Ok so this is a day late but yesterday I was very busy with Youth Alpha leading (which went fab) and Connect in the morning (which had the added bonus of secret sign language lady!) I'll do this now and another this evening. Onto business then!
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 13:1-39
Acts 4:23-5:11
Psalm 71:9-18
Today's Old Testament reading is hard stuff. Let's have a moment of levity first then! I have to say I flipping love the idea of a sheep shearing party. Bring a sheep and get involved!! Fantastic stuff. Let's look at the rest of the text though. What a messy and horrific set of events we have to read about today. It's hard to see any lesson from this except the obvious. The whole situation is just one big lesson in not being an idiot and treating people with the respect that they deserve. There's a lesson here as well about trying not to take consequences into your own hands. God hates suffering and sin but he doesn't call us to be Batman. We're not asked to go and avenge wrongs but to fix the world's issues by putting love into the situation. It's a massive challenge to do this definitely but it is the ideal. Absolom's anger and thirst for vengeance ate away at him and the murder he carried out might seem like justice but we should be relying on God's ultimate justice. We all do horrific things to other people and it's only God that can forgive us and allow us to carry on. If someone has done something awful then we're not called to be a Daily Mail lynch mob. Instead we should pray to God that He can help us in that situation be His light and His love to the victims.
Into the New Testament we shuttle and it's more grimness! It's always hard to rationalise when people are struck down by God so to speak. Do we read between the lines and wonder if Ananias and Sapphira were excuted by someone? They were certainly living in a very close knit group where trust and fear would have been big issues. But I think how they died isn't as important as why they died. It's tempting to see this story and especially the end of chapter 4 as a glowing praise of Communism as a model for Christian living; but Peter doesn't demand that all wealth is shared, it's just the natural way that the community of believers had adopted. He says to Ananias that if he wanted to keep the money it was his to keep and if he only wanted to give part then that would be fine too. But Ananias' mistake was messing with God. We need to remember that we're always accountable to God. We can't lie or blag our way out of situations with Him and if we're actively working against Him then we're not living our lives in the best way to help ourselves or other people. And lying to God is actively working against Him, and pointless too!
Our Psalm continues with the Psalmist promising to spread word of God but seeming to say that he will on condition of his safety and rescue. I think that's putting the cart before the horse because surely if you trust that God will keep you safe then you are able to go and spread the gospel but spreading the good news with fear and trepidation means you aren't going to be giving your all to God. Today's reading seems to be telling us that respecting God's authority, trusting His promises and not losing sight of His real desire for our actions are all necessary to really live life completely.
And that's your lot for today. Apart from the fact I'll bash out another before bed... Yesterday's song is here. Tell me you're reading this again folks!
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Monday 7 February 2011
Saturday 5 February 2011
Day 158 - Get Up, Stand Up
What up people. Today has been LONG. Work meant an early get up followed by slogging my guts out in the rain. Then I was in the pub with some chums before more rain and a good night with other chums which included getting punched repeatedly by a child. Oh and Youth Alpha tomorrow so still mildly bricking it! Onto business then,
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 11:1-12:31
Acts 4:1-22
Psalm 71:1-8
Lots to consider today. Lust is obviously a theme with David's roving eye being the cause of all sorts of hurt and pain. So many people get hurt because of his actions. Now I think one thing immediately that is important is to see how Nathan again condemns David from God saying that his family will be infighting forever. Well this is certainly true for a time but also from David's family comes and end to fighting in Jesus. Admittedly people still try and fight about Jesus but the man Himself was preaching peace and love first and foremost. I think this shows again that we can't always or even often get the complete picture of God's plan and that we can only go by His actions in our lives.
So David's lusty ways though. I think a real tragedy of this story is the fact that it tends to get boiled down to Uriah being the tragic figure but notice that as well as him, 18 other men were killed for no reason and then an infant was taken to be back with God due to David's mistake and not just the mistake but the devious and premeditated way he tried to cover it up. We see in fact that when he recognises his mistake, God is waiting to forgive him. It's just that by the time he bother to tell God, things have developed to a much more complicated degree. Also David's attacks here against the Ammonites build on yesterday's reading of the rejected peace and ineffective resistance by the Ammonites. However, God hasn't told David that he needs to attack them and the relish that David takes in basking in glory and looting the town of Rabbah shows a lack of closeness to God. Subsequently his family begin the infight to end all infights in the next chapter.
Finally I just wanted to point out David's pleading with God. He does everything he can to try and get God to change his mind but is fast to accept God's decision and he goes straight to worshipping Him. That's a model for us. Pray till you can't pray anymore but have the grace to recognise your blessings if the answer is a no.
Into the New Testament we surge and we have some fall out from Peter and John. Here we see though the difference in their behaviour from David. Rather than serve their own interest and running from the confrontaton and controversy they would attract (and publically praising a convicted criminal could have got them in BIG trouble with the Roman authorty), they instead are proud to acknowledge Jesus and the place that He has in all people's lives if they will accept Him. How inspiring this is! We should be more appreciative of when we do feel filled by the Holy Spirit and then use that power to witness for God and make a difference in the world; free from fear.
Finally our Psalm begins with a familiar plea for aid from God in stopping the hard times and the scary times. Well God doesn't work like that and sometimes being scared and uncomfortable can really open you up to the spirit and challenge you to do something different.
So what have we got from today's readings? Well apart from the obvious one of don't sleep with married people unless they're married to you still! I think we've seen that God respects and blesses those who treat their position as His disciple as seriously as we ought to treat ruling a country.
And that's your lot. Yesterday's song is here. As always, any questions or comments can go below or on Facebook,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 11:1-12:31
Acts 4:1-22
Psalm 71:1-8
Lots to consider today. Lust is obviously a theme with David's roving eye being the cause of all sorts of hurt and pain. So many people get hurt because of his actions. Now I think one thing immediately that is important is to see how Nathan again condemns David from God saying that his family will be infighting forever. Well this is certainly true for a time but also from David's family comes and end to fighting in Jesus. Admittedly people still try and fight about Jesus but the man Himself was preaching peace and love first and foremost. I think this shows again that we can't always or even often get the complete picture of God's plan and that we can only go by His actions in our lives.
So David's lusty ways though. I think a real tragedy of this story is the fact that it tends to get boiled down to Uriah being the tragic figure but notice that as well as him, 18 other men were killed for no reason and then an infant was taken to be back with God due to David's mistake and not just the mistake but the devious and premeditated way he tried to cover it up. We see in fact that when he recognises his mistake, God is waiting to forgive him. It's just that by the time he bother to tell God, things have developed to a much more complicated degree. Also David's attacks here against the Ammonites build on yesterday's reading of the rejected peace and ineffective resistance by the Ammonites. However, God hasn't told David that he needs to attack them and the relish that David takes in basking in glory and looting the town of Rabbah shows a lack of closeness to God. Subsequently his family begin the infight to end all infights in the next chapter.
Finally I just wanted to point out David's pleading with God. He does everything he can to try and get God to change his mind but is fast to accept God's decision and he goes straight to worshipping Him. That's a model for us. Pray till you can't pray anymore but have the grace to recognise your blessings if the answer is a no.
Into the New Testament we surge and we have some fall out from Peter and John. Here we see though the difference in their behaviour from David. Rather than serve their own interest and running from the confrontaton and controversy they would attract (and publically praising a convicted criminal could have got them in BIG trouble with the Roman authorty), they instead are proud to acknowledge Jesus and the place that He has in all people's lives if they will accept Him. How inspiring this is! We should be more appreciative of when we do feel filled by the Holy Spirit and then use that power to witness for God and make a difference in the world; free from fear.
Finally our Psalm begins with a familiar plea for aid from God in stopping the hard times and the scary times. Well God doesn't work like that and sometimes being scared and uncomfortable can really open you up to the spirit and challenge you to do something different.
So what have we got from today's readings? Well apart from the obvious one of don't sleep with married people unless they're married to you still! I think we've seen that God respects and blesses those who treat their position as His disciple as seriously as we ought to treat ruling a country.
And that's your lot. Yesterday's song is here. As always, any questions or comments can go below or on Facebook,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Friday 4 February 2011
Day 157 - This Grudge
Hey gang. Not much of note occurred today except me leaving the house without my mobile. Oh and I might move to New Zealand. Why not? Onto business then
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 9:1-10:19
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 70:1-5
So the tale of our Old Testament reading today is how David was trying to a nice guy. First he helps out Saul's grandson (deep breath) Mephibosheth and then he tries to be gracious to the Ammonites despite previously fighting with them. I think there are a lot of lessons here despite the outcomes of each attempt. First is that grudges aren't Godly. Being angry at someone isn't great but keeping that anger and then putting it onto other people that are connected is just not helpful to anyone. We see here that David tries to mend the relationships that he has and Hanun, the Ammonite king, mistrusts him and keeps the grudge going, much to his later misfortune. There's also here a message about doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. David still forgave Hanun and after the Ammonites fled the battle he didn't pursue them relentlessly. When we do God's work we might not always get the results we'd expect but our witness in doing it will have impact somewhere down the line. Also I think there's a message here about giving your best. David doesn't just make Mephibosheth feel welcome for the day; he commits to giving up his own wealth to Mephibosheth and in having him become a member of his court. This is a HUGE deal in those times, especially for someone who was severely disabled. It's hard and I'm rubbish at it but we're expected not just to live ourselves for God but to give our very best and not hold back from the bits of humanity we can help
Into the New Testament we disembark and we get a lovely reflection of the Old Testament. First there is a direct aiding to someone who is amongst the dregs of society. Imagine stopping and actually talking to the next homeless person you see or mad old lady that comes into work. Let alone helping them to their feet and ministering the gospel to them! And then we have Peter telling the crowd how they might have messed up in killing Jesus (slight understatement) but they can be forgiven anyway and that there is no grudge from God, only the freedom and love that comes with faith and His forgiveness.
Finally we get a new Psalm and once again the Psalmist seems like he's desperate as much for God's punishment on his enemies as much for his own rescue. Well we've seen God doesn't work like that and wants all of us to become the people described at the end of the Psalm; hunting for God and praising His name and being subsequently blessed. Overall today's readings seem to be about focusing on doing your best for God even when it's weird or embarrassing but also in not wishing harm on people and instead taking that hurt to God.
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here Today's is much more man hating ;) Feel free to comment here or on Facebook,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 9:1-10:19
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 70:1-5
So the tale of our Old Testament reading today is how David was trying to a nice guy. First he helps out Saul's grandson (deep breath) Mephibosheth and then he tries to be gracious to the Ammonites despite previously fighting with them. I think there are a lot of lessons here despite the outcomes of each attempt. First is that grudges aren't Godly. Being angry at someone isn't great but keeping that anger and then putting it onto other people that are connected is just not helpful to anyone. We see here that David tries to mend the relationships that he has and Hanun, the Ammonite king, mistrusts him and keeps the grudge going, much to his later misfortune. There's also here a message about doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. David still forgave Hanun and after the Ammonites fled the battle he didn't pursue them relentlessly. When we do God's work we might not always get the results we'd expect but our witness in doing it will have impact somewhere down the line. Also I think there's a message here about giving your best. David doesn't just make Mephibosheth feel welcome for the day; he commits to giving up his own wealth to Mephibosheth and in having him become a member of his court. This is a HUGE deal in those times, especially for someone who was severely disabled. It's hard and I'm rubbish at it but we're expected not just to live ourselves for God but to give our very best and not hold back from the bits of humanity we can help
Into the New Testament we disembark and we get a lovely reflection of the Old Testament. First there is a direct aiding to someone who is amongst the dregs of society. Imagine stopping and actually talking to the next homeless person you see or mad old lady that comes into work. Let alone helping them to their feet and ministering the gospel to them! And then we have Peter telling the crowd how they might have messed up in killing Jesus (slight understatement) but they can be forgiven anyway and that there is no grudge from God, only the freedom and love that comes with faith and His forgiveness.
Finally we get a new Psalm and once again the Psalmist seems like he's desperate as much for God's punishment on his enemies as much for his own rescue. Well we've seen God doesn't work like that and wants all of us to become the people described at the end of the Psalm; hunting for God and praising His name and being subsequently blessed. Overall today's readings seem to be about focusing on doing your best for God even when it's weird or embarrassing but also in not wishing harm on people and instead taking that hurt to God.
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here Today's is much more man hating ;) Feel free to comment here or on Facebook,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Thursday 3 February 2011
Day 156 - I Want It That Way
Hey folks. Didn't take me long before one went in late. In my defense I've been youthing all evening and have made sure that Wayne received plenty of put downs :) Onto business then!
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
Acts 2:22-47
Proverbs 14:5-14
So David's hearing the prophet Nathan's vision of God's message and it's very easy to think that this promise of Solomon has been written after the event. Well whilst this might be the case I wonder why the authors then left in the promise that David's family would rule for generations to come which just didn't happen as we will see. I can totally believe that God will tell us messages and we will glimpse His plans but that we don't get the whole picture or our interpretation plays more into our dreams or what we want to hear than what the message really is. So how can we be sure that God's will really is what we're hearing or enacting? I think that here we see Nathan called by God but he then rushes to David. Instead it would seem that we get the reassurance and the certainty of faith through sitting with God and praying ardently to Him. In fact David then spends time in prayer after hearing this message thanking and praising God for His faithfulness and then requesting that the promises Nathan brought could be made true. Interesting to me anyway that David doesn't take the prophecy at face value but instead seeks God himself.
It'd be easy to say that God blesses David immediately with military victories but I don't think that we have to take that as a definite blessing. Personally I can see the authors of 2 Samuel wanting to show how David's victories show God's favour with him but then to me God doesn't bless people so that others die. However, David's victories show that he had confidence and talent and was responsible to the role he had been put into.
Into the New Testament we decamp and we have Peter spreading the gospel for the first time. Doesn't it sound exciting stuff? I think we need to be more enthusiastic when we talk about Jesus' saving power! But the thing that really sticks out to me is how Peter references David. So he points out that David knew his ancestors would come after him and only one of them would be the Messiah. I think this is a great example of how we ought to realise that at no point do our lives stop being something God can work with and something that we should use for God. David was king and had won if you like, at the game of life but here he keeps focused on God's plan for his life and his place in humanity's eventual salvation. Keeping our eyes off our own stuff and on God's seems to be today's theme.
Finally our Proverbs have some cracking gems as usual. Verse 6, 9 and 10 all speak to me and I'd encourage you to pick out wisdom from these passages and really seek whether it applies in your life and in how God wants to use you.
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here. As always, let me know what you think or if there's anything you think I'm missing. Or even just let me know you've started reading again,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
Acts 2:22-47
Proverbs 14:5-14
So David's hearing the prophet Nathan's vision of God's message and it's very easy to think that this promise of Solomon has been written after the event. Well whilst this might be the case I wonder why the authors then left in the promise that David's family would rule for generations to come which just didn't happen as we will see. I can totally believe that God will tell us messages and we will glimpse His plans but that we don't get the whole picture or our interpretation plays more into our dreams or what we want to hear than what the message really is. So how can we be sure that God's will really is what we're hearing or enacting? I think that here we see Nathan called by God but he then rushes to David. Instead it would seem that we get the reassurance and the certainty of faith through sitting with God and praying ardently to Him. In fact David then spends time in prayer after hearing this message thanking and praising God for His faithfulness and then requesting that the promises Nathan brought could be made true. Interesting to me anyway that David doesn't take the prophecy at face value but instead seeks God himself.
It'd be easy to say that God blesses David immediately with military victories but I don't think that we have to take that as a definite blessing. Personally I can see the authors of 2 Samuel wanting to show how David's victories show God's favour with him but then to me God doesn't bless people so that others die. However, David's victories show that he had confidence and talent and was responsible to the role he had been put into.
Into the New Testament we decamp and we have Peter spreading the gospel for the first time. Doesn't it sound exciting stuff? I think we need to be more enthusiastic when we talk about Jesus' saving power! But the thing that really sticks out to me is how Peter references David. So he points out that David knew his ancestors would come after him and only one of them would be the Messiah. I think this is a great example of how we ought to realise that at no point do our lives stop being something God can work with and something that we should use for God. David was king and had won if you like, at the game of life but here he keeps focused on God's plan for his life and his place in humanity's eventual salvation. Keeping our eyes off our own stuff and on God's seems to be today's theme.
Finally our Proverbs have some cracking gems as usual. Verse 6, 9 and 10 all speak to me and I'd encourage you to pick out wisdom from these passages and really seek whether it applies in your life and in how God wants to use you.
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here. As always, let me know what you think or if there's anything you think I'm missing. Or even just let me know you've started reading again,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Wednesday 2 February 2011
Day 155 - Take Yo' Praise
So here we go again. Only 200 or so days to go! Not done much today because the rain kept me from bullying the Tache. Always tomorrow though Cadman! Onto business then,
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 5:6-6:23
Acts 1:23-2:21
Psalms 69:29-36
So we continue in 2 Samuel with David smashing his way through any tribe he can lay his eyes on! Or so it seems at least. In fact this isn't God ordering wholesale destruction but David working to restore God in Israel so that His people can return to worship Him. It's not a smash and grab for land but a removal of those tribes who are threatening the Jewish people and thus threatening God's plan. We need to remember not to think of goodies and baddies even though that's how the Old Testament likes to write it. All the people mentioned are like us and are guilty of making mistakes. Even David makes a mistake in this passage by fearing God so much that he stops trying to honour and praise Him even. We should be in awe of God but that awe and fear of the power should be turned into praise and joy!
And what joy David shows! Dancing through the streets with his royal knees on show! Oh the scandal!! It makes me think though of when we really worship God and the joy that comes from realising how flipping blessed and loved we are! Worship can be a lot of things whether it's reverent, meditational or lively but it should be about joy most of all and we should come to worship with a focus on the power that loves us and cares for us and has provided for us in so many ways!
Into the New Testament we funky chicken (Joel might not notice me slipping it in here...) and we get Pentecost or when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. So the cool thing about this is obviously that it's applicable today. God's never stopped being there for us and never stopped loving us but the Holy Spirit means we are His direct messengers. We're called to do His work and use His power to accomplish it. How awesome a thought! I think sometimes people limit the Holy Spirit to helping them when they're in trouble and forget that the purpose of this element of God is to strengthen and protect us as we go and spread the truth. Amen to that!!
Finally our Psalm tells us that despite all the pain and the suffering that we might feel, we should remember our inheritance and our calling to be God's people and should praise and worship for the time that is to come. Hard to do all the time but when we do get the opportunity to praise we need to throw ourselves into it and not be scared of who else is watching or thinking. It's us relishing how awesome our God is and showing Him so through our hearts and souls.
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here. As always, let me know any thoughts you have on what you've read here or on facebook,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 5:6-6:23
Acts 1:23-2:21
Psalms 69:29-36
So we continue in 2 Samuel with David smashing his way through any tribe he can lay his eyes on! Or so it seems at least. In fact this isn't God ordering wholesale destruction but David working to restore God in Israel so that His people can return to worship Him. It's not a smash and grab for land but a removal of those tribes who are threatening the Jewish people and thus threatening God's plan. We need to remember not to think of goodies and baddies even though that's how the Old Testament likes to write it. All the people mentioned are like us and are guilty of making mistakes. Even David makes a mistake in this passage by fearing God so much that he stops trying to honour and praise Him even. We should be in awe of God but that awe and fear of the power should be turned into praise and joy!
And what joy David shows! Dancing through the streets with his royal knees on show! Oh the scandal!! It makes me think though of when we really worship God and the joy that comes from realising how flipping blessed and loved we are! Worship can be a lot of things whether it's reverent, meditational or lively but it should be about joy most of all and we should come to worship with a focus on the power that loves us and cares for us and has provided for us in so many ways!
Into the New Testament we funky chicken (Joel might not notice me slipping it in here...) and we get Pentecost or when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. So the cool thing about this is obviously that it's applicable today. God's never stopped being there for us and never stopped loving us but the Holy Spirit means we are His direct messengers. We're called to do His work and use His power to accomplish it. How awesome a thought! I think sometimes people limit the Holy Spirit to helping them when they're in trouble and forget that the purpose of this element of God is to strengthen and protect us as we go and spread the truth. Amen to that!!
Finally our Psalm tells us that despite all the pain and the suffering that we might feel, we should remember our inheritance and our calling to be God's people and should praise and worship for the time that is to come. Hard to do all the time but when we do get the opportunity to praise we need to throw ourselves into it and not be scared of who else is watching or thinking. It's us relishing how awesome our God is and showing Him so through our hearts and souls.
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here. As always, let me know any thoughts you have on what you've read here or on facebook,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Tuesday 1 February 2011
Day 154 - Jesus He Knows Me
Ok gang. The blog is back for those who are interested. I'm ignoring the *ahem*74*ahem* few days I've missed for now and hoping against hope to get them typed at some point in the future. Possibly on days off. But for now, it's a new month and so it's as decent a time as ever to get back to writing. I've been reading my Bible but have really lost the writing bug. Nothing will change that though except writing again! So quick update with where I am. Job is still going ok and I'm still hoping and trying to get into this youth work professionally. Otherwise I'm still happy, single and wondering where God's going to take me next. Onto business then!
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 3:22-5:5
Acts 1:1-22
Psalms 69:13-28
What a time to start blogging again! Lots of gore and action going on amidst the odd names here. People say the Bible can be boring but it's hard stuff reading about all this political turmoil and backstabbing. Belly stabbing too come to think of it... But what do we get from this latest chapter of Israel's struggle to become a nation? Still not satisfied with the king that they didn't need but God provided, they're desperate to formalise David's position by removing any possible claim from Saul's family. This sort of thing happened a lot in England during the 15th century and it shows how power, and individuals keen to improve their own level of power, can really lose track of what it means to be human.
David's place in the Bible is a vital one because he is the only king of Israel that really seems to get it right politically and spiritually most of the time. Now modern history tells us Israel might not actually have been all that big at the time of David but I think that makes it even more fascinating and inspiring that this young man still took such a role so seriously and recognised that God had to be the one who was allowed to be in control. So what do we get from today's OT passage? Well I think the message that is most clear is that it's wrong to hitch your wagon to a charismatic man or woman of God if it makes you ignore God and the importance He puts on you. Obviously also don't murder people or try and manipulate things to your own benefit if it hurts others. But I do think there's a message here about focusing on you and God rather than just what someone else can tell you about God.
Into the New Testament we go and we're starting the second book in the New Testament written by Luke. Acts is just that. The things that us normal folk did once Jesus left. I always thought that maybe Acts should be updated yearly or something with other top tales of God's people working for Him. But yeah, Acts is predominantly about the early church working out just what they are meant to do now Jesus has gone and it's always worth remembering that we still don't get the right answers most of the time so let's not be too judgemental of anything we read straight away.
Well we start Acts with a little church meeting! Doesn't it seem typical that the first thing Christians do after seeing Jesus ascend and angels speaking to them is to sit in a room and talk about policy and vision! But I do think this is an important lesson. Sometimes we get caught up with a speaker or a message that we forget about the impact and effect it might have on others. We're called to be salt in the world, keeping it fresh by interacting and so it's important to not just go blurting out full of the Spirit but instead practice Jesus' method of getting to know people in their place and situation and being available for God to work through us.
Finally our Psalm today continues and it's a hard to read plea for God to be violent and destructive to people who oppress David. Now we've just read David being very much in favour of non-violence and yet here he seems to be having a complete about turn. Well obviously this is slightly out of context as the rest of the Psalm has been read yesterday and will be finished tomorrow. But other to that I think is the fact that we all get angry and want to think that God will back us up in our fights. That He'll always have our corner because He loves us. Well yes God does love us but He loves them equally so and what right do we have to wish ill on another of God's children no matter how harsh they've treated us? Hard to live by but I think the other message here is again a warning against holding up a teacher or a leader to a higher standard. The only infallible truth is that of God's love and it is Him we should return to for answers.
That's your lot for today. Had fun with that and looking forward to continuing! Let's have a song too, why not. As always, feel free to comment here or on facebook.
Jon Hancock
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 3:22-5:5
Acts 1:1-22
Psalms 69:13-28
What a time to start blogging again! Lots of gore and action going on amidst the odd names here. People say the Bible can be boring but it's hard stuff reading about all this political turmoil and backstabbing. Belly stabbing too come to think of it... But what do we get from this latest chapter of Israel's struggle to become a nation? Still not satisfied with the king that they didn't need but God provided, they're desperate to formalise David's position by removing any possible claim from Saul's family. This sort of thing happened a lot in England during the 15th century and it shows how power, and individuals keen to improve their own level of power, can really lose track of what it means to be human.
David's place in the Bible is a vital one because he is the only king of Israel that really seems to get it right politically and spiritually most of the time. Now modern history tells us Israel might not actually have been all that big at the time of David but I think that makes it even more fascinating and inspiring that this young man still took such a role so seriously and recognised that God had to be the one who was allowed to be in control. So what do we get from today's OT passage? Well I think the message that is most clear is that it's wrong to hitch your wagon to a charismatic man or woman of God if it makes you ignore God and the importance He puts on you. Obviously also don't murder people or try and manipulate things to your own benefit if it hurts others. But I do think there's a message here about focusing on you and God rather than just what someone else can tell you about God.
Into the New Testament we go and we're starting the second book in the New Testament written by Luke. Acts is just that. The things that us normal folk did once Jesus left. I always thought that maybe Acts should be updated yearly or something with other top tales of God's people working for Him. But yeah, Acts is predominantly about the early church working out just what they are meant to do now Jesus has gone and it's always worth remembering that we still don't get the right answers most of the time so let's not be too judgemental of anything we read straight away.
Well we start Acts with a little church meeting! Doesn't it seem typical that the first thing Christians do after seeing Jesus ascend and angels speaking to them is to sit in a room and talk about policy and vision! But I do think this is an important lesson. Sometimes we get caught up with a speaker or a message that we forget about the impact and effect it might have on others. We're called to be salt in the world, keeping it fresh by interacting and so it's important to not just go blurting out full of the Spirit but instead practice Jesus' method of getting to know people in their place and situation and being available for God to work through us.
Finally our Psalm today continues and it's a hard to read plea for God to be violent and destructive to people who oppress David. Now we've just read David being very much in favour of non-violence and yet here he seems to be having a complete about turn. Well obviously this is slightly out of context as the rest of the Psalm has been read yesterday and will be finished tomorrow. But other to that I think is the fact that we all get angry and want to think that God will back us up in our fights. That He'll always have our corner because He loves us. Well yes God does love us but He loves them equally so and what right do we have to wish ill on another of God's children no matter how harsh they've treated us? Hard to live by but I think the other message here is again a warning against holding up a teacher or a leader to a higher standard. The only infallible truth is that of God's love and it is Him we should return to for answers.
That's your lot for today. Had fun with that and looking forward to continuing! Let's have a song too, why not. As always, feel free to comment here or on facebook.
Jon Hancock
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
Friday 17 December 2010
Day 80
And another blog!
Today’s readingsNumbers 11:4-13:25
Luke 3:23-4:13
Proverbs 7:21-27
Lots to confuse us in this passage from Numbers. First the moaning met with a blessing that is actually a curse of sorts. Then a false prophet. And finally some giants. Sometimes the Bible just outright confuses me and I have to come back to God and my basics of faith. So here's what I've got from this. First is that God hears us. And not only does He hear but He provides. Does He curse? I don't think so. I think that if you look at the abundance of meat that was provided and the subsequent illness it sort of mirrors how the Israelites who tried to hoard manna found that it was rotten by the next day. I feel as though God provided the quail but the Israelites greed is what made them ill from over indulging.
Also there's a message that God might use you a lot or a little but you're never less worthy because of it. It's tempting to want more and search for more which is great but then to get cross when we don't seem to get more. Humilty with God is everything and the answers and blessings are His to dish out as and when He deems it to be fit.
I think as well there is a message for those of us who are feeling like we're alone. Even though Moses is bringing bad news and is sceptical himself, God still provides and cares and supports. There's also a warning against gossiping, especially against people who are trying to work for God. He won't tolerate it and you'll not be getting blessed nor will it bring you closer to God.
As for the giants? Yeah I'm going to pull the symbolism card. The writers of this passage wanted to show just how amazing the land that God had prepared for them was and how fruitless (pun intended) the moaning of the people was. They missed slavery because they got a varied diet but they were being led to freedom and sustenance beyond their expectations!
Into the New Testament and we have Jesus' period of temptation after His genealogy. There's not a lot you can say for lists of relatives though I do like how Jesus' past shows He isn't from the best folk or the most holy folk but rather a real mix of stories and backgrounds. Now His temptations are a very interesting parallel to the Israelites' moaning. He's in the desert and is hungry but instead of moaning to God, He falls back on His core truths of loving God first and accepting His fate to be in God's hands. We make so much of free will and predestination sometimes that I think we forget that we should be desperate for God to lead us around by the nose because we'll end up where He wants us to be.
Finally we're back in Proverbs with our tempting lady and we get the end of the story where we find it quite clear what happens to people that chase sex rather than God first. It's some pretty powerful imagery brought out with calves being butchered and stags being shot with arrows. Temptations are everywhere but Jesus shows that humility and reliance are what get us through those "irresistible" temptations.
Onto the next one...
Today’s readingsNumbers 11:4-13:25
Luke 3:23-4:13
Proverbs 7:21-27
Lots to confuse us in this passage from Numbers. First the moaning met with a blessing that is actually a curse of sorts. Then a false prophet. And finally some giants. Sometimes the Bible just outright confuses me and I have to come back to God and my basics of faith. So here's what I've got from this. First is that God hears us. And not only does He hear but He provides. Does He curse? I don't think so. I think that if you look at the abundance of meat that was provided and the subsequent illness it sort of mirrors how the Israelites who tried to hoard manna found that it was rotten by the next day. I feel as though God provided the quail but the Israelites greed is what made them ill from over indulging.
Also there's a message that God might use you a lot or a little but you're never less worthy because of it. It's tempting to want more and search for more which is great but then to get cross when we don't seem to get more. Humilty with God is everything and the answers and blessings are His to dish out as and when He deems it to be fit.
I think as well there is a message for those of us who are feeling like we're alone. Even though Moses is bringing bad news and is sceptical himself, God still provides and cares and supports. There's also a warning against gossiping, especially against people who are trying to work for God. He won't tolerate it and you'll not be getting blessed nor will it bring you closer to God.
As for the giants? Yeah I'm going to pull the symbolism card. The writers of this passage wanted to show just how amazing the land that God had prepared for them was and how fruitless (pun intended) the moaning of the people was. They missed slavery because they got a varied diet but they were being led to freedom and sustenance beyond their expectations!
Into the New Testament and we have Jesus' period of temptation after His genealogy. There's not a lot you can say for lists of relatives though I do like how Jesus' past shows He isn't from the best folk or the most holy folk but rather a real mix of stories and backgrounds. Now His temptations are a very interesting parallel to the Israelites' moaning. He's in the desert and is hungry but instead of moaning to God, He falls back on His core truths of loving God first and accepting His fate to be in God's hands. We make so much of free will and predestination sometimes that I think we forget that we should be desperate for God to lead us around by the nose because we'll end up where He wants us to be.
Finally we're back in Proverbs with our tempting lady and we get the end of the story where we find it quite clear what happens to people that chase sex rather than God first. It's some pretty powerful imagery brought out with calves being butchered and stags being shot with arrows. Temptations are everywhere but Jesus shows that humility and reliance are what get us through those "irresistible" temptations.
Onto the next one...
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