I've been absent a few days, but still constantly researching topics on my heart, because that it what I am led to do. As you might imagine, coming across as much information as we're sometimes able to can be too much to say the least.
It's funny, right after my last post, as I was so convinced that food was the best place to enter in to learning about God's Torah, I found some information called, "The Mosaic Law: It's Function and Purpose in the New Testament." This article attempted to prove, scripturally, in great detail, about why the law is something we don't need to follow anymore. His points were well backed up with scripture and generally, it is what I have heard in Christian circles. I spent a while reading it though, and it is still pulled up on my computer. http://bible.org/article/mosaic-law-its-function-and-purpose-new-testament
I may have gotten the scripture from this article or not, but, Hebrews 13:9 cut through some of the muck and mire for me, as it reads: Do not be carried away by various strange teachings; for what is good is for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods. People who have made these the focus of their lives have not benefited thereby. This was a relieving statement, but does it mean that we can do away with Torah altogether? Also, there is a young (but very wise) girl's blog, who I've been browsing for some time now, who is dedicated to the Messiah, Jeshua, Jesus! And also she is dedicated to keeping the Torah. Her arguments are also biblical and make a lot of sense. And in fact, she just posted and article yesterday that seems to also address questions on my heart. It seemed like it was almost written just for me! Her article is here:http://aponderingheart.com/blog/?p=4830
In all this study, I know, I must remember, God's Word is true and constant, it is the final authority, and it does not contradict itself, though people have derived so many differing opinions from it! So how will I know that my understanding is the correct understanding? Probably I need to start reading God's Word (to me) a little more than other blogs about it! Even good ones =P Now that I'm not on my 30-day schedule, I have definitely not been spending the amount of time there I was before.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
My Starting Place - God and Food
So, my study in God's Word thus far has brought me this far!
First, I learned that in order to be at peace/ ease with God's we had to obey His Word / His commands.
Then, I learned that God's Word taught that obeying the commands is not enough, but the God truly desires a relationship with us through His son, Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah.
I'm learning that we, as children of the New Covenant in Jesus, must live first from the place of being set at ease / having our sin atoned for. Then, we must follow His commands, because we love Him. Following His commands, shows Him and others that we love and seek to follow after God.
A bit of personal info about me - I'm always searching out the newest food guidelines that I can find. Growing up, my mom was a nutritionist, and I think that's where I get some of it from. But, I took it on myself, and enjoy discovering what are the best, most nutritious foods to eat for optimal health of the body.
As one could imagine, I've come across TONS of information over the years, much of it conflicting. If you've ever researched nutrition, you know what I mean! New studies are always coming out and new trials always being run.
So, as I really long to dig into God's Law of Life (His commands, His Torah) I thought what better place to start than to investigate what God says about food! I've been so ready and eager to follow every and any advice of man. I think I have a pretty good handle on most of the conventional wisdom that is out there today. It's time to see how that all compares to what God has to say.
Next I'll start with what God began teaching me from His Word about sugar! :) Stay tuned. (I know I will, since on most days I'm the only one who reads this) hehe :)
First, I learned that in order to be at peace/ ease with God's we had to obey His Word / His commands.
Then, I learned that God's Word taught that obeying the commands is not enough, but the God truly desires a relationship with us through His son, Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah.
I'm learning that we, as children of the New Covenant in Jesus, must live first from the place of being set at ease / having our sin atoned for. Then, we must follow His commands, because we love Him. Following His commands, shows Him and others that we love and seek to follow after God.
A bit of personal info about me - I'm always searching out the newest food guidelines that I can find. Growing up, my mom was a nutritionist, and I think that's where I get some of it from. But, I took it on myself, and enjoy discovering what are the best, most nutritious foods to eat for optimal health of the body.
As one could imagine, I've come across TONS of information over the years, much of it conflicting. If you've ever researched nutrition, you know what I mean! New studies are always coming out and new trials always being run.
So, as I really long to dig into God's Law of Life (His commands, His Torah) I thought what better place to start than to investigate what God says about food! I've been so ready and eager to follow every and any advice of man. I think I have a pretty good handle on most of the conventional wisdom that is out there today. It's time to see how that all compares to what God has to say.
Next I'll start with what God began teaching me from His Word about sugar! :) Stay tuned. (I know I will, since on most days I'm the only one who reads this) hehe :)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Laws and Relationship
Yesterday, I left my blog entry dangling with quite the question in my heart about the role of Torah (the Law) in a born-again, Spirit-filled person's life, who has accepted the sacrifice of her Savior, Yesuah, Jesus, the Messiah, and become grafted into the Vine.
Whew!
I don't listen to radio that much. Yesterday, I flicked it on and the first thing that I heard caught my attention:
"Rules without relationship...lead to rebellion." Honestly, the second part is fuzzy in my memory, but the first part was clear. Rules without relationship
...lead to rebellion...
...don't last
...don't work
...are weak
...have not accountability, enforcement, hold no true weight.
Hmmm...I sort of like that last one.
If I follow all the laws of God as best I can, but have no regard for the One who put the laws there, what do I profit? Maybe the Israelites had a difficult time consistently keeping the laws of God, because they had such a difficult time keeping close to the God who made them.
Whew!
I don't listen to radio that much. Yesterday, I flicked it on and the first thing that I heard caught my attention:
"Rules without relationship...lead to rebellion." Honestly, the second part is fuzzy in my memory, but the first part was clear. Rules without relationship
...lead to rebellion...
...don't last
...don't work
...are weak
...have not accountability, enforcement, hold no true weight.
Hmmm...I sort of like that last one.
If I follow all the laws of God as best I can, but have no regard for the One who put the laws there, what do I profit? Maybe the Israelites had a difficult time consistently keeping the laws of God, because they had such a difficult time keeping close to the God who made them.
Monday, March 7, 2011
What Role Do God's Command's Play in My Life?
Matthew 6:25 "Therefore, I tell you, don't worry about your life -- what you will eat or drink; or about your body -- what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing?"
merimna (care, anxiety) - mérimna (see 3307 /merízō, "divide") – properly, a part, separated from the whole; (figuratively) worry (anxiety), dividing and fracturing a person's being into parts. See 3309 (merimnaō). (http://strongsnumbers.com/greek/3308.htm)
We're talking about literally being divided or distracted. What causes me to be divided or distracted? So many things.
What causes me to be made whole? Understanding with conviction. Being convinced, and walking it out.
I see division when I see 5 different tabs open on my internet screen researching one topic, trying to pull me in 5 different directions. Let God's Word Be True.
So now the question on my heart is, What role do God's commands play in our life?
Matthew 5
17 "Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. (accomplish, complete, fulfill)
From pleres; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc. -- accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. http://strongsnumbers.com/greek/4137.htm
18 Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah -- not until everything that must happen has happened. 19 So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. So if the Law is fulfilled, why does it matter if we disobey it? 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness is far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and P'rushim, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven! 21 "You have heard that our fathers were told, `Do not murder,'l and that anyone who commits murder will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you that anyone who nurses anger against his brother will be subject to judgment; that whoever calls his brother, `You good-for-nothing!' will be brought before the Sanhedrin; that whoever says, `Fool!' incurs the penalty of burning in the fire of Gei-Hinnom! And, it seems like it's becoming even harder to literally obey it! Matthew 13 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all the things that cause people to sin and all the people who are far from Torah; (other translations say "who practice lawlessness".) 42 and they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where people will wail and grind their teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let him hear! This is very interesting to investigate. Until I hear otherwise (that's sort of a joke), I remain steadfastly considering that Jesus, Yeshua, completely filled the law, and did not diminish or abolish it.
merimna (care, anxiety) - mérimna (see 3307 /merízō, "divide") – properly, a part, separated from the whole; (figuratively) worry (anxiety), dividing and fracturing a person's being into parts. See 3309 (merimnaō). (http://strongsnumbers.com/greek/3308.htm)
We're talking about literally being divided or distracted. What causes me to be divided or distracted? So many things.
What causes me to be made whole? Understanding with conviction. Being convinced, and walking it out.
I see division when I see 5 different tabs open on my internet screen researching one topic, trying to pull me in 5 different directions. Let God's Word Be True.
So now the question on my heart is, What role do God's commands play in our life?
Matthew 5
17 "Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. (accomplish, complete, fulfill)
From pleres; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc. -- accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. http://strongsnumbers.com/greek/4137.htm
18 Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or a stroke will pass from the Torah -- not until everything that must happen has happened. 19 So whoever disobeys the least of these mitzvot and teaches others to do so will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. So if the Law is fulfilled, why does it matter if we disobey it? 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness is far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and P'rushim, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven! 21 "You have heard that our fathers were told, `Do not murder,'l and that anyone who commits murder will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you that anyone who nurses anger against his brother will be subject to judgment; that whoever calls his brother, `You good-for-nothing!' will be brought before the Sanhedrin; that whoever says, `Fool!' incurs the penalty of burning in the fire of Gei-Hinnom! And, it seems like it's becoming even harder to literally obey it! Matthew 13 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all the things that cause people to sin and all the people who are far from Torah; (other translations say "who practice lawlessness".) 42 and they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where people will wail and grind their teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let him hear! This is very interesting to investigate. Until I hear otherwise (that's sort of a joke), I remain steadfastly considering that Jesus, Yeshua, completely filled the law, and did not diminish or abolish it.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Mitzvah & Torah
It's my understanding that Mitzvah (Mitzvot -pl.) translates to commands, or deeds, and Torah is the Law a whole. Also it is the first 5 books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
Mitzvah - There are 613 total mitzvah in scripture. There are 248 positive (as in, do this) and 365 negative (as in, don't do this).
ex: "You are to have no other gods before me," (Exodus 20:3)
"You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline," (Exodus 20:4). Torah - The Law (first 5 books of the Bible). But, the Torah can also refer to the entire Jewish scriptures, the whole "Old Testament," (The Law, The Prophets, and The Writings). Scripture verses including "mitzvah" and "Torah" together
- Joshua 22:5 - "Only take great care to obey the mitzvah and the Torah which Moshe the servant of ADONAI gave you - to love ADONAI your God, follow all his ways, observe his mitzvot, cling to him, and serve him with all your heart and being."
- Proverbs 6:23 - For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah is light, and reproofs that discipline are the way to life. - Mark 12:28-31 - "One of the Torah-teachers came up and heard them engaged in this discussion. Seeing that Yeshua answered them well, he asked him, "Which is the most important mitzvah of them all?" 29 Yeshua answered, "The most important is, `Sh'ma Yisra'el, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, O Isra'el, the LORD our God, the LORD is one], 30 and you are to love ADONAI your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your understanding and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: `You are to love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other mitzvah greater than these." http://www.jewfaq.org/613.htm http://www.jewfaq.org/torah.htm
Mitzvah - There are 613 total mitzvah in scripture. There are 248 positive (as in, do this) and 365 negative (as in, don't do this).
ex: "You are to have no other gods before me," (Exodus 20:3)
"You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline," (Exodus 20:4). Torah - The Law (first 5 books of the Bible). But, the Torah can also refer to the entire Jewish scriptures, the whole "Old Testament," (The Law, The Prophets, and The Writings). Scripture verses including "mitzvah" and "Torah" together
- Joshua 22:5 - "Only take great care to obey the mitzvah and the Torah which Moshe the servant of ADONAI gave you - to love ADONAI your God, follow all his ways, observe his mitzvot, cling to him, and serve him with all your heart and being."
- Proverbs 6:23 - For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah is light, and reproofs that discipline are the way to life. - Mark 12:28-31 - "One of the Torah-teachers came up and heard them engaged in this discussion. Seeing that Yeshua answered them well, he asked him, "Which is the most important mitzvah of them all?" 29 Yeshua answered, "The most important is, `Sh'ma Yisra'el, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, O Isra'el, the LORD our God, the LORD is one], 30 and you are to love ADONAI your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your understanding and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: `You are to love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other mitzvah greater than these." http://www.jewfaq.org/613.htm http://www.jewfaq.org/torah.htm
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Blessings and Curses
My dear husband encouraged me to investigate this topic as a starting point to address the question on a few of the girls hearts I am mentoring:
"Where was God when these terrible things happened to me?"
A tough question to say the least. One you are inclined to give an easy, comforting answer to. But I will not insult the Father by presuming to speak for Him. I will seek His heart in the matter.
In Deuteronomy Chapter 28, God explains part of His system to man. He explains how it is to live in Covenant Blessing, by obeying the commands of the Lord. Is this system still in action today though? I think we'd better be careful before we say it isn't...
Simply put, we either live in covenant with God and therefore receive the privilege of His protection and blessings, or we live far from Him so that He is not our covering - and how can He protect us?
Choice #1. The Blessing - "If you listen closely to what ADONAI your God says, observing and obeying all his mitzvot (commands) which I am giving you today, ADONAI your God will raise you high above all the nations on earth and all the following blessings will be yours in abundance - if you will do what ADONAI your God says," (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)...and He goes on to list blessings. Choice #2. The Curse - "But if you refuse to pay attention to what ADONAI your God says, and do not observe and obey all his mitzvot (commands) and regulations which I am giving you today, then all the following curses will be yours in abundance," (Deuteronomy 28:15)...and He goes on to list curses, which is a much longer and more comprehensive list, maybe to dissuade us from choosing this option all the more!
I believe this is a point that a lot of "Christians" miss. It is a choice to know God, follow Him, and obey His commands. And there are consequences for our choices:
"I call on heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have presented you with life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore, choose life, so that you will live, you and your descendants, loving ADONAI your God, paying attention to what he says and clinging to him - for that is the purpose of your life! On this depends the length of time you will live in the land ADONAI swore he would give to your ancestors Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." A great website, talking more about the importance of keeping God's commands can be found here:
http://www.therefinersfire.org/missed_point.htm
"Where was God when these terrible things happened to me?"
A tough question to say the least. One you are inclined to give an easy, comforting answer to. But I will not insult the Father by presuming to speak for Him. I will seek His heart in the matter.
In Deuteronomy Chapter 28, God explains part of His system to man. He explains how it is to live in Covenant Blessing, by obeying the commands of the Lord. Is this system still in action today though? I think we'd better be careful before we say it isn't...
- We can be sure we know Him if we keep His commands - 1 John 2:3
- If we love Him we will keep His commands - John 14:15
Simply put, we either live in covenant with God and therefore receive the privilege of His protection and blessings, or we live far from Him so that He is not our covering - and how can He protect us?
Choice #1. The Blessing - "If you listen closely to what ADONAI your God says, observing and obeying all his mitzvot (commands) which I am giving you today, ADONAI your God will raise you high above all the nations on earth and all the following blessings will be yours in abundance - if you will do what ADONAI your God says," (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)...and He goes on to list blessings. Choice #2. The Curse - "But if you refuse to pay attention to what ADONAI your God says, and do not observe and obey all his mitzvot (commands) and regulations which I am giving you today, then all the following curses will be yours in abundance," (Deuteronomy 28:15)...and He goes on to list curses, which is a much longer and more comprehensive list, maybe to dissuade us from choosing this option all the more!
I believe this is a point that a lot of "Christians" miss. It is a choice to know God, follow Him, and obey His commands. And there are consequences for our choices:
"I call on heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have presented you with life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore, choose life, so that you will live, you and your descendants, loving ADONAI your God, paying attention to what he says and clinging to him - for that is the purpose of your life! On this depends the length of time you will live in the land ADONAI swore he would give to your ancestors Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." A great website, talking more about the importance of keeping God's commands can be found here:
http://www.therefinersfire.org/missed_point.htm
Friday, March 4, 2011
Messiah does not impose religion
Colossians 2(Complete Jewish Bible) 1 For I want you to know how hard I work for you, for those in Laodicea, and for the rest of those who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged, that they may be joined together in love, and that they may have all the riches derived from being assured of understanding and fully knowing God's secret truth, which is - the Messiah! 3 It is in him that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 4 I say this so that no one will fool you with plausible but specious arguments. 5 For although I am away from you physically, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing as I see the disciplined and resolute firmness of your trust in the Messiah. 6 Therefore, just as you received the Messiah Yeshua as Lord, keep living your life united with him. 7 Remain deeply rooted in him; continue being built up in him and confirmed in your trust, the way you were taught, so that you overflow in thanksgiving. 8 Watch out, so that no one will take you captive by means of philosophy and empty deceit, following human tradition which accords with the elemental spirits of the world but does not accord with the Messiah. 9 For in him, bodily, lives the fullness of all that God is. 10 And it is in union with him that you have been made full - he is the head of every rule and authority. 11 Also it was in union with him that you were circumcised with a circumcision not done by human hands, but accomplished by stripping away the old nature's control over the body. In this circumcision done by the Messiah, 12 you were buried along with him by being immersed; and in union with him, you were also raised up along with him by God's faithfulness that worked when he raised Yeshua from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins, that is, because of your "foreskin," your old nature. But God made you alive along with the Messiah by forgiving you all your sins. 14 He wiped away the bill of charges against us. Because of the regulations, it stood as a testimony against us; but he removed it by nailing it to the execution-stake. 15 Stripping the rulers and authorities of their power, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by means of the stake. 16 So don't let anyone pass judgment on you in connection with eating and drinking, or in regard to a Jewish festival or Rosh-Hodesh or Shabbat. 17 These are a shadow of things that are coming, but the body is of the Messiah. 18 Don't let anyone deny you the prize by insisting that you engage in self-mortification or angel-worship. Such people are always going on about some vision they have had, and they vainly puff themselves up by their worldly outlook. 19 They fail to hold to the Head, from whom the whole Body, receiving supply and being held together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God makes it grow. 20 If, along with the Messiah, you died to the elemental spirits of the world, then why, as if you still belonged to the world, are you letting yourselves be bothered by its rules? - 21 "Don't touch this!" "Don't eat that!" "Don't handle the other!" 22 Such prohibitions are concerned with things meant to perish by being used [not by being avoided!], and they are based on man-made rules and teachings.b 23 They do indeed have the outward appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed religious observances, false humility and asceticism; but they have no value at all in restraining people from indulging their old nature.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 31 Reviewed
**A quick disclaimer about this blog...
If you happen to stumble across this blog at this point in time, there are a few things I want you to know. Right now, I'm reviewing my 30 days of reading. Most posts are jumbled to say the least. They are mostly quick thoughts, unedited, of what stood out to me in each day's passage. Also, keep in mind, my thoughts usually have something to do with being "at ease," or being "at peace," because that's the theme I looked for specifically as I read this time! **
Hebrews 11 - Revelation 22
Last day of reviewing this 30 days!! Let's dive right in...
Hmmmm....at the same time, no jot or tittle discontinued? "But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty (oh wait), and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does," (James 1:25).
I've tended to hear myself say a lot lately, I do not like organized religion! James says, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world," (James 1:26-27).
"JUDGMENT will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy, mercy triumphs over judgment," (James 2:13).
"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself...You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected...You see that a man is justified by works, and not faith alone," (James 2:17, 22, 24).
And be careful..." You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; ; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter," (James 5:5). Yucko.
"Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, of the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door," (James 5:7-9).
"...to every human institution," (1 Peter 2:13)
"...wives...to your own husbands," 3:1)
"...let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit," (3:4)
"...sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence," (3:15)
"There is no FEAR IN LOVE,"!!! (4:18).
"And they overcame him became him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death," (12:11).
The time will come...woah, "And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, because the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe," (14:15).
"Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour, she has been laid waste! Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her...And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth," (18:19-20, 24).
"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready," (19:7).
"And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face," (22:3-4).
If you happen to stumble across this blog at this point in time, there are a few things I want you to know. Right now, I'm reviewing my 30 days of reading. Most posts are jumbled to say the least. They are mostly quick thoughts, unedited, of what stood out to me in each day's passage. Also, keep in mind, my thoughts usually have something to do with being "at ease," or being "at peace," because that's the theme I looked for specifically as I read this time! **
Hebrews 11 - Revelation 22
Last day of reviewing this 30 days!! Let's dive right in...
- Faith
Hmmmm....at the same time, no jot or tittle discontinued? "But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty (oh wait), and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does," (James 1:25).
I've tended to hear myself say a lot lately, I do not like organized religion! James says, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world," (James 1:26-27).
"JUDGMENT will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy, mercy triumphs over judgment," (James 2:13).
"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself...You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected...You see that a man is justified by works, and not faith alone," (James 2:17, 22, 24).
- Stay Away
And be careful..." You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; ; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter," (James 5:5). Yucko.
"Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, of the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door," (James 5:7-9).
- 1 Peter
"...to every human institution," (1 Peter 2:13)
"...wives...to your own husbands," 3:1)
"...let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit," (3:4)
"...sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence," (3:15)
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
"There is no FEAR IN LOVE,"!!! (4:18).
- 2 John
- Revelation
"And they overcame him became him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death," (12:11).
The time will come...woah, "And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, because the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe," (14:15).
"Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour, she has been laid waste! Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her...And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth," (18:19-20, 24).
"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready," (19:7).
"I saw thrones, and the sat upon them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years," (20:4...) Ok, I got carried away. I could really type this whole thing out. So interesting."And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, ARE ITS TEMPLE...city has no need for sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp IS THE LAMB," (21:22-23).
"And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face," (22:3-4).
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 30 Reviewed
**A quick disclaimer about this blog...
If you happen to stumble across this blog at this point in time, there are a few things I want you to know. Right now, I'm reviewing my 30 days of reading. Most posts are jumbled to say the least. They are mostly quick thoughts, unedited, of what stood out to me in each day's passage. Also, keep in mind, my thoughts usually have something to do with being "at ease," or being "at peace," because that's the theme I looked for specifically as I read this time! **
Galatians 1- Hebrews 10
Be calm, child. Be at ease.
"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our heart, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (4:6). Yes! and "like Isaac, (we) are children of promise," (4:28). Wow. Like Isaac.
Be calm, be at ease...
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap," (6:7).
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," (Ephesians 3:20).
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain," (Philippians 1:21).
Be "in NO WAY ALARMED by your opponents - which is a sign of destruction for them but of salvation for you," (1:28).
"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME," (4:11-13 emph mine). And, "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus," (4:19).
"Therefore, let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day -- things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ," (2:16-17). And for good measure, "Let NO ONE keep defrauding you of your PRIZE by delighting in SELF-ABASEMENT and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on VISIONS he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind," (2:18). hmmmmmmm...
"Let us therefore draw near with CONFIDENCE to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16 emph mine).
A NEW COVENANT!!!!!!!!!!
"who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did ONCE FOR ALL when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever," (7:27-28).
Interesting truth. I don't think I would have had the guts to call something God did imperfect, the Word says, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second," (8:7) and quotes the prophet Isaiah.
Because gifts and sacrifices cannot make the worshipper perfect :) (9:8).
If you happen to stumble across this blog at this point in time, there are a few things I want you to know. Right now, I'm reviewing my 30 days of reading. Most posts are jumbled to say the least. They are mostly quick thoughts, unedited, of what stood out to me in each day's passage. Also, keep in mind, my thoughts usually have something to do with being "at ease," or being "at peace," because that's the theme I looked for specifically as I read this time! **
Galatians 1- Hebrews 10
- Foolish (Galatians)
Be calm, child. Be at ease.
"And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our heart, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (4:6). Yes! and "like Isaac, (we) are children of promise," (4:28). Wow. Like Isaac.
Be calm, be at ease...
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap," (6:7).
- Ephesians
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," (Ephesians 3:20).
- Philippians
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain," (Philippians 1:21).
Be "in NO WAY ALARMED by your opponents - which is a sign of destruction for them but of salvation for you," (1:28).
"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME," (4:11-13 emph mine). And, "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus," (4:19).
- Colossians
"Therefore, let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day -- things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ," (2:16-17). And for good measure, "Let NO ONE keep defrauding you of your PRIZE by delighting in SELF-ABASEMENT and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on VISIONS he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind," (2:18). hmmmmmmm...
- 1 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- Titus
- Hebrews
"Let us therefore draw near with CONFIDENCE to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16 emph mine).
A NEW COVENANT!!!!!!!!!!
"who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did ONCE FOR ALL when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever," (7:27-28).
Interesting truth. I don't think I would have had the guts to call something God did imperfect, the Word says, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second," (8:7) and quotes the prophet Isaiah.
Because gifts and sacrifices cannot make the worshipper perfect :) (9:8).
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 29 Reviewed
**A quick disclaimer about this blog...
If you happen to stumble across this blog at this point in time, there are a few things I want you to know. Right now, I'm reviewing my 30 days of reading. Most posts are jumbled to say the least. They are mostly quick thoughts, unedited, of what stood out to me in each day's passage. Also, keep in mind, my thoughts usually have something to do with being "at ease," or being "at peace," because that's the theme I looked for specifically as I read this time! **
Romans 1 - 2 Corinthians 13
We've made it!
The law is NOT nullified, it is to be established. But no man is justified by it, in case Paul doesn't make this completely clear :)
"What then? That which Israel is seeking for, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written,
God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes to see not and ears to hear not,
down to this very day," (Romans 11:7-8).
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.
Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord"....................
.......and the whole rest of chapters 12 and 13, I'm not going to type them all out!
Except, the fulfillment of the law : to love your neighbor as yourself. wow. I'm still working through this one. It fulfills the law, but we are still to establish the law?
How about this..."One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God," (14:5-6). We don't live or die for ourselves, it says...
"If one of the unbelievers invites you, and you wish to go, eat anything that is set before you, without asking questions for conscience' sake," (10:27).
"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY," (3:17 emph mine).
"...by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things," (6:8-10).
"And God IS ABLE to make all grace abound to you, that ALWAYS having ALL sufficiency in EVERYTHING, you may have an ABUNDANCE for every good deed...He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness abides forever...Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and MULTIPLY your seed for SOWING and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for ALL LIBERALITY, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God," (9:8-11 emph mine).
If you happen to stumble across this blog at this point in time, there are a few things I want you to know. Right now, I'm reviewing my 30 days of reading. Most posts are jumbled to say the least. They are mostly quick thoughts, unedited, of what stood out to me in each day's passage. Also, keep in mind, my thoughts usually have something to do with being "at ease," or being "at peace," because that's the theme I looked for specifically as I read this time! **
Romans 1 - 2 Corinthians 13
We've made it!
"being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ J E S U S; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. WHERE THEN IS BOASTING? It is excluded. BY WHAT KIND OF LAW? Of works? NO, BUT BY A LAW OF FAITH. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from the LAW," (Romans 3:24-28 emph mine).Therefore, God is the God of the Jews AND the Gentiles.
The law is NOT nullified, it is to be established. But no man is justified by it, in case Paul doesn't make this completely clear :)
"What then? That which Israel is seeking for, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written,
God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes to see not and ears to hear not,
down to this very day," (Romans 11:7-8).
- Good, Practical Advice for Living (Romans 12-13)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.
Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord"....................
.......and the whole rest of chapters 12 and 13, I'm not going to type them all out!
Except, the fulfillment of the law : to love your neighbor as yourself. wow. I'm still working through this one. It fulfills the law, but we are still to establish the law?
How about this..."One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God," (14:5-6). We don't live or die for ourselves, it says...
- 1 Corinthians
"If one of the unbelievers invites you, and you wish to go, eat anything that is set before you, without asking questions for conscience' sake," (10:27).
- 2 Corinthians
"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY," (3:17 emph mine).
"...by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things," (6:8-10).
"And God IS ABLE to make all grace abound to you, that ALWAYS having ALL sufficiency in EVERYTHING, you may have an ABUNDANCE for every good deed...He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness abides forever...Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and MULTIPLY your seed for SOWING and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for ALL LIBERALITY, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God," (9:8-11 emph mine).
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