One month in folks! I'd be interested what my average posting time is. Just to clarify I've started writing this before midnight so it's not officially late. Been to the pub to see old friends today so was nice to be out and looking forward to Bible before bed. Onto business then
Today’s readings
Job 15:1-18:21
Matthew 20:20-34
Psalm 17:13-15
So we start today with Job getting yet another round of bashing from his so called friends and we're back to Eliphaz, who I keep wanting to call Elephant. Now Eliphaz and company are banging on about the same sorts of things. They make good points about how God can be or how being religious can be but they never actually talk to Job in a specific way. If they were true friends, firstly they'd comfort him as Job points out, but also they'd take the time to find out what he had done rather than just assume the worse. It's a trap Christians can fall into when we see someone worse off than us and think our faith makes us able to dismiss or judge them. The sort of feeling you might get from watching Jeremy Kyle for instance! He does keep getting mentioned in this blog... Clearly we all ought to pray for his strange way of trying to help.
Job's response is one of exasperation. Sadly, he's only half way through telling these friends to shut up and keeps persisting his innocence. I get the feeling Job knows it isn't God's hand that is making these wrongs but is almost managing to be sarcastic with his friends about how far off the mark and unecessary their observations are.
Bildad ends our reading with another retort and I'm running out of ways to say that he makes good points about how those who defy God will be eventually seperated from His glory. Once again though he misses the point that Job isn't guilty of that and nothing in his speech is directed to Job. Sometimes the Bible like to use repitition to hammer a point home and I feel Job is one of those times. Bear with it.
Into the New Testament we shimmy, and once again the disciples are making idiots of themselves. James and John, urged on by their mother, are asking to sit in the VIP lounge in heaven. So many things wrong with this idea, like the fact that they still can't get their head around everyone being equally loved in God's eyes, but this sort of celestial shotgun game they're playing is nonsense and Jesus knows it. Not only does he shoot them down by saying God assigns places (it's a nice get out clause to say another part of the Trinity is responsible for that) but also that the sons haven't done anything to earn a place. Their flippant response to being sure that they can follow Jesus' example perfectly leads to Him giving them the news that their futures will be very much mirroring his service with James being executed and John writing revelation and actually seeing heaven. We then end on a miracle and I love how Matthew just throws this in. This is an amazing thing that you'd never forget if you saw it but Matthew is so focused on the truth of Jesus' teaching that he takes it as given that miracles happen around Him. It's worth remembering that if we focus more on Jesus' teaching than His miracles, the miracles won't stop happening.
Finally our Psalm I covered two days ago so go read it again if you want to :) It's getting hard to keep going with Job at the moment because it's such a hard and depressing read. Jesus tells us today that we should be servants to Him and to others and I think that's my challenge. I do want to keep up with Bible in one (not a) year and this blog is a service to you, my readership. Even if it's mostly badly written, full of typos (thanks for pointing them out Chris and Richard) and completely free of charge and without feedback! :p But it's also a service to God and I think today God is telling me just to keep plugging away. I think things are slowly changing for me in the rest of the world and so it's important I'm like Job and keep that hold on Christ throughout. I guess if I had to link today's passages I'd pull out that Job is getting more and more frustrated because his friends don't listen and assume just like James and John assumed they would be able to call shotgun on seats in heaven. Yet Jesus calls us to be last, not first. To put our pride and judging attitudes to one side and to love people for who they are and help them with specifics not generalisations.
And that's your lot. Short and sweet. Yesterday's tune is here. Today's is as much about the song title as it is about the band who do the punk cover version. Bonus points for that! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Thursday 30 September 2010
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Day 29 - In My Place
Sorry for the timing on this one but I've had a productive day of job applying followed by a night at the pictures. So a quick review first. The Other Guys, the new Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg film, is annoyingly fantastic. Definitely recommend for anyone old enough to watch it. I can't stand Ferrell usually but as he's getting older I'm getting more tolerant. Another quick review though. Saw a trailer for the new Katherine Heigel film. And goodness me what a horrible plot. It basically boils down to saying if two people are a terrible couple, a baby will fix them and bring them together. That's the worst and most false thing in the world! I bet Jeremy Kyle is furrowing his brow extra deep about that one. Onto business then
Today’s readings
Job 11:1-14:22
Matthew 20: 1-19
Psalm 17:6- 12
First things first. Sorry but it appears a couple of days ago we read all of Psalm 17, or at least I did, because the Soul Survivor site put up the wrong link. From now on I'll be checking the references against the book and not just the site.
So we start with Job's third "friend", Zophar, who is very dismissive of Job's attitude and goes on about how if you follow God then life's instantly a bed of roses. (I hate that metaphor. Roses are thorny...) He kind of shoots himself in the foot (better metaphor) by saying how dare Job believe he can understand the mystery of God, and then goes onto say how he, Zophar, understands the mystery of God. Silly man... Be wary of people who claim to know God's will. Sometimes they will but often very wise or charismatic people can get the complete wrong idea. I think a good rule of thumb is to listen to people who are open to the prospect of being wrong about God.
Job responds much as I have by pointing out that Zophar's wisdom isn't his own and that he doesn't have an exclusivity on it. Instead it's God who is in charge and in control and Job talks about how all nature obeys God and works as a huge system because of His work initially. Job also condemns the men for making excuses for God. Our Bible Study group were talking about this on Tuesday but bad things do happen and it's not for us to try and explain them away so that God's off the hook. Bad things that happen don't have to be part of a plan or a purpose, they are often the result of human's being exactly what God doesn't want them to be and rather than God causing the hurt, He is working through it.
Job fluctuates between being sure in his faith and conviction that he is a good man to bargaining with God to stop his suffering. I can understand where he's coming from but this whole book to me is a lesson in suffering and how it's not up to God to stop it necessarily but up to the people around the person to do God's work. God wants us to be our best and that involves helping others, not hoping He'll do it for us. Job has three friends who are happy to lecture him but none of them have offered him any real help yet... As people of God we need to be taking a look at where we can make a difference to an individual's life, not by preaching at them but by showing them God's love. We're not in it for numbers but for praising and serving the Lord.
Verse 14 of chapter 14 really hits me. Job is this amazing guy who lives his life for God and yet he isn't even sure there's an afterlife. What's our motivation? Salvation has to be a big part of it but do we want the prize or the joy of service too... Do we get energized by being God's people or by the promise of salvation alone. It can be hard to rely on God but I think this is what relying on God is. Finding your energy and drive in service to Him through the way you live your life. Not necessarily going into ministry or mission but finding how God wants you to be His child in this world and then doing that with all you have. Using your gifts and talents and having the courage that comes with the backing of truth and righteousness :)
Into the New Testament we slide and here Jesus hits us straight away with another parable. The workers getting paid the same is all about justice and how God is just but also generous. We have been given so many blessings and sometimes it's easy to look on new Christians with a jealousy at their enthusiasm or a sceptical attitude towards their confidence and apparent gifts. Well God doesn't work on first come first serve. He loves everyone equally and will bless and gift us all equally. We ought not be working for prizes and rewards but out of duty, love and respect for a God who does so much for us day by day.
Then Jesus tells the disciples about his impending death but is very quick to assure them that there will be the miracle of resurrection. It's interesting to note this because boy oh boy are the disciples quick to forget. I guess so are we. To me, today's readings aren't necessarily about things being fair and just as Soul Survivor have written but about how we need to remember our place in the scheme of things. God is in control, we can never truly understand Him, He still loves us SO much and equally too and He died for us so that we could live our lives for Him without fear of seperation. It's a call to go out and live for Christ! Make the most of this body and soul, give it to Him each day.
And that's your lot. If you want the Psalm looked at then go back 2 days! My finger hurts hence this going up late and I want bed! Yesterday's song is here. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings
Job 11:1-14:22
Matthew 20: 1-19
Psalm 17:6- 12
First things first. Sorry but it appears a couple of days ago we read all of Psalm 17, or at least I did, because the Soul Survivor site put up the wrong link. From now on I'll be checking the references against the book and not just the site.
So we start with Job's third "friend", Zophar, who is very dismissive of Job's attitude and goes on about how if you follow God then life's instantly a bed of roses. (I hate that metaphor. Roses are thorny...) He kind of shoots himself in the foot (better metaphor) by saying how dare Job believe he can understand the mystery of God, and then goes onto say how he, Zophar, understands the mystery of God. Silly man... Be wary of people who claim to know God's will. Sometimes they will but often very wise or charismatic people can get the complete wrong idea. I think a good rule of thumb is to listen to people who are open to the prospect of being wrong about God.
Job responds much as I have by pointing out that Zophar's wisdom isn't his own and that he doesn't have an exclusivity on it. Instead it's God who is in charge and in control and Job talks about how all nature obeys God and works as a huge system because of His work initially. Job also condemns the men for making excuses for God. Our Bible Study group were talking about this on Tuesday but bad things do happen and it's not for us to try and explain them away so that God's off the hook. Bad things that happen don't have to be part of a plan or a purpose, they are often the result of human's being exactly what God doesn't want them to be and rather than God causing the hurt, He is working through it.
Job fluctuates between being sure in his faith and conviction that he is a good man to bargaining with God to stop his suffering. I can understand where he's coming from but this whole book to me is a lesson in suffering and how it's not up to God to stop it necessarily but up to the people around the person to do God's work. God wants us to be our best and that involves helping others, not hoping He'll do it for us. Job has three friends who are happy to lecture him but none of them have offered him any real help yet... As people of God we need to be taking a look at where we can make a difference to an individual's life, not by preaching at them but by showing them God's love. We're not in it for numbers but for praising and serving the Lord.
Verse 14 of chapter 14 really hits me. Job is this amazing guy who lives his life for God and yet he isn't even sure there's an afterlife. What's our motivation? Salvation has to be a big part of it but do we want the prize or the joy of service too... Do we get energized by being God's people or by the promise of salvation alone. It can be hard to rely on God but I think this is what relying on God is. Finding your energy and drive in service to Him through the way you live your life. Not necessarily going into ministry or mission but finding how God wants you to be His child in this world and then doing that with all you have. Using your gifts and talents and having the courage that comes with the backing of truth and righteousness :)
Into the New Testament we slide and here Jesus hits us straight away with another parable. The workers getting paid the same is all about justice and how God is just but also generous. We have been given so many blessings and sometimes it's easy to look on new Christians with a jealousy at their enthusiasm or a sceptical attitude towards their confidence and apparent gifts. Well God doesn't work on first come first serve. He loves everyone equally and will bless and gift us all equally. We ought not be working for prizes and rewards but out of duty, love and respect for a God who does so much for us day by day.
Then Jesus tells the disciples about his impending death but is very quick to assure them that there will be the miracle of resurrection. It's interesting to note this because boy oh boy are the disciples quick to forget. I guess so are we. To me, today's readings aren't necessarily about things being fair and just as Soul Survivor have written but about how we need to remember our place in the scheme of things. God is in control, we can never truly understand Him, He still loves us SO much and equally too and He died for us so that we could live our lives for Him without fear of seperation. It's a call to go out and live for Christ! Make the most of this body and soul, give it to Him each day.
And that's your lot. If you want the Psalm looked at then go back 2 days! My finger hurts hence this going up late and I want bed! Yesterday's song is here. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Day 28 - Mo Money, Mo Problems
Hey folks. We're getting close to have been going a whole month with this project. Exciting times. Today I've renewed my sponging off the state whilst also applying for a ton of jobs. Would be nice to get something soon if only because today I was hit with the crushing realisation that there's a good job I won't be able to do secret santa with any one group of people this year. This sucks because I rule at secret santa. Last year I got the guy at work who nobody wanted, not because he was odd or anything, but because he had good taste and tacky comedy stuff just wouldn't work. And yet my present to him of a hand made fish and chips voucher was the best present anyone got. It's sad that this is one of my main motivations for wanting work over Christmas I know... m going to say it here in case some of you don't get to the end but please do feedback if you can. I don't put the questions in there so that they're rhetorical! On my facebook or on here would be brilliant. Onto business then
Today’s readings
Job 8:1-10:22
Matthew 19:16-30
Proverbs 3:11-20 (Start at the But...)
Ok so today we continue with Job and I must say it feels like we're racing through this book compared to Genesis. We get another big long rant from one of Job's friends. This one is called Bildad. And again, there's a lot of truth in what he's saying. But he still misses the point. God doesn't just help the good and punish the evil. Because those labels of good and evil don't work with God. God sees us as His children and He wants to love us all and wishes we'd treat each other with the same level of respect. Even when it seems like the person doesn't deserve it. To God, sadly, we're all evil and bad people because of sin and it is only through His love and patience and the sacrifice of Jesus that we receive any support at all. The other thing that this makes me think of is, and I'm very quick to include myself in this, how people who think they are good listeners sometimes miss the point of what the other person is saying because it doesn't fit in with our stock answers. Now it's always nice to have advice that you can give to people but the truth of life and humanity is that every person is unique and every situation slightly different so true listening means taking a person for who they are, not comparing them to previous experience. Tough and challenging but so worthwhile to relationships.
Job's reply is true. He realises that there is no way we can ask God for His blessing or mercy based on our own life. And remember, Job's life was so good that God wanted to show it off to his angels. He was like the star pupil and even he realises that nobody is worthy of that love. That can be a really hard thing to think of too and is a stumbling block for many non Christians. But really, God knows our potential is to be incredible and loves when we are but sadly we're never incredible all the time.
Job is quick to realise that there is no point in getting angry or defiant as his life has always depended on God's blessings and so he can't lose faith when things appear to be going wrong. He sticks to this belief because he has nothing else certain in his life. Job asks in verse 24 of chapter 9 about who is responsible for the evil people running the world if not God. Well that is a controversial thing to find in the Bible until you realise we know the answer because Job's story is all about us knowing that Satan is pouring this misfortune on him, not God.
Chapter 10 is more hard reading as Job continues to ask God to kill him because he sees no other way out. I can't begin to imagine how rubbish his life must have been by that point and I think of the times when I was at my lowest and turning my back on God. At Uni I got really depressed and hated my course and my whole situation after a messy break up. But I still had a future I could shape and a present worth living in. I compare that to my situation now where I'm pretty much spinning my wheels and hoping and praying something comes up soon. And yet I'm happier now than then and I can't help but think my faith is helping. Even though I'm back at the parents and with no real career path beyond a desire to do youthwork, I'm confident in God's provision and plan for me. None of us wants to end up in a situation anything close to Job but knowing God in the good times absolutely prepares you for the rubbish times. Take time in your day to thank God for what you do have rather than worrying for what you don't.
Into the New Testament we swoop (sticking with the flying verbs), and Jesus is talking money. Now money and Jesus don't often mix and we've already seen one time where he pays off Temple tax with fishy coins. But this is an instance which again can cause a lot of confusion for folks. Does Jesus mean that we're to sell everything we have if we want to be a Christian? And what does He mean when He says that the disciples will rule in Heaven... Tricky questions. I think the first is more simple than the second. Verse 22 tells us that this man was holding onto a lot of things that he couldn't bear to lose. Now to me, Jesus' point is that if we were called specifically to follow Him by selling off all our possessions then woud we do it? People are called in different ways but the most important thing is to be listening for the call and willing to follow through with God's will no matter how odd or dangerous it might seem. It's no coincidence that this is happening directly after Jesus talking about being a child when you come to Him. That sense of excitement at the thrilling and dangerous side of Christianity is what we need to cling on to. There will be trials and times when things are rubbish but if your hand is holding Jesus' first then you'll be able to sing His praises all the while and receive blessings till you're with Him.
Now Peter, never one to let something go unsaid, pipes up with a point of how the disciples HAD given up everything they owned to follow Christ so surely they should get extra Nectar points or something. And Jesus says that yes, they will be able to rule once He comes back. There are a few caveats on this though. Firstly, everyone else who has sacrificed anything to follow Jesus will also rule. And let's be honest, every Christian is sacrificing something in following Christ if they really are following Christ because they are rejecting a whole way of life that the world teaches them to live. Secondly, they'll be ruling once Jesus comes back to earth. Well I'm not an expert on the afterlife and we'll revisit this, probably in August when we look at Revelation, but to me Heaven is about worship, there's no rulers or leaders. Just us worshipping God forever. To me this is Jesus once again getting a little frustrated with how the disciples miss the point again and so He is almost being sarcastic with them. He still speaks the truth but it's hidden in that last sentence. The disciples are so eager to be the first among those saved that they may end up becoming the last in their understanding, but to Jesus everyone will be equal.
Finally some Proverbs to finish with and apologies on the link. The Message doesn't always put verse numbers on individual verses so the website got a bit confused. Really this is just further introduction telling us how great a gift wisdom and insight from God is and how we can use those gifts to help us lead the life He wants. There is an interesting bit at the beginning which made me think of wrestling (yay!) Proverbs is telling us to know our role and let God discipline those who need it. Now your parents (and we all have them) will usually tell you off because they want you to do something differently so it will make your, or their, lives easier. God who is perfect tells you off because He always loves you and has your best interests at heart so take the bad times as they come and remember that your life has a plan that you can fulfill by concentrating on God.
Linking today's passages isn't easy and I'm not going to try. There's a definite theme of possessions being more important than God and whether that's what we really ought to be aiming for. Andy's Soul Survivor blog is really good on this point and I'm glad he's writing them instead of random youth leader. What do they know anyway? Oh the irony...
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's tune is here and is grungey goodness. Today's is dead easy and probably the naughtiest track I can get away with. Don't worry, I've got a radio edit link for tomorrow! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings
Job 8:1-10:22
Matthew 19:16-30
Proverbs 3:11-20 (Start at the But...)
Ok so today we continue with Job and I must say it feels like we're racing through this book compared to Genesis. We get another big long rant from one of Job's friends. This one is called Bildad. And again, there's a lot of truth in what he's saying. But he still misses the point. God doesn't just help the good and punish the evil. Because those labels of good and evil don't work with God. God sees us as His children and He wants to love us all and wishes we'd treat each other with the same level of respect. Even when it seems like the person doesn't deserve it. To God, sadly, we're all evil and bad people because of sin and it is only through His love and patience and the sacrifice of Jesus that we receive any support at all. The other thing that this makes me think of is, and I'm very quick to include myself in this, how people who think they are good listeners sometimes miss the point of what the other person is saying because it doesn't fit in with our stock answers. Now it's always nice to have advice that you can give to people but the truth of life and humanity is that every person is unique and every situation slightly different so true listening means taking a person for who they are, not comparing them to previous experience. Tough and challenging but so worthwhile to relationships.
Job's reply is true. He realises that there is no way we can ask God for His blessing or mercy based on our own life. And remember, Job's life was so good that God wanted to show it off to his angels. He was like the star pupil and even he realises that nobody is worthy of that love. That can be a really hard thing to think of too and is a stumbling block for many non Christians. But really, God knows our potential is to be incredible and loves when we are but sadly we're never incredible all the time.
Job is quick to realise that there is no point in getting angry or defiant as his life has always depended on God's blessings and so he can't lose faith when things appear to be going wrong. He sticks to this belief because he has nothing else certain in his life. Job asks in verse 24 of chapter 9 about who is responsible for the evil people running the world if not God. Well that is a controversial thing to find in the Bible until you realise we know the answer because Job's story is all about us knowing that Satan is pouring this misfortune on him, not God.
Chapter 10 is more hard reading as Job continues to ask God to kill him because he sees no other way out. I can't begin to imagine how rubbish his life must have been by that point and I think of the times when I was at my lowest and turning my back on God. At Uni I got really depressed and hated my course and my whole situation after a messy break up. But I still had a future I could shape and a present worth living in. I compare that to my situation now where I'm pretty much spinning my wheels and hoping and praying something comes up soon. And yet I'm happier now than then and I can't help but think my faith is helping. Even though I'm back at the parents and with no real career path beyond a desire to do youthwork, I'm confident in God's provision and plan for me. None of us wants to end up in a situation anything close to Job but knowing God in the good times absolutely prepares you for the rubbish times. Take time in your day to thank God for what you do have rather than worrying for what you don't.
Into the New Testament we swoop (sticking with the flying verbs), and Jesus is talking money. Now money and Jesus don't often mix and we've already seen one time where he pays off Temple tax with fishy coins. But this is an instance which again can cause a lot of confusion for folks. Does Jesus mean that we're to sell everything we have if we want to be a Christian? And what does He mean when He says that the disciples will rule in Heaven... Tricky questions. I think the first is more simple than the second. Verse 22 tells us that this man was holding onto a lot of things that he couldn't bear to lose. Now to me, Jesus' point is that if we were called specifically to follow Him by selling off all our possessions then woud we do it? People are called in different ways but the most important thing is to be listening for the call and willing to follow through with God's will no matter how odd or dangerous it might seem. It's no coincidence that this is happening directly after Jesus talking about being a child when you come to Him. That sense of excitement at the thrilling and dangerous side of Christianity is what we need to cling on to. There will be trials and times when things are rubbish but if your hand is holding Jesus' first then you'll be able to sing His praises all the while and receive blessings till you're with Him.
Now Peter, never one to let something go unsaid, pipes up with a point of how the disciples HAD given up everything they owned to follow Christ so surely they should get extra Nectar points or something. And Jesus says that yes, they will be able to rule once He comes back. There are a few caveats on this though. Firstly, everyone else who has sacrificed anything to follow Jesus will also rule. And let's be honest, every Christian is sacrificing something in following Christ if they really are following Christ because they are rejecting a whole way of life that the world teaches them to live. Secondly, they'll be ruling once Jesus comes back to earth. Well I'm not an expert on the afterlife and we'll revisit this, probably in August when we look at Revelation, but to me Heaven is about worship, there's no rulers or leaders. Just us worshipping God forever. To me this is Jesus once again getting a little frustrated with how the disciples miss the point again and so He is almost being sarcastic with them. He still speaks the truth but it's hidden in that last sentence. The disciples are so eager to be the first among those saved that they may end up becoming the last in their understanding, but to Jesus everyone will be equal.
Finally some Proverbs to finish with and apologies on the link. The Message doesn't always put verse numbers on individual verses so the website got a bit confused. Really this is just further introduction telling us how great a gift wisdom and insight from God is and how we can use those gifts to help us lead the life He wants. There is an interesting bit at the beginning which made me think of wrestling (yay!) Proverbs is telling us to know our role and let God discipline those who need it. Now your parents (and we all have them) will usually tell you off because they want you to do something differently so it will make your, or their, lives easier. God who is perfect tells you off because He always loves you and has your best interests at heart so take the bad times as they come and remember that your life has a plan that you can fulfill by concentrating on God.
Linking today's passages isn't easy and I'm not going to try. There's a definite theme of possessions being more important than God and whether that's what we really ought to be aiming for. Andy's Soul Survivor blog is really good on this point and I'm glad he's writing them instead of random youth leader. What do they know anyway? Oh the irony...
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's tune is here and is grungey goodness. Today's is dead easy and probably the naughtiest track I can get away with. Don't worry, I've got a radio edit link for tomorrow! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Monday 27 September 2010
Day 27 - Come As You Are
Right... Before you all jump to judge at the lateness here are the excuses. 1. I was filming the new Impact ad during the usual blog writing time. 2. I've been applying for a job online which took AGES but would be pretty awesome if I got it, even if I'd probably spend all my wages getting there. 3. Blogspot has not let me sign into the blog for the last hour which is ridiculous. So nerr... It's not just lazy Jon for once. Onto business then (that one's for you Joely)
Today’s readings
Job 4:1-7:21
Matthew 19:1-15
Psalm 17:1-15
So we start today with this long speech from one of Job's friends. This guy called Eliphaz is pretty blunt in saying what he does to Job considering all Job's just been through.Basically Eliphaz says two things. Firstly that bad things only happen to bad people and good things to good people and secondly that God doesn't trust or care about us so there's no point asking Him for help... This doesn't seem to fit in with what we've read previously! Eliphaz says that God will help Job but only if he confesses to God all the things he has done wrong and God will correct his way of life. Eliphaz can't see that bad things happen not because of God but because of people and Satan's influence on them. The tragedies that have happened to Job have all been the result of people. His wealth was stolen and murdered, his sons and daughters died because they were partying instead of safe at home and his body is ridden with disease which we know now will have come from other people or living things.
It's weird because Eliphaz is saying great stuff here about how God will look out for you in the rubbish times and it's all true, but his reasoning isn't God doesn't just do this to those that are good. He has promised it to everyone and none of us will ever really deserve it. We just get it because of His grace. I think there's a lesson here about people that claim to talk about God and seem to know Him very well but have misguided viewpoints and judgements. Again, always come back to the core truth. Is what this person saying fitting in with what we know God to be; all loving, all powerful and just.
Job then replies sarcastically. He uses Eliphaz's claims that this is from God against him and shows how he still hasn't truly blamed or condemned God for his misfortune but rather suffered through the anguish and pain trying to bear it by relying on his faith in God. He also then tears into his friends for being so quick to condemn him after endorsing and supporting his lifestyle for so long. I had a bit of a smile at Job 7:1. That's very true though obviously in context, Job's got a little more on his plate than we have! Maybe we should be quicker to count our blessings than moan about our torments and trials. Job then starts pleading with God again and it's hard to read what he's going through here. But it amazes me that he doesn't get angry with God for doing it, just for not letting him die. He never blames God, just asks for release. I think that's an attitude that is very hard to have and to trust that the crap things that come in our lives aren't from God but our eventual rescue from them in whatever form it takes is all down to God's grace and salvation. What I love about Job is that I think our first reaction to something like this wouldn't be to blame God, but to stop believing in Him. Job knows God is there and never questions that. He knows God can't be behind the suffering either from how he questions why God would be bothered to do all this. I think it's so refreshing and challenging to see this example we have of ultimate faith.
Into the New Testament we glide and Jesus is talking about marriage. Now this stuff is complicated and can cause a lot of upset people. Jesus starts with divorce and says that ideally divorce shouldn't be an option. Personally, I wish He'd started with the bit after that. Jesus goes onto to talk about who ought to get married and how not everyone will be suited, not everyone will want to and not everyone will be asked to. This to me is the key thing. So many times today divorce happens because people haven't really got the firm foundation when they go into marriage. In Christian marriage this is God and having God centre of a marriage is only going to strengthen it because both people have a common ground. But then in secular marriage it takes time to get to know someone and you can't just rush into a relationship because you want one but need to be mature and reasonable about how likely it is that this person will value you and that you will be able to put up with them till they or you die. That's a big commitment which people just don't think about now. It applies to boyfriends and girlfriends too. Don't panic because you've not had a snog recently. It's not worth going out to find someone just so they will snog you and tell you how wonderful you are. Wait for God to show you the right person. Look by all means but don't feel the need ot test drive every model. It's just going to make it harder for you when you find the right one.
Then we get a short bit about Jesus talking to his discples about kids. Now Jesus recognised how valuable children were and this isn't something new. We'll see there are more than a few times in the Old Testament when children are praised as being important. But what's really cool is that Jesus tells us that Heaven is full of childish people. Now while that might mean people like me and Craig, I'm reckoning it's also referring to the sense of wonder and amazement that you get when you're younger. This bit's more for us grumpy grown ups but do you remember the last bit of mystery you solved? I think sometimes we can think we know so much of how the world works that we forget the raw and unmitigated excitement that comes with the unknown and the danger of God working in our lives. Let's all make conscious efforts to be that excited about God and the things He does in our lives.
Finally our Psalm today is from David and is after he has been saved from Saul trying to kill him. We'll get onto all that later in the year, don't panic. But what is interesting about this Psalm is that David has been saved but still is asking God to continue to protect him. David realises that his blessings have come from his devotion to God and just because the bad times are over for now, doesn't mean he should ignore asking God for help. It seems to me that there are three very different ways of talking to God here. Job is screaming in agony and is desperate for some relief from God. Jesus is telling us to come to God like a child would and then David is relying on God even in victory. So at every moment of our lives, we should be talking to God. Be it bad, good or confused; God is there to listen and answer our prayers. And by praying we'll be all the quicker to see His answer directly. Interesting stuff...
And that's your lot for today. Only just past midnight too! Yesterday's title is here and is well worth a listen folks. Today's is nice and easy if you're into anything with electric guitars ;) Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always,
Jon
Today’s readings
Job 4:1-7:21
Matthew 19:1-15
Psalm 17:1-15
So we start today with this long speech from one of Job's friends. This guy called Eliphaz is pretty blunt in saying what he does to Job considering all Job's just been through.Basically Eliphaz says two things. Firstly that bad things only happen to bad people and good things to good people and secondly that God doesn't trust or care about us so there's no point asking Him for help... This doesn't seem to fit in with what we've read previously! Eliphaz says that God will help Job but only if he confesses to God all the things he has done wrong and God will correct his way of life. Eliphaz can't see that bad things happen not because of God but because of people and Satan's influence on them. The tragedies that have happened to Job have all been the result of people. His wealth was stolen and murdered, his sons and daughters died because they were partying instead of safe at home and his body is ridden with disease which we know now will have come from other people or living things.
It's weird because Eliphaz is saying great stuff here about how God will look out for you in the rubbish times and it's all true, but his reasoning isn't God doesn't just do this to those that are good. He has promised it to everyone and none of us will ever really deserve it. We just get it because of His grace. I think there's a lesson here about people that claim to talk about God and seem to know Him very well but have misguided viewpoints and judgements. Again, always come back to the core truth. Is what this person saying fitting in with what we know God to be; all loving, all powerful and just.
Job then replies sarcastically. He uses Eliphaz's claims that this is from God against him and shows how he still hasn't truly blamed or condemned God for his misfortune but rather suffered through the anguish and pain trying to bear it by relying on his faith in God. He also then tears into his friends for being so quick to condemn him after endorsing and supporting his lifestyle for so long. I had a bit of a smile at Job 7:1. That's very true though obviously in context, Job's got a little more on his plate than we have! Maybe we should be quicker to count our blessings than moan about our torments and trials. Job then starts pleading with God again and it's hard to read what he's going through here. But it amazes me that he doesn't get angry with God for doing it, just for not letting him die. He never blames God, just asks for release. I think that's an attitude that is very hard to have and to trust that the crap things that come in our lives aren't from God but our eventual rescue from them in whatever form it takes is all down to God's grace and salvation. What I love about Job is that I think our first reaction to something like this wouldn't be to blame God, but to stop believing in Him. Job knows God is there and never questions that. He knows God can't be behind the suffering either from how he questions why God would be bothered to do all this. I think it's so refreshing and challenging to see this example we have of ultimate faith.
Into the New Testament we glide and Jesus is talking about marriage. Now this stuff is complicated and can cause a lot of upset people. Jesus starts with divorce and says that ideally divorce shouldn't be an option. Personally, I wish He'd started with the bit after that. Jesus goes onto to talk about who ought to get married and how not everyone will be suited, not everyone will want to and not everyone will be asked to. This to me is the key thing. So many times today divorce happens because people haven't really got the firm foundation when they go into marriage. In Christian marriage this is God and having God centre of a marriage is only going to strengthen it because both people have a common ground. But then in secular marriage it takes time to get to know someone and you can't just rush into a relationship because you want one but need to be mature and reasonable about how likely it is that this person will value you and that you will be able to put up with them till they or you die. That's a big commitment which people just don't think about now. It applies to boyfriends and girlfriends too. Don't panic because you've not had a snog recently. It's not worth going out to find someone just so they will snog you and tell you how wonderful you are. Wait for God to show you the right person. Look by all means but don't feel the need ot test drive every model. It's just going to make it harder for you when you find the right one.
Then we get a short bit about Jesus talking to his discples about kids. Now Jesus recognised how valuable children were and this isn't something new. We'll see there are more than a few times in the Old Testament when children are praised as being important. But what's really cool is that Jesus tells us that Heaven is full of childish people. Now while that might mean people like me and Craig, I'm reckoning it's also referring to the sense of wonder and amazement that you get when you're younger. This bit's more for us grumpy grown ups but do you remember the last bit of mystery you solved? I think sometimes we can think we know so much of how the world works that we forget the raw and unmitigated excitement that comes with the unknown and the danger of God working in our lives. Let's all make conscious efforts to be that excited about God and the things He does in our lives.
Finally our Psalm today is from David and is after he has been saved from Saul trying to kill him. We'll get onto all that later in the year, don't panic. But what is interesting about this Psalm is that David has been saved but still is asking God to continue to protect him. David realises that his blessings have come from his devotion to God and just because the bad times are over for now, doesn't mean he should ignore asking God for help. It seems to me that there are three very different ways of talking to God here. Job is screaming in agony and is desperate for some relief from God. Jesus is telling us to come to God like a child would and then David is relying on God even in victory. So at every moment of our lives, we should be talking to God. Be it bad, good or confused; God is there to listen and answer our prayers. And by praying we'll be all the quicker to see His answer directly. Interesting stuff...
And that's your lot for today. Only just past midnight too! Yesterday's title is here and is well worth a listen folks. Today's is nice and easy if you're into anything with electric guitars ;) Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always,
Jon
Sunday 26 September 2010
Day 26 - Gimme Shelter
Good heavens! I'm going to get a blog up before 6 on a weekend!! O frabjous day indeed! We've been tearing out the carpet from my front room today. Lots of fun. In fact I've been quite the man mountain what with shifting sofas and cabinets, literally having three children hanging off me this morning whilst I tried to talk to their mother, tearing up and then hefting carpet around. I'm like some sort of machine today despite my lack of sleep! Onto business then
Today’s readings
Job 1:1-3:26
Matthew 18:10-35
Psalm 16:1-11
Ok. Let's be frank for a minute. Genesis was confusing in places because a lot of it can be interpreted differently and it's a case of finding the meaning and truth within the words. Now Job is going to be challenging for different reasons. As we progress through Job we'll be reading a lot of sorrow and hurt but what I think is most important before we start is to remember our key truths. God loves His creation and will always honour His promises to us. Through the worse times, God is still there and He never leaves Job, even if the bad stuff is happening.
The first thing that jumps out at me about Job is how he was so conscientious for himself and for his children. He'd devoted his life to honouring God himself and for his children too. When we think about the odd relationships we've seen so far in Genesis, Job really stands out as a Dad of the Year contender. Then what's interesting to me is that God communicates with Satan and in a way outwits him. Satan dares God to remove Job's wealth and blessings but God tells Satan to do what he wants. I think that this is because God will always be in control and if it is needed, He can counteract Satan at any time.
Now we sing in church sometimes about how we'll praise God's name in the tough times and the dark times. Well Job's first reaction to losing all his wealth and his children is to bless God's name and God's wisdom. WOW. Seriously, what an amazing thing to be able to do. Now I'm guessing he had a fair bit of angst and sorrow before he worshipped but his first port of call is to rely on God. What amazing faith Job has here. I'd love to be able to replicate this and I can think that the only way Job can is by living his life so close to God initially. If you're used to God being there in the God, He's so much easier to reach in the bad. I wonder how many of you who have children would be able to trust God at all if something happened to one of yours. It's just not something you ever want to contemplate, yet I would think parents should be rejoicing and thanking God for their children daily. They are a blessing from Him and are as much His children as we are. We've no more power over them than any other person. God loves them and cares for them and will call them back when He knows it is right. Tough stuff to read this is!
Then chapter 3 is one big lament from Job. There're loads of things that he says here and I'm not going to break them down. Question if you want to though! What I do find interesting though is that Job is cursing at last but he's cursing himself and his own existence. I don't think Job thinks that it is his fault but rather that he realises God is in the situation but can't see where and not existing for him would give him more peace than trying to discern God's love and will in the situation. To me this is a great passage as it shows that sometimes it is hard to see God's will and hand in the situation but that ultimately, He is there and He is taking control, just in His perfect time.
Into the New Testament we soar. Jesus continues to talk about our attitudes with God and each other and this time is dealing with forgiveness and conflict. The first part of today's reading is an excellent bit of advice for interpersonal relationships, regardless of if they're with Christians or not. If someone you know upsets you then confront them calmly, if they don't care and it's still important to you then take someone you both respect to talk it out. It's all common sense! There's also a repitition of Jesus saying a yes on earth is a yes in heaven but I think He's clearer here, explaining how this is about how we talk to each other and that there is someone who hears us and ultimately will judge us on our interactions.
But don't panic! Yes we will be judged and rightly so. But what Jesus goes on to talk about it forgiveness and how God wants to forgive us from our sins. There is a catch and that's that we act like Him, or in fact be little Christs as John so ably puts it! By living the Christian life and not seeking revenge and recompense we receive the greatest gift of all!
Finally our Psalm today is another David one. And David is backing up our two passages here. First he sings about how God is the safety in his life and just like Job, he shelters and relies on the truth that God loves him even when he feels low. This is the most important thing you can practice doing guys. Daily you can thank God for always loving and caring for you. Then he sings how he has won the ultimate victory and will be in heaven one day thanks to God's grace and that same forgiveness gives him nothing to fear in death. Hallelujiah!
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here and is annoyingly brilliant. Today's however is one of my all time favourites and I'd recommend a YouTube of it while you read the blog. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings
Job 1:1-3:26
Matthew 18:10-35
Psalm 16:1-11
Ok. Let's be frank for a minute. Genesis was confusing in places because a lot of it can be interpreted differently and it's a case of finding the meaning and truth within the words. Now Job is going to be challenging for different reasons. As we progress through Job we'll be reading a lot of sorrow and hurt but what I think is most important before we start is to remember our key truths. God loves His creation and will always honour His promises to us. Through the worse times, God is still there and He never leaves Job, even if the bad stuff is happening.
The first thing that jumps out at me about Job is how he was so conscientious for himself and for his children. He'd devoted his life to honouring God himself and for his children too. When we think about the odd relationships we've seen so far in Genesis, Job really stands out as a Dad of the Year contender. Then what's interesting to me is that God communicates with Satan and in a way outwits him. Satan dares God to remove Job's wealth and blessings but God tells Satan to do what he wants. I think that this is because God will always be in control and if it is needed, He can counteract Satan at any time.
Now we sing in church sometimes about how we'll praise God's name in the tough times and the dark times. Well Job's first reaction to losing all his wealth and his children is to bless God's name and God's wisdom. WOW. Seriously, what an amazing thing to be able to do. Now I'm guessing he had a fair bit of angst and sorrow before he worshipped but his first port of call is to rely on God. What amazing faith Job has here. I'd love to be able to replicate this and I can think that the only way Job can is by living his life so close to God initially. If you're used to God being there in the God, He's so much easier to reach in the bad. I wonder how many of you who have children would be able to trust God at all if something happened to one of yours. It's just not something you ever want to contemplate, yet I would think parents should be rejoicing and thanking God for their children daily. They are a blessing from Him and are as much His children as we are. We've no more power over them than any other person. God loves them and cares for them and will call them back when He knows it is right. Tough stuff to read this is!
Then chapter 3 is one big lament from Job. There're loads of things that he says here and I'm not going to break them down. Question if you want to though! What I do find interesting though is that Job is cursing at last but he's cursing himself and his own existence. I don't think Job thinks that it is his fault but rather that he realises God is in the situation but can't see where and not existing for him would give him more peace than trying to discern God's love and will in the situation. To me this is a great passage as it shows that sometimes it is hard to see God's will and hand in the situation but that ultimately, He is there and He is taking control, just in His perfect time.
Into the New Testament we soar. Jesus continues to talk about our attitudes with God and each other and this time is dealing with forgiveness and conflict. The first part of today's reading is an excellent bit of advice for interpersonal relationships, regardless of if they're with Christians or not. If someone you know upsets you then confront them calmly, if they don't care and it's still important to you then take someone you both respect to talk it out. It's all common sense! There's also a repitition of Jesus saying a yes on earth is a yes in heaven but I think He's clearer here, explaining how this is about how we talk to each other and that there is someone who hears us and ultimately will judge us on our interactions.
But don't panic! Yes we will be judged and rightly so. But what Jesus goes on to talk about it forgiveness and how God wants to forgive us from our sins. There is a catch and that's that we act like Him, or in fact be little Christs as John so ably puts it! By living the Christian life and not seeking revenge and recompense we receive the greatest gift of all!
Finally our Psalm today is another David one. And David is backing up our two passages here. First he sings about how God is the safety in his life and just like Job, he shelters and relies on the truth that God loves him even when he feels low. This is the most important thing you can practice doing guys. Daily you can thank God for always loving and caring for you. Then he sings how he has won the ultimate victory and will be in heaven one day thanks to God's grace and that same forgiveness gives him nothing to fear in death. Hallelujiah!
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here and is annoyingly brilliant. Today's however is one of my all time favourites and I'd recommend a YouTube of it while you read the blog. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Saturday 25 September 2010
Day 25 - The Promise
Latest blog ever? Quite possibly. Been really struggling with this today. This'll be the fourth attempt at writing it and I've no excuse other than apathy. I'm hoping that the Bible stuff is going to pick me up a little. Definitely might fall asleep in church tomorrow so feel free to poke me. Onto business then
Today’s readings
Genesis 49:1-50:26
Matthew 17:14-18:9
Psalm 15:1-5
So we get to the end of our first book. 65 to go! The vast majority of them shorter than this one too. First thing that jumps out at me today is Jacob's words to Judah. In verse 10 he talks about Judah being in charge (and Judah's tribe did rule Israel for AGES) but he talks about waiting for the ultimate ruler. Now at no point had Jacob been told by God about Jesus. In fact it's not till much later that the Jewish people start believing there will be a Messiah. This is quite cool then that Jacob, getting closer to God on his deathbed than ever before, receives this brilliant revelation.
Asher clearly was the comedy relief of the brothers if he only got blessed with food. I know how films work. If there's a bunch of people, the foody has to be the funny one... Now Joseph gets special treatment and it's understandable considering what Jacob had been through but I find it weird that Jacob calls him a wild donkey. I guess there's compliments in there somewhere about being stubborn and hardy. Just made me think that sometimes I seek praise for certain things I've tried really hard at and ignore the praise that doesn't suit my ego's needs. I'm going to have to be more appreciative of all the accolades God chooses to pass my way and I don't mean that in a big headed fashion. There's a lesson here to take every compliment to heart as, if they're true, they come from God and are a form of worship, a praise to God for the great things He has given you.
Into chapter 50 and wow! Verse 3 could get overlooked but let's not forget that the Israelites were not allowed to eat with Egyptians and were basically owned by the Pharoah at this point yet the Egyptians mourned for 70 days over the death of Jacob. And then later on the Egyptians are mourning so heavily that they name a place after this outpouring of grief! God moves people to different emotions and sometimes we forget that these extreme responses are also gifts from God. I'm getting slightly cross with myself as I type this because all of my apathy and laziness is a direct neglect of what God has called me to do. I need to focus on this being part of my service and dedication to God in thanks for the blessings He continues to pour on me.
Then finally Joseph again, and he must be getting pretty fed up of this by now, points out to his brothers that he isn't vengeful. But why and how is he not? Because he realises God's hand in everything. I'm quite lucky at the moment not to be too cross at anyone but if you're struggling with someone, try and step outside the situation and believe that God has it in hand.
But there's a bigger issue here too that Andy talks about on the Soul Survivor vlog. I'm not going to harp on about it because you can just watch him saying it clearer and more thought out! But this is the end of the beginning and Genesis to me is the beginning of God's work with humanity. From creation, however you want to interpret it, all the way to Joseph's death, God has been introducing Himself to humanity bit by bit and trying to help us achieve something better. Now the majority of Genesis is about Abraham's tribe and his descendents and for them, a better and safer life is one in their own country where they can be prosperous. So God is promising that they will end up there even if it takes centuries of waiting. I mean even with the whole debate over whether the ages are true or not, there's still more than four generations of people between God promising the land to Abraham and Joseph dying. He's got grandkids by this point so that's...6 whole generations and still no fulfillment of this promise. But God keeps it and it's in His time. Sometimes we don't think God will ever answer our prayers and the truth is, it might not happen in our lifetime. But He has promised us great things and if it's after we die? Well we'll be sitting next to Him worshipping and looking down. Try your best to renew and recognise God's promises in your life.
Into the New Testament we slump. I do love the way the Message interprets Jesus. He's so full of passion and drive. Sometimes He can come across a bit lovey dovey and bland. This passage starts with Jesus getting frustrated at the disciples lack of faith. It's a common theme and one that must plague God with us too. We have so much potential but we limit ourselves by listening to Satan telling us we can't or won't achieve something. Think about the last thing you did that suprised yourself and how it made you feel. When you step out for God or even for yourself, it's a thrill because you're living to your potential realised!
Jesus then gets into a confusing bit with Peter about taxes. Now is this Jesus breaking the law? Is He using His miraculous power for His own gain? I'd never really read this passage before and it's leaving me quite challenged. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this bit guys. Now I think the point that Jesus makes here is true and brilliant. Jesus shouldn't have to pay to go to the Temple as He is the son of the person the Temple tax is meant to go to; God. And likewise, we're the children of God and so we shouldn't HAVE to pay to go to church. The offering is voluntary for this very reason. But then the bit with the fish... I just don't get it. Did Jesus not have any money on Him? Did none of the disciples carry cash? I know the Queen doesn't carry any money on her but I didn't realise the same applied for the one, true King! Hmmm... ok much thought and prayer later (gosh it's late. Silly Jon getting conflicted at 3am) I think it might be like this. Jesus doesn't have to pay God's taxes and neither should we. But He does to avoid confrontation because He recognises the Temple must continue functioning. Also He gets His money directly from God as it comes from creation. I've no problem believing there might be cash in the fish as things like that do happen occasionally and Jesus would have known God could make that happen. This sounds ok to me. Other thoughts and input? Am I making too big a deal of this? Talk to me people!!!
Next we get a nice parallel with the Genesis passage. There we had Jacob's sons taking their blessing and dealing with it. Not complaining but just accepting that they had done wrong to Joseph and weren't all going to get the best deal out of their father's death. Here we have the disciples arguing over who gets to sit next to Jesus. It must have been so hard for Jesus to keep these guys around! They keep on missing the point like a lot of us do that Jesus can do amazing things and will do amazing things and the details are just not as important as the truth. People will often question me and you about our faith and how we can believe this or what happens if this happens. And the truth is we don't know. But we do know that God works in this world and lives in us. We do know that trying to love humankind equally tends to make the world a better place to live in. Don't lose sight of the true promise here because of questions about the little stuff. To me this is what Jesus is talking about when He says to cut off hands and eyes. If things are stopping you seeing the big picture of Jesus then they're stopping you living your life to its fullness.
Finally our Psalm. David here is giving us a very brief to do list on how to get into God's good books. That's helpful of him! But it's true. These are the simple things. This is how you live your life and need to be your priorities. Now notice David doesn't say you'll live the best life on earth doing this but rather get invited to dinner at God's house. So maybe life won't be the perfection you always thought it would. But death will be and that's got to be the finishing line you run for.
And that's your lot for today. Been a bit longer and quite personal today. Hope you don't mind but sometimes it helps to clear out the brain and get cross with yourself publically. Do feedback guys. It helps me IMMENSELY. If you can't work out how to do it here then comment the post I put on my Facebook profile.
Yesterday's song was this. Huge mega points if you got that and do listen to it as it's awesome rock. I might actually come up with a leaderboard if more than one person starts guessing these :p Have a great Sunday peeps. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings
Genesis 49:1-50:26
Matthew 17:14-18:9
Psalm 15:1-5
So we get to the end of our first book. 65 to go! The vast majority of them shorter than this one too. First thing that jumps out at me today is Jacob's words to Judah. In verse 10 he talks about Judah being in charge (and Judah's tribe did rule Israel for AGES) but he talks about waiting for the ultimate ruler. Now at no point had Jacob been told by God about Jesus. In fact it's not till much later that the Jewish people start believing there will be a Messiah. This is quite cool then that Jacob, getting closer to God on his deathbed than ever before, receives this brilliant revelation.
Asher clearly was the comedy relief of the brothers if he only got blessed with food. I know how films work. If there's a bunch of people, the foody has to be the funny one... Now Joseph gets special treatment and it's understandable considering what Jacob had been through but I find it weird that Jacob calls him a wild donkey. I guess there's compliments in there somewhere about being stubborn and hardy. Just made me think that sometimes I seek praise for certain things I've tried really hard at and ignore the praise that doesn't suit my ego's needs. I'm going to have to be more appreciative of all the accolades God chooses to pass my way and I don't mean that in a big headed fashion. There's a lesson here to take every compliment to heart as, if they're true, they come from God and are a form of worship, a praise to God for the great things He has given you.
Into chapter 50 and wow! Verse 3 could get overlooked but let's not forget that the Israelites were not allowed to eat with Egyptians and were basically owned by the Pharoah at this point yet the Egyptians mourned for 70 days over the death of Jacob. And then later on the Egyptians are mourning so heavily that they name a place after this outpouring of grief! God moves people to different emotions and sometimes we forget that these extreme responses are also gifts from God. I'm getting slightly cross with myself as I type this because all of my apathy and laziness is a direct neglect of what God has called me to do. I need to focus on this being part of my service and dedication to God in thanks for the blessings He continues to pour on me.
Then finally Joseph again, and he must be getting pretty fed up of this by now, points out to his brothers that he isn't vengeful. But why and how is he not? Because he realises God's hand in everything. I'm quite lucky at the moment not to be too cross at anyone but if you're struggling with someone, try and step outside the situation and believe that God has it in hand.
But there's a bigger issue here too that Andy talks about on the Soul Survivor vlog. I'm not going to harp on about it because you can just watch him saying it clearer and more thought out! But this is the end of the beginning and Genesis to me is the beginning of God's work with humanity. From creation, however you want to interpret it, all the way to Joseph's death, God has been introducing Himself to humanity bit by bit and trying to help us achieve something better. Now the majority of Genesis is about Abraham's tribe and his descendents and for them, a better and safer life is one in their own country where they can be prosperous. So God is promising that they will end up there even if it takes centuries of waiting. I mean even with the whole debate over whether the ages are true or not, there's still more than four generations of people between God promising the land to Abraham and Joseph dying. He's got grandkids by this point so that's...6 whole generations and still no fulfillment of this promise. But God keeps it and it's in His time. Sometimes we don't think God will ever answer our prayers and the truth is, it might not happen in our lifetime. But He has promised us great things and if it's after we die? Well we'll be sitting next to Him worshipping and looking down. Try your best to renew and recognise God's promises in your life.
Into the New Testament we slump. I do love the way the Message interprets Jesus. He's so full of passion and drive. Sometimes He can come across a bit lovey dovey and bland. This passage starts with Jesus getting frustrated at the disciples lack of faith. It's a common theme and one that must plague God with us too. We have so much potential but we limit ourselves by listening to Satan telling us we can't or won't achieve something. Think about the last thing you did that suprised yourself and how it made you feel. When you step out for God or even for yourself, it's a thrill because you're living to your potential realised!
Jesus then gets into a confusing bit with Peter about taxes. Now is this Jesus breaking the law? Is He using His miraculous power for His own gain? I'd never really read this passage before and it's leaving me quite challenged. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this bit guys. Now I think the point that Jesus makes here is true and brilliant. Jesus shouldn't have to pay to go to the Temple as He is the son of the person the Temple tax is meant to go to; God. And likewise, we're the children of God and so we shouldn't HAVE to pay to go to church. The offering is voluntary for this very reason. But then the bit with the fish... I just don't get it. Did Jesus not have any money on Him? Did none of the disciples carry cash? I know the Queen doesn't carry any money on her but I didn't realise the same applied for the one, true King! Hmmm... ok much thought and prayer later (gosh it's late. Silly Jon getting conflicted at 3am) I think it might be like this. Jesus doesn't have to pay God's taxes and neither should we. But He does to avoid confrontation because He recognises the Temple must continue functioning. Also He gets His money directly from God as it comes from creation. I've no problem believing there might be cash in the fish as things like that do happen occasionally and Jesus would have known God could make that happen. This sounds ok to me. Other thoughts and input? Am I making too big a deal of this? Talk to me people!!!
Next we get a nice parallel with the Genesis passage. There we had Jacob's sons taking their blessing and dealing with it. Not complaining but just accepting that they had done wrong to Joseph and weren't all going to get the best deal out of their father's death. Here we have the disciples arguing over who gets to sit next to Jesus. It must have been so hard for Jesus to keep these guys around! They keep on missing the point like a lot of us do that Jesus can do amazing things and will do amazing things and the details are just not as important as the truth. People will often question me and you about our faith and how we can believe this or what happens if this happens. And the truth is we don't know. But we do know that God works in this world and lives in us. We do know that trying to love humankind equally tends to make the world a better place to live in. Don't lose sight of the true promise here because of questions about the little stuff. To me this is what Jesus is talking about when He says to cut off hands and eyes. If things are stopping you seeing the big picture of Jesus then they're stopping you living your life to its fullness.
Finally our Psalm. David here is giving us a very brief to do list on how to get into God's good books. That's helpful of him! But it's true. These are the simple things. This is how you live your life and need to be your priorities. Now notice David doesn't say you'll live the best life on earth doing this but rather get invited to dinner at God's house. So maybe life won't be the perfection you always thought it would. But death will be and that's got to be the finishing line you run for.
And that's your lot for today. Been a bit longer and quite personal today. Hope you don't mind but sometimes it helps to clear out the brain and get cross with yourself publically. Do feedback guys. It helps me IMMENSELY. If you can't work out how to do it here then comment the post I put on my Facebook profile.
Yesterday's song was this. Huge mega points if you got that and do listen to it as it's awesome rock. I might actually come up with a leaderboard if more than one person starts guessing these :p Have a great Sunday peeps. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Friday 24 September 2010
Day 24 -Always Your Way
Happy Jack Bauer Day everyone! By making it this far we are all capable of kicking people so hard they will actually explode. Fun! On to business then
Today’s readings
Genesis 47:13-48:22
Matthew 16:21-17:13
Proverbs 3:1-10
Genesis is an odd one today where not a lot appears to happen and yet what does happen has HUGE consequences. First we have Joseph sorting out the problems of the whole of Egypt by buying all of their possessions for the state. It's like David Cameron's nightmare!! Now this will lead into the Israelites being badly treated by the next Pharoah but I think it's interesting to see that this is part of God's plan. God always knew He'd have to take the Jews out of Egypt and I think that by doing it this way He gave them a sense of unity and trust in Him and His chosen leader that they would cope with wandering in the wilderness for so long. But I'm getting ahead of myself...
Next we have Jacob blessing his grandchildren. What's nice is that Jacob's once again echoing his father's actions by blessing children when he's nearly blind. Only this time he knows precisely who he is called to bless and there's no trickery involved. I like that one of Jacob's last actions is directly tied into the will of God and this man who spent so long getting it wrong and trying to do things his way or the way that made most sense to him, finally surrenders to God's logic. Now Ephraim and Manasseh go on, like the other sons of Jacob, to form the tribes of Israel and Ephraim's people do a fair bit better than Manasseh's. I think... We'll find out later I guess! But regardless, this will have bigger implications in the months to come. Now what can all this mean for us today? Where's the truth? Well to me this is just another point of Joseph's story where he is shown to be a great man not because of his coat or his dreaming but because he trusts God to work things out and doesn't do it under his own steam.
Into the New Testament we tumble and straight away we get proof of what I was saying yesterday about the nonsense in thinking Jesus was giving Peter super powers. Peter says that it can never be and is in fact impossible for Jesus to die and be raised from the dead. Well that didn't happen did it. So nerrr....
Verse 28 can be a bit of a problem and I'd like to address it at least. Jesus says that some of the people standing with Him will see the second coming. Now... how to we interpret that? Well I guess our first reaction is to say that they didn't see this and so it can't be true. Which is worrying stuff. I think there are other answers. The easiest answer to me is that the Bible and Jesus' message was never just meant for the people He met face to face but for the whole of humanity. Jesus isn't saying this just to the disciples but to us reading it. At some point, someone reading the Bible will see Jesus come to Earth again. Now that's pretty cool. What it could also mean is that the disciples saw Jesus once they got to heaven. Now Judas would have been with the disciples at this point and there's a good chance that he might not have made it to heaven, only God knows. There's also the possibility that this was put in by Matthew because he believed that Heaven was going to come much sooner than God had planned for it. I believe, and it's ok if you don't, that, because the Bible was written by humans and inspired by God, there are bits which are influenced by the author's own intention and belief. Again, it's all about finding the truth within the text. Other thoughts would be interesting to hear.
Then Jesus goes on to do some crazy stuff. First of all, this could be another answer to that verse we've just talked about. Jesus shows a part of His true divine nature to His disciples. I love how this amazing thing is happening and all of the disciples are in awe but Peter just stands yapping away about what he can do to commemorate the occasion. There are times when it is ok to just be amazed by God and part of the waiting on God which we did at Soul Survivor is that. Have to courage to give, ten or fifteen minutes of your time some day to just be still and wait for God. Don't think of what else you could be doing. Don't actively pray. Just ask God to come and wait on Him. Crazy cool things can happen.
This is also another example of Jesus fulfilling the prophecies which we'll read more about later in the year as Elijah and Moses were great Jewish leaders but they were always meant to point to the true Saviour, Jesus.
Finally our Proverbs today. I do love Proverbs :) Today we get more instructions for how to live. If people ever ask you why you think the Bible is a guide to life, this stuff is great to point out to them. Proverbs says here that if you live your life dependent on God, you will be blessed. It talks about how every sacrifice that you make in not going it alone or not hoarding your possessions or even in checking your attitude matches with God's will be met with blessings from him. Fantastic news yes!
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's title can be found here and the better version IMHO can be found here. Don't forget to try and guess today's band. It's worth a listen. Questions, criticims and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings
Genesis 47:13-48:22
Matthew 16:21-17:13
Proverbs 3:1-10
Genesis is an odd one today where not a lot appears to happen and yet what does happen has HUGE consequences. First we have Joseph sorting out the problems of the whole of Egypt by buying all of their possessions for the state. It's like David Cameron's nightmare!! Now this will lead into the Israelites being badly treated by the next Pharoah but I think it's interesting to see that this is part of God's plan. God always knew He'd have to take the Jews out of Egypt and I think that by doing it this way He gave them a sense of unity and trust in Him and His chosen leader that they would cope with wandering in the wilderness for so long. But I'm getting ahead of myself...
Next we have Jacob blessing his grandchildren. What's nice is that Jacob's once again echoing his father's actions by blessing children when he's nearly blind. Only this time he knows precisely who he is called to bless and there's no trickery involved. I like that one of Jacob's last actions is directly tied into the will of God and this man who spent so long getting it wrong and trying to do things his way or the way that made most sense to him, finally surrenders to God's logic. Now Ephraim and Manasseh go on, like the other sons of Jacob, to form the tribes of Israel and Ephraim's people do a fair bit better than Manasseh's. I think... We'll find out later I guess! But regardless, this will have bigger implications in the months to come. Now what can all this mean for us today? Where's the truth? Well to me this is just another point of Joseph's story where he is shown to be a great man not because of his coat or his dreaming but because he trusts God to work things out and doesn't do it under his own steam.
Into the New Testament we tumble and straight away we get proof of what I was saying yesterday about the nonsense in thinking Jesus was giving Peter super powers. Peter says that it can never be and is in fact impossible for Jesus to die and be raised from the dead. Well that didn't happen did it. So nerrr....
Verse 28 can be a bit of a problem and I'd like to address it at least. Jesus says that some of the people standing with Him will see the second coming. Now... how to we interpret that? Well I guess our first reaction is to say that they didn't see this and so it can't be true. Which is worrying stuff. I think there are other answers. The easiest answer to me is that the Bible and Jesus' message was never just meant for the people He met face to face but for the whole of humanity. Jesus isn't saying this just to the disciples but to us reading it. At some point, someone reading the Bible will see Jesus come to Earth again. Now that's pretty cool. What it could also mean is that the disciples saw Jesus once they got to heaven. Now Judas would have been with the disciples at this point and there's a good chance that he might not have made it to heaven, only God knows. There's also the possibility that this was put in by Matthew because he believed that Heaven was going to come much sooner than God had planned for it. I believe, and it's ok if you don't, that, because the Bible was written by humans and inspired by God, there are bits which are influenced by the author's own intention and belief. Again, it's all about finding the truth within the text. Other thoughts would be interesting to hear.
Then Jesus goes on to do some crazy stuff. First of all, this could be another answer to that verse we've just talked about. Jesus shows a part of His true divine nature to His disciples. I love how this amazing thing is happening and all of the disciples are in awe but Peter just stands yapping away about what he can do to commemorate the occasion. There are times when it is ok to just be amazed by God and part of the waiting on God which we did at Soul Survivor is that. Have to courage to give, ten or fifteen minutes of your time some day to just be still and wait for God. Don't think of what else you could be doing. Don't actively pray. Just ask God to come and wait on Him. Crazy cool things can happen.
This is also another example of Jesus fulfilling the prophecies which we'll read more about later in the year as Elijah and Moses were great Jewish leaders but they were always meant to point to the true Saviour, Jesus.
Finally our Proverbs today. I do love Proverbs :) Today we get more instructions for how to live. If people ever ask you why you think the Bible is a guide to life, this stuff is great to point out to them. Proverbs says here that if you live your life dependent on God, you will be blessed. It talks about how every sacrifice that you make in not going it alone or not hoarding your possessions or even in checking your attitude matches with God's will be met with blessings from him. Fantastic news yes!
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's title can be found here and the better version IMHO can be found here. Don't forget to try and guess today's band. It's worth a listen. Questions, criticims and comments welcome as always
Jon
Thursday 23 September 2010
Day 23 - Land of Confusion
I was convinced I'd already done this today... Clearly not. So last night I went to see the new Will Ferrell film. I know, I wanted to see a film with Will Ferrell in. It took some getting used to the idea I promise you. However, the minute we got to the desk the woman next to us sold the last ticket. Fun... So we ended up in Tamara Drew which was... ok? It was funny in places and sort of loosely followed the plot of the book that was meant to inspire it but was nothing memorable. I've seen much better British cinema like This is England or even Cemetery Junction. All in all, rent it if there's nothing else to watch. Onto business then.
Today’s readings
Genesis 45:1-47:12
Matthew 16:1-20
Psalm 14:1-7
We're getting close to the end of Genesis now which is quite exciting in a way. Only 65 more books left!! First point that hits me today is not just how Joseph forgives his brothers but how he's so humble in seeing God's work. God can do massive things on a global scale to effect one or two people. Joseph doesn't just see how God's plans saved his life and put him in a place of authority but how he was less important to his brothers being saved and God's people continuing to prosper. Sometimes we forget that the Israelites were still without a home or any real future and this was as much about giving them some security before God moved them on with Moses as it was about making sure that just one man was spared the unjust treatment of his brothers.
And how God worked for them in that situation. Just last chapter we read how it was offensive for an Egyptian to have to eat with a Jew and yet Pharoah himself is desperate for Joseph's family to settle in Egypt on the best land available. This would cause problems later when man's jealousy got in the way but what a huge blessing. Once again God shows that He will bless you out of your hardship even if it takes years for that blessing to come.
Into the New Testament we splash and Jesus is talking in riddles again. So often I have to go back to that promise that if we really rely on God and try to follow His will then the knowledge and wisdom will filter through. First Jesus talks to the Jewish leaders about how they demand signs and miracles but the only sign they'd get is the Jonah sign. What's the mean hmm? Well obviously we'll read Jonah at some point but I think what Jesus is saying is that Jonah's signs from God all tended to be pretty scary and dangerous and Jesus is saying that the Pharissees are being so ignorant and close minded to see the signs and the truth that He is preaching, the only way God will be able to show them anything is by pushing them to the brink of disaster.
Then He talks to his disciples about how they will be worth a lot less to God if they concentrate on the wrong sort of teaching. Now again the disciples just don't get it and Jesus has to make His point over again. The disciples aren't educated guys and these are all brand new ideas that they're hearing. But Jesus isn't always obvious and does challenge what we think and accept as the way things work. I guess the equivalent here would be something like trade justice. The world tells us that big corporations will always abuse their workers and get away with it. But Jesus challenges us with different thinking. That's a big example but it works on the small scale as well. Look at your life and think about what attitudes you might hold that Jesus would challenge the logic or truthfulness of. I know I've got a few and I'm going to have to redress them.
The next bit kind of gets glossed over in the Soul Survivor vlog but I think it's important considering what's just been happening in the country. First Jesus is recognised by Peter as being the Messiah and what's brilliant is that Jesus reinforces that true knowledge is God given. It comes from stepping out in faith. Which of the disciples has done the most to try and get close to Jesus? Literally Peter as he went to Him on the water. And with that risk comes the great reward.
Now Jesus' words that follow are pretty much the sole reasoning behind the role of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church. I'm not particularly anti Pope though I do think he ought to do more to further equality and justice than he does. What's really tricky with the Pope is that hard line Roman Catholicism teaches that everything a Pope says is true. And that's based on what Jesus says in verse 19. Now ignoring the fact that Jesus only says this to Paul and not that every person who gets Paul's job after him gets all the same perks, and ignoring that the Pope has contradicted previous Popes and changed his mind on several occasions, to me that just isn't what this is saying. I just don't see Jesus, who two seconds earlier was calling out the disciples for not getting what He was saying, deciding that every single thing this person said would be true. I mean that doesn't even hold up in the Bible as Peter denied knowing Jesus yet this wasn't true... To me this is Jesus showing the true potential of the realisation that Peter has had. By accessing that divine knowledge of God we can achieve so much more as we'll be being backed by God and we'll be getting blessings and answers from Him. This isn't a superpower that never leaves us, it's an occasional blessing from God as all his gifts are.
And finally our Psalm is another short one today. David here is echoing what I was saying about challenging the established way that the world teaches us to think. He warns us that by being sheep for a leader on earth will only lead to us coming up short in life. Instead we need to keep fixed on God and His truth, no matter how dangerous or bizarre it might seem. Remember though, the key truth is to be loving. If you're loving God and loving your fellow human then you're doing His will. It shouldn't be so hard to get on with people should it!
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's answer was Craig David. I refuse to link to it. It upset me just remembering the title. Today's is a great song with a better cover version. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings
Genesis 45:1-47:12
Matthew 16:1-20
Psalm 14:1-7
We're getting close to the end of Genesis now which is quite exciting in a way. Only 65 more books left!! First point that hits me today is not just how Joseph forgives his brothers but how he's so humble in seeing God's work. God can do massive things on a global scale to effect one or two people. Joseph doesn't just see how God's plans saved his life and put him in a place of authority but how he was less important to his brothers being saved and God's people continuing to prosper. Sometimes we forget that the Israelites were still without a home or any real future and this was as much about giving them some security before God moved them on with Moses as it was about making sure that just one man was spared the unjust treatment of his brothers.
And how God worked for them in that situation. Just last chapter we read how it was offensive for an Egyptian to have to eat with a Jew and yet Pharoah himself is desperate for Joseph's family to settle in Egypt on the best land available. This would cause problems later when man's jealousy got in the way but what a huge blessing. Once again God shows that He will bless you out of your hardship even if it takes years for that blessing to come.
Into the New Testament we splash and Jesus is talking in riddles again. So often I have to go back to that promise that if we really rely on God and try to follow His will then the knowledge and wisdom will filter through. First Jesus talks to the Jewish leaders about how they demand signs and miracles but the only sign they'd get is the Jonah sign. What's the mean hmm? Well obviously we'll read Jonah at some point but I think what Jesus is saying is that Jonah's signs from God all tended to be pretty scary and dangerous and Jesus is saying that the Pharissees are being so ignorant and close minded to see the signs and the truth that He is preaching, the only way God will be able to show them anything is by pushing them to the brink of disaster.
Then He talks to his disciples about how they will be worth a lot less to God if they concentrate on the wrong sort of teaching. Now again the disciples just don't get it and Jesus has to make His point over again. The disciples aren't educated guys and these are all brand new ideas that they're hearing. But Jesus isn't always obvious and does challenge what we think and accept as the way things work. I guess the equivalent here would be something like trade justice. The world tells us that big corporations will always abuse their workers and get away with it. But Jesus challenges us with different thinking. That's a big example but it works on the small scale as well. Look at your life and think about what attitudes you might hold that Jesus would challenge the logic or truthfulness of. I know I've got a few and I'm going to have to redress them.
The next bit kind of gets glossed over in the Soul Survivor vlog but I think it's important considering what's just been happening in the country. First Jesus is recognised by Peter as being the Messiah and what's brilliant is that Jesus reinforces that true knowledge is God given. It comes from stepping out in faith. Which of the disciples has done the most to try and get close to Jesus? Literally Peter as he went to Him on the water. And with that risk comes the great reward.
Now Jesus' words that follow are pretty much the sole reasoning behind the role of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church. I'm not particularly anti Pope though I do think he ought to do more to further equality and justice than he does. What's really tricky with the Pope is that hard line Roman Catholicism teaches that everything a Pope says is true. And that's based on what Jesus says in verse 19. Now ignoring the fact that Jesus only says this to Paul and not that every person who gets Paul's job after him gets all the same perks, and ignoring that the Pope has contradicted previous Popes and changed his mind on several occasions, to me that just isn't what this is saying. I just don't see Jesus, who two seconds earlier was calling out the disciples for not getting what He was saying, deciding that every single thing this person said would be true. I mean that doesn't even hold up in the Bible as Peter denied knowing Jesus yet this wasn't true... To me this is Jesus showing the true potential of the realisation that Peter has had. By accessing that divine knowledge of God we can achieve so much more as we'll be being backed by God and we'll be getting blessings and answers from Him. This isn't a superpower that never leaves us, it's an occasional blessing from God as all his gifts are.
And finally our Psalm is another short one today. David here is echoing what I was saying about challenging the established way that the world teaches us to think. He warns us that by being sheep for a leader on earth will only lead to us coming up short in life. Instead we need to keep fixed on God and His truth, no matter how dangerous or bizarre it might seem. Remember though, the key truth is to be loving. If you're loving God and loving your fellow human then you're doing His will. It shouldn't be so hard to get on with people should it!
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's answer was Craig David. I refuse to link to it. It upset me just remembering the title. Today's is a great song with a better cover version. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Day 22 - Fill Me In
Off to the cinema later so expect another thrilling film review this time tomorrow! Also, it's back on time!! Two days in a row!!! Onto business then
Today’s readings:
Genesis 43:1-44:34
Matthew 15:10-39
Psalm 13:1-6
Today continues Joseph's story and the first thing that hits me is just how confused the brothers must have been. From fear and accusation to being treated to dinner with the second most important person in the most important country! Their home life was full of despair and they had no guarantee that their father would live long enough to greet their return, plus the heavy burden of having to make sure their youngest brother returned. This is another light at the end of the tunnel moment to me. Times do get hard but the Bible is time and again telling us that there will be a time where we get blessed with peace and prosperity.
What's also impressive is how the brothers recognise their own fault and recognise that it might be a judgement from God. Too many times so far we've read people who are oblivious to the consequences of their actions but this bunch of lads worked out who was pulling the strings! They realise they've done wrong and are willing to sacrifice their own freedom to atone for their wrong doing. I know all the things that I do wrong in God's eyes but I don't think I'm so quick to accept my punishment. I wonder how easy it would be for you to go to God and not only say sorry but also bear the brunt of God's justice. Thank goodness for Jesus' sacrifice!!
Into the New Testament we fly and here is a bit of a testing passage. Jesus first talks about what you eat not making you holy but what you think and feel. But then we get the encounter with the Canaanite woman which seems conflicting to Jesus' loving attitude. Twice he appears to turn her away before relenting. However there's a few important things here. First is that the woman's prayers are answered and we have to remember that praying for something to happen doesn't give us the right to set a deadline date. Secondly is that this woman appears to convince Jesus using her arguments. This reminds me of the search for true wisdom and how we get it by being totally reliant on God. The woman could have taken no and turned away but she knew that the only person who could help her was Jesus and so gained the wisdom to say her words. Did she convince Jesus? I don't think so. I think Jesus here was always going to help the woman but wanted as much to see the reaction of His disciples who do nothing to help her. We need to remember that we can't just rely on Christ to make a difference to other people. He will expect us to do our bit. The last few days have been a challenge to be a disciple that makes a difference by doing something and I'm definitely looking for more opportunities to do God's work. Have you asked God to come and do something with your life? Have you meant it??
And lastly the Psalmist is very quick to realise how God can change and shape their life. This is a definite sincere plea to God for Him to fill their life and work through the angst so that they get the fullness God can provide. There is a call from the Bible not just to rely on God for your worries but to make sure that He can use you. Are we all desperate for that to happen? We really ought to be!
And that's your lot. Nice and short today. Yesterday's answer is here. Well done if you got it! Today's is a horrible tune that you shouldn't listen to ever... But it fit! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always,
Jon
Today’s readings:
Genesis 43:1-44:34
Matthew 15:10-39
Psalm 13:1-6
Today continues Joseph's story and the first thing that hits me is just how confused the brothers must have been. From fear and accusation to being treated to dinner with the second most important person in the most important country! Their home life was full of despair and they had no guarantee that their father would live long enough to greet their return, plus the heavy burden of having to make sure their youngest brother returned. This is another light at the end of the tunnel moment to me. Times do get hard but the Bible is time and again telling us that there will be a time where we get blessed with peace and prosperity.
What's also impressive is how the brothers recognise their own fault and recognise that it might be a judgement from God. Too many times so far we've read people who are oblivious to the consequences of their actions but this bunch of lads worked out who was pulling the strings! They realise they've done wrong and are willing to sacrifice their own freedom to atone for their wrong doing. I know all the things that I do wrong in God's eyes but I don't think I'm so quick to accept my punishment. I wonder how easy it would be for you to go to God and not only say sorry but also bear the brunt of God's justice. Thank goodness for Jesus' sacrifice!!
Into the New Testament we fly and here is a bit of a testing passage. Jesus first talks about what you eat not making you holy but what you think and feel. But then we get the encounter with the Canaanite woman which seems conflicting to Jesus' loving attitude. Twice he appears to turn her away before relenting. However there's a few important things here. First is that the woman's prayers are answered and we have to remember that praying for something to happen doesn't give us the right to set a deadline date. Secondly is that this woman appears to convince Jesus using her arguments. This reminds me of the search for true wisdom and how we get it by being totally reliant on God. The woman could have taken no and turned away but she knew that the only person who could help her was Jesus and so gained the wisdom to say her words. Did she convince Jesus? I don't think so. I think Jesus here was always going to help the woman but wanted as much to see the reaction of His disciples who do nothing to help her. We need to remember that we can't just rely on Christ to make a difference to other people. He will expect us to do our bit. The last few days have been a challenge to be a disciple that makes a difference by doing something and I'm definitely looking for more opportunities to do God's work. Have you asked God to come and do something with your life? Have you meant it??
And lastly the Psalmist is very quick to realise how God can change and shape their life. This is a definite sincere plea to God for Him to fill their life and work through the angst so that they get the fullness God can provide. There is a call from the Bible not just to rely on God for your worries but to make sure that He can use you. Are we all desperate for that to happen? We really ought to be!
And that's your lot. Nice and short today. Yesterday's answer is here. Well done if you got it! Today's is a horrible tune that you shouldn't listen to ever... But it fit! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always,
Jon
Tuesday 21 September 2010
Day 21 - Open Your Eyes
Grrr... I try and do a nice early blog and blogspot keeps sending me error messages. All through writing this I've been getting errors saying it's not autosaving. Swines! It better post... Today I've been sorting out just how much of my time is going to be spent making John Harper's life easier. This must be a good use of my time yes? We'll see I suppose! Onto business then
Today’s readings:
Genesis 41:41-42:38
Matthew 14:22-15:9
Psalm 12:1-8
Joseph's story continues today and there's not loads to talk about here. The first thing that jumped out at me is how when the brothers are walking back and discover they've got their money in the sacks, their first reaction is to think God is punishing them. Now obviously it would be serious if they had been stealing the grain but seeing as they hadn't I think it's bizarre that they wouldn't think this was a blessing. I guess sometimes we can get really distant from God or desperate in our lives that we start to miss the actual blessings we receive. There's also an interesting little parallel between Jacob's reaction to letting Benjamin go and his grandad Abraham's reaction to being told to sacrifice Issac. Both guys feared the worse for their son but only one trusted God's will enough to go through with what he'd been told to do. I think there's an issue here about not being aware enough of when God is speaking to us. The brothers don't recognise Joseph at all (and I've noticed it doesn't mention make-up... Sorry Craig), none of them recognise them receiving their money back as a gift from God, Jacob doesn't see that he has to send Benjamin because that's what God has planned out. I think sometimes we get so convinced that our life is solely ours and so we know precisely what's best for it that we miss all the massive signs and interventions which God puts in place for us.
Into the New Testament we sojourn. Now walking on the water is one of my all time favourite Jesus bits. I think because it's on face value a ridiculous miracle. What I mean by that is that no one is being helped here. Jesus used His power to help others and, apart from saving Him a swim, what does anyone gain from this walk? Well first of all there's obviously the benefit to Peter. Andy in the Soul Survivor blog today makes an excellent point which I didn't realise about how Peter was walking on the lake where he grew up. I'd really advise people to have a watch because I think this ties in really nicely with the Genesis message of spotting Jesus and being on the lookout for him. Peter trusted Jesus and stepped out in faith to do something for Him and the disciples recognised Jesus too as being the Son of God. Now would that have had the same impact somewhere else? Quite possibly, but it's interesting to me to see how Jesus uses the places we know. He doesn't always need us to go on missions to other countries but will use what is familiar to us. Be vigilant folks to where God is talking and using you in your every day mundane life. There are miracles everywhere. Remember, coincidence is God choosing to remain anonymous!
Jesus also talks about how we should live our lives according to God's principles and not try and get by on loopholes. He uses the example of not respecting your parents by saying that instead of doing something for them, you're doing something Godly instead. Jesus here knows that people make excuses all the time and He's warning us against it. I've always held firm to the idea that being a Christian is about first and foremost having a loving attitude towards anyone and if a law contradicts that then it's not being followed in it's intended meaning. I think also it wouldn't be going too far to make a connection to our theme today. If you're constantly looking at how you can make the Bible work for you or make being a Christian into something that helps you justify your life choices when you know they might not be what God wants then there's no way you'll ever recognise when God actually is trying to benefit your life in actual accordance to his wishes.
Finally the Psalm today is a real uplifting message of how gossip and lies don't have to hurt us or be something we rely on. We live for the God of truth don't we? I think this is a real challenge for me as it can be so easy to twist things to make life easier. The Psalmist is rejoicing though that his God will always help him to see the truth. If we rely on God, study His word, give things to Him in prayer and trust that He is taking care of us then the truth will shine through the lies. And people's lies won't have the same effect on us. We won't be as hurt, as convinced by falseness or as misinformed. Ooooh I'm loving ending on these Psalms!
And that's your lot. Yesterday's answer is here and today's is a fair bit trickier for the older patrol and a fair bit easier for the younguns. If you've no idea what I'm talking about then look at the subject line, work out who the band is that sang that song, maybe listen to it while you read this, and then post a comment on here or FB saying who the band is to win your prize of your own weight in air! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings:
Genesis 41:41-42:38
Matthew 14:22-15:9
Psalm 12:1-8
Joseph's story continues today and there's not loads to talk about here. The first thing that jumped out at me is how when the brothers are walking back and discover they've got their money in the sacks, their first reaction is to think God is punishing them. Now obviously it would be serious if they had been stealing the grain but seeing as they hadn't I think it's bizarre that they wouldn't think this was a blessing. I guess sometimes we can get really distant from God or desperate in our lives that we start to miss the actual blessings we receive. There's also an interesting little parallel between Jacob's reaction to letting Benjamin go and his grandad Abraham's reaction to being told to sacrifice Issac. Both guys feared the worse for their son but only one trusted God's will enough to go through with what he'd been told to do. I think there's an issue here about not being aware enough of when God is speaking to us. The brothers don't recognise Joseph at all (and I've noticed it doesn't mention make-up... Sorry Craig), none of them recognise them receiving their money back as a gift from God, Jacob doesn't see that he has to send Benjamin because that's what God has planned out. I think sometimes we get so convinced that our life is solely ours and so we know precisely what's best for it that we miss all the massive signs and interventions which God puts in place for us.
Into the New Testament we sojourn. Now walking on the water is one of my all time favourite Jesus bits. I think because it's on face value a ridiculous miracle. What I mean by that is that no one is being helped here. Jesus used His power to help others and, apart from saving Him a swim, what does anyone gain from this walk? Well first of all there's obviously the benefit to Peter. Andy in the Soul Survivor blog today makes an excellent point which I didn't realise about how Peter was walking on the lake where he grew up. I'd really advise people to have a watch because I think this ties in really nicely with the Genesis message of spotting Jesus and being on the lookout for him. Peter trusted Jesus and stepped out in faith to do something for Him and the disciples recognised Jesus too as being the Son of God. Now would that have had the same impact somewhere else? Quite possibly, but it's interesting to me to see how Jesus uses the places we know. He doesn't always need us to go on missions to other countries but will use what is familiar to us. Be vigilant folks to where God is talking and using you in your every day mundane life. There are miracles everywhere. Remember, coincidence is God choosing to remain anonymous!
Jesus also talks about how we should live our lives according to God's principles and not try and get by on loopholes. He uses the example of not respecting your parents by saying that instead of doing something for them, you're doing something Godly instead. Jesus here knows that people make excuses all the time and He's warning us against it. I've always held firm to the idea that being a Christian is about first and foremost having a loving attitude towards anyone and if a law contradicts that then it's not being followed in it's intended meaning. I think also it wouldn't be going too far to make a connection to our theme today. If you're constantly looking at how you can make the Bible work for you or make being a Christian into something that helps you justify your life choices when you know they might not be what God wants then there's no way you'll ever recognise when God actually is trying to benefit your life in actual accordance to his wishes.
Finally the Psalm today is a real uplifting message of how gossip and lies don't have to hurt us or be something we rely on. We live for the God of truth don't we? I think this is a real challenge for me as it can be so easy to twist things to make life easier. The Psalmist is rejoicing though that his God will always help him to see the truth. If we rely on God, study His word, give things to Him in prayer and trust that He is taking care of us then the truth will shine through the lies. And people's lies won't have the same effect on us. We won't be as hurt, as convinced by falseness or as misinformed. Ooooh I'm loving ending on these Psalms!
And that's your lot. Yesterday's answer is here and today's is a fair bit trickier for the older patrol and a fair bit easier for the younguns. If you've no idea what I'm talking about then look at the subject line, work out who the band is that sang that song, maybe listen to it while you read this, and then post a comment on here or FB saying who the band is to win your prize of your own weight in air! Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Monday 20 September 2010
Day 20 - Get Ready For This
Delayed again. This time it's the Church meeting's fault though so it's in some way acceptable to me. And I said that the best time to check for an update is half midnight the next day anyway! But seriously, I'll be updating regularly every day this week, except this one. And also I've shaved tonight so I'm slightly light of head. Currently rocking a dodgy pseudo intellectual chin beard which might come off tomorrow in the cold light of day. Onto business then
Today’s readings:
Genesis 40:1-41:40
Matthew 14:1-21
Proverbs 2:12-22
Check out the clickable Bible references! Now there's no excuse not to read the Bible bit first. And DO read it please. I'd be terrified if I was the only interpretation you were getting on such a complex bit of reading.
We start off today with Joseph and I think it can be quite easy to think of Joseph as his brothers thought of him. Maybe not with jealousy but certainly he seems extra special. However, verse 8 and then verse 16 of chapter 41 sum up Joseph to me. He realises that the cupbearer and baker have a problem with their dreams and even though he's had a previous gifting in interpretation he also realises that this was only through God's grace. So he puts himself out there to try and interpret them but places the responsibility for getting the meaning squarely on God's shoulders. If we have spiritual gifts then we must always remember that they're given and dependent on God and we shouldn't put our trust in our abilities but rather the God who gives them to us. Also we shouldn't be afraid of using them because of what we might fear the outcome to be. Joseph couldn't have relished the opportunity to tell the baker he was being impaled and eaten by birds but he did it because God had laid that message on his heart. If he hadn't then maybe the cupbearer wouldn't have remembered him later.
And Joseph is just as humble with Pharaoh. He did spruce up a bit first before meeting him but even though he was in front of such an intimidating figure, he spoke up for his gift being from God. Now let's put this into perspective for a second. Pharaoh believed he was a god himself. So for Joseph to be saying that God had power over Pharaoh's dreams was a pretty dangerous thing to say. And again we see Joseph's humility in outlaying the entire strategy given to him by God and then saying someone else should implement it. But what's really the kicker for me is how Pharaoh in verse 38 of chapter 41 sees Joseph as the right man because of the spirit of God being in him, no other skills or talents. So Joseph has been blessed solely for his reliance and humility before God. Folks, there are things that we need. I'd quite like a job personally. But if we want these things then the message is clear. We'll be blessed thanks to our devotion to God's will and His way, not through our own struggling and striving. If we do everything with God first and remembering He has given us these abilities then He will do all the more back for us.
Into the New Testament we galavant. Today's passage shows a real journey to me and a true insight into the human side of Jesus. His cousin and one of his best friends, John, is beheaded because of a drunken man's infatuation with his daughter in law. We're back to scary Old Testament relationships it seems! But John's death is a real blow to Jesus and understandably so. I love Jesus' reaction. He wants to be left alone. I think we think of Jesus so often as someone that is there for us now and was there for people then that we forget how human He was. This man needed time to grieve and be left alone with God. Often my first reaction to troubling situations is to hole up on my own somewhere for a bit and this is such a heartening message to me that it's ok to need a bit of time to yourself. But the real important part is what happens next. Jesus would have every right to wallow for a bit and we see in the Old Testament already how people made a very public showing of their grief. But Jesus shows us that mourning is a natural process but you always have to be ready for what God is going to throw at you. Even in His sorrow, Jesus finds time to minister to people that need Him. I think sometimes we miss out on God healing us by not letting Him move us to help others. There have been times when I've felt rotten about my life and what has got me through is by interacting with other people rather than going it alone. I think this is a definite message here that God's work never stops and He knows how to help us through the emotionally tough times as well as the practically tough times and if we're truly reliant and dedicated to His desires then we'll fight through the hurt and be blessed in the end.
I would talk about the feeding of the 5000 but it's going to pop up three more times this year so we'll leave it for today.
Finally we get back into Proverbs. Just to say that the link I posted groups verses 9-15 together so you should start reading at "They'll keep you from making wrong turns or following bad directions." This continues our previous reading on how wisdom and knowledge and truth are revealed to us through dedication to God's ways. One thing that strikes me is that the Bible isn't naieve. The Bible is well aware that one of the main things humanity struggles with is sex. There are so many issues that go with sex and the Bible isn't shy to use it as the primary temptation for a lot of its examples. Here Proverbs continues by telling us how we can further see God's true knowledge and wisdom by checking the company we keep. Now I don't think this is telling us we shouldn't be friends with people who aren't Christian but it is saying it's important to be supported by people who believe the same as you. So much of today's world is telling us how we should be wanting things and people more and more for ourselves or how bad everything is and there's nothing we can do about it. What the proverb today seems to be saying is that by spending time with God's people, you'll be getting closer to God. Sorry to waffle on about me but I can attest to this being very true. At university I lost my faith and one of the key reasons for this was not having any real Christian support or challenge for four years. It was only when I came back to the church that I realised Jesus had been waiting for me all that time.
So today's passages all seem linked to me quite clearly. We're being told that it is our job to do God's work. But that we will be best doing that work by focusing on God. It will come at weird times and it will require the right support and giftings but if we focus our hearts on God's message then those opportunities and times will result in blessings to ourselves and others.
And that's your lot. Not that long at all today! Tomorrow will definitely be earlier. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
P.S. Yesterday's tagline was obviously a title from those amazing Take That fellas. I'll be doing a different song title in the tag line from now on or until I get stuck and can't think of one. If you guess it you win your weight in air!! Guess below or on FB :) AND NO GOOGLING!!!
Today’s readings:
Genesis 40:1-41:40
Matthew 14:1-21
Proverbs 2:12-22
Check out the clickable Bible references! Now there's no excuse not to read the Bible bit first. And DO read it please. I'd be terrified if I was the only interpretation you were getting on such a complex bit of reading.
We start off today with Joseph and I think it can be quite easy to think of Joseph as his brothers thought of him. Maybe not with jealousy but certainly he seems extra special. However, verse 8 and then verse 16 of chapter 41 sum up Joseph to me. He realises that the cupbearer and baker have a problem with their dreams and even though he's had a previous gifting in interpretation he also realises that this was only through God's grace. So he puts himself out there to try and interpret them but places the responsibility for getting the meaning squarely on God's shoulders. If we have spiritual gifts then we must always remember that they're given and dependent on God and we shouldn't put our trust in our abilities but rather the God who gives them to us. Also we shouldn't be afraid of using them because of what we might fear the outcome to be. Joseph couldn't have relished the opportunity to tell the baker he was being impaled and eaten by birds but he did it because God had laid that message on his heart. If he hadn't then maybe the cupbearer wouldn't have remembered him later.
And Joseph is just as humble with Pharaoh. He did spruce up a bit first before meeting him but even though he was in front of such an intimidating figure, he spoke up for his gift being from God. Now let's put this into perspective for a second. Pharaoh believed he was a god himself. So for Joseph to be saying that God had power over Pharaoh's dreams was a pretty dangerous thing to say. And again we see Joseph's humility in outlaying the entire strategy given to him by God and then saying someone else should implement it. But what's really the kicker for me is how Pharaoh in verse 38 of chapter 41 sees Joseph as the right man because of the spirit of God being in him, no other skills or talents. So Joseph has been blessed solely for his reliance and humility before God. Folks, there are things that we need. I'd quite like a job personally. But if we want these things then the message is clear. We'll be blessed thanks to our devotion to God's will and His way, not through our own struggling and striving. If we do everything with God first and remembering He has given us these abilities then He will do all the more back for us.
Into the New Testament we galavant. Today's passage shows a real journey to me and a true insight into the human side of Jesus. His cousin and one of his best friends, John, is beheaded because of a drunken man's infatuation with his daughter in law. We're back to scary Old Testament relationships it seems! But John's death is a real blow to Jesus and understandably so. I love Jesus' reaction. He wants to be left alone. I think we think of Jesus so often as someone that is there for us now and was there for people then that we forget how human He was. This man needed time to grieve and be left alone with God. Often my first reaction to troubling situations is to hole up on my own somewhere for a bit and this is such a heartening message to me that it's ok to need a bit of time to yourself. But the real important part is what happens next. Jesus would have every right to wallow for a bit and we see in the Old Testament already how people made a very public showing of their grief. But Jesus shows us that mourning is a natural process but you always have to be ready for what God is going to throw at you. Even in His sorrow, Jesus finds time to minister to people that need Him. I think sometimes we miss out on God healing us by not letting Him move us to help others. There have been times when I've felt rotten about my life and what has got me through is by interacting with other people rather than going it alone. I think this is a definite message here that God's work never stops and He knows how to help us through the emotionally tough times as well as the practically tough times and if we're truly reliant and dedicated to His desires then we'll fight through the hurt and be blessed in the end.
I would talk about the feeding of the 5000 but it's going to pop up three more times this year so we'll leave it for today.
Finally we get back into Proverbs. Just to say that the link I posted groups verses 9-15 together so you should start reading at "They'll keep you from making wrong turns or following bad directions." This continues our previous reading on how wisdom and knowledge and truth are revealed to us through dedication to God's ways. One thing that strikes me is that the Bible isn't naieve. The Bible is well aware that one of the main things humanity struggles with is sex. There are so many issues that go with sex and the Bible isn't shy to use it as the primary temptation for a lot of its examples. Here Proverbs continues by telling us how we can further see God's true knowledge and wisdom by checking the company we keep. Now I don't think this is telling us we shouldn't be friends with people who aren't Christian but it is saying it's important to be supported by people who believe the same as you. So much of today's world is telling us how we should be wanting things and people more and more for ourselves or how bad everything is and there's nothing we can do about it. What the proverb today seems to be saying is that by spending time with God's people, you'll be getting closer to God. Sorry to waffle on about me but I can attest to this being very true. At university I lost my faith and one of the key reasons for this was not having any real Christian support or challenge for four years. It was only when I came back to the church that I realised Jesus had been waiting for me all that time.
So today's passages all seem linked to me quite clearly. We're being told that it is our job to do God's work. But that we will be best doing that work by focusing on God. It will come at weird times and it will require the right support and giftings but if we focus our hearts on God's message then those opportunities and times will result in blessings to ourselves and others.
And that's your lot. Not that long at all today! Tomorrow will definitely be earlier. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
P.S. Yesterday's tagline was obviously a title from those amazing Take That fellas. I'll be doing a different song title in the tag line from now on or until I get stuck and can't think of one. If you guess it you win your weight in air!! Guess below or on FB :) AND NO GOOGLING!!!
Sunday 19 September 2010
Day 19 - Never Forget
So church today was interesting... I wasn't in for long and Connect was slightly derailed by sugar filled boys. Lots of fun though!! Off out tonight for more Connect goodness so getting the blog up nice and early. This hopefully will become a regular occurence! Onto business then,
Today’s readings:
Genesis 38:1-39:23
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2038-39&version=MSG
Matthew 13:36-58
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013:36-58&version=MSG
Psalm 11:1-7
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2011&version=MSG
Lots of things to talk about today so this might be a long one. You've now got my permission to get yourself a cup of tea before you carry on! Ok we ready? Well our reading today starts the with the story of Judah and Tamar which, quite frankly, is one of the most bizarre things I've read so far in the Bible. This is definitely the sort of story that won't make it into a junior Bible! The first thing that hit me about this story was how God just seems to kill Judah's sons for an infraction that isn't even mentioned. This is a bit challenging really as we've read about some pretty vile stuff so far but the author of Genesis at this point doesn't disclose the details of their sin. Now this might be because it was even grimmer than previous sins or it might be that it just wasn't important. I think this is a bit scary and that's actually a good thing. Too many times we rely on God as this all loving being that will always look out for us and that's true. But we need to remember how powerful He is and how He has to deliver justice on sin. Now the fantastic thing about the gospel is that Jesus' death is the ultimate price for our sin and God won't have to deliver that same brand of justice. But still, we should be wary of God and respectful of His power. Sometimes we can forget just how amazing He is and lose track of the awesome blessing we've received.
Secondly is the fact that Jacob's family once again has issues with where they put their privates... Crofty makes a great point about this on the vlog today and one that I hadn't realised till he said it. In Matthew chapter 1 which we read on Day 1, the family line of Jesus doesn't go through Joseph, who comes out the best of Jacob's sons, but through Perez who is the product of this awful state of affairs between Judah and Tamar. It's really wrong what they both did, Tamar trying to purposefully trick her father in law and Judah using a prostitute, but God worked within that sin and made a blessing come from it. Sometimes we get really hung up on the things we do wrong and panic about how we can never change them. The sin gets in the way of us living our lives and stops us seeing God. It's like all these problems rise up and make us think that God's nowhere but after we die. That's dangerous and yet really easy to get into. I'd encourage everyone to think about their last month and try and find those blessings that you should be thanking God for, no matter how small. Remember that God is involved in every aspect of our lives, even the secret, scary stuff and He will work through that without us even realising.
Told you we had a lot to talk about! Joseph's story continues with the story of Potiphar's wife and how refreshing is it to have an Old Testament story where someone doesn't sleep with someone else! Joseph's actions here seem like a direct comparison to all the rubbish that has gone before. And what happens? Well his situation seems to get worse and worse but every step along the way God provides for him and blesses him so that even in prison, he's instantly safe and being valued. Serving God isn't a pointless adventure. It might be rubbish at times and it might never seem to get better but God is always there. Just like He is there in our secrets and in our sins, He's there in the bad times and never forgets us, never lets us go. If you have asked God for help then He'll be giving it you, it just might not be that obvious
Into the New Testament we traverse (finding new verbs each day is going to be a fun challenge!). Jesus first of all explains the parable yesterday of the wheat and thorns. What I like about this is how the disciples wait until they're away from the crowd before they admit they didn't get what Jesus was talking about. Sometimes we feel the pressure on us as Christians to have the answers and be flawless in public but Jesus doesn't care and will explain and show the answers to our questions whenever we come to Him. Then we get a few parables about how glorious it is to find the truth. Now here the truth could be many things. It could be the saving grace of Jesus, the fact that God loves us, the fact that the Kingdom of God is going to come or even the truth behind the teachings Jesus gives us. We should be ecstatic when we work out any part of this truth. If you've been reading your Bible and discovered something you hadn't previously thought about then give yourself a huge pat on the back! I also like how the people in the parables act. Their behaviour is really odd unless you know the full story. Sometimes our passion for God will make us act strangely and we shouldn't be scared of that because God is in that situation and gets really excited and happy when we get a bit crazy with joy for Him!
Lastly into the Psalms and we get a complete Psalm today. And wow. I should say that I write this blog in chunks. Reading and praying over each section of the Bible and then typing my thoughts. Well if this Psalm doesn't reinforce what I'm feeling then I don't know what does. David is saying that when he's scared or in trouble he doesn't need to run away and take refuge in God because God is already there in the situation. Hallelujiah folks! In every trouble and turmoil we are shoulder to shoulder with our Lord and He is working in that situation to bless us because of the commitment we have made. Keep your faith strong and your mind open people. Realise that God is there in everything even when you forget that He is. Have a heart that rejoices in your salvation and in how doing God's work leads to daily blessings both big and small!
And that's your lot. REALLY got a lot out of today and feel enthused to go talk to Connect tonight and get through another week of job searching. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings:
Genesis 38:1-39:23
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2038-39&version=MSG
Matthew 13:36-58
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013:36-58&version=MSG
Psalm 11:1-7
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2011&version=MSG
Lots of things to talk about today so this might be a long one. You've now got my permission to get yourself a cup of tea before you carry on! Ok we ready? Well our reading today starts the with the story of Judah and Tamar which, quite frankly, is one of the most bizarre things I've read so far in the Bible. This is definitely the sort of story that won't make it into a junior Bible! The first thing that hit me about this story was how God just seems to kill Judah's sons for an infraction that isn't even mentioned. This is a bit challenging really as we've read about some pretty vile stuff so far but the author of Genesis at this point doesn't disclose the details of their sin. Now this might be because it was even grimmer than previous sins or it might be that it just wasn't important. I think this is a bit scary and that's actually a good thing. Too many times we rely on God as this all loving being that will always look out for us and that's true. But we need to remember how powerful He is and how He has to deliver justice on sin. Now the fantastic thing about the gospel is that Jesus' death is the ultimate price for our sin and God won't have to deliver that same brand of justice. But still, we should be wary of God and respectful of His power. Sometimes we can forget just how amazing He is and lose track of the awesome blessing we've received.
Secondly is the fact that Jacob's family once again has issues with where they put their privates... Crofty makes a great point about this on the vlog today and one that I hadn't realised till he said it. In Matthew chapter 1 which we read on Day 1, the family line of Jesus doesn't go through Joseph, who comes out the best of Jacob's sons, but through Perez who is the product of this awful state of affairs between Judah and Tamar. It's really wrong what they both did, Tamar trying to purposefully trick her father in law and Judah using a prostitute, but God worked within that sin and made a blessing come from it. Sometimes we get really hung up on the things we do wrong and panic about how we can never change them. The sin gets in the way of us living our lives and stops us seeing God. It's like all these problems rise up and make us think that God's nowhere but after we die. That's dangerous and yet really easy to get into. I'd encourage everyone to think about their last month and try and find those blessings that you should be thanking God for, no matter how small. Remember that God is involved in every aspect of our lives, even the secret, scary stuff and He will work through that without us even realising.
Told you we had a lot to talk about! Joseph's story continues with the story of Potiphar's wife and how refreshing is it to have an Old Testament story where someone doesn't sleep with someone else! Joseph's actions here seem like a direct comparison to all the rubbish that has gone before. And what happens? Well his situation seems to get worse and worse but every step along the way God provides for him and blesses him so that even in prison, he's instantly safe and being valued. Serving God isn't a pointless adventure. It might be rubbish at times and it might never seem to get better but God is always there. Just like He is there in our secrets and in our sins, He's there in the bad times and never forgets us, never lets us go. If you have asked God for help then He'll be giving it you, it just might not be that obvious
Into the New Testament we traverse (finding new verbs each day is going to be a fun challenge!). Jesus first of all explains the parable yesterday of the wheat and thorns. What I like about this is how the disciples wait until they're away from the crowd before they admit they didn't get what Jesus was talking about. Sometimes we feel the pressure on us as Christians to have the answers and be flawless in public but Jesus doesn't care and will explain and show the answers to our questions whenever we come to Him. Then we get a few parables about how glorious it is to find the truth. Now here the truth could be many things. It could be the saving grace of Jesus, the fact that God loves us, the fact that the Kingdom of God is going to come or even the truth behind the teachings Jesus gives us. We should be ecstatic when we work out any part of this truth. If you've been reading your Bible and discovered something you hadn't previously thought about then give yourself a huge pat on the back! I also like how the people in the parables act. Their behaviour is really odd unless you know the full story. Sometimes our passion for God will make us act strangely and we shouldn't be scared of that because God is in that situation and gets really excited and happy when we get a bit crazy with joy for Him!
Lastly into the Psalms and we get a complete Psalm today. And wow. I should say that I write this blog in chunks. Reading and praying over each section of the Bible and then typing my thoughts. Well if this Psalm doesn't reinforce what I'm feeling then I don't know what does. David is saying that when he's scared or in trouble he doesn't need to run away and take refuge in God because God is already there in the situation. Hallelujiah folks! In every trouble and turmoil we are shoulder to shoulder with our Lord and He is working in that situation to bless us because of the commitment we have made. Keep your faith strong and your mind open people. Realise that God is there in everything even when you forget that He is. Have a heart that rejoices in your salvation and in how doing God's work leads to daily blessings both big and small!
And that's your lot. REALLY got a lot out of today and feel enthused to go talk to Connect tonight and get through another week of job searching. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Saturday 18 September 2010
Day 18
Again with the lateness! It's terrible trying to get this done on a weekend because, even though I'm not working, my body just wants to have a day off like everyone else. I'm going to try my very best to do these earlier and I will happily take any abuse/encouragement you folks want to throw at me in order to get them up on time. By on time I'd like to aim for 8pm at latest. Today I was at the Active Hope (not sure on the correct capitalisation for that...) Hog Roast which wasn't just yummy but also full of interesting folk and challenges (there's that word again) to do more for God. It was also a bit nostalgic as anytime I meet up with Dan Curtis for a period of time, I'm reminded of why I want to do youth work. The guy's life is a shining example of how letting God in can bless you in the good and bad times. Anyway, onto business then
Today’s readings:
Genesis 36:1-37:36
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2036-37&version=MSG
Matthew 13:18-35
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013:18-35&version=MSG
Psalm 10:12-18
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2010:12-18&version=MSG
Urgh... starting off with another list. Going to whizz through this. Though Oholibamah is possibly the best name ever. One thing that strikes me as strange is how the list repeats itself. I've two theories on this. One is that the writer is showing how God has made Esau's descendents plentiful but that they are not so many that each is just a name to forget. The other is that this showed that they were important in their role as chieftain. They didn't just sit back and be Esau's children, reaping (quite literally) the benefits of their father's crops and livestock. Also it strikes me how confusing all these kings and regions are and how happy I am that we only have one king, Jesus :)
Then into chapter 37 and we get to Joseph. Now I'm making a ground rule here... Nobody sings Any Dream Will Do and we'll all get along! Now the story of Joseph is well known so we're not going to delve into the details. If you'd like anything expanding on then comment here or on Facebook and I'll do my best to answer questions. Things that have jumped out at me from this passage though are how Jacob and his brothers react to Joseph's dreams angrily though Jospeh himself hasn't interpreted the dreams. His brothers and parents are the ones who get so cross that they say the meaning. God answers our questions and problems in a lot of ways and a lot of the time it's not through our own puzzling but through someone else blurting out the answer. Another is how Jacob pretty much brings this situation on himself. He knows Joseph's brothers are mad and yet still keeps Joseph seperate from the work then sends him out to check up on them. Again, speaking as a little brother you don't ever want to be bossing your older brother about! Also it's a nice example of God's justice how Joseph is tricked by his sons much the way he tricked his father. Now this might not ring true for you but this to me is God showing Jacob how it feels to be deceived and hopefully giving him the compulsion to change.
Another thing that comes from this is something I hadn't considered until listening to the Soul Survivor vlog. Joseph here has this vision from God but it takes a lot of hardship and work to acheive it. A lot of us will have felt God's call in what we should aim for or try to be and we have to realise that those things will come but they will take time. A phrase that was used tonight at the Active Hope thing quite a lot was how God's timing is perfect. We need to be trusting that the crap bits of life aren't time away from God but are preparing us and strengthening us in Him for when we get to the promised blessings.
Into the New Testament we plunge and we get a short collection of very short parables all talking about the same thing. I like when Jesus did this. He's said how people might not listen to his parables and get the true God knowledge from them but He does want you to understand so He throws out four examples of the same message! We get the explanation to the parable of the sower which seems much more straight forward after reading it! What I like especially is the next parable of the wheat and thistles. Here Jesus is saying that God has planted us as good and worthwhile but the Devil has put all these rubbish things in our way. But while it might seem we're surrounded by evil and have no hope, there will come a point when God seperates us from the Devil's work and takes us to eternity with Him. What an amazing message! It's hard to remember and hold onto but just think of the things in your life that are swamping you and will never seem to go away. Now realise that God has promised that He knows about these things, knows you can endure through them with His love and will take you away from it when the time is right.
Jesus' last two parables talk about how our input into a situation might seem tiny but God will use that to grow something huge. Again, this seems really relevant and pertinent to me as I'm looking to do more for God and wondering where I should be spending my time. Well whatever time I give to God, He will make amazing things from it. Mighty trees and tasty bread!!
Our Psalm continues from yesterday and the Psalmist is reinforcing once again what we've read. God has the victory. He has already planned to save the luckless and the opressed. In Him there is peace and justice for all eternity. Fantastic news!
And that's your lot. Hope you have fun tomorrow worshipping God however you'll be doing it. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as ever.
Jon
Today’s readings:
Genesis 36:1-37:36
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2036-37&version=MSG
Matthew 13:18-35
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013:18-35&version=MSG
Psalm 10:12-18
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2010:12-18&version=MSG
Urgh... starting off with another list. Going to whizz through this. Though Oholibamah is possibly the best name ever. One thing that strikes me as strange is how the list repeats itself. I've two theories on this. One is that the writer is showing how God has made Esau's descendents plentiful but that they are not so many that each is just a name to forget. The other is that this showed that they were important in their role as chieftain. They didn't just sit back and be Esau's children, reaping (quite literally) the benefits of their father's crops and livestock. Also it strikes me how confusing all these kings and regions are and how happy I am that we only have one king, Jesus :)
Then into chapter 37 and we get to Joseph. Now I'm making a ground rule here... Nobody sings Any Dream Will Do and we'll all get along! Now the story of Joseph is well known so we're not going to delve into the details. If you'd like anything expanding on then comment here or on Facebook and I'll do my best to answer questions. Things that have jumped out at me from this passage though are how Jacob and his brothers react to Joseph's dreams angrily though Jospeh himself hasn't interpreted the dreams. His brothers and parents are the ones who get so cross that they say the meaning. God answers our questions and problems in a lot of ways and a lot of the time it's not through our own puzzling but through someone else blurting out the answer. Another is how Jacob pretty much brings this situation on himself. He knows Joseph's brothers are mad and yet still keeps Joseph seperate from the work then sends him out to check up on them. Again, speaking as a little brother you don't ever want to be bossing your older brother about! Also it's a nice example of God's justice how Joseph is tricked by his sons much the way he tricked his father. Now this might not ring true for you but this to me is God showing Jacob how it feels to be deceived and hopefully giving him the compulsion to change.
Another thing that comes from this is something I hadn't considered until listening to the Soul Survivor vlog. Joseph here has this vision from God but it takes a lot of hardship and work to acheive it. A lot of us will have felt God's call in what we should aim for or try to be and we have to realise that those things will come but they will take time. A phrase that was used tonight at the Active Hope thing quite a lot was how God's timing is perfect. We need to be trusting that the crap bits of life aren't time away from God but are preparing us and strengthening us in Him for when we get to the promised blessings.
Into the New Testament we plunge and we get a short collection of very short parables all talking about the same thing. I like when Jesus did this. He's said how people might not listen to his parables and get the true God knowledge from them but He does want you to understand so He throws out four examples of the same message! We get the explanation to the parable of the sower which seems much more straight forward after reading it! What I like especially is the next parable of the wheat and thistles. Here Jesus is saying that God has planted us as good and worthwhile but the Devil has put all these rubbish things in our way. But while it might seem we're surrounded by evil and have no hope, there will come a point when God seperates us from the Devil's work and takes us to eternity with Him. What an amazing message! It's hard to remember and hold onto but just think of the things in your life that are swamping you and will never seem to go away. Now realise that God has promised that He knows about these things, knows you can endure through them with His love and will take you away from it when the time is right.
Jesus' last two parables talk about how our input into a situation might seem tiny but God will use that to grow something huge. Again, this seems really relevant and pertinent to me as I'm looking to do more for God and wondering where I should be spending my time. Well whatever time I give to God, He will make amazing things from it. Mighty trees and tasty bread!!
Our Psalm continues from yesterday and the Psalmist is reinforcing once again what we've read. God has the victory. He has already planned to save the luckless and the opressed. In Him there is peace and justice for all eternity. Fantastic news!
And that's your lot. Hope you have fun tomorrow worshipping God however you'll be doing it. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as ever.
Jon
Friday 17 September 2010
Day - We Are Family
Oh flip. It looks like the weekend comes and I'm back to being on late blogs. Well I have two very good reasons for this one. Firstly I've been bopping (well sort of) with some of the youth at the Unite event in the Pyramid and we were slightly late getting back thanks to someone. Now I'm not going to name and shame but if I tell you that our lift forgot to pick us up because he was playing football then I'm pretty sure you can all guess who was responsible... Secondly I was having a slight rage that the vlog I did yesterday didn't seem to save and I hadn't uploaded it to the Tube of You yet so it's gone to the ether. Instead I'm doing one now about today's reading. Onto business then
Today’s readings:
Genesis 34:1-35:29
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2034-35&version=MSG
Matthew 12:46-13:17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2012:46-13:17&version=MSG
Psalm 10:1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2010:1-11&version=MSG
Carrying on in Genesis and we're seeing a story that for a lot of reasons doesn't tend to get told in Junior Church that often. Jacob's daughter is attacked and raped by a guy from another tribe who has fallen in love with her apparently. There's loads of things wrong with this guy's attitude from the fact that he thinks rape is ok to thinking money will cover up what he's done to even thinking that a gesture to Jacob will square him with God. There's not much to say about how bad this whole situation is. Jacob doesn't handle it particularly well either but this is before his people have been told to forgive. There are two things that stand out to me in this though. First is how Shechem and his Dad manage to convince a whole town to get circumcised so that Shechem can marry Dinah. Now this to me seems to be a condemnation of the town and their attitudes. Not only do they think rape's ok as a way to start a marraige, but also they get circumcised because they think that it will let them steal all of Jacob's wealth afterwards. Circumcision is to the Jewish people their sign of belonging to God and it's not something you should take lightly. It's a bit like people thinking that because they were a cross round their neck they can do whatever they want because that means they're a Christian.
The next chapter in Genesis wraps up Jacob's wandering around. He gets reminded again by God that his name will be Israel and he will become a nation and then we see how first his wife Rachel and then his father die. These seem to have happened relatively quickly one after the other and it must have been a real tough time for Jacob. Once again though, God has gone before that situation and given him a real calling and blessing to see him through the tough times. There's also the Issac living to 180 thing and as it's a contradiction I'll address it. Same as the last one to me though. These ages aren't concrete, nor is the age set in Genesis concrete. It's based on human conception of time rather than any divine law saying you'll be zapped the minute you hit 120.
Into the New Testament we go! First we have Jesus' brothers and mother asking for Him to come and see them outside. Jesus goes on to say that anyone who does God's will is his brother, sister and mother. What a fantastic thing to know! Now my big brother is a pretty important person in my life and whilst I've fought with him for a lot, if not most, of my life he's been a huge influence on me. A lot of my tastes and interests are shaped by what Dan was into and it scares me how I have mimicked him in the past with my behaviour and mannerisms. But here I read that Jesus has that exact same relationship with me. If I do His will then He'll be my brother and so I'll become more like Him, just as I have done with Dan. Ace :)
Jesus then tells the Parable of the Sower and I'm not going to break it down here, if only because we'll read the explanation another day. Two things I like though. First is how verse 8 says that the seed produced 100, 60 and 30 times what it was sown. That order to me suggests that 30 is just as important as 100. If you feel like some people are better Christians than you are because they convert more people or see bigger results from their dedication then I think that's rubbish. Here Jesus is saying that if you live for God there will be results and the results will be important big or small. He finishes off by explaining why He uses parables and I think this echoes what we read yesterday in Proverbs about gaining true knowledge from devotion to God and listening on Him.
Finally we start a new Psalm today and it's a troubling 10 verses. We read about the Psalmist's pain that God appears to be nowhere in the world because of all the evil. How wicked people appear to get away with everything and God will not intervene. I think today's passages are linked again in a rather strange way that hasn't occurred to me until I really thought and prayed about this Psalm. Here we have a cry that we have all made. Why is their suffering? Why do evil deeds help people prosper? Where is God in all of this? What's the point of God if someone without Him can succeed? Well I think Genesis shows that God is a just God and will make sure that sin is punished. I also think Jesus backs that up by not only telling people the benefits of living for God but also by pointing out that the other seeds end up dead and worthless. That's the reaction of God. He might not stop every person from sinning but He will see justice come to His people!
And that's your lot. Not sure if I'll put the vlogs up on the Tube of You but we shall see. Hope you all have a great weekend. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings:
Genesis 34:1-35:29
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2034-35&version=MSG
Matthew 12:46-13:17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2012:46-13:17&version=MSG
Psalm 10:1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2010:1-11&version=MSG
Carrying on in Genesis and we're seeing a story that for a lot of reasons doesn't tend to get told in Junior Church that often. Jacob's daughter is attacked and raped by a guy from another tribe who has fallen in love with her apparently. There's loads of things wrong with this guy's attitude from the fact that he thinks rape is ok to thinking money will cover up what he's done to even thinking that a gesture to Jacob will square him with God. There's not much to say about how bad this whole situation is. Jacob doesn't handle it particularly well either but this is before his people have been told to forgive. There are two things that stand out to me in this though. First is how Shechem and his Dad manage to convince a whole town to get circumcised so that Shechem can marry Dinah. Now this to me seems to be a condemnation of the town and their attitudes. Not only do they think rape's ok as a way to start a marraige, but also they get circumcised because they think that it will let them steal all of Jacob's wealth afterwards. Circumcision is to the Jewish people their sign of belonging to God and it's not something you should take lightly. It's a bit like people thinking that because they were a cross round their neck they can do whatever they want because that means they're a Christian.
The next chapter in Genesis wraps up Jacob's wandering around. He gets reminded again by God that his name will be Israel and he will become a nation and then we see how first his wife Rachel and then his father die. These seem to have happened relatively quickly one after the other and it must have been a real tough time for Jacob. Once again though, God has gone before that situation and given him a real calling and blessing to see him through the tough times. There's also the Issac living to 180 thing and as it's a contradiction I'll address it. Same as the last one to me though. These ages aren't concrete, nor is the age set in Genesis concrete. It's based on human conception of time rather than any divine law saying you'll be zapped the minute you hit 120.
Into the New Testament we go! First we have Jesus' brothers and mother asking for Him to come and see them outside. Jesus goes on to say that anyone who does God's will is his brother, sister and mother. What a fantastic thing to know! Now my big brother is a pretty important person in my life and whilst I've fought with him for a lot, if not most, of my life he's been a huge influence on me. A lot of my tastes and interests are shaped by what Dan was into and it scares me how I have mimicked him in the past with my behaviour and mannerisms. But here I read that Jesus has that exact same relationship with me. If I do His will then He'll be my brother and so I'll become more like Him, just as I have done with Dan. Ace :)
Jesus then tells the Parable of the Sower and I'm not going to break it down here, if only because we'll read the explanation another day. Two things I like though. First is how verse 8 says that the seed produced 100, 60 and 30 times what it was sown. That order to me suggests that 30 is just as important as 100. If you feel like some people are better Christians than you are because they convert more people or see bigger results from their dedication then I think that's rubbish. Here Jesus is saying that if you live for God there will be results and the results will be important big or small. He finishes off by explaining why He uses parables and I think this echoes what we read yesterday in Proverbs about gaining true knowledge from devotion to God and listening on Him.
Finally we start a new Psalm today and it's a troubling 10 verses. We read about the Psalmist's pain that God appears to be nowhere in the world because of all the evil. How wicked people appear to get away with everything and God will not intervene. I think today's passages are linked again in a rather strange way that hasn't occurred to me until I really thought and prayed about this Psalm. Here we have a cry that we have all made. Why is their suffering? Why do evil deeds help people prosper? Where is God in all of this? What's the point of God if someone without Him can succeed? Well I think Genesis shows that God is a just God and will make sure that sin is punished. I also think Jesus backs that up by not only telling people the benefits of living for God but also by pointing out that the other seeds end up dead and worthless. That's the reaction of God. He might not stop every person from sinning but He will see justice come to His people!
And that's your lot. Not sure if I'll put the vlogs up on the Tube of You but we shall see. Hope you all have a great weekend. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Thursday 16 September 2010
Day 16 - Let's Get Ready to Rhumble
Today I went vegetable shopping. Mildly worrying that this is the highlight of the day I know but it was an interesting experience! In brighter news I might have a mobile at long last seeing as I sorted out about three years of paperwork and found my receipt buried at the bottom :) Onto business then
Today’s readings:
Genesis 32:1-33:20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2032-33:20&version=MSG
Matthew 12:22-45
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:22-45&version=MSG
Proverbs 2:1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%202:1-11&version=MSG
And we're onto the sports section of the Bible! Well, sports entertainment. A couple of people have asked me when I'm talking about the blog if I'm using too much jargon or not making myself clear enough. (Opinions below or on Facebook!) Well I'm sorely tempted to today as Jacob is wrestling :D I'll do my best to keep it friendly to all the non geeks though. We start off with Jacob coming back to see his brother Esau and completely bricking it. I can COMPLETELY understand this. There's been quite a few times in the life of Jon when my brother is the last person I wanted to see because I knew I was going to get absolutely battered, and most of the time I probably deserved it!
What I like about this is how God lets Jacob make all these grand plans, try and get his family safe and such but then prepares him for the confrontation by sending someone to wrestle with him. Now the Bible doesn't say it was God, though Jacob's name becoming Israel suggests it was. Maybe it was an Angel, maybe it was Jesus, maybe it was some pinnacle of male perfection like Tom Selleck or Bret Hart, maybe it was just some drunk that God had made wander through that area and start a fight. The point I think is that God knows when we're facing tough times and He will prepare us for those in different ways.
Then we get the big showdown. Two brothers, one massive and angry, the other far too fertile and manipulative for his own good. So who throws the first punch? Well no one does. Esau forgives his brother and refuses any of his gifts. There are two things I love about this passage. First is that God has provided for Esau. Esau says that he has more than enough and doesn't need any of his brother's gifts. Second, when Jacob tells Esau he saw him coming he says "When I saw your face, it was as the face of God smiling on me." Big lesson there. If you want to be more God like then be welcoming and forgiving and HAPPY to do it! What a glorious challenge we have to live our lives happy to welcome and forgive people!!
Into the New Testament we get loads more solid Jesus teaching. There's lots of challenging ideas in here and I'll do my best to pick out the key bits. If you think there's other stuff then please feel free to chip in. First off Jesus talks about warfare and how we're God's soldiers in that war. He says how He has come to prepare the world for God's kingdom and it's up to us to carry on that preparation. It's hard to think that every day you should be looking to win victories for God in everything that you do. Whopping challenge!
Then we get a little but important bit on forgiveness. Jesus points out that while all sin can be forgiven, it's REALLY stupid to sin as it removes you from God helping you in your life. Then He goes on to talk about words and how we use them. Now this is a very personal challenge to me as often I'm very dismissive of how negative or hurtful I can be because it's only words and not deeds. But Jesus challenges that by saying words are the product of our hearts and show what sort of a person we really are. Tough criticism but very true.
Finally Jesus looks at the issue of proof. Now it's the biggy for non Christians and many Christians that if they had a miracle then they'd believe. I can completely understand that but I think Jesus is right in saying what He does here. Miracles have to happen for a reason or they lose all their specialness. And how quickly would we forget or explain away the miraculous? Instead we should look at how Jesus fulfils all the prophecy God laid out and how his wisdom is flawless compared with normal people. This isn't easy and I don't mean to make it simple. But if you're not sure about the truth then look to what God has already done in your life and look to what He's done for others too.
Into Proverbs we get a fair old bit of flowery language and I'm warning you now, Proverbs doesn't change much from this style. But what is in here backs up what Jesus was saying. Wisdom is everything, relying on God is everything. If you want to gain true knowledge then focus on your relationship with God and receive wisdom through His revelations.
And that's your lot for today. Now there's a reason this one has been a bit later than yesterday's. I've been trying to source a decent video software so that I can vlog it too. Now I'll be making a vlog today, tomorrow and Saturday definitely so that I can help John out with Junior Church but if they're liked and not too much of a pain in the bum to put together, I might do them more often. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings:
Genesis 32:1-33:20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2032-33:20&version=MSG
Matthew 12:22-45
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:22-45&version=MSG
Proverbs 2:1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%202:1-11&version=MSG
And we're onto the sports section of the Bible! Well, sports entertainment. A couple of people have asked me when I'm talking about the blog if I'm using too much jargon or not making myself clear enough. (Opinions below or on Facebook!) Well I'm sorely tempted to today as Jacob is wrestling :D I'll do my best to keep it friendly to all the non geeks though. We start off with Jacob coming back to see his brother Esau and completely bricking it. I can COMPLETELY understand this. There's been quite a few times in the life of Jon when my brother is the last person I wanted to see because I knew I was going to get absolutely battered, and most of the time I probably deserved it!
What I like about this is how God lets Jacob make all these grand plans, try and get his family safe and such but then prepares him for the confrontation by sending someone to wrestle with him. Now the Bible doesn't say it was God, though Jacob's name becoming Israel suggests it was. Maybe it was an Angel, maybe it was Jesus, maybe it was some pinnacle of male perfection like Tom Selleck or Bret Hart, maybe it was just some drunk that God had made wander through that area and start a fight. The point I think is that God knows when we're facing tough times and He will prepare us for those in different ways.
Then we get the big showdown. Two brothers, one massive and angry, the other far too fertile and manipulative for his own good. So who throws the first punch? Well no one does. Esau forgives his brother and refuses any of his gifts. There are two things I love about this passage. First is that God has provided for Esau. Esau says that he has more than enough and doesn't need any of his brother's gifts. Second, when Jacob tells Esau he saw him coming he says "When I saw your face, it was as the face of God smiling on me." Big lesson there. If you want to be more God like then be welcoming and forgiving and HAPPY to do it! What a glorious challenge we have to live our lives happy to welcome and forgive people!!
Into the New Testament we get loads more solid Jesus teaching. There's lots of challenging ideas in here and I'll do my best to pick out the key bits. If you think there's other stuff then please feel free to chip in. First off Jesus talks about warfare and how we're God's soldiers in that war. He says how He has come to prepare the world for God's kingdom and it's up to us to carry on that preparation. It's hard to think that every day you should be looking to win victories for God in everything that you do. Whopping challenge!
Then we get a little but important bit on forgiveness. Jesus points out that while all sin can be forgiven, it's REALLY stupid to sin as it removes you from God helping you in your life. Then He goes on to talk about words and how we use them. Now this is a very personal challenge to me as often I'm very dismissive of how negative or hurtful I can be because it's only words and not deeds. But Jesus challenges that by saying words are the product of our hearts and show what sort of a person we really are. Tough criticism but very true.
Finally Jesus looks at the issue of proof. Now it's the biggy for non Christians and many Christians that if they had a miracle then they'd believe. I can completely understand that but I think Jesus is right in saying what He does here. Miracles have to happen for a reason or they lose all their specialness. And how quickly would we forget or explain away the miraculous? Instead we should look at how Jesus fulfils all the prophecy God laid out and how his wisdom is flawless compared with normal people. This isn't easy and I don't mean to make it simple. But if you're not sure about the truth then look to what God has already done in your life and look to what He's done for others too.
Into Proverbs we get a fair old bit of flowery language and I'm warning you now, Proverbs doesn't change much from this style. But what is in here backs up what Jesus was saying. Wisdom is everything, relying on God is everything. If you want to gain true knowledge then focus on your relationship with God and receive wisdom through His revelations.
And that's your lot for today. Now there's a reason this one has been a bit later than yesterday's. I've been trying to source a decent video software so that I can vlog it too. Now I'll be making a vlog today, tomorrow and Saturday definitely so that I can help John out with Junior Church but if they're liked and not too much of a pain in the bum to put together, I might do them more often. Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Day 15 - Come Together
So week three starts off with a distinct lack of Craig in Warrington. But I'll be strong! Today I've been doing my usual applying, cooking and cleaning routine but last night's comedy was a lot of fun. Admittedly half of the acts were either apallingly bad or mistook ridiculously disgusting for funny but the rest of them were lots of fun. Unless you were Hannah! Onto business then,
Today’s readings:
Genesis 31:1-55
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2031:1-55&version=MSG
Matthew 12:1-21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=MaTTHEW%2012:1-21&version=MSG
Psalm 9:13-20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%209:13-20&version=MSG
Just the one chapter in the Old Testament today. We're seeing what happens when a family can't trust each other. Once again, no one comes out of this looking particularly good. You've got Laban continuing to break promises to Jacob, Rachel and Leah arguing with Jacob and Jacob getting angry at Laban. Phew... This whole chapter just feels like what happens when we put things in our lives before God. Here it's mostly money. Laban wants to keep it, and despite his arguments that he will be missing his daughters and grandchildren he doesn't seem to mean that based on his actions. Leah and Rachel don't think they've got enough and Rachel goes as far as to steal from her father. What's worse is that she steals a load of gods that are nothing compared to the mighty God that her husband trusts in. Jacob tries to remind his family, extended and closer, that God is the reason they have what they have. Today's Old Testament passage seems to only have one message. If you care more about something other than God then you're going to cause arguments. God wants people to get on so following Him should make this happen. If not, then you're missing the point surely?
Into the New Testament and Jesus is talking about the law and how it applys to our lives. There two very important points that he makes early on. One is that no part of the law should be used to justify someone's suffering. This to me is really important as so much hurt in this world is justified by people as being God's will. Jesus says that this shouldn't be the case. The law is there to help us know how to live in the specifics, so that we don't descend to the craziness of Abraham's time! But, and we'll come onto my proof for this at some point in the year, we need to have first and foremost an attitude of love where we value people and their feelings before hurting them "in the will of God."
The second is that Jesus in a way points out that bits of the Bible need to be taken in context or else they contradict themselves. This is huge to me because I've never realised that Jesus had addressed this. It really has boosted my desire to keep going with this project and affirmed my belief in how the Bible has to be studied to reveal the truth rather than taken at face value and not thinking over it.
We then end with Jesus fulfilling more prophecy. Matthew's very keen on showing how Jesus is foretold in the Bible and this is a great example of how even Jesus' demeanour is foretold by God. It's also a reminder to us that at times it's important to turn down the volume and not wait for the fanfare
Finishing off with the last part of Psalm 9, and David is again asking God for His intervention but what makes this quite interesting to me is how David accepts that God is already at work in the world. He realises that evil and corrupt acts by people will trip those people up eventually. He also is willing to act on this injustice but is equally accepting that God has it in hand and will make sure that the right thing happens in the end.
So bringing it together, our Old Testament passage tells us to keep focused on God and Jesus then reminds us to keep our attitudes fixed on God's redeeming love and finally the Psalm reminds us that evil will be fought against thanks to God's power and sometimes it's down to us being willing but everytime it's down to God and his justice.
And that's your lot. Early and short. You lucky, lucky people! I'm trying to find some decent free video editting software so I can do a vlog too. Those of you who don't know me might get to see my gleaming face :p Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
Today’s readings:
Genesis 31:1-55
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2031:1-55&version=MSG
Matthew 12:1-21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=MaTTHEW%2012:1-21&version=MSG
Psalm 9:13-20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%209:13-20&version=MSG
Just the one chapter in the Old Testament today. We're seeing what happens when a family can't trust each other. Once again, no one comes out of this looking particularly good. You've got Laban continuing to break promises to Jacob, Rachel and Leah arguing with Jacob and Jacob getting angry at Laban. Phew... This whole chapter just feels like what happens when we put things in our lives before God. Here it's mostly money. Laban wants to keep it, and despite his arguments that he will be missing his daughters and grandchildren he doesn't seem to mean that based on his actions. Leah and Rachel don't think they've got enough and Rachel goes as far as to steal from her father. What's worse is that she steals a load of gods that are nothing compared to the mighty God that her husband trusts in. Jacob tries to remind his family, extended and closer, that God is the reason they have what they have. Today's Old Testament passage seems to only have one message. If you care more about something other than God then you're going to cause arguments. God wants people to get on so following Him should make this happen. If not, then you're missing the point surely?
Into the New Testament and Jesus is talking about the law and how it applys to our lives. There two very important points that he makes early on. One is that no part of the law should be used to justify someone's suffering. This to me is really important as so much hurt in this world is justified by people as being God's will. Jesus says that this shouldn't be the case. The law is there to help us know how to live in the specifics, so that we don't descend to the craziness of Abraham's time! But, and we'll come onto my proof for this at some point in the year, we need to have first and foremost an attitude of love where we value people and their feelings before hurting them "in the will of God."
The second is that Jesus in a way points out that bits of the Bible need to be taken in context or else they contradict themselves. This is huge to me because I've never realised that Jesus had addressed this. It really has boosted my desire to keep going with this project and affirmed my belief in how the Bible has to be studied to reveal the truth rather than taken at face value and not thinking over it.
We then end with Jesus fulfilling more prophecy. Matthew's very keen on showing how Jesus is foretold in the Bible and this is a great example of how even Jesus' demeanour is foretold by God. It's also a reminder to us that at times it's important to turn down the volume and not wait for the fanfare
Finishing off with the last part of Psalm 9, and David is again asking God for His intervention but what makes this quite interesting to me is how David accepts that God is already at work in the world. He realises that evil and corrupt acts by people will trip those people up eventually. He also is willing to act on this injustice but is equally accepting that God has it in hand and will make sure that the right thing happens in the end.
So bringing it together, our Old Testament passage tells us to keep focused on God and Jesus then reminds us to keep our attitudes fixed on God's redeeming love and finally the Psalm reminds us that evil will be fought against thanks to God's power and sometimes it's down to us being willing but everytime it's down to God and his justice.
And that's your lot. Early and short. You lucky, lucky people! I'm trying to find some decent free video editting software so I can do a vlog too. Those of you who don't know me might get to see my gleaming face :p Questions, criticisms and comments welcome as always
Jon
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