What's Up?

Hey! It's been forever since I've checked this blog, although I've meant to a million times. But now it seems to be non-functional. I thought I'd try to post something and see what happens.
And by the way, I am LOVING reading through the Bible!!! I am so excited to be in the New Testament now too. Don't you just love Jesus?!!! It is so beautiful how He came and is the fulfillment of the tender mercy and faithful love of God that the Father had been trying to tell us about all through the Old Testament. I am amazed! God is sooooo good, and He loves us soooooo much!!!

The Lord Speaks

Like many of you, I have been trying diligently to stay on track and keep up with my readings. Some days it's easy while other days it's hard. This morning the Lord woke me up at 6:15. I really felt that He had a word for me. I was five days behind in my reading so I had a lot of Proverbs to cover today. Today several verses resonated with me, but one in particular but my heart at peace. In Proverbs 19:21 it says "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." This morning the Lord spoke to me. Over the last four years our family has been on a journey that we never expected to be on. It has caused heartache, stress, confusion and insecurity. But all of it has been for our good because the Lord's purpose for our lives will prevail. It might not be what we had in mind, but it's exactly what God has designed. Thank you Father!!

Confessions ...

I confess that I have not always been diligent in my reading and that at times it has become heavy and redundant. Wanting to take a break from the depressing situation if the Israelites I decided to take refuge in the New Testament ... only while there, I was hit upside the head with my own reality. You see, I live in a place where the scriptures are all too real. Our holidays revolve around the history of the Israelites and the New Testament scoldings of Paul to the believers of HIS time are actually OUR everyday task. So, with convictions I returned to the Torah and am plugging away alongside you once more ....

As I was reading about the temple I decided to post some pictures of the Tabernacle that we run here in the Land. I hope you will enjoy them and gain some insight to what the Israelites carried through the desert.

Picture of the Tabernacle in the Negev Desert.

Tablets in the Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant

Before entering the Holy of Holies

Outer Court

Just checking in.....

It's been a while since there has been a new post so I thought I would post something in hopes that others would do the same. I really enjoy reading what other people are learning from God's Word. Reading through the Old Testament has been really tedious for me, but I am so glad that I have continued to read and learn about God and His love for His people. Those sweet Israelites seemed to be such a mess. One minute they obeyed and then the next they rebelled. Once the rebellion wasn't so fun, they repented and the cycle began all over again. When reading about this it's so quick for me to form an opinion about them. I mean, really? God did so much for the Israelites and they couldn't even stay focused and serve Him? Interestingly enough, that pretty much describes me at different stages in my life. Thankfully when I thought I didn't need God anymore, He never left me. Hallelujah for God's love and grace.

Now I am off to read about David and Saul. I love how God used the "ruddy, young boy" to lead the Israelites. God can use all of us if we are willing.

Preparation to receive the Promise

I have loved our reading in Deuteronomy so far, and want to post about a few things that have jumped out to me over the past few days. Our God never ceases to amaze me! He knows exactly what we need and takes good care of us, even when we are distracted by our suffering and pain and can't see Him working. If we take a minute to look back prayerfully, we can see His fingerprints touching each moment of our experiences. He was there the whole time carrying us. Now, to Deuteronomy...
*I love 2:7, "For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing."
*I need to trust and obey God, and not fear any giants.
*God will give territory to whoever he wants. Our territories have bounds we're supposed to stay in. Sometimes God may use someone else to finish fulfilling the vision He gave us. It's all for His glory!
*I must not forget all God has done for me.
*I must have no idols! If I mess up, I must quickly run to Jesus, repent, and seek Him with all of my heart and soul. He will forgive me. He is merciful. He will not abandon or destroy me. :)
*God is God and there is no other! He will let us see Him and hear Him because He loves us! He has rescued us from slavery, and now we must obey Him and stay on the path He has commanded us to follow.
*I must listen carefully to God and obey Him as long as I live- I wanna live loving Jesus! - and He will bless me.
*If God blesses us with prosperity or success, we must not forget Him. I can't do anything of value on my own. If any good comes from my life it is because God did it! I must never allow pride to inflate my ego. I must be humble and grateful for every time God chooses to use me or bless me.
*I've gotta quit complaining! It doesn't honor God. I need to remember God's goodness to me, and teach it to my children. We were slaves to sin, but Jesus set us free! Hallelujah! He made me holy. I belong to Him. I am His special treasure and He loves me! He has rescued me from slavery and oppression! I don't need to be afraid anymore! Hallelujah!
*So, why am I having to go through this wilderness? It is to humble me and test me to prove my character, and to find out if I'll obey God. (Unfortunately, it ain't always been pretty.) I have to learn to depend on God and trust Him. He disciplines me for my good because He loves me. :) And I love Him so much! I really want to please Him and not mess up so much.
*I need to walk with Jesus and praise Him for every blessing. I must be very careful to stay near Him and take no blessing for granted. When He empowers me to be successful, I must give Him all of the glory, honor and praise! Ya'll, my life is so messed up, if anything good comes from it it is surely the hand of God!
*I also need to remember that if I turn away from God and turn to idols, it'll destroy me. I don't want to be destroyed, but more than that I don't want to be far from my God who loves me.
Oh Father, please never let me wander from you. Hold my hand tight and help me walk with You. I love You so much! Hallelujah! Amen.

Blessed and not cursed

Ya'll, I've been seriously struggling lately with why God doesn't seem to be helping me much when I am so obviously overwhelmed by stress. I was feeling forgotten or abandoned, even though I knew that wasn't true. God has shown me lately that I need to quit focusing on all of the obstacles and problems, and trust in Jesus anyway. I need to be thankful for all He has done, and all He has given me. I need to praise Him because He is worthy! Just because I can't see what God is doing right now doesn't mean that He isn't doing anything.
So today we read about Balaam and how Balak tried to hire him to curse God's people. But every time Balak would take Balaam to a place to look out over Israel, God would tell him to bless them. He talked about how they were beautiful and victorious. God was looking on them with great love and proclaiming blessings over them! But, all the while, the Israelites were still in the wilderness, totally oblivious to any of that.
How foolish of me to ever think that my God, who gave His One and only Son for me, might abandon me! He loves me more than I could ever comprehend! And nobody can take His blessing away from me. I am forever His, forever loved, forever blessed. Hallelujah! I still don't know why He is allowing some things to continue to press in on me, but I know He has good plans for me and will bring me into His promised land. :)

Answered

Thank-you everyone ,,,Our Lord answered our prayers...we have a  healthy baby girl!!!
The doctor said she is perfect in every way !!
   Thank-you  my sweet Jesus

Prayer

I am asking for prayer today for my kids, they are going to Louisville today for more testing on their unborn baby girl. They have asked us not to tell anyone just yet so, I am asking my sweet sisters to help me lift them up. She is due July 31 st.  Appt. today at 12:00
She has a cyst on her brain that is larger than normal.

Lord, thank-you,  I feel so blessed that you have givin me so many sisters that I do not have to feel like I am the only one praying. I believe in prayer so much. Lord I come to you today and lift them up to you...I put them in your hands..YOU ARE ALL MIGHTY AND POWERFUL... and you know exactly what we need before we even ask. Lord give them comfort and strength today. We could not get through a day without you. IT IS WELL.....  AMEN AND AMEN

Complaining

When reading about the Israelites I hate to say it, but I would have probably acted the same way that they did. Enough manna already, let's get some real food - meat. How interesting it is that God had delivered them out of slavery and provided them with everything that they needed. He asked them to build a tent of meeting and He provided all the resources to do it. He asked them to make offerings to Him and He provided everything necessary for that to be done. He was carrying them through an unknown land, and they began to complain. I probably would have done it too.

Today I have realized that I need to be grateful for the manna that God has continued to provide in my life. Why should I think that I deserve better - the meat? God has given me every tool necessary to love and serve Him. He has provided me with so much.

Lord, please forgive me when I complain when I really have nothing to complain about. Thank you for meeting my needs and loving me enough to forgive me when I become selfish. I pray that I will trust you when you lead me into unknown areas. You are with me always and I am so thankful.

Open my eyes Lord

Ya'll, Leviticus and Numbers have not been the easiest things to read for me. That's why I haven't been blogging so much. I do usually get something out of it though, and am thankful for God's Word. Today's lesson has me longing to see the manifest presence of God.

God made His presence visibly clear to the Israelites so they could easily follow Him. He made it clear when it was time to stay, and when it was time to move on. They had to be watching Him, and ready to follow everyday. Hmmm...

Father, open my eyes to see You. Please guide my life and order my steps. I just want to walk with You. Please make Yourself more evident to me so I can follow You and walk with You. I love You. Amen.

I also love Moses's prayer when moving forward. Getting out of our comfort zones can be scary. So, "Arise, O Lord, and let Your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before You!" And when it's time to stop moving, Lord return to us and settle down with us to watch over us and protect us. Thank You. Amen.

Leviticus

The more I read Leviticus the more grateful I am for Jesus. He is my Savior. He is my intercessor. He makes me clean. Bless those sweet priests. They had such an important job and they couldn't mess up. Bless Moses. He had to clearly articulate all the rules and customs to the Israelites. Leviticus overwhelms me and reminds me of the amazing gift of grace offered by Jesus.

Deception

Ok, first of all I am just going to say I've been WAY behind in my readings. BUT I am caught up now and ready to stay active in this blog. Anyone else have problems with starting out strong and then tapering off as time goes by??? Just wondering.....

In today's reading I got hit again. Yesterday at church I was REALLY hit...and then in todays reading I heard the quiet whisper of my Lord convicting me. I read something I have never noticed before. Lev. 19:11~ Do not steal. (I'm ok with that) Do not lie. (ok I know it's a sin to lie so I try not to do that) Do not deceive one another. How many times do I mislead someone...not an outright lie mind you but tip toe enough around the lie that they draw their own conclusion to be something that is not true? UGH....a major area for me. I struggle with this most with my dh. I SO hate to have his disapproval that instead of being truthful and possibly disappointing him I let him believe what he wants to be true. Make sense or am I rambling?? Anyhow, just another area the Spirit has convicted me in which I need to repent and turn from.

Also read some VERY CLEAR verses against homosexuality that I can share with someone close to me. (no one in my town, but a relative living in another state)

The OT CDC

Okay, at first today's reading seemed tedious to me again. When I finished it I laughed and said, "Lord, this kinda sounds like disease control regulations." Then I realized that once again it shows the goodness of God. And I prayer journaled:
This reading seems to be health instructions. The allowed animals to eat are less disease-prone than those not allowed. Then women are given time to heal after child birth. Then disease control for skin disorders is given. :) You were trying to help them live healthy. But, You could've miraculously healed them. Why didn't You offer that? You were there with them. Obviously You allowed (and still allow) sickness and disease. Why is that? Is it to remind us of our frail mortality? Is it so we will seek You more and depend on You more? Maybe sometimes we need to be forced to rest. But for children, like Ben and Julia, it seems a very heavy cross to bear. It's hard to understand Lord. But I know You are good, and You have good plans for their lives. You love them deeply. I pray their illnesses wouldn't break them, but would strengthen their faith and trust in You. Please carry them when it's just too hard. Please have mercy and compassion on them and on all of us, and heal us or give us Your grace to endure our sufferings of all kinds. I love You. Help me, and all of us, keep trusting You, even when we don't understand things. Thank You for Your love, which is better than life. Amen.

A thank you note to God

Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for sending your son to
die for us. The ultimate sacrifice......
to forgive me of my sins and to save me.
Amen

Soo thankful for the blood of Christ that
cleansed me. So thankful that we do not
have all the offerings--burnt, grain,sin, wave,
fellowship and on and on......and the
sprinkling of the blood everywhere!!

Latrelle

Tabernacle

   I am posting several lessons, I could not leave this alone. I think it's my favorite... I love the Tabernacle!  Brezalel made the Ark out of shittim wood , inside and out covered with gold - Just as much wood as gold. Just as much God as man .
   It's all in my mind the colors, Gold-diety, talking about God. Silver-mans redemption. Brass- judgment of God. Blue- heavenly nature of Christ. Purple- Royalty, King of Kings. Scarlet-color of shed blood of Jesus. Fine Linen-white- speaks of righteousness, pure and clean.
   Then the goats hair-picture of sin. Rams skin dyed red-shed blood of Christ. Badgers skin-outward appearance of Jesus. Shittim wood-humanity of Christ. Oil- picture of the holy spirt of God. Spices- Aroma - picture of prayer. Onyx -stones in breastplate-picture of bearing burden over heart,
   I see the fence, walking in the gate on the east side the brazen alter next the Laver then going through the outer veil into the Holy Place with the table of show bread on the right the candlestick on the left and the alter of incense before the inner veil and then into the Holiest of Holies. This is where the Ark of the Covenant is, the lid is the mercy seat (copperith) with two cheribum looking down. Inside the Ark, Arrons rod that budded - Resurrection. Pot of Manna-picture of living bread and the Ten Commandments (second set) we could not keep the law so He kept it for us. He is the Ark.
   I have probably got carried away, I wanted to talk about the Laver (word of God) and that it was made of brass from the looking glass of the ladies and how when we walk with God we get our feet dirty in this world and with our hands we should all work for God .The word is the mirror- when we look into the word of God we get a true reflection of what we really are. Washing of the word!
  I am also thankful that we do not have to worry about offerings that we can go straight to our Father. That we can have  Relationship, Fellowship and Worship. You see without relationship there is no fellowship and when fellowship is broken there is no worship.
  Thank-you Lord , it is ALL so awesome !!!

God is so merciful and gracious

It's been kinda tough for me to get through all the tabernacle specs we've been reading lately, but God does usually use something to get my attention. Today it was God's instructions about Aaron and his sons. God wanted them cleansed, consecrated, and anointed to serve as His priests. He wanted them to have very beautiful and elaborate clothing filled with symbolism and representing the holy calling of God. This was for Aaron, his sons, and all their future descendants. God chose Aaron by name, had-picked him, and set him and his family apart as special servants of God forever. God would also care for them and provide for them forever. Can you imagine a more incredible honor?

Ya'll, this is the same Aaron that we read about just a few days ago, who made a gold calf and told the people- "Here's your god that brought you out of Egypt!" We're talking serious idolatry here. I'm not judging him, we don't know what we'd have done in his shoes. Maybe he was afraid of the people. Maybe he thought God had forgotten about them, since they hadn't heard or seen Moses or God for more than a month. Don't we often run quickly to idols when we can't see God working in our lives? We don't really like to wait on God to fill the deep needs of our souls, and we try to fill ourselves with other idols- like relationships, food, materials, or whatever. Waiting on God can be very hard. Sometimes we mess up pretty bad.

But then there is the glorious mercy and grace of God! Hallelujah! If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Amazing, really. God did not reject Aaron or throw him away. God forgave him completely. God called him to minister in the presence of His holiness! God blessed Aaron and his whole family. And not just them, but the whole family of Israel. When they'd completed everything God had instructed, He came and stayed with them, giving them a physical manifestation of His presence with them. He made sure they ALL knew He was with them, and He did this throughout all their journeys! God is so good!

Oh Father, we would love to see Your manifest presence in our lives, guiding us. I pray that we and our families would see You and follow You. Please forgive us for the times we've trusted in anything besides You. Please show us where You are so we can stay with You and follow You. We love You so much Father. Thank You for being so merciful and gracious to us. You are holy, and You are good. Hallelujah. Amen.

In Awe of the Word of God

I haven't blogged in a while because I've had too many other things that had to be done. I've wanted to often, as I've been reading along with you sisters. I have also read your posts, and love them every time. God often uses you to point out more cool truth to me, although I may not always leave a comment. Anyway, I just had to post today.
I am in awe of the Word of God! Actually I am in awe of the God of the Word, and how He has been revealing Himself to mankind from the beginning of time. I've recently become friends with some people who don't really believe in God because they've been given a wrong perception of who He is. They think He is angry, mean, judgemental, and condemning. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I used to even kinda think that God was a little like that in the Old Testament, but Jesus took God's wrath for us, so God is nicer now. That is also full of error. Jesus did bear the wrath of God in our place, but not because God is mean- but because He is good! As we have been reading the Old Testament, I keep seeing that God is continually reaching out to us and making a way for us to know Him. He has always wanted us to trust Him, worship Him, love Him, and know Him.
We must remember that He is holy and awesome, and we can't approach Him with a prideful, sinful heart. But because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we can approach Him!
In our reading today God gave specific instructions for the clothing and ordaining of the priests. My NLT Bible says God wanted their garments to be glorious and beautiful. Right off the bat, I just love that as a woman. But then I immediately thought of Jesus, and how He is our High Priest who ushers us into the presence of God. Jesus, my sweet Saviour, is so glorious and beautiful! Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven and purified so we could come into His presence, the presence of God, and know Him! Hallelujah! Now He has also set us apart, and made us glorious and beautiful as we reflect Him to the people around us. Wow.
Then we read about the ordination sacrifices. It was very elaborate and serious. God wanted us to know that He is holy, and sin is a serious problem that keeps us from His presence. Still He wanted people to know that He loves them and wants to live among them and be their very own God. That is incredible! Then, with tears in my eyes, my heart wells up with gratitude as I realize that Jesus became the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, so that we could come to know God. Ya'll that was His plan the whole time. I know we've all been taught that before, but it just seems more real to me today. God set up this elaborate way for the Israelites to come to Him with reverence and humility, realizing the seriousness of sin. But He knew the whole time that He was going to make the ultimate sacrifice for our sins Himself!
I am so in awe of God. I have been such a sinner in my lifetime, and I am amazed that Father God sacrificed His own Son, pouring out all of His wrath and fury for my sin on Him, because He wanted to save me. I am amazed that Jesus, knowing all my sin and all the times I'd take Him lightly, willingly laid down His life and suffered a cruel, agonizing, humiliating death, because He wanted to save me. What kind of love is this?! Hallelujah!
Holy Father, Spirit, Jesus, please forgive me for ever doubting Your love for me just because I suffer a little pain. My suffering is usually of my own doing anyway, and I certainly deserve no more than hell. Thank You for forgiving me. Thank You for reminding me that Your love for me is so deep and strong and all-encompassing, that I will never be able to comprehend the depths of it. You know everything I've done, still You love me fully and completely. You don't look at me in my sin, You see me clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. :) I love You! Please help me to share the glory and beauty of Your love with the people You've put around me. You are not an angry, mean, condemning God. You are a loving, Self-sacrificing God who bore our punishment and set us free! Hallelujah! Thank You. Amen.

Overwhelming Task

When reading today's passage, I began to feel overwhelmed. How in the world were the ISraelites really going to be able to make this tabernacle and altar that God was asking them to build? God was extremely specific when he told Moses what to do. What a task!!! I can't hardly even follow a recipe. I would have been completely overwhelmed. I can only imagine the time and effort that went into making this ark. The Israelites had no power tools, no sewing machines, no rulers. How in the world would they be able to get the hide of a sea cow? (Exodus 26:14) God told them exactly what to do and the Israelites would get it done.

Today I learned that if God asks you to do something, no matter how elaborate or difficult, He will provide the plan and resources to get it done.

Tactical Errors

When I was in college, I wrote all of my papers with three other girls in the history department, and we quickly earned the nickname, "The Four Horsemen." I was War (which probably doesn't surprise anyone who knows me), because I talked a lot about tactics and plans of attack, etc. Reading my Bible today, I saw some interesting things.

God did not want His people traveling through the Philistine country, because they were not ready for battle; war would only encourage them to return to Egypt, where at least people weren't openly fighting them. God's alternative was to lead them into a clear trap--a strategically terrible physical layout.

Ex. 13:20-14:4 After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, 'The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.' And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for Myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians wil know that I am the LORD." So the Israelites did this.

This is so interesting. God trumps all the gods of Egypt--absolutely slaughters them--with the ten plagues. God leads His people out with plunder from the land of Egypt; they are the richest escaped slaves ever. He stays with them day and night, with an obvious sign of His presence and care, and then He says, "Turn back. Put yourselves in danger. Back into a position from which there is no retreat and no escape, where the Egyptians can see you, and they will surely come to kill you. I intend to glorify Myself here." In any military situation, what the Israelites did would only be the last-ditch effort of an amateur strategist who had, quite frankly, lost it. Who, when given a chance to escape, turns back and intentionally puts himself into an impossible position? Tactically, this is the worst move ever. This is General Custer at the Little Bighorn. It's an invitation to hopeless slaughter. And many of the Israelites recognize this when they see Pharaoh's army drawn up in bristling array at the only possible exit from the area: "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

What I love here is that the LORD has a plan, even though He doesn't immediately articulate it for His people. He intends to turn the thing that makes escape impossible into the perfect escape route; the sea will become a highway, and the highway will become a grave for the Egyptian army. God put His people into an impossible situation because He wanted to do something impossible. What kinds of impossible things does God want to do in our lives? Are we willing to be put into a position of no retreat and no escape? "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name. Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has hurled into the sea" (15:3-4a). What battles does our great Warrior God want to win in our lives? Are we willing to face certain failure to watch Him win miraculously?

O Father, I want to trust You like Moses.

Am I listening?

God asked Moses to do something that he didn't feel qualified to do - go before Pharoah and ask for the Israelites to be released. Moses trusted God and did what was asked of him. What I find interesting is that God hardened Pharoah's heart. Why did God send Moses and Aaron and then purposefully harden Pharoah's heart? Pharoah didn't listen to Moses and Aaron. As a matter of fact, he even became harder on the Israelites. As a result the Israelites didn't want to listen to Moses when he was telling them what God had to say.

Nobody was listening to God except Moses and Aaron. Do I listen to Him or is my heart sometimes hardened? Am I tuned in to God? What about the messengers that He sends my way? I have no doubt that God uses people, like Moses and Aaron, to speak to others on His behalf. Do I listen?

Lord, open my hears so I may hear the voices that Thou sendest clear;and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,Everything false will disappear. Silently now I wait for Thee,Ready, my God, Thy will to see;Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit Divine!

God's Plan

One thing really stood out to me today as I was reading in Genesis chapter 50. Joseph mourned his dad's death and Joseph's brothers were afraid that he might punish them for the sins they had committed against him. Joseph's response is beautiful. He told his brothers that what they had done was "intended to harm him, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of lives."

As I go through life, I want to embrace difficult circumstances and understand that they are allowed by God so that He can use them for His purposes, not mine. Ultimately, God is in control today, just as he was thousands of years before the birth of Christ. I am so glad to be His and He is mine!!!

Dreams are coming true

I am amazed by Joseph's quiet trust in God. From telling his family the dreams God gave him as a boy, through all of his undeserved suffering, to seeing those dreams begin to come true. I also noticed that Joseph must have been deeply hurt by the rejection of his brothers. I could tell by what he named his sons in yesterday's readings, and by his weeping in today's readings. How precious it must have been for him to overhear them saying they deserved to be mistreated because they'd sinned against their brother Joseph. Those who rejected him were truly sorry. The brothers seem to be acting like Godly men now too- willing to lay down their lives for their brother Benjamin. I wonder if seeing the agony their sin caused their father led them to live in years of regret. There is no such thing as getting away with sin. And, it looks like they'll have to deal with that regret for a little bit longer, but tomorrow is coming and I know this is all about to be resolved. I can't wait!
Thank You Father for loving me and for forgiving all of my sins. Help me to receive Your forgiveness and believe it, and not live in regret. Bring beauty from my ashes Lord. Thank You for all the signs of Your goodness I see in my life. I know I will see Your goodness in the painful areas one day too. I trust You, and I love You. In my brokenness, I will still praise You. Hallelujah. Amen.

Idols

I just can't get something out of my mind: the part we read a few days ago about Rachel stealing her families gods. I have read that before, but it has a new meaning for me now. During this time of year, thousands of Mexicans walk from all over the country to a small town just north of my city. They carry their idols with them in wooden boxes. On Tuesday, I watched a group of them parade around carrying their idols. This group is from Mexico City and had been walking for 15 days! And, they have not reached their final destination yet. My heart is more burdened than ever for the lostness in this city and around the world. Idolatry is alive and well. It is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. Our Lord alone deserves the praise and devotion that is being spent on idols who cannot hear, see, or speak.

Forgotten

I just love the Word of God. I love how it speaks to us right where we are!
This morning I came to the throne hurt. As "teenagerish" as it sounds, my feelings were hurt. A circumstance in my life made me feel left out and forgotten. As I read the account of Joseph this morning, my heart lingered on the words in verse 23......the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph. After all Joseph had done for him! The cupbearer just went off and forgot all about him! Sounded a lot like how I was feeling. As I read on, I was reminded that God had a plan. Joseph was "remembered" at just the right time in God's perfect plan. It really was not about Joseph. It was about God being glorified and honored through Joseph.

Thank you sweet Lord, that your Word is alive and able to speak to us so clearly. I ask you to forgive me for my selfish thinking. It is not about me. Father, may you be glorified and may your name be honored through me.

Perfect timing

God is interesting in how He works. He put a guy in jail who was innocent of a crime. God used him to interpret dreams for Pharoah's officials only to have them forget about him. Joseph stayed in jail another two years until God gave him the opportunity to interpret a dream for Pharoah. Once he did, Joseph was given authority in Egypt - second in command. Seriously! The guy was in jail for years. I would have been terribly frustrated with God, but not Joseph. God used Joseph to save Egypt and "all the world" (v.57) from famine and devastation. God had everything figured out according to His great plan.

God's timing is perfect. It's hard to understand sometimes, but it's perfect. Father, help me to not worry or stress about things that I can't control. My timing is not always your timing, and I know that your timing is perfect.

Bottom of the Pit

I have read the story of Joseph many times, but this morning God gave me a very clear and precise thought: When I am in the bottom of the pit, He is there. God, my Father, will deliver me in His own divine, perfect way. His way will be so much better and bigger than anything that I can imagine. I simply must trust him while I'm at the bottom.

When Joseph was at the bottom of the pit, God was with him. Through a series of crazy circumstances - being sold into slavery; ending up working for one of Pharoah's guards; seduced by Potiphar's wife; assumed guilty of a crime he didn't commit; thrown in jail - Joseph was always under the watchful eye of God. My prayer is that I will always lean on my Father and know that He is with me throughout all seasons of my life, especially when I am at the bottom of the pit.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Or maybe it should be- the good, the ugly and the sad, for Genesis 33-35. Chapter 33 tells us of the sweet reunion of brothers who were once estranged. Esau welcomes Jacob home with a warm heart and open arms. God was faithful. :) Jacob then stops to worship God and affirm that He is his very own God. I am so glad to know God as my very own as well. I love You Father!
Then chapter 34 is just ugly. For some reason I've had the false impression that sexual sin is worse now than its ever been. According to what we've read so far this year, it has always been a huge problem. It breaks my heart. Oh how I wish I could do something to fight the sexual exploitation of women and children. Father, I cry out to You on behalf of our daughters and sons. Please protect them from predators and from pushy, deceitful people. Keep our children safe and pure, and provide Godly mates for them who will nurture and care for them. Thank You. Please God, show me how to help anyone I can. Rescue those in bondage and slavery all over the world, and redeem their lives for Your glory. Amen.
Last, chapter 35 tells us of the deaths of Rachel and Isaac, which is sad. But at least the sadness was tempered with some good. Rachel had a son. Jacob got to see his father again before he died. Still, death is always sad for us. Yet we do not mourn as those without hope. We know that our loved ones who know the Lord are with Him. I can't wait to be with Jesus myself! Hallelujah!

Jacob

Hey ya'll! I've just enjoyed a great DNow weekend with Jesus and 8th grade girls! Hallelujah! My Father loves me sooooo much! God Almighty is our Daddy, and He LOVES us! There is so much freedom and strength in that!
I've been too busy to blog, but we've covered so much about Isaac, Rabekah, Jacob, Esau, Leah, and Rachel. It would take too long to tell you all I thought about as I read these stories. I have lots of questions too. So, I'll just talk about our reading for today.
This seems to be a pivotal time in Jacob's life, as he is very afraid and yet trying to trust God and follow Him. I love that he obeyed God even though he was afraid of Laban and Esau. Ya'll I wrestle with fear quite often- whether it is fear of my ex, of providing for my children, of falling into sin, of being deceived, or of dishonoring my Savior. Father, help me hear You and obey You despite my fears. I believe in Your love for me. I know You will never abandon me. Thank You. :)
One thing bothered me in this passage- Rachel stole her father's idols. Why? God had answered her prayers and given her a son. She had seen God bless her husband. So why did she take idols? Did she think she needed a back-up plan? Lord, help me carry no idols. Help me to trust only in You, and count on You. You will come through. :)
The part about Jacob wrestling with the God/man was intriguing to me. Had to be Jesus, right? Which makes this story all the more fascinating! If anybody has more insight into the deep truths here please share. Why did Jesus come to wrestle with Jacob? Was it to get him to trust Him? Jacob was clinging to Him, hanging on for His blessing. Jesus, in His Deity, could have won- could've killed him, but He didn't. Yet, He did wound Jacob. But Jacob was just thrilled he got to see God face to face. And God blessed him. Wow. What does it all mean? It sort of seems like a male bonding experience where Jacob comes to trust God and to know God loves him. Jacob doesn't seem to mind the limp, he seems more excited to know God and have His blessing. Awesome. Dear Jesus, please bring beauty from the ashes of my life. Let all of my pain remind me that You were with me through it all, loving me and taking care of me. You have never forsaken me. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

Soooo, I finally figured out how to participate. There is a first for everything. I just wanted to say that I am loving reading the Bible thru and have read way ahead because I just want to finish the story! God gave me a little poem as I started on Genesis

I was small when mama read the stories
They were real and so were you
The mighty men and women that you had called your own
Had life and breath to me
At Sunday school I loved the pictures
Apostles, prophets men of God
Each one walked and touched my heart
When I was older and tried to walk away
They called my name
And you Holy Spirit brought me back
To the pages where they lived
Their very words became my life
Telling me about my world in all its shadows dark and light
Leading me down dusty roads so I might find
Once again a Savior and a friend

Hey guys! I apologize, my internet is extreamely slow out in the village and I can't always access our blog, but when I can I do. I love reading what ya'll have to say. I loved the book of Job! It was such an encouragement to me, I pray that I can be as Godly as Job was. To always walk righly before God and do what He says is good and just. There were lots of cool metaphors and word pictures throughout the book too. I am loving Abraham's life as well, I too wish I could hear/talk to God as directly as he (and Noah) did. I also loved how Abraham's servant asked for something specific, how to get Isaac a wife, and God answered his specific prayer. So cool!

My Bible still has not come in, do you think (Tina or Janna ;0) you could give me the readings from yesterday through at least next week? That would be great- I just read the next few chapters of Genesis yesterday because I didn't know what exactly we were doing. Thanks, talk to ya'll later~

Scott Harvell is with Jesus now

Thank you all for praying so fervently for Scott Harvell. Life support was removed this afternoon, and Scott went home with Jesus. He is not suffering anymore. He is well. I'm sure he is thrilled to be walking with his beloved Savior.
I'm told Laura is strong right now as she is concerned with planning a memorial service for her husband who was loved by so many. Still, let's pray that Jesus would hold her and carry her for quite a long while. Let's also pray for provision for her and her daughter. Anslie has special needs and Laura has been a stay at home mom. Scott was their only source of income. His church has been helping them for a while, but it is uncertain how long that can continue. They have many medical bills for Scott and Anslie. They've been through so much. Let's pray that our dear Father God would step in and help them, and meet all of their needs. Kellie told me she is friends with Scott's family, so maybe she has more information.
Again, thanks for praying. God is still good. He is a good Daddy. He won't abandon His children. Praise God.

God loves Scott, Laura, and Anslie Harvell

So far in our reading we've seen how God has been gentle, loving, and patient with His people. We've also seen many of them go through some really bad stuff. It is hard to understand sometimes, but God is always good. He never abandoned them, and He'll never abandon us.
Please pray as often as you can for the miraculous healing of Scott Harvell today. If you checked his caring bridge entry yesterday, then you know they did another brain scan today to check for brain activity. It showed no change. They have been advised to turn off all machines keeping him alive. His family is gathering in his room now and saying their goodbyes. Sometime later today they will unplug the machines. There is still room for a miracle. Let's pray that when they unplug him, he'll begin to breathe on his own. Let's pray that God would touch him and heal him and keep him here with his wife and special needs daughter for a while longer.
We all know that the ultimate decision is in God's hands. We know that He knows what is best for every precious person involved, and we agree that it is His will we want. Still, we believe God has the power to heal Scott, so I think it honors God for us to ask Him to do these miracles that are so easy for Him.
Thanks for praying today. I'll update as I learn more.

URGENT: Pray for Scott Harvell

Hello everyone. This is an urgent prayer request for a devoted young pastor, husband, and father. He is a man of God who has given Him glory through some serious medical trials. His wife also glorifies God, and is amazingly strong. They need a miracle now. This is so easy for our God. He is God. He is in control. He is good. He will be these things whether He miraculously heals Scott or takes him to heaven. Both are equally easy to Almighty God. Let's all pray and ask God for the miracle. Please click on the following link to read the update and prayer request. If it doesn't work, try pasting it in your browser. You can also check out their caring bridge journal if you want to learn more about them. Thank you.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/pastorscottharvell

God showed up!

In today's passages there was a continuous theme - God showed up. God tested Abraham to see if he really feared him. God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham built the altar and tied Isaac down , but then God showed up. God provided a ram for the sacrifice instead of the boy. God is so faithful! Then Sarah died. Abraham, no doubt, loved his wife and wanted to honor her with a proper burial. Again, God showed up. He provided Abraham with a field and cave so that Abraham could bury his wife. Finally, Isaac needed a wife. Abraham sent one of his servants back to his country to find a wife for Isaac. God showed up and provided Rebekah.

The lesson I learned today: Be courageous and have faith because God will show up!!! Just as God did for Abraham, He will provide for my needs. I just need to continue to trust Him and put my faith in Him.

What?!?

Today's readings have some stuff in them that I have wondered about for years. If anybody has some insight, please share.
Ch. 19- So much evil! But, why would Lot offer his daughters to be raped by the men of the city? Why did the daughters later rape him? Why didn't they ask him to help them find husbands somewhere? Surely, Abraham would've helped. So horrible and twisted!
Ch. 20- Why is Abraham scared again, and letting another man have at his wife to save his own skin? I praise God that He intervened and rescued Sarah, and made sure her reputation was protected. I'm glad also that God was merciful to the king who'd sinned unknowingly, and forgave him. But, why did Abraham have to pray for him to be forgiven? Abraham was wrong! I guess God knew he was afraid and had mercy on him. I don't know. Women sure didn't seem to have much say in things back then did they? Thank You God for taking care of us women. :)
Ch. 21- God kept His promise, and Sarah gives birth to Isaac- "laughter." How sweet, she knows people will laugh with her over them having a baby at such an old age. However, laughing at her son would not be tolerated and Hagar and Ishmael are sent away. Hmm. But, again, God sees them and takes care of them. Lord Jesus, please keep taking care of all abandoned women and children. Then, Abraham and Abimilech make a treaty, Abraham gets his well back, and Abraham plants a tree and worships God. He worshipped the Lord, the Eternal God. Maybe He is now realizing the greatness and power of God, and His love and care for him. Maybe this is a whole new level of trust for him. So he lived there, trusting God, as a foreigner for a long time.
You know, our world is pretty evil. And we are foreigners here. May we simply trust God. Lord, there is so much I don't understand. I'm glad I don't have to. I'm glad I can trust You. Thank You for loving me so faithfully and picking me up every time I fall. Thank You for having mercy and compassion on me when I've acted foolishly out of fear. There is no love like Yours. Hallelujah! I know all things are in Your hands and You will take care of me and my friends. You are the Lord, the Eternal God, and I worship You. Amen.

sodom and Gomorrah

I'm just thinking about all the lost people in Sodom and Gomorrah. We are going to read about the destruction tomorrow. But, as I was reading the passage today I realized that in today's terms, Sodom was an "Unreached" city. Out of the whole population, less than 10 righteous people could be identified. No one is righteous on their own. So, this translates to tell me that less than 10 people were followers of the One True God.

Without doubt, God was just in destroying the sinful cities. I'm not questioning that fact. I'm just thinking of other cities around our world with so few "righteous" people.

God is so good, and patient

Today's reading reminded me that our God is so good, and so patient with us. Sarai got impatient waiting for God to fulfill His promise, so she tried to help Him out. Bad idea. To this day contempt still exists between Arabs and Jews. Still, God was so patient with everyone involved. He was El Roi, the God who sees; He saw each person and reached out to them and cared for them. God is so good and forgiving. I'm sooooo grateful! So many times in my life I get tired of waiting on God, and try to make things happen. And lots of times I can convince myself that this must be the way God wanted it to happen. Oh God, keep me from running ahead with my own plans and trying to stick Your name on them. Please speak clearly to me, and give me the wisdom and discernment to wait on You and walk with You.
Jesus, and a couple of angels did come back and visit with Abram and Sarai years later to tell them they'd soon have a son. He confirmed His covenant with Abraham to bless him and make him a blessing to the world. In return, He only wanted them to know that He is their God. He wanted Abraham to direct his sons and their families to keep His way by doing what is right and just. Ya know, so many of life's decisions could be simplified if we would always seek to do what is just and right.
God demonstrated His goodness and patience again by agreeing with Abraham to spare Sodom if only ten righteous people could be found there. We know there won't be, and destruction is coming. But it was nice to read this interaction and realize that God isn't some angry wielder of lightening bolts and fire looking for a chance to destroy us. Actually, He is extremely merciful, willing to spare even the blatantly wicked on behalf of a few righteous who would stand in the gap. It also makes me think of my beloved country, the USA, where the number of the righteous seems to be dwindling. I pray that our nation would turn back to God who has been so merciful to us, and has blessed us so richly. Lord, please forgive our many sins, and give our leaders and our citizens the wisdom and desire to do what is right and just. Turn our hearts back to Jesus. Dear Jesus, help me teach my children Your ways. I love You. Amen.

Abram rocks!

When reading about Abram this morning I was blown away by several things. First of all, God spoke very clearly to Abram. He told him to leave everything and go to a place where God desired him to go. Secondly, without hesitation, Abram obeyed. Abram left everything and followed God. Finally, Abram had everybody else's best interests in mind - Sarah, Lot, etc. Abram was a selfless follower of God. God obviously had great plans in mind for Abram, but it all hinged on Abram's obedience. God spoke. Abram obeyed. Simple as that.

My prayer is that God will speak clearly so that I will know exactly what He desires me to do for Him. I pray that I won't hesitate, but will follow God wherever He sends me. I pray that I would be a selfless follower and will put others ahead of myself.

I have no doubt that God saved me to live more of a life than what I am living. I want to make a difference in my community and world. Lord, show me the desires of your heart.

The Call of God

Someone with more Biblical knowledge than me (Janna :) ) will have to verify this but I think we have just read the account of the first missionary tale! At any rate, God called Abram to leave his country, his people,his house and go! The Bible does not tell us but I could not help but wonder.....did Abram struggle with his call? Did he fight with God and try to get out of it? Who knows. What we do know is that he went. We also know that God blessed.

God has called each of us to a different task. Some He has called to leave and go. Others, he has called to a school house to work with teenagers. Maybe He has called you to give up something you love. Of maybe He has called you to walk across the street and share Jesus with your neighbor. Whatever the call, we must obey. No matter how hard it is. He will bless.

Out of the Storm

I have to admit that about two days ago I was pretty tired of Job's situation. I don't know about you but I was so challenged by Job's attitude and as I reflected on my own attitude from day to day, there is only so much personal conviction I can take! He questioned God, he challenged God, and things just kept getting worst for the poor guy!

Today we have finally reached the finish line and suddenly God speaks to Job "out of the storm". As I write there's a storm brewing outside. I can see the lightning flashing across the dark sky and the thunder rumbling. It's pretty incredible to watch, but can you imagine hearing God speak in the midst of a storm?!

Sometimes the storm of life is just like the one I'm watching outside. It rumbles and intimidates, and it make you want to hide inside. However, like Job, I would like to be close enough to God that I can hear His voice and see His power in my life, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you (Job 42:6)."

Let's compare resumes

God speaks! Hallelujah! But He starts off by calling Job out. He said something like, "Who is this little person who thinks he can question My wisdom with his ignorance? Alright then Job, man up and let me ask you a few things. Let's compare resumes and see who knows more." That's just my paraphrase. Then God goes on to list a few of His accomplishments. Yep, I think God wins. He gets to be God. His wisdom is so far beyond our comprehension, I'm glad He's in charge!
Lord, You created everything, and You sustain it all by Your power. In Your wisdom You designed everything to work in specific ways. Forgive me for ever questioning Your plan. Thank You for being in complete control of every detail of life and creation. It means I can completely trust You. You know exactly what You're doing. Praise You Lord!!! Hallelujah!!!

Written for me

Hey ya'll! Did ya'll enjoy Job 35-37 as much as I did? If not, that might be because it was written specifically for me. I'm just kidding, but this was one of those times when I felt like God was speaking clearly and directly to me. God is exalted, and I am humbled. Here are a few things that stood out to me:
*There is none righteous, no not one (not even Job). Just like our sin can't injure God in any way, neither is our righteousness any great gift to Him. Our pride makes us think it is, but no. Nothing we can do can either harm or help God. Our righteousness is like filthy rags, or dirty diapers. When my kids were toddlers, and in a mommy loving mood, sometimes they didn't want anyone to change their diapers but me. If someone smelled a ripe one and offered to change them, they would tell them, "No I want my Mama to do it." I would joke, "It's not exactly an honor honey." I wonder if that's what God thinks when we try to proudly offer Him our righteousness, like a gift. I don't think it angers Him; He is patient with our immaturity. Wonder if He thinks, "That's nice sweetheart, but why don't you keep that trophy on your shelf." ;) Thank You Father, that You never ask us to come to You in our righteousness. Clothe me in Your righteousness, dear Jesus. Make me what I can never be.
*It's great to run to God and tell Him I'm hurting, and tell Him I just don't understand what He's doing. But then I need to trust Him. It's not okay for me to blame Him or accuse Him of not caring. That is pride- like saying I would do a better job if I were god. (absolute evil, no wonder God hates pride!) How much better it is to lay down my pain and trust Jesus. Then I will be able to hear the songs He gives in the night.
*God is always right. He sees. He knows exactly what's going on. He will rescue me when He wants to- His timing really is best. Now this was a big "OUCH!" for me: He lets me suffer injustice to show me my prideful sins. He gets my attention and commands me to turn from evil. I feel like God gave me a specific warning/ promise of blessing. If I'll listen and obey, He'll bless me. If not, I'll suffer much worse. But, He wanted me to go through this period of suffering to teach me to depend on Him and trust Him, even when it's really hard. The first part of 36:15 says, "But by means of their suffering, He rescues those who suffer." I feel like God is telling me that if He had not prolonged my divorce, I would have quickly fallen into a lifestyle of sin because I was so broken and needy. He had to do it this way so I would seek healing in Him, and not in any man. That would have been so unhealthy- and disastrous! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You God, for keeping me. All the pain is worth it to be held so securely in Your arms. Thank You for keeping me from becoming bound in a life of sin again! Thank You for leading me away from danger to a place free from distress. Hallelujah!
*I need to obey God, and walk in personal holiness. It's a matter of attitude- humbly doing what is right because God is awesome. Not to show what I good girl I am. Humility,reverence and awe of God, that is how I should approach God. You are awesome God. I can never stand before You and make an argument. I can't look at the sun, so I certainly can't look into your glory to make my pitiful case. Job 37:22-24, "So also, golden splendor comes from the mountain of God. He is clothed in dazzling splendor. We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though He is just and righteous, He does not destroy us. No wonder people everywhere fear Him. All who are wise show Him reverence." Thank You for being so merciful to me. Thank You for forgiving me. Thank you for being kind and gentle with me. Thank You for loving me. I love You Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Amen.

~How great is our God~

Today in Job 35:1-37:24 I just keep being reminded how great our God is. I really do feel bad for Job, dont get me wrong. However, I'm just reminded that our God has ALL power and ALL authority! We are at the mercy of God, who are we to question anything he does! Our God is great, slow to anger, rich in love! He has been so good to me and I love Him with all my heart.

I was watching CNN the other night and just thinking about those in Haiti who need our prayers right now due to the earthquake. CNN showed a clip of a group of people from Haiti worshiping, it brought tears to my eyes. In the midst of hunger, physical illnesses, bleeding cuts, and all sorts of other hardships they were singing praises to the king. What an example!!

Father, I pray for the people of Haiti would you filled them right now with your love. I pray for the people who are still alive but trapped under buildings, God would you give them strength to hold on and fill their hearts with the peace that passed all understanding. I pray that people would call out to you during this time and that there would be many salvations! We love you Jesus!


Jennifer Ambrose

What to do with Elihu

I am late checking the blog today, and was hoping somebody had some insight into Elihu. To me, at first he seems to be a younger guy angrily spouting off at the mouth. But, I don't quite know how to take him. He says some things that are true, but still wrongly accuses Job of sin. Then again when he said Job sinned in the way he was talking to God, he may have had a point. Some of Job's statements he quoted seem wrong to me. It seems to me that one thing Elihu did right was to stand up for God's character.
Sometimes it did seem like Job was accusing God. Was he wrong? I can't wait to see what God says in the end. I do know that God understood that Job was in great anguish, and didn't get mad at him. It's so easy to sin when we're in a lot of pain. I'm glad He welcomes us, even when we're wrong.
I like the gist of 34:10- (Listen! God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.) True. I gotta remember that when I'm telling God, "but it's not fair." I also like 34:31,32 "Why don't people say to God, 'I have sinned, but will sin no more'? Or, 'I don't know what evil I have done- tell me. If I have done wrong, I will stop at once'?" This is a right attitude to approach God with.
Oh God, You know how sinful my heart really is. Please forgive me for ever approaching You irreverently. Thank you for understanding our weakness, especially when we are in despair. Dear God, please have mercy on us and forgive our sins; don't let them overtake us. Hold us tight as we cling to You and trust You. Amen.

P.S. Let's all keep praying for the lost, needy, and dying in Haiti.

As I read Job today, I was struck by all of the things that Job listed that he did...things like helping the poor and widows, helping orphans, always acting just, encouraging the discouraged...the list goes on. At first, I was totally convicted about how low on my priority list these things are everyday. I go through my life trying to accomplish the things that are on my to-do list and miss so many another eternal things I could be doing. As I was praying about this, another thought hit me. I realized that Job spent this entire time talking about how he was completely righteous in God's eyes...and he was. But I think his point was that he was feeling so frustrated because of the horrible things that had happened to him, and how little he deserved it. Although I have never been through anything even close to all of the tragedies that struck Job, I have had times in my life where bad things have happened. I remember about 5 years ago when I was going through some major health problems and some other struggles, and I was having a hard time. I grew up in church and had always tried to be as righteous as possible. When I hit this low point in my life, I ended up angry at God. Through growing up in church, I always thought essentially that if you do the right thing, God will bless you and life will be good. But God is God. He is so big and so on another level than I am, that I could never comprehend or understand. It was just the reminder that I needed that bad and horrible things happen to everybody. And we just plain aren't in control. Period. And I will be honest and say that many times that fact totally freaks me out. But this is where my faith must come in to help me trust that God is good. He is not safe, but He is GOOD. And God did take care of Job, just like He will take care of me.

Lord, help me to trust in your goodness today. Give me the faith that I need to believe Romans 8:28, "All things work for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose."

Fear and Faith

It is horrible to be afraid that someone might physically harm you. I have been afraid before, but nothing like Job. He said homeless, vagabond type people would attack him for fun. They knew he had no one to help him. He said he lived in terror. That is so sad to me. It made me think of the poor all around the world who live in terror, especially the children. Dear Jesus, please help the poor, homeless children in China, North and South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and South America. Oh God Almighty, defend the orphans. Today, please help, rescue, and sustain the people of Haiti who are terrified after the devastating earthquake. Please help my friends and I see the poor and needy around us and help them in Your name, power, and love.

Faith is more than what we believe, it is what we live. Job was so sure that he had lived faithfully to God, that he said you could write out everything he'd ever done and he'd sign his name to it. Wow. I wouldn't want to suffer through seeing some of the things I've done recorded in print, much less want to sign my name to it. I am grateful that Jesus has covered my sins with His blood, and taken away my shame. :) Hallelujah! So I guess the story book of my life would look like a pad of blood red construction paper. All I could write is, "Redeemed by the blood of Jesus!" I could sign my name to that.
Still, I want to learn from Job, and live my life in such a way that I'd be willing to sign my name to it- before God. Oh God, help me walk with highest integrity, so I can always come to You confidently, knowing in my heart that I've honestly tried to always do the right thing. And when I sin, help me bring it to You quickly and not hide it. Then forgive me, cleanse me, and don't let sin take root in my life. Lord Jesus, I pray for these ladies and myself, that You would keep our hearts free from sin so we can worship You in Spirit and in truth. Fill us and overwhelm us Holy Spirit. Empower us to live boldly for the glory of Christ. Thank You so much for picking us up, cleaning us off, and loving us like You do. There is none like You! Hallelujah!!!

Deep Treasure

I agree with ya'll that Job has been a tough read. This is the first time I've ever gotten into it so much though. I think it's because I know I'm experiencing this with all of you girlfriends! I hope you don't mind me posting so much. I know most of you are far more mature in the faith than I am, and I am eager to learn from you. But I have loved sharing what I think God is teaching me each day. Please let me know if you want me to back off. :) In love and kindness please. :)

Today as I was reading about all of the places to find the various treasures, I realized it was always in deep, dark places. Deep within a pit, where no light reaches, alone, away from contact with things on earth- that's where you find the most precious treasures. Hmmm. I've had some of my most precious times with God when things have seemed hopeless, dark, and overwhelming. Knowing Jesus personally, hearing His voice, that is a deep, precious treasure to me.

Wisdom is the treasure we often seek as God's children. In 28:28 God says, "The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding." I've been asking God for direction a lot lately, and I think He is telling me He wants me to know Him, and to live my life in reverence of Him and obedience to Him. We know Job was blameless and upright, and God was proud of him. I'm glad he told us some of the practices of his righteous lifestyle. These offered lots of good practical pointers for me.

• assisted the poor in their need
• helped orphans
• helped those without hope
• helped widows
• was always honest- in word and action
• was righteous
• was just- acted with justice
• served- as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame
• was a father to the poor
• assisted strangers who needed help
• broke the jaws of godless oppressors
• plucked victims from the teeth of oppressors
• smiled at the discouraged- offered approval and acceptance
• gave wise direction
• didn't take pride in his position, but was humble- was equal
• comforted those who mourned

Lord, open my eyes to see needs around me that I can meet. I pray my life will honor you and forsake evil. Please help me point people to Jesus. You are our true hope and joy. :)

Spiritual smelting

I've really enjoyed reading y'all's notes on the Bible so far, and I've been meaning to write something, but Job, for me, is a really difficult book to connect with or even to think about. I think it's pretty incredible that God has included a book in the Bible that basically asks the question, "Am I really good?", and leaves us to sort it out for forty-two chapters. Today, Job said, "As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live" (27:1-6). Job lived his whole life before this blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil. He dedicated his resources to the good of others. He served as priest for his family, offering sacrifices to cover them just in case they had sinned. How many years had he done this? Enough for each of his children to be grown enough to have a house. His reputation in front of God was the same as his reputation in front of people, and then one day, everything disappeared. The richest man in the east lost all of his flocks; the loving father lost all of his children. Eventually, he couldn't even say, "Well, at least I still have my health," and then his wife told him she wanted him to die, and his friends who should have been his supports systematically attacked him, Bildad especially with blistering accusations. He had refused to speak ill of God through incredible loss, and only the sustained pressure of false comforters goaded him to the extent that he justified himself over God, "who has denied me justice...."

Some things stick out to me here. How much adversity did it take for false views of God to surface in Job's life? I think his statement in 23:10 is significant: "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Whether or not Job was entirely aware of his statement, it nevertheless rings true. In this cauldron of suffering, God melted Job until the dross rose to the surface. By the end of the book, he does come forth as gold. This is amazing to me; Job had to undergo the loss of every earthly delight before his dross came forth. It takes very little pressure to bring mine forth (when He has tested me, I will come forth as pewter?). What Job knew about God, he knew from personal experience and from probably only the first eleven chapters of Genesis. I have the whole Bible. I have Job's whole story; I can read it with a full apprehension of the end. He had a few chapters, some stories, and a lifetime of experience that had suddenly turned far south. He spoke a chapter on wisdom that I'm pretty sure inspired Proverbs and quite a few of the Psalms. He had a pretty huge view of God, and he really knew God: "How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when His lamp shone upon my head and by His light I walked through darkness! Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil" (29:1b-6). If God tested me this way, how would I come out? What is incredibly amazing is that God brought wonderful, bright gold out of Job's life and experience and shared it with eternity. I want Him to do that with mine too (though, to be frank, I'd rather He did it with a minimum of pain).

An Admission

Ok so i have to admit that i have been reading the scripture and reading the posts,
but as i shared with Leigh on Sunday at Church ....THIS IS HARD TO READ!!!!!
I have spent so much time in the new testament recently and though it is not always happy and positive i want POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING when i read.
As usual God has another plan for me.......I feel like He is telling me to
spend more time looking for others who are struggling and DO SOMETHING to help
them. It is so easy or easier for me to just go through my life and live in it
then to look around and get involved in others lives who might truly need
to hear a positive word or have something positive done for them.
Today i read through the passage and got to Job 28:28 and realized again
what a powerful verse that is.....Lord i pray for wisdom in seeking your will
even when it takes me places that are uncomfortable for me.

Opportunity to teach

"I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal."
Job took the opportunity to teach about the power of God while he was in the middle of his crisis. I fear that many times while in the middle of mine, I am to caught up in my issue to teach anything!

Father God, help me to remember that people are watching and looking for YOU. Help me to be a good witness in good and bad times!

Wisdom

Oh Father, teach me to fear you and strengthen me to shun evil that I may have wisdom and understanding. Help me not to rest in security of health and things but only in You. Amen

Who then can understand the thunder of HIS power?

Please Lord help me to be like Job. Even when he was suffering greatly, he KNEW your awesomeness. There is absolute power in these passages:
"He spreads out the northern skies over empty space...He wraps up the waters in his clouds...By his breath the skies become fair, his hand pierced the gliding serpent" And Job says this is only the beginning, "the outer fringe of his works." Lord how in the world do we think we can understand all that you do and allow? God give me compassion for those who are struggling and give me strength when I am struggling!

Someone to watch over me

I felt today like I could really relate to Job. It seems that currently I have looked everywhere for God, but I don't always see him. Job said "if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north I do not see him; when he turns to the south I catch no glimpse of him" (Job 23:8-9). There have been times presently when I have called out to God for help, instruction, clarity, etc. but I have not heard from Him or felt His presence. HOWEVER, as Job said, "he knows the ways that I take; when he has tested me I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). I love the fact that even when we don't see God, He always sees us. I find such strength in knowing that the challenges that I am facing are ways that God refines me and makes me like gold. My prayer is that God will open my eyes so that I can see more clearly the plans that He has for me. He's always here, I just need to trust. In the end I want to be like gold.

To see You Lord

After reading Job 19-21, I found myself in agreement with Job. His "friends" spoke of all of the terrible things that happen to the wicked (to imply Job must've sinned). But Job disagreed, pointing out that lots of wicked people seem to have it good and easy, and if anything seem to escape calamity when it comes. That is true. What happens to people is no indicator of their character. Stuff just happens- to anybody, good and bad. I too thought it seemed unfair. So, I must look to God.
Lord, it seems unjust that the wicked seem to rarely suffer punishment. But, I know You are good and merciful. I know You want them to repent and come to You. You alone know whether or not punishment would cause them to seek You. You are wise, and I will trust You. It also seems unjust that good, righteous people suffer great tragedies that You could prevent. But, again, You are wise. You know what You are doing in all of our lives, and what You want to teach us. Oh God, help us know You better as we go through times of suffering. Help us be willing to go through anything to get to know You better.
You are my God, and You are my dear Friend. Oh my Jesus, I love You. And, I know my Redeemer lives! No matter what I go through now, I know one day I will see You for myself! You will call me, and I will see You with my own eyes! Hallelujah! Like Job, I am overwhelmed at the thought. I love You Jesus. Amen.

Jan 10 - Jan 21 Daily Readings

Jan 10 - Job 19:1 - 21:34
Jan 11 - Job 22:1 - 26:14
Jan 12 - Job 27:1 - 29:25
Jan 13 - Job 30:1 - 31:40
Jan 14 - Job 32:1 - 34:37
Jan 15 - Job 35:1 - 37:24
Jan 16 - Job 38:1 - 39:30
Jan 17 - Job 40:1 - 42:17
Jan 18 - Genesis 11:27 - 15:21
Jan 19 - Genesis 16:1 - 18:33
Jan 20 - Genesis 19:1 - 21:34, Genesis 25:12-18, 1 Chronicles 1:28-31
Jan 21 - Genesis 22:1 - 24:67

Enjoy :)

next week's readings....

hey- my Bible still has not come in yet, do you think you could post next weeks readings too Tina?

The Unveiling of Scripture

I will have to admit that this is the first time I have actually read the entire book of Job (well through chapter 18 anyways!) I always became frustrated and quit because I didn't understand. But this time I actually feel that I am getting a grasp on what is actually happening. Especially through the comments and posts of all of you.

It is unbelievable to me how condemning and confused Job's friends are - sadly they just don't get it. I wonder if I am like that sometimes -- I think I have all this wisdom and that I am soooo super godly and yet, maybe I am totally missing out on what God desires to show me. Oh, how I hope that from now on my eyes are completely open! That before I share 'my wisdom' I seek the Lord when I need to help or encourage a friend or teammate.

I have always wondered why the Lord allowed Satan to persecute Job .... I am pretty sure that I will never know - but what I learned today, was that even in all of this persecution the Lord was showing Job (and us) that their was more to a relationship with Him. Somehow I think Job is understanding that their IS a Holy Spirit and he longs for that 'mediator' to intercede on his behalf. He is realizing that He wants/needs more from the Lord than just rules and sacrifices. He needs the love, encouragement and all encompassing power of our Lord and Creator.

I hope that in the midst of trials and persecution that I will 'see' the Lord - that I will draw near to Him and let Him teach me - even if no one else is there to stand up for me, that my faith would be as strong as Job's. "You must defend my innocence, O God, since no one else will stand up for me." Job 17:3. Thank goodness we are not alone!!

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

I think I would rather have no friends at all! Job's friends did not understand that Job had not done anything to deserve his calamity. Where is Job's hope? Please God let me be the kind of friend to point a hurting friend towards the hope that there is in YOU. I don't want to be the friend who tries to condemn. These passages made me think about the book "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." (Kushner) We always want to know why, but sometimes it is not for us to know. You know even though Bildad did not have it right as he tried to accuse Job, it was comforting to be reminded that those who really are evil and do evil things will be punished one day. Maybe I shouldn't feel comforted by that; however, it is very difficult to see the violence and pain in the world and not want justice.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Hard Lessons

Job has become my friend. I really can not stand it that he is in such a hard trial. I have many friends who are facing incredible trials at this time. Divorce, cancer, loss of jobs, financial disaster, the list goes on and on........ My heart breaks for them. I feel the same for them as I do for Job in this moment. I just want God to show up! Make it better! Ease the pain! I know He can! I believe He can!
It is so hard in the middle of great trials to remember that God is with us even there. God is with Job. God is with my friends. It is so hard to understand that He has a plan for us even in the middle of all the junk. We must learn the lessons. Even the hard ones.

Friends

Wow, Job's friends never cease to amaze me with their accusations. I have always thought just his friends were sitting there condemning him. Today 15:10 jumped out at me..."The grey-haired and the aged are on our side, men even older than your father." Do you see a church committee forming here to send out these me to 'bring Job back to the fold'?? Amazing! The whole community was against him.

The other thing that keeps mulling over in my mind is this: did Job also think God was against him too, actually doing these things to him? Sometimes I think he did, then I read verses like 16:19-20a where he says "Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. (would this be Jesus?) My intercessor is my friend...(would this be the Holy Spirit?)" I know that Jesus is our 'defense attorney' so to speak and that the Spirit interecedes for us. How did Job know about Jesus and the Spirit? Or did he just know that his God was on his side no matter what everyone else said?

Bless His name!

One verse that caught my attention in Job 13:15 was " Though He slay me, YET will I hope in Him". That to me really speaks alot about the condition of Jobs heart during all his trails. Job was going through some really, really hard times and he still, even still blessed the name of the Lord. God is still good and worthy of all praise even when we are in the hardest of times. He is worthy because He is God and there is none like Him in all the earth. Father, I pray you would help us to remember to worship you right in the middle of lifes hurts and everyday struggles.


I bless your name Abba,


Jennifer Ambrose

Two Things

Two things stood out to me today. First is how Job confronted his friend for speaking in a judgemental way on God's behalf. Ouch! I know I've said before that God wouldn't let someone get away with something, only to see them seemingly get away with it. How incredibly foolish of me! I have no right to to blame people in God's name. Only He can truly judge a person's heart. Only He knows how He is working out His plan. And He is quite able to speak for Himself if He wants to confront someone with their sin. I am thankful that He is God and not me. I am thankful that He is so full of mercy and forgiveness.
Second, I was struck by the depth of Job's love for God. He wasn't railing God out or telling Him off. He didn't want to be done with God or get rid of Him. More than anything He wanted loving fellowship with God. Job 14 verses 13-17 are precious. He is willing to die and wait eagerly in the grave for God to forgive him, yearn for him, and call him back to Himself. What a wonderful thought, that God would yearn to be with us. The beautiful thing is that He does yearn to be with us in close, loving relationship. He gave His only Son to make it possible! Thank You dear, sweet Jesus for saving me. Thank You God for letting me know You. I love You. Amen

Silence

Silence......it is what Job wanted from his friends and not from his God. Yet, the One he longed to hear from was silent. Father, help me to remain faithful even in times of silence, resting heavily upon what I know is truth and continually seeking You until I hear from You.

A sweet fragrance ...

Job’s friend was not a friend at all! Do I fall into that category sometimes? Do I sit in judgment of others and put on my self-righteousness? I know I do!! How detestable I must look and smell to God in those moments!

Give me your eyes, God. Let me see others through Your mercy and grace. Let me view others, knowing I am a sinner saved by grace. I have nothing and am nothing without you! May my words and actions be pleasing to You, a sweet fragrance!

Tell Him anything!

Sometimes you just need to vent... and I mean really vent!! The type of venting I'm talking about is the kind you cannot tell a single person on earth, because it may actually be about that person :) You know... that kind of venting. I'm sooooo thankful God is my best friend!! No seriously, he is my very best friend!! We've been through so much together and still He is there. He never leaves us no matter what we have done or said or even thought. In Job 8:1-10:22 the picture I get is just very sad. Job is really pouring out his heart to the Lord. He is being real and honest, and I know the Lord appreciates that! Sometimes the best couseling ever is going into a room or place all my yourself and pouring out your heart to the Lord. After doing so, then listening to His words of comfort to your soul. I have done this many times and its healing! The best part about it is thats its FREE, and your sharing with someone who will not say a word to anyone! I'm thankful Jesus does not judge us, but He receives us even in our weaknesses! I love you Jesus!!



Vent to Him! :)


Jennifer Ambrose

A couple of housekeeping issues.......

Hey girls. First of all, let me say that this new group of friends is such a blessing to me! It is so good to share and talk to you all. It is so sweet to pray for you and to listen to how God is working in your lives. Thank you for sharing your hearts. This is going to be a great year!
Now, a couple of things.
1. If you would like to post, you must send me an email so that I can add you to the list of authorized posters. Send it to tinalouderback@gmail.com
2. The blog offers an option for you to have any posts and comments sent directly to your email box. I find this easier than checking the blog. Just letting you know it is an option for you.
3. I am going to "close" the blog on Saturday. At that point, only authorized readers will be able to look at the blog. Each of you will be authorized. :) Janna and I feel like this will be important as we continue to share our hearts with each other. It will provide a more private setting for all of us.

That is it for now. Again, it is a joy to join you in this journey.
Tina

"Sinners in the hands of an angry God"

I thought of that old sermon as I read Bildad's words this morning. He was talking about how forgetting God is like hanging by a thread and leaning on a spider web. That's true, but I wanted to punch him for saying Job's kids sinned against God and deserved to die. Self-righteous people can be so cold hearted and uncaring. The sad truth is, it is very easy for any of us to jump to judgement and spew self-righteous condemnation on others. God forgive us and open our eyes!



As I read Job's words I cried for him. His despair was so great. He even believed God was watching him, looking for more chances to give him a beating. I wanted to tell him it was Satan beating him down, not God! God loved him and was proud of Him! But, God could have stopped this testing at any time and He hadn't yet. That's the hard part to understand.



I think I sense a change beginning to happen in Job's relationship with God though. Job was innocent and upright. He did everything he was supposed to and he feared God. But his reverence seems to keep a bit of distance between He and God. It is something I struggle with- balancing the holy awe of God with the friendship of God. I get a sense that Job is ready to break through any ceremonial restraint and run into God's presence and cry out to Him!



There is no God like our God!!! Jesus made a way for us to be clean, clothed in His righteousness, so we can come boldly before the throne of God! We can know God for ourselves! I think Job is about to know God like he has never known Him before. Maybe that's why God allowed this all to happen.



God, whatever circumstances we find ourselves in right now, help us see You and know You like we never have before. Amen.

Who am I

While reading this morning I was struck by the awesomeness of our God. Job speaks in his reply of some of the things God does in 9:4-10. My bullseye for today is vs. 14..."How then can I dispute with Him? How can I find words to argue with Him?" Ashamedly, too many times I have disputed His direction and have found words to argue why I shouldn't/can't do what He has told me to do. Father, please forgive me. You are beyond my comprehension. Help me to be obedient and bow the knee to You and Your directives.

Rock Bottom

Poor Job. When I read the passages today, I really felt the despair and cries of Job's heart. He said that he "loathed his very life". Job was at rock bottom. I can't say that I have ever "loathed my life", but I have had times when I felt that God had put me in a pit. I have been at rock bottom and wondered when God would show up to save me. It's interesting how in my head I know that God is in control, but when my heart hurts so bad with pain, sorrow and confusion, it's hard to stay focused on the truth.

As Christians, we will all endure times of pain and suffering. It is completely normal to express how well feel, just like Job did. Sometimes we might even wish that we were never born. God certainly hears our cries and He will be faithful to restore us. I can't wait to finally see our friend Job restored. Hallelujah, God allows us to plead with him and in the end, His will for our lives will prevail.

Honest with God

I love that Job poured out his hear to God, sharing earnestly his hurts and frustrations. In Chapter 6, Job is talking to Eliphaz, but in Chapter 7, he is talking to God. Obviously, I want to be respectful in my conversations with the Lord, but I also desire to be real and honest, using everyday langauge. God knows my heart and my emotions even better than I know myself, why should I try to "filter" what I share with Him?

He never changes!

Over the past years I've kinda caught myself longing for the good old days, like days from the past. God reminded me this morning that there are always going to be seasons in life, and life is always going to change no matter how much we might not want it to. Seasons come and they go, but Jesus never changes. Our feelings, job, relationships may change, but HE NEVER CHANGES. I'm so thankful that I have a God that is the same yesterday, today and forever! This journey we call life is going to have its ups and downs but we can remain stable if we look to Jesus who is our rock. God is working in our lives in each season, even the ones we dont enjoy so much... Especially the ones we dont enjoy, thats when He's working the MOST! Its like climbing a latter we are growing more and more and more each time we choose to push through the hard seasons of life and claim His promises over our lives. The best is yet to come!! 2010 is going to be a GREAT YEAR!!!

Today's bible reading was from Job 4:1-7:21I'm sure Job longed for his good old days as well, when his world started to crash down before him. God wants to stretch us and Job was FOR SURE being stretched in areas I'm sure he did not want to be!! I wish we got to pick whick areas in our lives we wanted God to work on, haha if only... Well, I would probably say to the Lord each day... I dont think I want ANY area to be stretched today. :) The truth is if we got to pick it would not be good...So thats why He is God and we are not. Father, help me to praise your name even in the seasons of life that are hard. Thank you God for never, ever changing!!

Blessings,


Jennifer Ambrose

Comiserating with Job

I awoke with a heavy heart this morning. This year has not started off very well. I had hoped and prayed that this would be a year of new beginnings, but I don't see signs of anything changing yet. Can I whine a little? Please have mercy on me. I'm in a long, horrible, seemingly unending divorce. Many of you don't know me or my circumstances, and there is waaaaay too much to try to get into details about why. I will tell you that I sought Godly counsel of professional Christian counselors and several pastors, and they agree I am justified in divorcing. Anyway, the lawyers are supposed to be working on settlement papers (have been since October), so I hoped this year would bring some relief. I still hope it will, but like Job, I just don't see how I'm going to make it much longer.

I know what it's like to have people judge me unfairly, like Job's friends did. They don't know what our life was really like. We had an image of the perfect little Christian family, so some people just assume I went crazy. I have also been told things like I must be too close to my parents (untrue, he virtually isolated me from them), that I am selfish and out of God's will, and that I am led by demons. All the while I am trying to honor God and not tell these people the dark truths of what our home was really like. I have also prayed, like Job, that God would kill me before letting me dishonor His name. I must tell you, though, that He is merciful and has not answered that prayer. Unlike Job, I have let the stress of all this get to me and have said plenty of things I shouldn't. I am not nearly as upright as Job, and have had to ask God to forgive me and rescue me from sin many times. My biggest struggle right now is with the sins of bitterness and hate. God, please help me keep on forgiving and don't let these evils take root in my heart.

Then, last night I had a scary run in with mean and controlling X. So, again today I cried out to God for help. I'm tired of being afraid. I'm tired of fearing for my children. I'm tired of feeling unsafe. I'm tired of seeing injustice continue. I'm tired of struggling. I'm weary because I see no end in sight for these things. My Bible was opened, and I looked up and saw Psalm 31:2, "Turn Your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe." Then verse 7, "I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul." Ya'll, I take so much comfort in knowing that God is with me, otherwise I couldn't survive. But, God didn't rescue Job right away, and I have no promise that He'll rescue us soon either. I am just so grateful that He hasn't abandoned me. I know Jesus is with me and He loves me. I know He sees me and He cares. I don't know what to do but keep clinging to Jesus, and contact my lawyer again. Ya'll, please pray for me and my children that God would protect us and provide for us. Please pray that God would have His will and be glorified in me. Thank you.

If anyone has any encouragement to give, I'd appreciate your comments. I apologize for being so pathetic and laying my heartache out there for you all to see. I assure you this only skims the surface; I didn't show you the maggots. ;) Thank you God that I've not suffered anywhere near as much as Job!!!