Tonight I went to a viewing and visitation for a dear friend who went home to be with the Lord last Sunday. So as I read this Psalm I was so encouraged and so blessed by it. Especially verse 4:
The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
My friend Ray, is doing that in a very real way.
I also love the way the Psalmist, believed David, ends this Psalm:
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Be encouraged if you are waiting for God to answer a prayer. Be brave, be courageous, and wait.
I love the examples of faith in this chapter, especially the Roman officer. I like the fact that the Jews around him vouched for him as a friend of the Jews. I don't think I had noticed that before. I had noticed about how the Roman officer understood the power of authority.
The unnamed woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears. Could you image that strong of emotion that you could cry enough tears to wash someone's feet? And then drying those feet with your hair. I can image doing that, but who knows when I see Jesus for the first time I just might, actually I probably would. This past week my church and denomination lost a dear friend, mentor, and teacher. So thinking about how the woman responded to Jesus and thinking of my friend being in the presence of his Lord. This song came to mind.
This is one of those chapters that is packed with good stuff. But I think the good fruit section speaks to me the most today. 43 “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
I've been asking myself what kind of fruit am I producing? Am I making a difference? I've worked in Christian Higher Ed for just over 26 years, have I really made the impact that God wanted me to. I'm not sure what the answer is to the last one especially. But this one thing I know:
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends![b] His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations 3:22-24
If you've never read Lamentations 3 or the entire book you should. When you read it you realize just how powerful those words are.
One thing that I find interesting in several of the stories is about Jesus telling the person He healed or delivered from demons not to tell anyone who was responsible. Here in verses 12-16 He tells the man with advanced leprosy to show himself to the Priest and to give the offering directed in the law of Moses. Of course, the man tells everyone as did others who were instructed not to. Jesus knew what would happen why did He bother to tell them? I've heard some say that Jesus did it so they would be sure to tell everyone because that's our human nature to do the opposite of what we told. I struggle with that idea because then Jesus would be manipulative and I can't believe He would be. However, the reason He told people not to tell anyone how they were healed does not have a bearing on my salvation. It will be one of the many questions I know will be answered in eternity.
I also love the story of Matthew's calling and especially the dinner. I'm so grateful that Jesus came for those of us who were sick.
Jesus is tempted in the dessert ... When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. (v. 13) I'm not sure I'd noticed that line before. I don't believe scriptures record Jesus facing another temptation other than possibly in the Garden. We know from Paul's writing (sorry I don't remember where right now, but I'm guessing Lane will remember) that Jesus was tempted in all the same ways we are. (rough paraphrase)
What does this passage tell us about the nature of God? Or pick another question to answer I love reading your insights. They've blessed me so much.
Always treasure my commands... Obey my commands and live!
God's Word is a key to life. It protects us from sin. Again this chapter points us to God's Word as the key to protecting us from sin.
OK, so I blew it. On Saturday we were suppose to read Proverbs 7, not Luke 3. So we'll read Proverbs 7 on Monday. Sorry about that. Now on to Psalm 26:
In the Psalm the author, more than likely David, is under accusation. My commentary didn't indicate the specifics. But here he is asking God to vindicate him. The thing that my new Life Application Study Bible App pointed out in verse 12: Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord.
The side note: Too often we complain about our problems to anyone who will listen and we praise God only in private. Instead, we out to complain privately and praise God publicly. So true, so very very true.
The question I asked myself (from the list) is what does this passage tell us about the nature of people?
I see in this passage many types of people. I love how "even the corrupt tax collectors" came to be baptized and wanted to know what to do. Tax collectors were hated by the Jews because of their corrupt way, yet even before Jesus arrives on the scene, the recognize they had a problem.
I can't imagine what Mary must have thought. First an angel appears to her and tells her she's going to have a child. Her and Joseph travels to Bethlehem and wouldn't you know it she goes into labor and has the baby and not in the best conditions. Not long after having the baby these shepherds show up talking about how the saw a host of angels. If that wasn't wild enough the go to the Temple to fulfill their duty according to the law of Moses and all of sudden these two very old people are excited and prophesying. That in itself just had to be overwhelming but then twelve years later Jesus ends up hanging back in Jerusalem to discuss theology with the scribes.
What does this passage tell us about the nature of God?
For me, it reminds us that He uses unconventional methods to get His message out. A young girl to give birth to His son, shepherds to receive the first birth announcement. Makes me think of how God can still use unconventional methods to get His message out.
OK, why didn't anyone tell me the calendar wasn't showing!?!??! I realized tonight I never shared it publicly. Sorry about that, now you can see where we're heading.
I saved Luke to last because from here we'll go into Acts another book believed to be written by Luke. I love how he opens this book: 1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples.[a]3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.
It is believed by many scholars that Mark was the first of the Gospels written and that Matthew and Luke used Mark to build their Gospels. It is also believed that Luke spent a great deal of time interviewing eye witnesses to the events that took place. Verse 4 really drives home Luke's purpose: 'so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.' Certainty that Jesus was born through the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on a cross and rose again. He then ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father awaiting the time that He will return!
Chapter 1 is full of some many good stories. I love Zechariah and Elizabeth and the shock Elizabeth must have felt when she realized she was pregnant. For Mary and how it must have felt to hear those words from the angel, "Greetings favored woman!" Talk about shock and awe!
You may have noticed a new tab up above. A few years ago our Pastor shared with our Sunday School class these questions to ask ourselves as we study scripture. If you're ever unsure what to comment feel free to use the questions as a starter.
I also wanted to include this video of a wonderful song, here sung by Don Moen
As has been typical with Mark we get the reader's digest version of the resurrection. But Mark includes this part of the story, just like the other Gospels. During this past Christmas season our Pastor pointed out that the birth narrative is only included in two Gospels where all four Gospels tell the crucifixion and resurrection narrative. Why? Because it is Jesus death and resurrection that brings us new life. I think about all the extravagant things we do for Christmas but Easter barely gets a blip. Is it the enemy's way to distract us from the important event? Having read three of the Gospels I'm reminded of what's important. I'm grateful for the Cross.
Enjoy this beautiful arrangement of The Old Rugged Cross
The beating, the crucifixion and the death of Jesus. I find it so interesting the Roman soldier that said: When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”(39)
It's amazing how in watching Jesus die the Roman soldier believed he was the Son of God. There is no record of Jesus speaking to the soldier. We know from other accounts of the story Jesus did speak to His mother and John. But I wonder if it was a case where the Holy Spirit spoke to the Roman soldier's heart and he just knew the truth. Not sure if I'm making sense or not. But maybe it can apply to us. In that we are called to share Jesus but it isn't our job to "save" them. It's the Holy Spirit that works in people's hearts. I may be out in right field with this, but it is something for me to think about and pray about.
There's again a lot packed into Mark's chapter, but I think the thing that jumps out at me as we get closer to Easter is Jesus' prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane. Picking up in verse 33:
He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. 34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
35 He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36“Abba, Father,”[h] he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
"My soul is crushed with grief..." Here we see Jesus humanity crying out to God to spare from this suffering, but He then prays, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." I can't even begin to imagine how Jesus must have struggled knowing what was ahead. Yet, His sacrifice means eternal life for each of us who will simple receive.
This is a special Psalm to me as it got me through a difficult time early in my ministry time. It was a source of hope that God would take care of those who were saying evil things about me. And it took almost a year, but God showed Himself faithful and I grew.
I love verse 5 from The Voice: Ease me down the path of your truth. Feed me Your word because You are the True God who has saved me. I wait all day long, hoping, trusting in You.
Then verse 14: Only those who stand in awe of the Eternal One will have intimacy with Him, and He will reveal His covenant to them.
I looked up on dictionary.com a definition of awe here's what they had to say: anoverwhelmingfeelingofreverence,admiration,fear,etc.,producedbythatwhichisgrand,sublime,extremelypowerful,orthelike
That which is grand. To say the least our God is Great. Enjoy this Chris Tomlin song, How Great is Our God
Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? (v 3)
Verse 4 in both NLT and NASB say a similar thing: Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
Then who can go there? I like the way The Voice translates this passage: Only those whose hands have been washed and hearts made pure, men and women who are not given to lies or deception. The publisher of the Voice the italic type indicates words not directly tied to a dynamic translation of the original language. Yet The Voice is the only one of the translations that refer to an outside force washing the hands and purify the hearts. Which is what happened through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. We have been washed clean and made pure, it is something we could have never done on our own. THANK YOU LORD! for that gift.
I also love the imagery of verse 2 With seas as foundations and rivers as boundaries, He shaped the continents, fashioned the earth. God provided us a beautiful home that didn't just happen. He shaped it!
Side note: Lane, on the graphics when creating the blog post there's an insert image on the toolbar for blogger. Unfortunately they don't provide anything like that on comments. But I'll see if HTML codes would work. I can teach you some basics.
As I read Jesus' words of warning about false prophets and the signs of the end of time. I think about the things happening in our world and I am reminded of the importance of Jesus final words in this chapter: You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak.36Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning.37I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
She gave all she had... verse 44. Another example of a person with great faith. According to Jesus she gave all she had to live on. We don't know what happened to this woman, but I believe that God continued to take care of her. Our Pastor has been preaching and leading our Sunday School class in a series based on the book Soul Shift by Tricia Robertson. This past week we looked at the difference between consumerism and stewardship. I think we see that a little here. The wealthy people gave just a little by comparison to their wealth, while the widow was a true steward and gave all she had. God ask for not only our money, but our time and talents as well. Don't know if Pastor came up with this or it was part of the book but it's a great quote:
Anyone can wear a cross. Jesus said, "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me."
Do you remember the Reader's Digest condensed novels? That's kind of what Mark is especially as we read all the action here in chapter 11.
It's hard tonight as I write this to really pinpoint my thoughts. I'm amazed again by the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, since we're in the midst of the Lent season. I'm confused by the cursing of the fig tree and I dearly love how Jesus confounds the Pharisees. In the midst of the story is the clearing of the merchants in the temple. Jesus reminds them all that the Temple is to a place of prayer for ALL nations. How often do we make our churches less than that? I think about my own church and although during a Sunday morning service we have a wonderful and powerful times of family prayer people don't come out for prayer meetings. We use God's house for meetings and rehearsals, why don't we use it as a place of prayer. But even as I typed the previous line I feel like the Holy Spirit reminded me that we are God's house! Are we a house of prayer? Or full of thieves that are stealing that time and space God intended for prayer. (Think it's time for me to do some repenting!)
Giving it all up or at least being truly willing to give it all up. That is what Jesus asked the rich young man to do, because He knew his heart. (17-31) Sometimes it's easy to go through the motions and have a heart that is far, far away from God. Jesus wants all of us, not just part of us but all of us. Yet, with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
The chapter has a lot, the first part (1-10) is very difficult and I think has probably been abused by church leaders.
We visit the transfiguration story again, which I talked about when we read Matthew so I was looking at verses 30-32: 30 From there Jesus and His followers went through the country of Galilee. He did not want anyone to know where He was. 31 He taught His followers, saying, “The Son of Man will be handed over to men. They will kill Him. Three days after He is killed, He will be raised from the dead.” 32 They did not understand what He said and were afraid to ask Him.
We have the advantage of the New Testament and history, but what it must have been like for the disciples. They had seen Jesus raise people from the dead by this point, yet this sounded so far out to them. Some scholars believe Mark was written first and Matthew and Luke used Mark as a guideline. Can you imagine what the disciples must have thought after reading Mark (ok, I'm making an assumption that they read it...) but when they recalled this event and I wonder if they thought "How were we so blind?" or "Why didn't we understand, He was so plain in what He said?" How often do I look at a passage of scripture and go, "I've read this dozens if not hundred of times why am I just now getting it?!?" And I think we all know, we weren't ready to understand it. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who teaches us the truths of the scripture when we're ready to understand it.
I'm not sure I've ever noticed these verses before and to be quite honest I have no idea what the second half of 50 means. I would probably need to make a trip to my favorite seminary library to do some research. Of course, the "silly side" of me thinks "I am FULL of salt so now I need to be at peace with others. We do know that in Biblical times salt was used to preserve food so it would last longer. So in that context maybe Jesus wants us to be full of salt so we can last longer in the tasks He's given us. I don't know just letting my thoughts run wild.
49 “Everyone will be made cleaner and stronger with fire. 50 Salt is good. But if salt loses its taste, how can it be made to taste like salt again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with each other.”
The book of Proverbs provide so much wisdom I think the thing that jumped out at me in today's passage were verses 20-23: My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck.22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.23 For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.
God provided us His Words, His Commands, His Instructions so our way would be lit. I'm so grateful that God laid this idea on my heart on September 11, 2011 and that I've been able to stick with it for 71 days. There are many promises tied to obeying God's Words.
What other good stuff did you see in this passage?
1. The Eternal One is my shepherd, He cares for me always,
2. He provides me rest in rich, green fields, beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears;
3. He makes me whole again....
6. Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me where I go, always, everywhere.
I will be with the Eternal One, in Your house forever.
The more I read The Voice translation of Psalms the more I love the imagery the editors create. I don't want to get in trouble for posting too much of the passages. But reading this Psalm warms my heart. In verse 5 they translate the second half of the verse You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace. I love that idea of ALL MY NEEDS, filling my cup AGAIN AND AGAIN. So beautiful...
The book of Psalms is full of praise, wisdom, comfort, strength, advice, and wisdom for daily living. The Voice of Psalms features the entire book of Psalms in The Voice ™ translation, insightful comments, life application, and readings for the Advent and Lenten seasons - 28 for Advent and 40 for Lent. Paperback.
I found the story of the blind man in verses 22 - 26. It's the only story I can think of in the gospels where we see only a partial healing at first. In this situation people brought the man to Jesus and begged Him to heal the blind man. Sometime I should go through all the accounts of Jesus healing people and see if it's indeed true that when Jesus first touched someone there was only a partial healing. We see so many examples of people with great faith going to Jesus asking for healing or healing for a child. I wonder if this is a case of the blind man's friend believing Jesus could heal him, but the man himself wasn't so sure. Sorry if I'm off in right field, it's just something that jumped out at me as I read this passage. And maybe it's a message to us, that we should bring our sick friends to God in faith praying for their healing even if they aren't sure if God can do it. OK, I'm sure all the rest of you figured that out a long time ago. I do believe in praying for people, but as I read this and then started writing this blog it kind of hit me between the eyes.
The thing that hit me here was the Pharisees and their need to put on good front while their hearts were far from God. And Jesus' assertion that it is not what we put into our bodies that defile us but what comes out. Too often I struggle with a quick temper.
I admire the Gentile woman who understood that Jesus came for the Jews, and seemed not to be offended at being called a dog, but still made her point that even the dogs got the crumbs off the floor. Such an example of faith.
As I read the story of how Jesus was rejected in his home town, I wonder if that ever changed. We know James had a change of heart and was very active in the early church, but I wanted if the others ever recognized who Jesus truly was/is.
But as I read the rest of the chapter what an adventure for the disciples. They go out 2 by 2 and perform miracles, they see see the feeding of 5,000 (of course they didn't understand the importance) and to see Jesus walking on the water and calming a storm. I can't imagine what it must have been like. It's weird to me how the disciples never quite understood why Jesus was there and what his purpose was.
In case you missed Lane's note on the Mark 1 comments: Thank you for your prayers during this time as my husband's brother is dying. He has been moved from the hospital to hospice. The doctors have projected medically two weeks to live as his organs are shutting down.
We can continue to lift up Lane and her husband during this time.
"Who touched me?" I love this story. Even though Jesus was surrounded on all sides by people, He knew when the woman touched Him in faith, believing that's all it would take for her to be healed. I admire the woman's faith. I have the New Testament and all the stories of what Jesus did and Hebrews 13:8 that reminds us that He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. So why do I struggle?
Then again, that's why we are reading God's Word to renew our minds to strengthen our faith.
There are lots of good stuff here the story of the pigs is another favorite.
Here we have several of Jesus' parables. There are so many good things in these parables. But the thing that speaks to me today is the story of Jesus calming the storm. Everyone around him is freaking out and Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat. When the disciples woke him up he silenced the storm. It just reminded me that no matter how rough the storms are in my life, all I have to do is turn to Jesus and He can silence the storm.
From The Voice verses 7-10: The Eternal One's law is perfect, turning lives around. His Words are reliable and true, instilling wisdom to open minds. The Eternal One's directions are correct, giving satisfaction to the heart. God's commandments are clear, lending clarity to the eyes. The awe of the Eternal is clean, sustaining for all of eternity. The Eternal's decisions are sound; they are right through and through. They are worth more than gold - even more than abundant, pure gold. They are sweeter to the tongue than honey or drippings of the honeycomb.
Then ending with verse 14: May the words that come out of my mouth and the musings of my heart meet with Your gracious approval, O Eternal One, my Rock, O Eternal One, my Redeemer.
I love "His Words are reliable and true, instilling wisdom to open minds." How I need wisdom and it's good to be reminded that His Words are indeed reliable and true.
The book of Psalms is full of praise, wisdom, comfort, strength, advice, and wisdom for daily living. The Voice of Psalms features the entire book of Psalms in The Voice ™ translation, insightful comments, life application, and readings for the Advent and Lenten seasons - 28 for Advent and 40 for Lent. Paperback.
This is a tough chapter for me and I'm not 100% sure why. But the first verse that really struck me hard was the last verse: He will die for lack of self-control;he will be lost because of his great foolishness. I struggle with my weight, I love food, the richer the better and carbs are a staple in my diet. Yet it is so true a person who lacks self-control in their diet will die.... hmm, maybe this is a verse I need to "chew" on for awhile (and yes the pun was intended-sorry)
How about you? What do you think about the women portrayed in chapter 5? Happy Saturday!
I think my favorite part of this chapter is the last verse: "Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” To think that one of the benefits of doing God's will is that Jesus considers me family! What a great idea!
I also found a cool website that has links to artwork relating to Biblical text. Here's one from Mark 3:
I'm already seeing how hard it's going to be to only talk about a couple of things from a chapter in Mark. Chapter 2 is so full, first a fascinating of 4 men's faith that they would tear a hole in someone's roof just to get their paralyzed buddy in front of Jesus. Jesus dealing with the religious leaders. The calling of Levi and the discussion of the Sabbath. A verse in this chapter that means so much to me is verse 27Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. One thing (of many) I appreciate about my Pastor is his commitment to a "Sabbath" not necessarily a Saturday, but some day in his week where he "rests." And he encourages his leaders within the church to do the same. For almost 8 years I was working full-time, going to school working toward a Master's Degree, responsible for the music portion of our church services, plus being a wife and mom. Having a day of rest was so important and so critical to my sanity. Even though I've finished my degree and am currently on a Sabbatical from planning worship, the day of rest is still important.
On a side note, if you don't already, I would encourage you to pray for the others that are participating in this blog. You may have noticed Lane hasn't commented in a few days. Her and husband are visiting a very ill relative, and Sharon shared in her comment yesterday that her Dad fell. He is suffering from Alzheimer's and just recently fell and broke his hip. Sharon and Lane can definitely use our prayers.
Blessings to all of you for being a part of this. You are a blessing!
