In Matthew, Mark, and Like, Jesus speaks of marriage in heaven, and says that there will be no marriage in heaven, but that those who are accepted into the kingdom of God will be like "angels in heaven".
So is this saying that in the end, there will be no marriage? When I enter heaven to spend eternity with God, I will be without the one He gave me here on earth as my wife?
Our entire time on this earth is meant to glorify and get closer to God. He calls a man and a woman to be together in marriage, because He said "It is not good for the man to be alone." He also says, "For this reason, a man will leave his mother and father to be made one with his wife."
Marriage is meant to glorify God as well. You join your wife in unity, to become one with them, to share everything heavenly and earthly with them. For this reason, I believe there is a misinterpretation to this passage of Jesus, although I don't know what the correct interpretation would be.
Matthew and Mark list it like this:
"Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven." (Mark 12:24-27)
Luke says:
"The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels." (Luke 20:34-37)
These passages are in response to the Sadducees asking Jesus about seven brothers who all married the same woman and none of them had any children with her before they all died. They were asking who then would be her husband in heaven.
I could really use some insight on this. Anyone out there that can help me figure this out? Or do I know the answer and just don't want to believe it? .....
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Shepard's song
Psalm 23 is the Shepard's song, which is very well known psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Follow God's path, let Him lead you in His path, and we will forever live with the Lord, no matter what is going on in our lives.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Follow God's path, let Him lead you in His path, and we will forever live with the Lord, no matter what is going on in our lives.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Starting in Psalms
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Today we start in Psalms, a compelling book of the Bible, written by a collaboration of a lot of writers. Some is poetry, although none of it rhymes, and some are songs, although I don't know the tunes. There are 150 Psalms... I can't go through all of them, as I only want to spend about 10 days in them. So I am cherry picking a few different Psalms to focus on. I am cheating a bit by looking up some topics off site. But others I will just be randomly searching through them to find what reaches out to me. So, let's get started!
I turned directly to Psalm 79, in which there seems to be a war raging in Israel. Asaph is crying out to God, announcing to God the pain and suffering His chosen people are receiving. Asaph says her enemies have "invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble." (Psalm 79:1) He then asks the Lord, "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?" (Psalm 79:5) He calls out for forgiveness and help from the Lord (79:9) and then promises eternal praise and repentance if He takes care of her enemies (79:12-13).
What strikes me as interesting in this Psalm is the detail to which he describes the scene occurring in Jerusalem. "They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of your saints tot he beasts of the earth. They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead." (Psalm 2-3) There is so much carnage going on right in Asaph's home, I can't imagine what that could feel like or how much pain he must have been in.
And yet, even through this, he has the faith, the wisdom, to call upon the Lord and ask for Him almighty deliverance from these attackers. He asks for God's forgiveness of the sins of Jerusalem, and asks Him to show the world how important His chosen people are. "Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die." (Psalm 79:10-11)
Even in hard times, we must turn to God, confess our sins, and allow Him to work in our lives, to fix the pain, to allow us to heal, and to bring about the change we need to "praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise." (Psalm 79:13)
Today we start in Psalms, a compelling book of the Bible, written by a collaboration of a lot of writers. Some is poetry, although none of it rhymes, and some are songs, although I don't know the tunes. There are 150 Psalms... I can't go through all of them, as I only want to spend about 10 days in them. So I am cherry picking a few different Psalms to focus on. I am cheating a bit by looking up some topics off site. But others I will just be randomly searching through them to find what reaches out to me. So, let's get started!
I turned directly to Psalm 79, in which there seems to be a war raging in Israel. Asaph is crying out to God, announcing to God the pain and suffering His chosen people are receiving. Asaph says her enemies have "invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble." (Psalm 79:1) He then asks the Lord, "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?" (Psalm 79:5) He calls out for forgiveness and help from the Lord (79:9) and then promises eternal praise and repentance if He takes care of her enemies (79:12-13).
What strikes me as interesting in this Psalm is the detail to which he describes the scene occurring in Jerusalem. "They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of your saints tot he beasts of the earth. They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead." (Psalm 2-3) There is so much carnage going on right in Asaph's home, I can't imagine what that could feel like or how much pain he must have been in.
And yet, even through this, he has the faith, the wisdom, to call upon the Lord and ask for Him almighty deliverance from these attackers. He asks for God's forgiveness of the sins of Jerusalem, and asks Him to show the world how important His chosen people are. "Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die." (Psalm 79:10-11)
Even in hard times, we must turn to God, confess our sins, and allow Him to work in our lives, to fix the pain, to allow us to heal, and to bring about the change we need to "praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise." (Psalm 79:13)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wisdom brings everlasting life
This will be my last posting on Proverbs, because starting in chapter 10, David begins listing one liners. Still a very interesting read, I just don't have the patience to discuss line by line! Instead, you should read Proverbs 10 on for yourself.
Proverbs 8 describes the creation of wisdom. When I read about wisdom, it seems to me that wisdom equals faith.
When God was creating, he first created wisdom before all else. "The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began." (Proverbs 8:22-23) This was His most important creation. Without wisdom, you will "love death" (Proverbs 8:36). Without wisdom, nothing else could have been created in the universe. And yet, it is through this most important and powerful creation that we are saved so simply. We saved through faith, not by works. All we must do is believe in order to be accepted into the kingdom of God. How remarkable!
But why would God create wisdom before all else? Why not establish the non-living things before bringing about faith? Why is it so important?
It actually says in the Bible that all things worship God. In fact, Jesus says in the book of John that if the people had not started shouting out to Him, the rocks must surely would have.
Through wisdom, we will find the glory of God. We must accept this initial work of God in order to be accepted to be by His side in eternity. "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 8:35).
Through wisdom we become wise in the Word of God and in His understanding. If wisdom is faith, then knowledge is teaching. We start out with wisdom, trusting in the Lord, having faith in Him, giving our life to Him so he can make us new. After receiving wisdom, we grow in knowledge, so that we may share the good news with others and help to grow the kingdom of God. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
If you haven't already, receive the good news of the Lord! What will it hurt? Nothing. What will change? You will! There is no reason not to accept Him and every reason you should. Pray that God forgiveness. Thank the Lord for dying the cross. Accept Him as your personal savior.
Proverbs 8 describes the creation of wisdom. When I read about wisdom, it seems to me that wisdom equals faith.
When God was creating, he first created wisdom before all else. "The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began." (Proverbs 8:22-23) This was His most important creation. Without wisdom, you will "love death" (Proverbs 8:36). Without wisdom, nothing else could have been created in the universe. And yet, it is through this most important and powerful creation that we are saved so simply. We saved through faith, not by works. All we must do is believe in order to be accepted into the kingdom of God. How remarkable!
But why would God create wisdom before all else? Why not establish the non-living things before bringing about faith? Why is it so important?
It actually says in the Bible that all things worship God. In fact, Jesus says in the book of John that if the people had not started shouting out to Him, the rocks must surely would have.
Through wisdom, we will find the glory of God. We must accept this initial work of God in order to be accepted to be by His side in eternity. "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 8:35).
Through wisdom we become wise in the Word of God and in His understanding. If wisdom is faith, then knowledge is teaching. We start out with wisdom, trusting in the Lord, having faith in Him, giving our life to Him so he can make us new. After receiving wisdom, we grow in knowledge, so that we may share the good news with others and help to grow the kingdom of God. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
If you haven't already, receive the good news of the Lord! What will it hurt? Nothing. What will change? You will! There is no reason not to accept Him and every reason you should. Pray that God forgiveness. Thank the Lord for dying the cross. Accept Him as your personal savior.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Chasing dreams, killing the spirit
I'm jumping ahead a bit, and moving to Proverbs 12, where I read something that speaks directly to me.
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgement." (Proverbs 12:11, NIV)
The Common English Bible says it this way: "Those who work their land will have plenty to eat, but those who engage in empty pursuits have no sense."
In all things, we need to put our best effort into it. Otherwise, if we only give a percentage of what we can actually offer, how can the Lord bless the attempt? I recently read a book called "Quitter", by Jon ....., where the writer encourages dreaming and dreaming BIG, but to have the right things in place first. You can't just dream something and go after it without planning, provisions, and setting yourself up for success. In the same way, we need to prepare and work hard to provide for our families, giving them the things that they need in order to survive, instead of running off and attempting "fantasies" that have no planning and research attached to them.
Many people like change. In fact, they feel uneasy and antsy if there isn't change. However I encourage those to look at things differently. Think about the last time you changed a job, or changed cars. The initial high of the change brings satisfaction and excitement. But what happens 6 months or a year down the road? Are feelings of uneasiness returning? Are you considering another change?
God tells us to be still and to enjoy the blessings he has given us. I challenge you, instead of looking for the new, to find new life in the old. Put 100% into whatever it is you do and see if things feel different and you have a happier time in it.
I'll admit, this has been a difficult lesson for me to learn over the years. For the first several years in my working years, I never was able to file my taxes without multiple W-2s. I was flighty and uncomfortable. I wanted change. After I became a christian, this settled a little bit, but I never saw it as a problem, so I didn't pray for change. I am now at a place where I realize what my need for change has been doing to the people around me. It's time for me to settle. It's time for me to accept God's wisdom that Proverbs says so much about. I want to yield, to be easy, and comfortable in what I am doing.
God I pray for change in my self to be a stable and comfortable person. Help me to be steady, help me give everything you have blessed me with 100%. Thank you for your continued blessings!
Rejoice in the Lord, He is good!
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgement." (Proverbs 12:11, NIV)
The Common English Bible says it this way: "Those who work their land will have plenty to eat, but those who engage in empty pursuits have no sense."
In all things, we need to put our best effort into it. Otherwise, if we only give a percentage of what we can actually offer, how can the Lord bless the attempt? I recently read a book called "Quitter", by Jon ....., where the writer encourages dreaming and dreaming BIG, but to have the right things in place first. You can't just dream something and go after it without planning, provisions, and setting yourself up for success. In the same way, we need to prepare and work hard to provide for our families, giving them the things that they need in order to survive, instead of running off and attempting "fantasies" that have no planning and research attached to them.
Many people like change. In fact, they feel uneasy and antsy if there isn't change. However I encourage those to look at things differently. Think about the last time you changed a job, or changed cars. The initial high of the change brings satisfaction and excitement. But what happens 6 months or a year down the road? Are feelings of uneasiness returning? Are you considering another change?
God tells us to be still and to enjoy the blessings he has given us. I challenge you, instead of looking for the new, to find new life in the old. Put 100% into whatever it is you do and see if things feel different and you have a happier time in it.
I'll admit, this has been a difficult lesson for me to learn over the years. For the first several years in my working years, I never was able to file my taxes without multiple W-2s. I was flighty and uncomfortable. I wanted change. After I became a christian, this settled a little bit, but I never saw it as a problem, so I didn't pray for change. I am now at a place where I realize what my need for change has been doing to the people around me. It's time for me to settle. It's time for me to accept God's wisdom that Proverbs says so much about. I want to yield, to be easy, and comfortable in what I am doing.
God I pray for change in my self to be a stable and comfortable person. Help me to be steady, help me give everything you have blessed me with 100%. Thank you for your continued blessings!
Rejoice in the Lord, He is good!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Debt, a curse in our lives
We're taking a step back today. My last posting discussed up to Proverbs 7, but we are going back to Proverbs 6, as there is a topic here that did not fit with the last post.
Fifty years ago, debt was something that only foolish people established.
In 1981, the United States first hit the $1 trillion mark in the national debt. Only thirty years later, we are well over $11 trillion.
In 1940, personal debt was nearly non-existent. Today, Americans are almost $25 trillion in debt.
The Bible offers a different view of debt. whether it is holding a debt against another person, or carrying debt ourselves, we need to eliminate all debts to "free yourself" (Proverbs 6:5, NIV).
God calls us to be debt free. This is difficult to hear in our current economy and frame of mind, but we need to separate ourselves from others finances that can keep our minds and hearts away from God. With debt tying up our lives, it leaves less room to consider God in the equation and minimizes the money we have to give. If we eliminate this burden, we now have more money to serve our family and spouse, money to give to the church and to those in need, money to better the kingdom of God.
He tells us to ask our debtors for forgiveness of our debts and begin the process of renewal in finances: "Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids." (Proverbs 6:3-4, NIV)
To this end, we must help others with our money without indebtedness as well. This gives double blessings. Not only are you able to bless another with your money, without condition of repayment, but you are also fulfilling the wishes of God which will increase blessings to you from Him.
At the same time, we need to work hard for our money to establish ourselves as workers for Christ. Proverbs 6:9-11 says "How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." God will strike you down with poverty without a good work ethic. Work hard, live wisely, manage your money, and you will receive blessing and be more free to give yourself more to God.
Fifty years ago, debt was something that only foolish people established.
In 1981, the United States first hit the $1 trillion mark in the national debt. Only thirty years later, we are well over $11 trillion.
In 1940, personal debt was nearly non-existent. Today, Americans are almost $25 trillion in debt.
The Bible offers a different view of debt. whether it is holding a debt against another person, or carrying debt ourselves, we need to eliminate all debts to "free yourself" (Proverbs 6:5, NIV).
God calls us to be debt free. This is difficult to hear in our current economy and frame of mind, but we need to separate ourselves from others finances that can keep our minds and hearts away from God. With debt tying up our lives, it leaves less room to consider God in the equation and minimizes the money we have to give. If we eliminate this burden, we now have more money to serve our family and spouse, money to give to the church and to those in need, money to better the kingdom of God.
He tells us to ask our debtors for forgiveness of our debts and begin the process of renewal in finances: "Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids." (Proverbs 6:3-4, NIV)
To this end, we must help others with our money without indebtedness as well. This gives double blessings. Not only are you able to bless another with your money, without condition of repayment, but you are also fulfilling the wishes of God which will increase blessings to you from Him.
At the same time, we need to work hard for our money to establish ourselves as workers for Christ. Proverbs 6:9-11 says "How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." God will strike you down with poverty without a good work ethic. Work hard, live wisely, manage your money, and you will receive blessing and be more free to give yourself more to God.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sin begets sin, the sin of destroyed marriages
Marriage is the most holy, earthly thing that we do. There are hundreds of passages in the Bible discussing marriage.
When you get marriage, you say vows that commit before God that you are choosing one person for the rest of your life, to comfort, listen, and bless this person above all others on earth, "till death do us part". The two become one flesh.
This blog posting is not to express the wonderful benefits and inevitable downfalls and hardship in marriage that occurs, although, I could do probably fifty blogs on this subject. But the next three chapters of Proverbs discusses adultery, a sin that can destroy marriages, and also make it stronger. I pray this posting gives you strength and encourages you if you are in the binds of adultery or are in the midst of this difficulty.
I know three couples who have suffered through this sin, and it nearly destroyed their marriages. Out of the three, one ended in divorce. The other two were able to save their marriages through prayer and spiritual guidance.
Elsewhere in the Bible, I don't remember where, Jesus says that when we lust in our hearts over another, we have already committed adultery. Proverbs then attests to what happens when adultery is committed.
"But a man who commits adultery lacks judgement; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away; for jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge." (Proverbs 6:32-34, NIV)
Through your marriage, I pray for you that you are able to turn your eyes from others. Keep your eyes on God and He will bless your marriage with strength.
God also offers some encouragement to turn from adultery: "Keep my commands and you will live... Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words" (Provers 7:2-5, NIV)
Adultery doesn't have to be the end of a marriage, it can be a new start. With repentance, you can begin the process of healing and find the arms of Christ once again, and favor in your spouse.
When you get marriage, you say vows that commit before God that you are choosing one person for the rest of your life, to comfort, listen, and bless this person above all others on earth, "till death do us part". The two become one flesh.
This blog posting is not to express the wonderful benefits and inevitable downfalls and hardship in marriage that occurs, although, I could do probably fifty blogs on this subject. But the next three chapters of Proverbs discusses adultery, a sin that can destroy marriages, and also make it stronger. I pray this posting gives you strength and encourages you if you are in the binds of adultery or are in the midst of this difficulty.
I know three couples who have suffered through this sin, and it nearly destroyed their marriages. Out of the three, one ended in divorce. The other two were able to save their marriages through prayer and spiritual guidance.
Elsewhere in the Bible, I don't remember where, Jesus says that when we lust in our hearts over another, we have already committed adultery. Proverbs then attests to what happens when adultery is committed.
"But a man who commits adultery lacks judgement; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away; for jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge." (Proverbs 6:32-34, NIV)
Through your marriage, I pray for you that you are able to turn your eyes from others. Keep your eyes on God and He will bless your marriage with strength.
God also offers some encouragement to turn from adultery: "Keep my commands and you will live... Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words" (Provers 7:2-5, NIV)
Adultery doesn't have to be the end of a marriage, it can be a new start. With repentance, you can begin the process of healing and find the arms of Christ once again, and favor in your spouse.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The high price of wisdom
Why is it so difficult to follow blindly? Why are we so compelled by the things of this earth?
There are so many references to the gifts of God if we only follow Him and listen to his commands. Proverbs 4 is witness to this: "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live", "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you", "Esteem her, and she will exalt you", "Pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words... keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body".
Here we get a glimpse of the mighty power of God to bless us if only we follow him and live by his word.
But there is an earthly cost that keeps us from gathering this wisdom... "Though it cost all you have..." (Proverbs 4:7, NIV).
Because we struggle with sin, with seeing God in everything we do, with praising Him in the good and the bad in our life, and we don't want to let go of our earthly possessions and feelings, we struggle to keep to His commandments and live in true faith.
There is no shortcut, and it certainly isn't easy. But read all of Proverbs 4 to get a clear understanding of the benefits of wisdom, or, listening to God and following His way in your life, and also a warning to practicing evil.
It may cost us everything, it may be difficult with the world pushing us in a different direction, but the benefits far outway the cost.
There are so many references to the gifts of God if we only follow Him and listen to his commands. Proverbs 4 is witness to this: "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live", "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you", "Esteem her, and she will exalt you", "Pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words... keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body".
Here we get a glimpse of the mighty power of God to bless us if only we follow him and live by his word.
But there is an earthly cost that keeps us from gathering this wisdom... "Though it cost all you have..." (Proverbs 4:7, NIV).
Because we struggle with sin, with seeing God in everything we do, with praising Him in the good and the bad in our life, and we don't want to let go of our earthly possessions and feelings, we struggle to keep to His commandments and live in true faith.
There is no shortcut, and it certainly isn't easy. But read all of Proverbs 4 to get a clear understanding of the benefits of wisdom, or, listening to God and following His way in your life, and also a warning to practicing evil.
It may cost us everything, it may be difficult with the world pushing us in a different direction, but the benefits far outway the cost.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Putting your trust in God even when it's tough
I am currently reading Proverbs, and the first few chapters discuss wisdom. Wisdom in the Bible is akin to listening to God.
Sometimes, or should I say a lot of times, it is difficult to hear the voice of God. Nevermind that he is a supreme being, and if we ever actually did hear his voice in our flesh we would surely go deaf. But God speaks to us in many different ways.
Today I was in the shower (didn't know I was going graphic, did you?) and I kept dropping the soap. I said, "God, why do I keep dropping the soap, I never drop the soap?" This made me think. Every time I drop the soap I have to bend down to pick the soap up off the floor. And then stand again. I took two things from this. I need to get on my knees and pray hard, and then I need to get back up and endure, trust what he is doing in my life.
Sometimes the voice of God comes through other people, friends, family, coworkers, TV evanglists, sometimes someone we have never met before (could it be an angel?). It is up to us to recognize it, and live by His word.
Proverbs 1 says, "Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech... but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear from harm." (Proverbs 1:20-22, 33, NIV)
Listen to wisdom. Let the voice of God call to you and raise into a holy rejoicing.
I read a book recently called "Sacred Marriage" in which the author states that trouble in the marriage is God's way of creating in a stronger spirit and closer to Him. And during these times of trial, we must endure and turn towards God even more than before.
Proverbs 3:5 states "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". This verse struck me particularly hard tonight. It is during the hard times we question, and rebuke, and even curse God. But it is in these times that we must turn even closer to Him and trust in Him with all our heart. We don't understand why these things are happening or when they will cease. That is for God to know. All we can do is trust in Him and endure.
Sometimes, or should I say a lot of times, it is difficult to hear the voice of God. Nevermind that he is a supreme being, and if we ever actually did hear his voice in our flesh we would surely go deaf. But God speaks to us in many different ways.
Today I was in the shower (didn't know I was going graphic, did you?) and I kept dropping the soap. I said, "God, why do I keep dropping the soap, I never drop the soap?" This made me think. Every time I drop the soap I have to bend down to pick the soap up off the floor. And then stand again. I took two things from this. I need to get on my knees and pray hard, and then I need to get back up and endure, trust what he is doing in my life.
Sometimes the voice of God comes through other people, friends, family, coworkers, TV evanglists, sometimes someone we have never met before (could it be an angel?). It is up to us to recognize it, and live by His word.
Proverbs 1 says, "Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech... but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear from harm." (Proverbs 1:20-22, 33, NIV)
Listen to wisdom. Let the voice of God call to you and raise into a holy rejoicing.
I read a book recently called "Sacred Marriage" in which the author states that trouble in the marriage is God's way of creating in a stronger spirit and closer to Him. And during these times of trial, we must endure and turn towards God even more than before.
Proverbs 3:5 states "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". This verse struck me particularly hard tonight. It is during the hard times we question, and rebuke, and even curse God. But it is in these times that we must turn even closer to Him and trust in Him with all our heart. We don't understand why these things are happening or when they will cease. That is for God to know. All we can do is trust in Him and endure.
My first blog post
I've never read a blog before, let alone written on one. But I've had a lot on my heart lately, and I wanted to get it all down. Writing down my thoughts is one way that helps me to better understand what I am thinking and what God is trying to display to me.
The name of this blog is "Scripted", because everything that I write in this blog has already been written.
No, I am not a malicious copyright infringement wacko who is trying to steal all the fame and glory from some other aspiring writer.
Everything I write about was already written for us all to read hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Of course I am talking about the Holy Bible.
Why would I want to copy the Bible and write it on this blog? Because it will help me to remember to read my Bible everyday, and then post my thoughts on what I feel like it is telling me in a media that will be stored forever and can never be forgotten. And along the way, if someone else wants to read and respond to these posts to express their feelings, or if what I have to say has the unlikely event of touching someone else's heart (I am not an aspiring writer, almost flunked out of college level English, so the only way something I write is ever going to be a notion of holiness is by the grace of God), then all the better!
Right now I am reading through Proverbs. The neat thing about Proverbs, as far as I can tell so far, is that it follows a very simple and easy to understand organization of topics. I will be reading through the entire book and posting everyday on the chapter that I have read that day.
After Proverbs, who knows! I am going to let the spirit lead to wherever he next wants me to read and post.
The likelihood of anyone besides myself ever reading this blog is slim. But if you do happen to stumble upon it, I pray it encourages and enriches you abundantly!
The name of this blog is "Scripted", because everything that I write in this blog has already been written.
No, I am not a malicious copyright infringement wacko who is trying to steal all the fame and glory from some other aspiring writer.
Everything I write about was already written for us all to read hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Of course I am talking about the Holy Bible.
Why would I want to copy the Bible and write it on this blog? Because it will help me to remember to read my Bible everyday, and then post my thoughts on what I feel like it is telling me in a media that will be stored forever and can never be forgotten. And along the way, if someone else wants to read and respond to these posts to express their feelings, or if what I have to say has the unlikely event of touching someone else's heart (I am not an aspiring writer, almost flunked out of college level English, so the only way something I write is ever going to be a notion of holiness is by the grace of God), then all the better!
Right now I am reading through Proverbs. The neat thing about Proverbs, as far as I can tell so far, is that it follows a very simple and easy to understand organization of topics. I will be reading through the entire book and posting everyday on the chapter that I have read that day.
After Proverbs, who knows! I am going to let the spirit lead to wherever he next wants me to read and post.
The likelihood of anyone besides myself ever reading this blog is slim. But if you do happen to stumble upon it, I pray it encourages and enriches you abundantly!
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