actions to others and himself. Simple message tucked into a large chapter.
Its really probably too late in our house now, most of our teaching in terms of discipline has already occurred. I was just talking about this with a friend a couple nights ago about the challenges we see with another friend of ours who's kids are having some challenges because boundaries weren't established when they were younger.
I am thankful that Gina and I were aligned and consistent in discipline with our kids almost all of the time. I do think we benefit from it now. I'm sure our kids will make some bad choices, I know I do. But hopefully they will charter a generally good course because we did 'rebuke' them at times.
knut
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Reading LIst
| Book: | Completed |
| Written by Moses | |
| 1. Genesis | Oct-13 |
| 2. Exodus | Dec-13 |
| 3. Leviticus | Mar-14 |
| 4. Numbers | Mar-16 |
| 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, Ch 33-150 Sep 2015 |
| 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 | May-15 |
| 26. Ezekiel | Dec-15 |
| 27. Daniel | Jan-16 |
| 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 |
Monday, March 21, 2016
Numbers 36
11 Zelophehad’s daughters—Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milkah and Noah—married their cousins on their father’s side.
Gross!
It's funny how we, as people, are always so concerned about getting/keeping what we perceive to be ours. But, in this case, God said what they were saying was correct.
Its a strange way to end the chapter......where to next?
tp
Gross!
It's funny how we, as people, are always so concerned about getting/keeping what we perceive to be ours. But, in this case, God said what they were saying was correct.
Its a strange way to end the chapter......where to next?
tp
Friday, March 18, 2016
numbers 34-35
These chapter contain a lot of specifics that God is giving the people. From the unbelievably specific land boundries, to the rules on how to treat people that have killed someone.
I don't have a lot to say on these. They are pretty straight forward.
The thing that keeps rattling around in my head, when it comes to God giving the people rules and guidelines, is that they were slaves for a really long time. They lived under the rule of the Egyptians, and therefore were forced to adopt all the rules of society that Egypt had. When they left their captures....suddenly they were on their own to govern themselves. God could have let them go to figure it out. But, he didn't. He gave them very specific rules as a way to keep their new (40 years old at this point) society from collapsing.
nuthin much today.
have a great weekend.
I love ya
tp
I don't have a lot to say on these. They are pretty straight forward.
The thing that keeps rattling around in my head, when it comes to God giving the people rules and guidelines, is that they were slaves for a really long time. They lived under the rule of the Egyptians, and therefore were forced to adopt all the rules of society that Egypt had. When they left their captures....suddenly they were on their own to govern themselves. God could have let them go to figure it out. But, he didn't. He gave them very specific rules as a way to keep their new (40 years old at this point) society from collapsing.
nuthin much today.
have a great weekend.
I love ya
tp
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Numbers 33
55 “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.
This chapter is basically Cliff's notes for Israel's journey in the desert another chapter that makes me ask why did God put it in there for us? Its not clear to me.
This is the only verse that really struck me. While I'm not sure it applies to us directly as I don't believe we have the same call to drive inhabitants out of our land. I do see a lesson in the impact of influences on culture and the negative results it will drive.
Our culture was formed by a group of believers. Over time we have driven a wedge between ourselves from our beliefs in the name of freedom of religion. We are getting to the fat part of the wedge now, we are a nation divided, maybe the DSA instead of the USA at times. We have barbs in our eyes and it seems we have trouble in the land where we live. Will we recover or will God or will we continue to separate ourselves from God and ultimately destroy ourselves. I guess time will tell, but for our part we can seek to follow Jesus by loving God and loving others as he commanded. Loving others includes sharing the truth we have in Jesus and not just rolling over to the sinful ways of this world.
knut
This chapter is basically Cliff's notes for Israel's journey in the desert another chapter that makes me ask why did God put it in there for us? Its not clear to me.
This is the only verse that really struck me. While I'm not sure it applies to us directly as I don't believe we have the same call to drive inhabitants out of our land. I do see a lesson in the impact of influences on culture and the negative results it will drive.
Our culture was formed by a group of believers. Over time we have driven a wedge between ourselves from our beliefs in the name of freedom of religion. We are getting to the fat part of the wedge now, we are a nation divided, maybe the DSA instead of the USA at times. We have barbs in our eyes and it seems we have trouble in the land where we live. Will we recover or will God or will we continue to separate ourselves from God and ultimately destroy ourselves. I guess time will tell, but for our part we can seek to follow Jesus by loving God and loving others as he commanded. Loving others includes sharing the truth we have in Jesus and not just rolling over to the sinful ways of this world.
knut
Numbers 32
25 The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “We your servants will do as our lord commands.
Well that was close! We almost had to head back to the wilderness for another 40 years. But apparently the previous lesson was still fresh enough to help prevent a repeat event of disobeying God's instruction, however it still took a good stern remaindered from their leader. Its kind of shocking how quickly they can forget lessons learned and begin to veer away from God.
Our sinful ways are hard to avoid. Even a group of people with such an explicit and recent experience of the ramifications from disobeying God begin to make bad choices. Hopefully I recall the times God has blessed me for being obedient and I learn from those experiences and minimize the number of times I make bad choices. Thank you Jesus for paying my debts for all those times I have and will fail in spite of my desire to be obedient.
knut
Well that was close! We almost had to head back to the wilderness for another 40 years. But apparently the previous lesson was still fresh enough to help prevent a repeat event of disobeying God's instruction, however it still took a good stern remaindered from their leader. Its kind of shocking how quickly they can forget lessons learned and begin to veer away from God.
Our sinful ways are hard to avoid. Even a group of people with such an explicit and recent experience of the ramifications from disobeying God begin to make bad choices. Hopefully I recall the times God has blessed me for being obedient and I learn from those experiences and minimize the number of times I make bad choices. Thank you Jesus for paying my debts for all those times I have and will fail in spite of my desire to be obedient.
knut
Monday, March 14, 2016
Numbers 31
23 and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water.
I've used the term baptism by fire before to describe going through a tough and/or new situation before at work. I never really stopped to think how often God references fire and purification a lot throughout the bible or recognized the saying comes from the bible.
God is the unquenchable fire and he purifies all things he is exposed too--certainly baptizing by fire if we were so exposed. Fortunately Jesus came for us and we can be baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
started to post this morning and didn't hi post before heading to work--
so its going to look like a double post tomorrow if I post before you get to it.
knut
I've used the term baptism by fire before to describe going through a tough and/or new situation before at work. I never really stopped to think how often God references fire and purification a lot throughout the bible or recognized the saying comes from the bible.
God is the unquenchable fire and he purifies all things he is exposed too--certainly baptizing by fire if we were so exposed. Fortunately Jesus came for us and we can be baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
started to post this morning and didn't hi post before heading to work--
so its going to look like a double post tomorrow if I post before you get to it.
knut
Friday, March 11, 2016
Numbers 30
13 Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow she makes or any sworn pledge to deny herself.
Well all I know is if I lived in Moses time I wouldn't be able to be married to Gina cuz this ain't happeing! She made sure 'obey' was not in her vows and I'm pretty sure she's not relying on me to confirm or nullify any of her vows today! ha!
I can see where asking for the father's permission before proposing to you girl has a tie back to Moses day. No sense in getting a yes from the girl if the dad is just going to deny the vow anyway as soon as he hears about it. That is actually one thing I will forever regret, I did not talk to Gina's parents before proposing. It didn't even enter my mind. I will coach Luke up on that one.
have a great weekend!
knut
Well all I know is if I lived in Moses time I wouldn't be able to be married to Gina cuz this ain't happeing! She made sure 'obey' was not in her vows and I'm pretty sure she's not relying on me to confirm or nullify any of her vows today! ha!
I can see where asking for the father's permission before proposing to you girl has a tie back to Moses day. No sense in getting a yes from the girl if the dad is just going to deny the vow anyway as soon as he hears about it. That is actually one thing I will forever regret, I did not talk to Gina's parents before proposing. It didn't even enter my mind. I will coach Luke up on that one.
have a great weekend!
knut
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Numbers 28-29
29:39 “‘In addition to what you vow and your freewill offerings, offer these to the Lord at your appointed festivals: your burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings and fellowship offerings.’”
Well I ran through two chapters and it was just not stop lambs, drinks, bulls burnt offerings on and on. I'm not sure the point God makes with this but maybe a few ideas are one he gives them so much and being so regular with gifts and offerings back to him may be a constant reminder of all he has gifted to them in life. This would also be a lot of work to prepare each day, month, special day and special month but yet this effort pales next to all that God has done and provided for us enjoy--and yet some days I'm guessing they thought they had things rough--I know I do which is ludicrous really sitting in the US with all the resources that abound.
Finally, its a little embarrassing when I see how much time and energy I see them being required to put in to demonstrate their faithfulness to God. Jesus has taken away these rules for us but that doesn't mean I should be lazy in my faith. Yet short of my regular time each day with you here and some regular but bigger picture pretty limited time working in various ways a church the effort I spend demonstrating my faith and thankfulness to God is pretty meek.
I need to make life choices that support my faith. Its too easy and a bit lazy to make excuses to be doing this world's busy work (a great tool of the devil) than to spend time in my relationship with God. If I can't do it for myself or Gina then I should at least remember my kids are watching and learning from me.
knut
Well I ran through two chapters and it was just not stop lambs, drinks, bulls burnt offerings on and on. I'm not sure the point God makes with this but maybe a few ideas are one he gives them so much and being so regular with gifts and offerings back to him may be a constant reminder of all he has gifted to them in life. This would also be a lot of work to prepare each day, month, special day and special month but yet this effort pales next to all that God has done and provided for us enjoy--and yet some days I'm guessing they thought they had things rough--I know I do which is ludicrous really sitting in the US with all the resources that abound.
Finally, its a little embarrassing when I see how much time and energy I see them being required to put in to demonstrate their faithfulness to God. Jesus has taken away these rules for us but that doesn't mean I should be lazy in my faith. Yet short of my regular time each day with you here and some regular but bigger picture pretty limited time working in various ways a church the effort I spend demonstrating my faith and thankfulness to God is pretty meek.
I need to make life choices that support my faith. Its too easy and a bit lazy to make excuses to be doing this world's busy work (a great tool of the devil) than to spend time in my relationship with God. If I can't do it for myself or Gina then I should at least remember my kids are watching and learning from me.
knut
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Numbers 27
13 After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was,
Wow, during my reading these 4 words 'gathered to your people' caught my attention. So I did a quick Google to get a reference point on what this means. Well 25 min later I still don't know for sure. I do know that many people before me have asked the question and many others have tried to explain it--and they use a lot more than 4 words to do it.
So I don't have any clear take away although my research showed me there are connection points all over the bible to 'gathered to your people' and it certainly seems to be some reference of joining others who share your faith and lineage in heaven. But some would say this is very specific to the lineage of Moses and does not apply to us or others--I really don't know.
interesting--what is God's message in this for me, why is it so important that he documented it in the bible for you and me?
knut
Wow, during my reading these 4 words 'gathered to your people' caught my attention. So I did a quick Google to get a reference point on what this means. Well 25 min later I still don't know for sure. I do know that many people before me have asked the question and many others have tried to explain it--and they use a lot more than 4 words to do it.
So I don't have any clear take away although my research showed me there are connection points all over the bible to 'gathered to your people' and it certainly seems to be some reference of joining others who share your faith and lineage in heaven. But some would say this is very specific to the lineage of Moses and does not apply to us or others--I really don't know.
interesting--what is God's message in this for me, why is it so important that he documented it in the bible for you and me?
knut
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Numbers 26
These type chapters are difficult. But, I did see something.
52 The Lord said to Moses, 53 “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. 54 To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed.
Between the plague and the earth "swallowing" others......the census was to see who was left. In other words, which clans had been the most faithful to God. They would recieve the largest inheritance. Those clans who strayed farthest were punished with more deaths, and therefore got a smaller inheritance.
Something to think about as I struggle with "my plan vs God's plan" in my daily life. If I am faithful to him, he will ALWAYS be faithful to me.
tp
52 The Lord said to Moses, 53 “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. 54 To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed.
Between the plague and the earth "swallowing" others......the census was to see who was left. In other words, which clans had been the most faithful to God. They would recieve the largest inheritance. Those clans who strayed farthest were punished with more deaths, and therefore got a smaller inheritance.
Something to think about as I struggle with "my plan vs God's plan" in my daily life. If I am faithful to him, he will ALWAYS be faithful to me.
tp
Monday, March 7, 2016
Numbers 25
13 He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites.”
My observations are pretty straight forward today. Jesus has made atonement for all our sins, so no need for us to take matters into our own hands like Phinehas. But I did take note that someone like Phinehas pleased God by his desire to honor him. I also took note of the fact that it was sexual immorality that is so displeasing to God to the point of burning anger and over 24,000 people losing their lives as a result of their own actions.
It obviously continues today and truly seems to be getting worse here in the US. It seems only a matter of time before we self destruct as a nation as we continue down this path.
knut
My observations are pretty straight forward today. Jesus has made atonement for all our sins, so no need for us to take matters into our own hands like Phinehas. But I did take note that someone like Phinehas pleased God by his desire to honor him. I also took note of the fact that it was sexual immorality that is so displeasing to God to the point of burning anger and over 24,000 people losing their lives as a result of their own actions.
It obviously continues today and truly seems to be getting worse here in the US. It seems only a matter of time before we self destruct as a nation as we continue down this path.
knut
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Numbers 23-24
24 v1Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness. 2 When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him
Chapter 23 seemed like a cliff hanger so I kept going into 24 so I could hear the rest of Balaam's 3rd message. It seems like maybe Balaam grew from this series of experiences, from following God somewhat begrudgingly to having the Spirit come over him and filling him with God's word.
What a great gift to have the Spirit come on you. I don't know that I can point to many times where I have had this kind of feeling. As I sit here this morning I can't remember anything real specific other than some times around when my dad died and when we needed to move from Grimes to the Quad Cities. These were deeply emotional times maybe when I was most vulnerable and open to all God had to say to me. I don't wish for hard times but I do want to seek that connection with the Spirit as a part of daily life not only in times of crisis.
We talk about it all the time but I think developing this connection starts with prayer.
knut
Chapter 23 seemed like a cliff hanger so I kept going into 24 so I could hear the rest of Balaam's 3rd message. It seems like maybe Balaam grew from this series of experiences, from following God somewhat begrudgingly to having the Spirit come over him and filling him with God's word.
What a great gift to have the Spirit come on you. I don't know that I can point to many times where I have had this kind of feeling. As I sit here this morning I can't remember anything real specific other than some times around when my dad died and when we needed to move from Grimes to the Quad Cities. These were deeply emotional times maybe when I was most vulnerable and open to all God had to say to me. I don't wish for hard times but I do want to seek that connection with the Spirit as a part of daily life not only in times of crisis.
We talk about it all the time but I think developing this connection starts with prayer.
knut
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Numbers 22
12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” 13 The next morning Balaam got up and said to Balak’s officials, “...the Lord has refused to let me go with you.”...20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “...go with them, but do only what I tell you.” 21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials. 22 But God was very angry...
This chapter confused me at first when I read God said go with the men then when he did God was angry. I dug around and found a few different views on why God was angry. What makes the most sense to me is that God knew Balaam's heart and that he really wanted to go with them men. He said God wouldn't 'let' him go. Its the same for me when I try to instruct my kids, sometimes they are obedient on the surface but its begrudgingly. From one perspective I am thankful they respect me enough to do something that is different than they want but the other part of me is irritated that they don't just trust me enough to listen to my instruction without having attitude or doubting the my reasons for asking them to do something.
It makes it easy for me to understand how God could say ok I'll let you go but still be ticked. His initial instructions were very direct. Do not go with them. He also sees that while Balaam obeys this he doesn't even tell the Balak officials why he can't put a curse on the Israelites.
How many times does God nudge me to do something and I don't? How must that make him feel? I need to listen and take action even if it is against my own personal preference. Listening through time of prayer is probably where my #1 weakness exists. If I don't spend that time with him how will I know how he wants to use me?
long winded today
knut
This chapter confused me at first when I read God said go with the men then when he did God was angry. I dug around and found a few different views on why God was angry. What makes the most sense to me is that God knew Balaam's heart and that he really wanted to go with them men. He said God wouldn't 'let' him go. Its the same for me when I try to instruct my kids, sometimes they are obedient on the surface but its begrudgingly. From one perspective I am thankful they respect me enough to do something that is different than they want but the other part of me is irritated that they don't just trust me enough to listen to my instruction without having attitude or doubting the my reasons for asking them to do something.
It makes it easy for me to understand how God could say ok I'll let you go but still be ticked. His initial instructions were very direct. Do not go with them. He also sees that while Balaam obeys this he doesn't even tell the Balak officials why he can't put a curse on the Israelites.
How many times does God nudge me to do something and I don't? How must that make him feel? I need to listen and take action even if it is against my own personal preference. Listening through time of prayer is probably where my #1 weakness exists. If I don't spend that time with him how will I know how he wants to use me?
long winded today
knut
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Numbers 21
“Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
This is why our medical symbol is a snake wrapped around a pole. You see it on ambulances and on hospitals. Funny isn't it?
I just start laughing now, when I start to read the lines......"the Isrealites started to grumble against God and against Moses....." It seems to happen every other chapter. God reacts, and then they repent. It reminds me of that movie that Tom Cruise did, called "Live, Die, Repeat"
They don't seem to learn.
This is why our medical symbol is a snake wrapped around a pole. You see it on ambulances and on hospitals. Funny isn't it?
I just start laughing now, when I start to read the lines......"the Isrealites started to grumble against God and against Moses....." It seems to happen every other chapter. God reacts, and then they repent. It reminds me of that movie that Tom Cruise did, called "Live, Die, Repeat"
They don't seem to learn.