tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20048126786209122082024-03-13T18:33:37.102-04:00MORE THAN WISHINGMORE THAN WISHINGMary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.comBlogger473125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-43888853439074749562020-04-02T02:00:00.000-04:002020-04-02T02:00:02.001-04:00Who is in Control
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking out my office window, I wonder what’s going on “out
there?” I’m not talking about the squirrels running all over the place or the
birds flitting around the bird feeders. I’m talking about the whole wide world
out there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not understand the intricacies of the way the world
works. I know I am not an eyewitness to all that is happening. But, things –
miracles even – are happening. Everyday the sun comes up. The rain or the
sunshine blesses us. And doctors and scientists discover new treatments, cures
and preventatives. I have to remember that all this is happening under the
influence of a Mighty God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was impressed by these thoughts as I read and studied 2
Kings 2, and looked back on the things Elijah, the prophet of God, was able to
do because of God’s empowerment. In 1 Kings, I read that he withheld the rain
and created a drought in the lands of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Then
God told him to end the drought and a deluge fell upon the area. Elijah
challenged the false prophets by making a sacrifice for their gods to consume,
which never happened. Then Elijah prepared his sacrifice for God including
drenching it all with buckets and buckets and buckets of water. God consumed
the soggy mess right down to the ground, which was dry at the end. God
protected Israel, in spite of their lack of faithfulness, from invading armies.
Now in 2 Kings, Elijah is able to confront an evil and angry king with God’s
full protection. He divided the water of the Jordan River with his cloak
(reminding me of the Red Sea being parted by Moses’ staff). And he trained up a
successor, Elisha. And finally, Elijah was taken into the heavens on a wind
being escorted by a blazing chariot, to be seen no more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does all that have to do with what I see (and don’t
see) out my window? I need to sit in amazement at the wonderful things God has
done, is doing, and will do. He’s a powerful God whose plans are not yet
fulfilled on this earth or in the heavens. As Habakkuk encouraged the people
during his time as prophet:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Look among the nations! Observe!</span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span class="text">Be astonished! Wonder!</span><br />
<span class="text">Because <i>I am</i> doing something in your days—</span><br />
<span class="text">You would not believe if you were told.”</span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> (Habakkuk 1:5)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I will look out my window expecting to see God’s
handiwork, but I will also be looking for what God is doing on a much bigger
scale. Just as He has always done, He is doing things we cannot imagine, and we
should be amazed.</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-2448779494317606442020-03-26T02:00:00.000-04:002020-03-26T02:00:04.858-04:00I Don't Want To
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want to!! Someone gives me a command (or even just a
suggestion) and I instantly fall into thinking, “Don’t tell me what to do!”
Today as my Bible study partner and I reviewed our notes and the commentator’s
notes for 2 Kings 1, I saw that I am not the only one who thinks like that.
Maybe you also fall into that line of thinking when someone “tells” you what to
do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As part of the introduction to the book of 2 Kings, the
commentator reviewed the history of Israel, starting with Moses on Mount Sinai
getting the Ten Commandments. He actually cited two other commentators:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times Roman";">In a new book produced by
Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Recovering
the Unity of the Bible</i>, he calls upon [David Noel] Freedman’s astute
observation that essentially all the Biblical books occurring after Mt. Sinai
and leading up to 2 Kings record Israel’s breaking all of the 10 Commandments
that are essentially the founding principles that forms the basis for Israel’s
existence as a Kingdom of God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times Roman";">He goes on to
assert that as a nation, Israel, sequentially, and in the order on the tablets
Moses received, broke every one of the commandments by the time they got to the
point in history of 2 Kings. The first two commandments were actually broken at
the very moment the commands were given. Exodus 20 gives a list of the Ten
Commandments starting in verse 3. Verses 3-4 say,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times Roman";">You shall have no other gods
before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is
in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times Roman";">The whole story
of how they broke the first two commands is in Exodus 32:1-10. The people
became impatient waiting for Moses to end his private conference with God, so
they took things into their own hands. They formed the molten calf (Exodus 32:4),
thus placing another god before Jehovah God and having an image/likeness of
something on the earth as their god. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times Roman";">My thoughts: this
is human nature then and now. Remember my opening paragraph? For the most part,
we don’t like to be told what to do. Even though I profess to be a follower of
Christ and diligently try to apply the commands I get from the Holy Spirit, I
often fail. In order to truly be a follower of Christ I need to make specific
applications that, little by little, lead me to be changed into the character
of Jesus. Yet, I often rebel and disobey God of the exact commands He’s giving
me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times Roman";">For instance, for
over a year now, I’ve frequently come across in my Bible reading, studying, and
highlighting the command to pray – specific and consistent prayer. Yet, each
day as I set about my activities for the day, I do not put on my schedule
specific and devoted time to pray. I am praying short and pointed prayers
throughout each day, but there are some long-term, ongoing requests I tend to
forget about. (They are written down in a notebook, which I should also be
regularly adding to.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times Roman";">It’s just too
easy to rebel and say to myself either, “Don’t tell me what to do!” or “I don’t
want to do that!” Fortunately, even though God’s desire is for us to obey every
command in the Bible (Old and New Testaments), He forgives those who fail when
they confess to Him and try again. Unfortunately, the nation of Israel was led
by men who did not make following the Ten Commandments (or any of God’s
commandments except when convenient) a priority for them or their nations. So,
one by one (and repeatedly) they broke all Ten Commandments, which we will see
in 2 Kings led to God’s judgment. We will begin to look at some of that
judgment next week. </span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Times Roman";
panose-1:0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 0;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1342185562 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-47325171237042597772020-03-19T02:00:00.000-04:002020-03-19T02:00:01.249-04:00Seek the Lord Jehovah
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Picking back up in 1 Kings, some time has passed. The
Scriptures do not explain the hows or whys but at the beginning of chapter 22,
King Ach’av (Ahab) of Israel and King Y’hoshafat (Jehoshaphat) of Judah had
become allies. They met to form plans for battle against the occupiers of
Ramot-Gil’ad that was in the ancestral lands God had given Israel. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two kings agreed to fight together, but Y’hoshafat had a
request before they finalized the plans. Verse 5 (CJB) explains: “<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But Y’hoshafat
said to the king of Isra’el, ‘First, we should seek the word of </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.’” Ach’av assembled the
prophets (who were not Jehovah followers) and they all did their song and dance
rituals. They determined God would provide a great victory for the joint armies
of Israel and Judah. But Y’hoshafat was not satisfied. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
Y’hoshafat said, “Besides these, isn’t there a prophet of </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> here that
we can consult?” <sup>8 </sup>The king of Isra’el said to Y’hoshafat,
“Yes, there is still one man through whom we can consult </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Mikhay’hu
the son of Yimlah; but I hate him, because he doesn’t prophesy good things for
me, but bad!” Y’hoshafat replied, “The king shouldn’t say such a thing.”
(Verses 7-8)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
Mikhay’hu (Micaiah not to be confused with Micah) was summoned, probably from a dungeon where Ach’av had him
for safekeeping and out of his way. Micaiah gave the kings God’s message, which
was unfavorable for Ach’av, predicting he would go up to battle and be killed.
Y’hoshafat was actually spared being harmed, while a random arrow struck Ach’av
“between his lower armor and his breastplate” (verse 34). There is much more to
these events, but I’m going to focus on one aspect, an aspect we can and should
all do. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
did Y’hoshafat do that was different than Ach’av? Why was he spared while
Ach’av was not? I’m not sure of all of the possible answers, but one thing
stood out to me. Y’hoshafat sought the true God’s (Jehovah’s) words. He did not
settle for words from the wise men of his era. He did not read every note from
the people. He did not rely on anything but God. I’m also trying to not rely on
Facebook or TV news or rumors for my information. All I really need to know is
what would God have me do next.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
we also need to seek the one true God’s will and commands when we are getting
ready to go to battle. Our battles these days have to do with the uncertainty
of the future, both immediate future and long-term future. Who would have
thought that the state of the United States (even the world as a whole) would
be what it is today. Very little is “normal.” There is fear, social distancing,
economic worries, and so, so much uncertainty. Even the “experts” in the fields
of medicine cannot agree on the facts about the coronavirus sweeping the world.
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
can easily let a sense of unrest and fear overwhelm me, however, I daily (and
moment to moment) pray to God. I especially acknowledge His greatness, power,
and plans for victory. It’s the most and the least we can do. We can approach
major decisions as Y’hoshafat did. Seek out God and His Word for direction.
Turning to God will be our salvation from the worries of these times. I don’t
assume to understand His answers, and I don’t even know what tomorrow holds for
us, but I rely on the One who does. </span></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-15721472850850080502020-03-12T02:00:00.000-04:002020-03-12T02:00:06.748-04:00Dumpster Diving
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This week for my blog, I’m going to
talk about something God showed me in a Quiet Time about my mental health
recovery. Please join me on this path before I get back to finishing up 1
Kings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I read Philippians 3:4-9 and something
stood out to me about Paul’s description of himself (vs. 4-7) and his
conclusions in vs. 8-9. In the NLT verses 4-9 say </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span class="text"><sup><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">4 </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">though I could have confidence in my
own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in
their own efforts, I have even more!<sup>5 </sup>I was circumcised when I
was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the
tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the
Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.</span></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> <span class="text"><sup>6 </sup>I was so zealous
that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the
law without fault.<sup>7 </sup>I once thought these things were valuable,
but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.</span> <span class="text"><sup>8 </sup>Yes, everything else is worthless when compared
with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have
discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain
Christ</span> <span class="text"><sup>9 </sup>and become one with him. I no
longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become
righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with
himself depends on faith.</span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So in looking at verses 4-7, I
evaluated my skills, concepts, tools, credentials, pride, and education that I
relied on to handle my life. As I looked back, I saw that much of what I relied
on, maybe all I relied on – coping mechanisms, education, certificates,
diplomas – were either unhealthy or unhelpful as I try to live a productive life
as Christ’s servant, or even as an healthy adult person. In many ways I’ve been
able to develop new approaches to living that are helpful. But what have I done
with the dysfunctional aspects of my life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Verses 8-9 tell us what Paul did with
all his credentials and thoughts that did not coincide with his new faith in
Christ. Paul considered all his credentials, degrees, birthrights, and
qualifications as garbage in light of the new revelation of Christ. Most
garbage was useful for a time, but became useless over time. The usefulness of
what Paul now considers junk, was in knowing the Scriptures and seeing how they
lead to Christ. Obeying the Old Testament was the only measure they had for
righteousness. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">But Paul says in this passage that all of
that is garbage to him because he now sees the fulfillment through Jesus Christ,
and his righteousness is not based on the law but on faith. This reminded me of
all those things (coping mechanisms) I held onto so tightly as a child and into
my adulthood. They were useful, but as I grew and was no longer in the same
situations or danger, they only confused what my adult behaviors should and
could be. To me, they are worthless and useless (most of the time) as I’ve learned
new coping strategies and matured in dealing with my emotions in adult ways. I
never really thought of them as garbage before. However, in learning new ways,
new ideas, and identifying feelings I’d long stuffed, they have become useless
(and they were never all that helpful). As a result, I am closer to Christ and
recognize that my “goodness,” “righteousness” is solely dependent on my faith
in Christ. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So as I was thinking about that more
during the next few days, I felt ashamed because in a recent session with my
therapist, I tried to cover myself in garbage when things got tough. Useless, worthless
and obsolete coping behaviors don’t really match up with God’s plan or with my
being an adult. I regret all the times when I hop into the trash bin and try to
pull out the things that I have, for the most part, done away with. I picture
myself, digging in the filth and rotten food, smearing myself in it, trying to
regain what I thought I had lost. However, the rotten banana peel I’m rubbing
myself in is no longer functional. I think that looking at the old coping
skills as trash (obsolete, worn out, useless thoughts and behaviors) is a new
perspective and may help me in the future to not fall into using them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This imagery of dumpster diving is so
vivid in my mind, that when I’m tempted to use the old, outdated, and worthless
tools for coping with life, I think twice. I find that there are many things I
rely on to navigate through life that need to be put in the trash so I can be
more effective in this world for the sake of Christ. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">What are you doing with the old
creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and its ways of doing things? </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Are you also dumpster diving? </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">How can you change that to be more
effective for Christ, and to live a productive life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Is it time to let your faith be the
primary coping mechanism in your life?</span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073711037 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-58377894444871041522020-03-05T02:00:00.000-05:002020-03-05T02:00:09.710-05:00God Keeps Calling<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We come to 1 Kings 20, which takes a break from the Elijah
and Elisha story lines. The situation is that Israel (referring to the northern
10 tribes) is in a relative time of peace from surrounding nations. However,
the king, still Ahab, and government leaders have let down their guard and have
not paid attention to the political and military climates of those surrounding
nations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are several reasons that the king of Aram (modern day
Syria) takes this opportunity to challenge and threaten Israel. Most of them
had to do with Aram’s position in the region, and having a chance to take over Israel
as they have wanted to do for many years, they gave it a try. Ahab’s alliances
were soft. He essentially had no trained military. So Ben-hadad of Aram sent
messengers to Ahab telling him that Ahab would have to turn over everything of
value – land, gold, silver, crops, wives, children, servants – to him to avoid
a deadly battle. Ahab was willing to give up a lot, but when Ben-hadad’s
demands cut so deep it was humiliating, he refused and Aram moved into position
to attack. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then God stepped in. God sent a prophet to Ahab and told him
that, in spite of the vast army assembled outside the gates, He would give Ahab
the victory. Of course, Ahab was skeptical since God told him to gather only a
few young men (232), none of who were soldiers or military men in any way. The
newly formed army moved out to meet Ben-hadad’s armies and caught Ben-hadad
thoroughly drunk and unprepared. Even as Ben-hadad was hosting 32 kings who
were his allies, God’s small army moved in. Of course, as we would expect from
remembering how God always provided the victory when He said He would, the 232
in Israel’s “army” soundly defeated the vast army of Aram. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The point of this story is two-fold for me. First, it showed
that in spite of Ahab and Israel’s continued disobedience and grave sinfulness,
God would again act out of His great mercy. I would say His never-ending mercy.
In the last chapter, God was rebuking Elijah for his desires to bring wrath
down on Israel because of their disobedience. But that is not God’s way with
His people (then or now). Here, God again calls to Israel for repentance with
an act of mercy by protecting them from Ben-hadad and his army. A gentle
calling, an announcement that the God of Israel is a loving and longsuffering God,
continually waiting on His people to become obedient. God never stops calling
out to sinners attempting to draw them to Himself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second point for me, based on the first, is that God is
still calling. He is calling for His people in the church to repent and return
to worshiping Him. We as a people have continued to go astray from His commands
and His wishes. Individually, we continue to sin and rebel against God’s laws
and try to do things our own way. God’s calling also extends to everyone. He
hasn’t stopped calling people to Himself and no matter how grave the sin or
disobedience, He does not write people off as unable to be saved. He asks us to
mirror His character by also mercifully, gently, and persistently calling to
others to repent, turn to Him, and honor Him.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are there people or groups of
people you have given up on? </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What would God say about that? </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are we acting as He
would have us act – loving, merciful, gentle, and persistent? </span></span></b><br />
<br />
I intend to keep
loving people however they behave and however they think, as that is what God
is doing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides, only God knows what’s going on in the hearts and
minds of people. Since I don’t know and you can’t always tell by their behavior
how desperate, lonely, frustrated, angry, despairing, or confused they might be,
I will keep calling to them. My job is not to judge. My job is to be God’s
voice to the world, mirroring His gentle, loving, and forgiving call to
everyone. </div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-55597533695305785362020-02-27T02:00:00.000-05:002020-02-27T02:00:13.090-05:00Burnout
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pastors need sabbaticals. Not necessarily to recover from
burnout, but to prevent burnout. They work long weeks, often interrupted by
“emergencies.” There are few professional jobs that require the same amount of
commitment, flexibility, and people time as those involved in full time
ministry. Along with extended sabbaticals, pastors and missionaries need
regular time off to connect with family and God in different ways than the
usual. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elijah needed such a time out. He was burnt out on trying to
get the northern tribes comprising Israel to repent and return to the worship
of Jehoveh God. While much of his burnout was the result of trying to do things
on his own, without God’s direct commands, the result was the same as many who
are obedient to God: lots of effort, little hoped for results. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elijah experienced depression, despondency, exhaustion,
fear, and doubts. He was no longer sure of his role and mission that Jehoveh
had planned for him. I’ve experienced all those emotions along with a lot of
questions about my self-worth, purpose, and even, why I am even alive. I
believe those feelings are the natural outcome of getting our eyes off God and
His plans for us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God measures success differently than we do. Our success or
failure is not based on achieving tremendous outcomes. Success in God’s eyes is
not about getting a promotion at work. Success according to God is not the act
of accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior (although that’s the beginning). God
measures our success by how obedient we are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In some ways, Elijah was as unsuccessful as he thought he
was. This is because he attempted to correct the Israelites apart from God’s
plans. As much as I thought that Elijah was a great man of God, I was taken
aback by a deeper study of the Scriptures. In 1 Kings 17:1 (CJB) it says,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eliyahu [Elijah] from Tishbe, an inhabitant of Gil‘ad, said
to Ach’av [Ahab], “As </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the God of Isra’el lives, before
whom I stand, there will be neither rain nor dew in the years ahead unless I
say so.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a vow Eliyahu (Elijah) made to Ach’av (Ahab) the
king of Israel. Notice Elijah says that there will be no rain or dew unless <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he </i></b>says
so. There is no record of God sending Elijah to the king to tell him this.
Elijah did it on his own. God did give powerful gifts to Elijah – to use as He
instructed – but Elijah took things into his own hands and decided what needed
to be done. (Don’t we often do the same with our gifts and talents? Every
Christian has been given spiritual gifts but I know I have at times used my
gifts for my own glory or to seek worldly success.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elijah was trying to reshape Israel back into a kingdom that
worshiped the God Almighty. He thought his wrath and attacks would do that. He
thought that creating a drought and famine would get the people to recognize
the one true God. Yet that’s not God’s way. If Elijah was in tune with God, and
had been obedient, the efforts to turn Israel back to God would’ve coincided
with God’s character. God’s plan has always been to change people’s course by
showing mercy. Elijah missed that point. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So Elijah’s lack of success, his lack of obedience to God,
and his working so hard and in dangerous situations, led to his burnout. We
need to be praying for our pastors and missionaries (and anyone else in full
time ministry for God’s sake). We need to pray they would know when to take
time off. We also need to pray and work towards our individual churches knowing
the importance of time off for our pastors and full time workers in ministry.
And we need to give them, and not grudgingly, the time they need.</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-alt:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-17935589248329867282020-02-20T02:00:00.000-05:002020-02-20T02:00:03.704-05:00Choices
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve heard it said, “You can’t serve two masters.” That’s
the basic message I found in 1 Kings 18. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people in the northern tribes comprising Israel during
the time of Elijah the prophet thought they could serve both the idol god,
Ba’al, and the true God, Jehoveh. While we can’t be too critical of the average
person in Israel, we can evaluate the religious leaders – the teachers of
religion for the people. King Ahab had built false altars and had encouraged
worship at those altars of the idols that Jezebel, his non-Hebrew wife,
worshiped. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The false priests Ahab appointed were primarily worshipers
of Ba’al, but they tried to appease the people by implying they were worshiping
the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) as well. The people followed
blindly along, but the leaders and teachers are the ones God penalized. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The chapter tells a story about Elijah calling the people
together after a three-year drought in order to have them decide which god they
were going to follow. He had the prophets of Ba’al build an altar, put their
choice bull on the wood on the altar, and call upon Ba’al. These prophets
begged and pleaded with their “god,” with all kinds of shenanigans, to consume
the offering. The prophets of Ba’al danced, shouted, and cut themselves from
morning until late in the afternoon. Nothing happened. At one point, Elijah
mocked them and said that perhaps their god was occupied in the bathroom. They
feverishly picked up their attempts to get Ba’al to perform. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Late in the day, Elijah told them that that was enough and
called to the people. He called out to the people, “How long are you going to
jump back and forth between two positions? If ADONAI is God, follow him; but if
it’s Ba’al, follow him!” (Verse 21). So Elijah told the people to look to the
altar he had built. He had them pour buckets and buckets full of water all over
the offering (the bull the Ba’al worshipers had given him), all over the wood,
filling a trench around the altar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the time of the evening offering, Elijah simply prayed to
God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“ADONAI, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known
today that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have
done all these things at your word. Hear me, ADONAI, hear me, so that this
people may know that you, ADONAI, are God, and that you are turning their
hearts back to you” (1 Kings 18:36-37, CJB). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God was calling them to repentance. When God’s fire fell
upon the offering, it consumed everything, even the stones on which the
offering had been laid. There was not a drop of water left anywhere. The people
responded by falling on their faces and crying out, “ADONAI is God! ADONAI is
God!” (Verse 39). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s the same for us today. We can’t worship idols and God
at the same time. We have to choose. We can’t have our earthly desires and
lusts and self-righteousness and be true worshipers of God. Many times people
in Christian circles choose what parts of Scripture they are going to apply to
their worship. Many times people in Christian circles listen to the leaders and
teachers who construe Scripture to their own agendas. God will hold the leaders
accountable, but He will also hold each person accountable to choose what it
actually says in His Torah. We have to choose. We can’t say we follow Christ
and then stretch Scripture to say what we think it should say or what we want
it to say. </div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-alt:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-alt:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-63178045646292694322020-02-13T02:00:00.000-05:002020-02-13T02:00:03.388-05:00Droughts
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elijah pronounced a severe drought from God throughout the northern
country of Israel, Sidon, and Tyre as evidence that God was not pleased with
their idol worship. The drought rapidly became severe; there wasn’t even the
evening or morning dew. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, Elijah was not exempt from the consequences of
the drought. God sent him to a wilderness area away from people. Elijah went.
He didn’t know how he was going to survive. The drought became a learning
experience for Elijah where he learned to trust God for his every need. There
was a little stream that didn’t dry up right away. God did a remarkable miracle
in ordering the ravens to bring Elijah food fit for human consumption each and
every day. Have you ever tried to get a raven to do your bidding? Of course
not! We just know they are not readily trained to even care about people. As a
matter of fact, they are more likely to snatch seeds from our fields preventing
a harvest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elijah grew to trust and rely on God in new ways during the
drought. I’ve also experienced droughts. I’ve been emotionally isolated, away
from people, distant from God, and away from the joy, happiness, love, and care
of others (or at least it felt that way to me). During such times, I pleaded
with God for the things I thought I needed. I was often wrong and God gave me
exactly what I truly needed. Much like Elijah, God used the droughts in my life
to deepen my trust in Him. Over time I’ve seen how He’s given me exactly what I
needed, and many of the things I wanted. He used the droughts to drive me
closer to, and more dependent,d on Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God gives another example of how a drought can work to draw
us to Him. In Genesis, where I’ve been reading in my daily Quiet Times, an
earlier drought is talked about. This drought drove Jacob and his sons to Egypt
for their sustenance. They found Joseph, who they assumed was dead after the
brothers sold him into slavery, in charge of Egypt’s vast resources. The
drought would’ve wiped them out, but that was not God’s plan. He provided for
them, by orchestrating the series of events (read Genesis 37-50) that allowed
for them to be reunited with Joseph and to survive the drought. As the brothers
repented before Joseph, they were also repenting before God, restoring
relationships. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m thinking I do not want any more droughts. However, I’m
also thinking if they drive me to depend more heavily upon the Almighty God for
my care and sustenance, I welcome the hardship into my life. I hope I remember
to turn to God with my whole heart and learn more deeply the depth, and the
breadth of God’s power and love. </div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-15101686474438279302020-02-06T02:00:00.000-05:002020-02-06T02:00:14.991-05:00Dreams
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The color was the deepest blue. The rays coming through the
clouds dazzled my eyes. I was anticipating a great day. My life long companion
was keeping step with me as we leisurely strolled through the crowd. Some were
waiting in line and some were sitting and eating lunch. I couldn’t decide what
to do first. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out of nowhere, the sky became darkened and the clouds
bunched together. They were ominous and my visions of a beautiful day rapidly
dissolved. I instinctively turned to ask my husband what we should do, but he
wasn’t there. Was this the beginning of a horror story? Looked around and
everything was swirling around me. My feet lifted and set down but I did not
know where to go or how to get there. Sheets of water were pummeling me so I
took the first shelter I could find: a house of mirrors. I was swallowed up by
the hallways, and when I turned around the entrance was no longer in my sight.
There was screaming. Or was it in my head? My heart was galloping away within
me. I tried to ask for help, but no one even turned to me when I tried to
speak. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I was alone, running, ever running through the maze of
mirrors, colliding headlong into panes of the silvery glass. My own reflection
terrorized me; I thought it was a monster. After what seemed like hours, days,
months I fell and was shaking. It was hopeless. I was trapped, alone. I reached
for my purse with my diabetes supplies. It wasn’t there. In fact, I had no bag
of any kind. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where was my husband? Where was my protector? I withdrew
inside myself; I don’t know how much time passed. Two men were grabbing me,
forcing me to stand. I cried out for my companion, but he was not there. They
forced me outside the maze then set me free. I was standing on hot black
asphalt – an empty parking lot. I started running and screaming. I just knew my
blood sugars were dropping with every step but I didn’t know what else to do.
No money, no food, no credit card, no diabetes kit, and no phone. My face was
wet, but it wasn’t raining anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat up and heaved a sigh. Where was my husband? Lying
beside me. I should’ve felt safe but didn’t. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was a recurring dream I had often for many years.
Sometimes in the dream (or should I call it a nightmare?) I would run
helter-skelter through a shopping mall or a mountain resort looking for my
husband. I felt that he had left me and didn’t care what happened to me. I was
tormented by the thought, even once I was awake. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In talking with my therapist about these dreams, I came to
realize that they were reflecting my thoughts and feelings about the world. I
felt alone. I felt there was no one willing to help me. These dreams happened
during the time I was struggling the most with my bipolar disorder and was
convinced that nobody was going to stay by me or cared what happened to me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot remember having such a dream in a few years. My
waking hours are crowded with people who care about me and are here to help me.
And, I accept that love and concern. I’m thinking, as my recovery is ongoing, I
have become less afraid of people leaving me. I’m especially more confident
that my husband would not only never leave me, but he won’t leave me even for a
short while without making sure I have what I need to survive (mentally and
physically) while he’s gone. I am also more confident in myself and generally
can appropriately take care of myself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God created us to have dreams to tell us something. In
Genesis 40, God gave the king’s deposed cupbearer and baker dreams. They also
needed help to “interpret” them. Joseph enters the scene and gives them both an
interpretation. My dreams, hopefully, do not reflect a future for me as the
cupbearer’s and baker’s did, but enlighten my past and my present. And
sometimes they are just bizarre things my mind comes up with during sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-45260722245045533422020-01-30T02:00:00.000-05:002020-01-30T02:00:09.957-05:00God Does Not Give Up On Us
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It isn’t very far into 1 Kings 16 that we are reminded that
God, in spite of Israel’s evil kings, does not give up on His people. Even
though the people of Israel blindly followed the evil practices of their kings,
God did not give up on them. And, Israel’s kings were evil. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(By the way, when I use the name “Israel” in reference to
this time in history, I’m referring to the 10 northern tribes that broke away
from the unified kingdom. Judah remained separate and actually had a few good
kings mixed in with some evil ones.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, even though God does not give up and He will keep His
promises, He will hold each world leader and each individual accountable to
adhering to the Scriptures. The people during this time had to rely on their
“learned” leaders, those with access to the Holy Scrolls, for their
information. They were slowly indoctrinated into the worship of idols. They
were told that various practices were in keeping with what God wanted. They had
no idea they were worshiping idols. These extra-Biblical practices and rituals
led them to believing they were still worshiping Yahweh God. However, they were
as I said above, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reliant upon the
leaders to tell them what was what. They did not have access to the Holy
Scrolls and even if they did, many would not have been able to read them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a warning to us in this passage. Yes, our
governmental leaders and even our church leaders may slowly incorporate
non-Biblical concepts, ideas, policies, practices and rituals into our
spiritual lives. God will hold them responsible for those sins. However, before
we jump too fast into blaming our leaders, let’s look at ourselves. We do not
have the excuse of not having the Sacred Scrolls available for us to read and
adhere to. We will be held responsible for knowing and following the Scriptures
on an individual basis. We will also be held accountable for not objecting to
the misuses of power and prestige and the pulpit. We should not be condemning
each other since no one is without fault of disobeying some portion of
Scripture, but we should hold our leaders and ourselves accountable to the
basics – even just to Ten Commandments. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s review the Ten Commandments. My hope is that we will
take a serious and thorough inventory of ourselves as we look at these
commandments. How are we doing? How are our leaders doing?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You should have no others gods before Me.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You shall not make for yourself an image in the
form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath. You shall not bow
down to them or worship them.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your
God.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Honor your father and your mother.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You shall not murder.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You shall not commit adultery.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You shall not steal.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You shall not give false testimony.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>You
shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, servants, or animals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One last word. You cannot know whether you are following God
or human leaders unless you are daily and thoroughly reading and studying His
Word. Our leaders, religious or political, can be just as wrong as the evil
kings of Israel. (In Acts 17:11 the Bereans were upheld as the example for all
of us: “<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now
these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the
word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily <i>to see</i> whether
these things were so.”)</span></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-3777416848786620032020-01-23T02:00:00.000-05:002020-01-23T02:00:03.833-05:00What Is Wholeheartedness?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m starting with a review of the kings of Judah after the
division of the nation following Solomon’s reign. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam
reigned (poorly) for a few years. Then Rehoboam’s son, Abijam, “ruled three
years in Jerusalem and he committed all the sins his father had committed
before him; he was not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wholehearted</i>
with A<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">donai</span> his God, as David his
forefather had been” (1 Kings 15:2-3, CJB). After Abijam, his son, Asa, ruled
in Judah (verses 8-24). It is said of Asa: “But the high places were not
removed. Nevertheless, Asa was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wholehearted</i>
with A<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">donai</span> throughout his life”
(verse 14). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, if you haven’t guessed by the italicized word, my focus
today is on what made Asa wholehearted, while Abijam was not. They both were
not perfect. They both behaved poorly and different than God had instructed in
His Torah. What was the difference? Why was one deemed wholehearted and one was
not? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer, I found out from my study, is really quite
simple, yet so hard to determine in our culture today. Humans will sin. Abijam
sinned by keeping the idol worship in place as his father, Rehoboam, had
instituted it in Judah. He encouraged the people to worship gods other than A<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">donai</span>. He did whatever he could to build
himself up, even if that meant worshiping other gods at “high places” other
than the Temple in Jerusalem. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asa also sinned. He failed to remove the “high places”
scattered all over Judah. He also failed to turn to A<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">donai</span> at a time when they were under attack from a
neighboring nation. Early in his reign, he did turn to God and God provided a
miraculous victory. He, however, failed to recall that incident, and therefore
failed to trust God again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Human failings. Sins. Not going all the way in pursuing God.
Yet Scripture says one was wholehearted as David was, and the other was not.
Again, what makes a person wholehearted in God’s perspective? Remember, David
is also called wholehearted, and yet he committed sexual immorality and murder.
I focused on four aspects of what it means to be wholehearted to God.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We must refrain from ever worshiping other gods.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We must have a fierce and exclusive loyalty to
the one true God.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We must never be an idolater or give approval of
idolatry.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We must remain Torah compliant in regards to our
worship of God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of those overlap a bit and the last one, remaining
Torah compliant, can be a large task. Fortunately, since the day of Christ, we
can exercise our wholeheartedness in having a fierce and faithful loyalty to
Christ. Trusting Jesus and believing in His humanity and His deity is being
wholehearted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This does present a series of problems with many mainline
Christian communities (and even to those who say they are compliant with
Scripture to some degree). Are we, like Judah in Asa’s time, mixing pagan
worship or manmade traditions with our attempts to worship A<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">donai</span>? Do we construct our own ideas of
who God is and what He’s like? I’m not going to answer those questions. I’m not
even going to point out times and places we do behave in that manner. Each of
us needs to educate ourselves about what activities we have adapted that began
as pagan rituals. We need to study the Scriptures as thoroughly as possible to
determine exactly what God has ordained. I want to be seen as wholehearted
before the Lord so I will examine my beliefs and actions carefully.</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:.5in;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-89728527511780684942020-01-16T02:00:00.000-05:002020-01-16T02:00:08.449-05:001 Kings 14: Two Short Ideas
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This chapter covers more about the decline of the northern
tribes of Ephraim-Israel under Jeroboam’s leadership as the people just
followed along. One side note the commentator brought up was about how mankind
was made in such a way that they looked to leaders to guide them. The whole
book of Judges records the consistent problems Israel had without a designated
(God-anointed) leader. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the commentator, Judges shows we need a “king.”
As a follow up to that idea we have the two books of Kings to show us that not
any king will do. We need the Lord’s idea of a king. Kings need to serve the
people instead of forcing the people to serve the king’s needs, desires, or
coffers. We saw, starting in 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> Samuel, that the
God-appointed kings struggled to be servants of the people. Other
characteristics of the right type of king are justice, love, power, mercy,
kindness, and appropriate severity when called for. Are there truly any such
good and godly leaders or nations left on earth? I’d say no, but that doesn’t
mean we have to go along with what our leaders say. Appropriate opposition,
based on Biblical principles, is needed, but let’s not fool ourselves. No
matter what changes are made, no single person or nation will live up to God’s
standards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Starting in 1 Kings 14:21, the focus switches from the
northern kingdom to the country called Judah, which is still ruled by Solomon’s
son, Rehoboam. In verse 22, it says,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Judah did what was evil from
ADONAI’s perspective; they made him angry because of their sins, which were
worse than any their ancestors had committed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other words, they did not fare any better than
Ephraim-Israel. Again, poor and ungodly leadership would lead to destruction
there as it did in the north. In 2 Chronicles 12:1, 14 there’s further
description of Rehoboam:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But in time, after Rechav‘am [Rehoboam] had consolidated his
rulership and had become strong, he, and with him all Isra’el, abandoned the <i>Torah</i>
of </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
. . He did what was evil, because he had not set his heart on seeking </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A key problem, maybe the most important problem, is that
Rehoboam had decided not to follow the Scriptures. His grandfather, David, had
this problem also, but David did not abandon (renounce allegiance to God).
David did not use his freewill to walk away from God and become eternally
separated from God. The wording in 1 Kings 14 is different and indicates that
Rehoboam, without much struggle, gave God the heave-ho. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, even the people who still followed the true God in
Judah, and I’m not sure there were many of them, did not hold Rehoboam
accountable. Likely, the people did not know the Torah since the leaders
usually were responsible for proclaiming it, and Rehoboam’s “priests” and
leaders weren’t doing that. The ritualistic practices of the people were not
even seen as wrong. They probably thought they were actually honoring God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can we avoid the decline into evil? We are without
excuse because we have God’s commands all written out for us. God doesn’t
necessarily hold those who have not had the chance to know the “law”
accountable for their sins. Romans 4:15 (in the Amplified Bible) says, “<span class="text"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the Law
results in [God’s] wrath [against sin], but where there is no law, there is no
violation [of it either].” There are people groups in the world that have not
heard the gospel, and there are people who do not understand the Word because
they are not yet saved in Christ. I can’t say for sure, but I think God will
take that into account when He judges people at the end of time. It’s like a
child; until they’ve been told what is bad, to blame them (and punish them) is
cruel. But, once explanation has been given, there should be appropriate
consequences, and when we come before Jesus on the judgment seat, we will also
have consequences for our sins. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
best way to prevent harsh judgment is to know, truly study, God’s Word and obey
it. This is the only way any kind of change can happen in our world or
leadership.</span></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-45654638582572898682020-01-09T02:00:00.000-05:002020-01-09T02:00:02.850-05:00God's Word is Not Amendable
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There once was a man of God (not named), a prophet, who
proclaimed a message to the king of the northern tribes in Ephraim-Israel.
Jeroboam had received a calling from the Almighty God to rule the 10 northern
tribes (while Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, ruled over Judah in the south) (1 Kings
12). Jeroboam rather quickly violated all the conditions the Lord had given him
to ensure his descendants would rule for a long time. God noticed. However,
while there’s a point to made there, that’s not where I’m going today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we look at what God sends this certain man of God to
do (1 Kings 13). Basically, God gives this man a message for Jeroboam and the
false priests he’s appointed. Jeroboam’s violation of God’s conditions and laws
would lead to the burning of all the people who honored the false gods (golden
calves) that Jeroboam had set upon false altars. The man of God’s message
delivered, the destruction of the altars occurs. The rest of the punishment
would be realized several years later and is recorded in 2 Kings 23:16. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the man of God follows God’s command to him to not eat,
drink or return along the same path while in the north. He begins to leave, but
an old prophet hears about all that happened, and goes after the man of God to
fellowship with him. Here’s a caution: there were many people in Scripture
called prophets who were not men/women of God. This old prophet was probably a
prophet of the false god, Baal. By lying to the man of God, telling him God had
given him instructions to bring him back to his house and feed him. The man of
God, for whatever reason (there are several interpretations), goes with him and
eats and drinks from the food of the people who honored the false gods. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are told shortly that that was a violation of God’s
command to the man of God and the man of God would suffer grave consequences
for going against the words of the Lord. The commentator we are using for our
study of 1 Kings, tells us about one of his pet peeves – which so happens to be
one of mine. There are people, professed believers, who say to others something
along the lines of, “I have a word from the Lord for you.” That’s what the old
prophet did. And, it was a lie. When God gives a commandment to follow through
the reading of Scriptures or during intense times of prayer, we are to keep
that command. Often the word others say they have for you contradicts what, up
to this point, you’ve felt God was saying to us or doesn’t agree with the
specific commands of the Bible. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are responsible to carry out what God has instructed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i>, and if He changes it, He will tell <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us personally</i> – not from someone else.
I’m not saying that someone shouldn’t share a passage of Scripture with us,
correcting anti-Biblical behavior or thoughts, but great caution must prevail.
God, through the Holy Spirit, is fully capable of giving us His Biblically
verifiable commands without the help of another person. It may take some
searching of the Scriptures and an incredible amount of focused prayer, but He
will communicate to us through the Word, not from someone else’s thoughts or
feelings. </div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-9580646863714788242020-01-02T02:00:00.000-05:002020-01-02T03:16:58.871-05:00Again With the Idols
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I’ve discussed this topic before, but in 1 Kings 12
it comes up again in a big way. It is the beginning of the demise of Israel as
a unified nation. Hence forth in history as recorded in the Scriptures, Israel
will be divided as it was before David came on the scene. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s tempting to think of that as a long time ago and that
Israel as one kingdom lasted for a long time; however, Israel was unified for a
mere 80 years. People who were born at the beginning of David’s rule may still
have been alive to see the end under David’s grandson, Jeroboam. It had not
even been two whole generations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God divided Israel because of Solomon’s idolatry. We saw
that in 1 Kings 11:29-33 as the prophet, Achiyah, explained to Jeroboam the
reason for promoting him to king over 10 tribes. God also told Jeroboam that he
and his descendants would rule for a long time IF they worshipped and obeyed
God’s commands as David had. So after a time, God allowed for the separation
between the northern 10 tribes and Judah. This area, to avoid confusion about
what “Israel” we are talking about, became known as Ephraim-Israel. Ephraim was
the dominant tribe in the north. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, Jeroboam did not do that. He made decisions
based on the best way to promote himself, prevent a reunification of Israel by
Solomon’s heir (Rehoboam), and to bolster his own power position. He went to an
extreme. He established a new religion in the Ephraim-Israel. He built new
temples, one in the northern part of his kingdom and one in the southern part.
He established new festivals and holidays. He ordained priests that were not
descendants of Levi. He made two golden calves just like Aaron had done during
the exodus from Egypt. He even went as far as to tell the people that these
golden calves had “brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Not God, but a couple
of statues! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we get too critical of Jeroboam, we have to consider
what idols we’ve systematically promoted over our worship of God. They may not
be as blatant as gold calves, but they are there. It may be doing whatever it
takes for a healthy lifestyle like eating and exercising. We may believe that
education is supreme and lifts those who have advance degrees to a higher
plane. For some others, it could be trusting other people or submitting to
their wishes more than, or instead of, God. Also, politics, sports, and always
having to be right misdirect our devotion to the only One who we should be
worshipping. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Basically, putting any ideology, idea, behavior, or person
before knowing and obeying God’s Word is idolatry. As we enter a new year,
let’s evaluate what our focus for life is. Instead of making resolutions, be
resolved in your pursuit of God. </div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-83887817031453959532019-12-19T02:00:00.000-05:002019-12-19T02:00:26.208-05:00Division of Israel
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Kings 11 could be entitled, “The Four Reasons for Division
of Israel” (Tom Bradford). I will briefly discuss those reasons and then relate
it the church (and myself) in this era. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, Solomon displayed outrageous behavior toward the
people. He was taxing them heavily and forcing them into labor for his
projects. Second, the Lord God raised up adversaries against Israel after a
somewhat long period of time of protection from the surrounding nations. Also,
some of the opposition would come from within Israel itself. One such Israelite
God used (and the third reason for the division of Israel) was Jeroboam.
Jeroboam’s ambition for power was used by God to split the nation. Fourth, Solomon’s
idolatry against God was in direct conflict with the principles God had given
Solomon to retain the kingdom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a list of commands for the leaders of Israel laid
out in Deuteronomy 17:16-17: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, he is not to acquire many horses for himself or
have the people return to Egypt to obtain more horses, inasmuch as </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> told you
never to go back that way again. Likewise, he is not to acquire many wives for
himself, so that his heart will not turn away; and he is not to acquire
excessive quantities of silver and gold (CJB). </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
reading through 1 Kings 11, it is easy to see just how directly Solomon
violated these commands. Solomon had many horses, which he got from Egypt (1
Kings 10:26-29). He had a political alliance with Egypt (having married a
daughter of Pharaoh) (verse 1). 1 Kings tells us that Solomon had 700 wives and
300 concubines (verse 3). Also in violation, Solomon had acquired storehouses
of every kind of valuable metal and gems. Finally, Solomon worshiped the gods
of his wives and pulled away from the God of Israel (verses 4-8). </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
all right there. The commands God had given. Written out for all eternity. Yet,
Solomon failed to follow them. He deserved God’s punishment. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whoa!
Before we get too judgmental, consider our own actions. How many things are
clearly stated in the Bible as commands that we are not following? For
instance, Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of
your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV). Can we say we keep this
command all the time? Are we even consciously aware of it in the moment of
disagreements? Do our words only build others up and meet their needs? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another
example: “Don’t owe anything to anyone, except your outstanding debt to
continually love one another,<sup> </sup>for the one who learns to love has
fulfilled every requirement of the law” (Romans 13:8, TPT). I know that try as
we do, we have debt to others – and not just the debt of love. We even borrow
from our own various bank accounts and have to repay to bring the balances back
to where they should be. Rarely, if ever, do these debts show love. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
summary, for me, is that I also fail to keep God’s commands. I’m no better than
Solomon. What can make us different are Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection
that have paid the penalty for our disobedience. Solomon did not have that and
the penalty for his actions ended up in the division of the nation of Israel
and many years of struggle since then. </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-53290073029757995652019-12-12T02:00:00.000-05:002019-12-12T02:00:11.873-05:00Break from 1 Kings
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The semester was almost over. The halls were decked out in
green, red, silver, and gold. Every doorway was shimmering from the decorations.
Snowflakes and angels swung from the ceiling. There was laughter and merriment
everywhere. It seemed something marvelous was filling the air. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was not feeling it. Yeah, yeah, another Christmas. I
rarely got what I asked for. It meant going to church extra times whether the
snow was creating a white-out or not. Others seemed happy and excited. I just
couldn’t get into it. Once upon a time, in the deepest recesses of my memory, I
anticipated Christmas (and the break from school), like everyone else. Not
anymore. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I prepared little gifts and hid them in the mailbox or dorm
room of the person to whom I had been assigned the role of Secret Santa. And,
it was nice to get little gifts or notes everyday from my Secret Santa, but I
wasn’t expecting much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will never forget that time in my life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Secret Santa included little rectangular white cards in
each day’s surprise. There were words on them. I remember eventually figuring
out that the words were from the Bible (so many women on my floor believed that
stuff). Yet, I read them. Day after day for a week, the cards built the story
of Christmas. One of the last cards I got said, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But the angel said to them, “Do not be
afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all
the people.” </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 2:10</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I remember thinking I could use some
“great joy.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The next day, the card read,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<span class="text">for today in the city
of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke
2:11</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Something struck me! TODAY. For today,
that day, whichever day I wanted, a Savior – Christ the Lord – could be born
for me. I pondered that a few days. Another, different woman on my floor, who
had been willing to hang around with me all semester cornered me a few days
later. She talked about why I felt so inept at pleasing God. She talked about
how Christmas is all about the way to be pleasing to God, Jesus. I didn’t make
any instant decisions, but I had a lot to ponder. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I tell my faith journey story, I
usually focus on the love, patience, kindness, and words of the second woman.
Someone recently pointed out to a small group I had just shared my story with,
that God used a seemingly benign college dorm activity to prepare my heart for
Him. The activity was something rooted in the traditional celebration of
Christmas – Santa! God intertwined the traditions and the truth of Christmas to
call me to Him and into right relationship with the real meaning of Christmas.
That’s a miracle. That shows that God is in control of everything. </span></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-8022492178002840452019-12-05T02:00:00.000-05:002019-12-05T02:00:01.672-05:00Inner Changes or Outward Appearances
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She arrived in Jerusalem accompanied by a very great
retinue, including camels bearing spices and gold in great abundance, and
precious stones” (1 Kings 10:2). This is, of course, talking about the Queen of
Sheba (some theologians believe she should be identified as the Queen of Saba).
She came to quiz Solomon with difficult questions. Her purpose was to verify
that everything she was hearing about Solomon and Israel was true. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there was more to it than mere curiosity. She was
checking out whether Solomon was worthy of a trading alliance of some type. She
was also trying to get an accurate idea of Israel’s God. What impressed her was
Solomon’s wisdom AND his wealth (the palace he had built, the food at his
table, the way he managed his officials, their clothing). She was indeed
impressed. In verses 6-8, this is recorded:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She said to the king,
“The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom
is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own
eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far
exceeded the report I heard.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<span class="text">How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who
continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Following this, the Queen appears to
recognize Israel’s God as the Lord God (Adonai). Verse 9 tells us she said,
“Blessed be Adonai your God, who took pleasure in you to put you on the throne
of Israel. Because of Adonai’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king,
to administer judgment and justice fairly.” The question is whether or not she
truly believed in God. Remember what true belief is as explained in my November
21<sup>st</sup> blog article. It involves action, changes in behavior. It’s not
enough to recognize God as the supreme God. Believing means our whole lives
change because of our understanding of God and His character. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What impressed the Queen? Wisdom,
intellect, and wealth. She was basing her whole opinion of God on how wealthy
and wise Solomon was. That was basing her belief in God on outward appearances.
In her mind, Solomon and Israel were as affluent as they were because of their
God. She evaluated the spiritual condition of Solomon and Israel on outward
intellectualism and material wealth, not the deep down inner faith of true
followers of God.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I see a warning for us. There are many
who proclaim they are in tune with God and are, obviously, doing His will
because of the material wealth and reputation they have. Are we mesmerized by a
leader’s wealth or charisma? Do we believe everything they say because it looks
like God has blessed them? That’s exactly what the Queen of Saba was doing. The
caution goes further. Are we convincing ourselves that because we have
knowledge of an all-powerful God, we are granted eternal life? The Queen of
Saba returned to her land not having changed anything in her life. She was
returning to worship the moon god. She was returning without applying any of
the Law to her or her countrymen’s lives. There was no change in her life from
the encounter, the experience.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am concerned about many who have had
an experience at a church service or some other moment of great emotion, but
there are no changes in their life. They return to the same behaviors, the same
ways of thinking, and the ways of the rest of the world. True salvation comes
from believing and acting on the truths of Scripture, yet so many, after their
“mountaintop” experience, never look deep into the Scriptures to learn what
needs to be changed in their lives. My heart aches for those people, many of
whom I notice may be attending my church and churches all around the world.
Consider whether you have significantly changed your behaviors, your values,
and your thoughts and pursue the God of the Scriptures that changes lives. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-70684624988246415982019-11-28T02:00:00.000-05:002019-11-28T02:00:01.819-05:00Jesus is Our Leader
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have hope that Israel did not have. They were restricted
and disciplined based on how they and their leaders maintained a relationship
with God. We also are to maintain a relationship with God, but the
responsibilities of our leaders are more restricted. Let me explain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In David and Solomon’s era, the leader (i.e. King) reflected
the spiritual condition of a nation. They could demonstrate their allegiance to
God by maintaining obedience to God. God gave them four conditions, which must
be met by any and all leaders of Israel in order for Israel to be safely under
God’s wings. These conditions were given to David, but in 1 Kings 9, they are
told to Solomon for a second time. The first time was at the consecration of
the Temple, and in chapter 9 it’s 13 years later and Solomon desperately needs
a reminder of the conditions required for God’s blessing on Israel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first condition Solomon is reminded of is that Solomon
was to live in God’s presence – that Solomon was submissive to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, Solomon was to display pureness of
heart – integrity and pertaining to morality. Third, Solomon was to do what God
commands – not passive assent but in actual behavior. And, fourth, Solomon was
to keep the laws and regulations of the Torah (the Old Testament Law).
Solomon’s commitment to these conditions currently (13 years after the Temple
dedication) were in doubt, so God mercifully reminds him and gives him a
warning. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The spiritual condition of the leadership reflected the
spiritual condition of the nation. And the people’s standing with God was
determined by their spiritual fitness. This is true for us today. Our spiritual
fitness and the promises of blessings from God are dependent on what our
leaders are doing in the spiritual realm. It doesn’t matter what side of
situations you find yourself on, there is corruption, greed, sin, lies, and
dishonesty. Is our fate going to be determined by these leaders? Remember,
these leaders reflect the spiritual conditions in with which each individual
person is living. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I, for one, do not want my spiritual condition determined by
the spiritual condition of our leaders. We are not going to have blessings
because our leaders are corrupt. Don’t lose heart. For those who believe in
Christ, our leader is not those in governmental authority! Our leader is
Christ, and as we line up our spiritual lives with Him, we are guaranteed
blessings. So, let us all place Jesus in authority over our lives, and truly
have blessings coming our way in which we can be thankful this holiday season.</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-11680110756242567472019-11-21T02:00:00.000-05:002019-11-27T21:10:37.214-05:00Opposite to Emotion Action<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week I talked about how we need to continually be doing
God’s commands in order to be walking with Him. I defined what it means to
believe, that it involves action. In discussing 1 Kings 8 further with my Bible
study partner this week, I saw some further insights into that. This past
weekend my Bible study partner’s pastor talked about the difference between
believing and faith. He used an illustration of a chair. Believing the chair
will hold us is only the start. We have to actually, by faith, sit in the
chair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pastor went onto explain that in the gospel of John,
every time the word “faith” is used it is a verb, an action. It is not passive
and just a thing (noun). Some kind of action is always required. In Hebrews 11
there is a long list of people who had faith, but every time the word faith is
used, it is followed by the action the people took. For instance, verse 4 says,
“<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By faith Abel offered to God a better
sacrifice than Cain.” And in verse 8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called,
obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and
he went out, not knowing where he was going.” The whole chapter is filled with
faith being attributed to people who acted. It’s not enough to “believe;” we need
to act in faith according to God’s commands. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Switching gears, let’s return to 1
Kings 8 and look at Solomon’s prayer to God at the dedication of the Temple.
Starting in verse 27, Solomon prays many truths on behalf of the people of
Israel; however, Solomon did not pretend to have God figured out. While man can
choose to do opposites, God has no opposites. He is all knowing, and He cannot
be unknowing. Basically, God is not within the scope of human understanding.
The more we try to describe Him using characteristics we understand, the more
we diminish Him. He is not bound by the characteristics of mere humans. In
addition, we have no rights to ask the “Why?” question of God. We wouldn’t
understand the answers even if He deemed us worthy to know them. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I contemplated this, I realized just
how human I am. I am a mixed up, muddled, bundle of opposites. I can be angry
and at peace. I can want to live and want to die. I can be happy and sad. For
everything in my character, there is a corresponding opposite. This is so
unlike God, but realizing this is true, I have options for how I feel and think
and behave. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As part of my recovery from mental
illness, I’ve learned some skills for coping with emotions. These skills come
from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapy model that addresses many of
the thinking issues I have as a bipolar person. One of these skills is called
Opposite to Emotion Action. This reinforces that I have choices to behave or
think in an opposite way to my negative, frightening, grief-stricken ways. Of
course, my feelings are still valid and give me good information about myself,
but I can stay with those emotions for a little while, and then choose to act
opposite to how I’m feeling. It’s not a permanent solution – because I am a
person of opposites, but there’s relief for a time. Doing this allows me to
feel productive and ultimately gives me hope that things will be better.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While God has no opposites, He
understands my opposites. Believing in and acting in faith to follow His
commands, is the best opposite I can do. That is one reason I praise God –
recognizing that I don’t really understand all there is about God, but it
points me in the right direction. What opposite action do we need to do today?
And, how can I humbly, knowing I don’t really understand God, praise Him today?
</span></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-86786594245636434262019-11-14T02:00:00.000-05:002019-11-14T02:00:06.708-05:00Believing?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what do you think believing looks like? The Israelites
generally had no clue. Many people in western culture say they believe in
Jesus, but is that enough to be true believers? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1 Kings 8:1-30 we are reminded of what made David and Solomon
true believers in the God of heaven. Solomon is praying as part of the newly
completed Temple dedication in Jerusalem. Solomon prayed many important and
applicable, even to modern men, truths about God. He was humble and asked God
for help. He asked that God would confirm the words He spoke to David’s father.
Near the end of this passage, God answers that prayer in a mighty way. Maybe I
will talk about that next week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I will look at verse 23:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and [Solomon] said, “</span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, God of Isra’el, there is no God like
you in heaven above or on earth below. You keep covenant with your servants and
show them grace, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>provided they live in
your presence with all their heart</u></i> (CJB).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt;">
Did Israel carry out their end of
the bargain? The chosen people of Israel became Jews in name or culture only.
Throughout the rest of the Old Testament, we see Israel turning away from God’s
presence and we see them changing their minds and souls about serving God. (In
ancient times people believed the center of thought and consciousness came from
the heart. It was not the center of love and emotions.) God’s mercy and grace
are conditional. I’m not convinced, but one of the commentaries I looked at
compared this message to the Jews with Paul’s message to the Roman believers in
Romans 11:17-22:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span class="text"><sup>17 </sup>But if some of the branches were
broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became
partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,</span> <span class="text"><sup>18 </sup>do
not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, <i>remember that</i>
it is not you who supports the root, but the root <i>supports</i> you.</span> <span class="text"><sup>19 </sup>You will say then, “Branches were broken off so
that I might be grafted in.”</span> <span class="text"><sup>20 </sup>Quite
right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do
not be conceited, but fear;</span> <span class="text"><sup>21 </sup>for if
God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.</span> <span class="text"><sup>22 </sup>Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to
those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off</u></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(NASB). </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-right: .5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The
symbolism, in case you didn’t get it (I didn’t at first), is that some of the original,
natural branches (Jews) were broken off due to their unbelief, even though they
were cultural and ethnically Jews. Paul identifies New Testament believers as
grafted wild olive branches who, as long as they stay connected to the root,
will be able to stand in their faith. Verse 20 and 21 is a warning to those who
say they are believers in Christ: If the original people of God can be cut off,
so the grafted people identifying with Christ may be severely cut off, too.
Don’t miss the condition, just like in the Old Testament: <span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>if you continue in His kindness;
otherwise you also will be cut off.</u></i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-right: .5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u> </u></i></span> </span></div>
<div style="margin-right: .5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
to be clear, the requirement is to believe in Christ, but this is not a casual
belief. The word for believing is a word that means to act. My Bible study partner’s
pastor is fond of saying, “Believing is acting like it’s true.” What does our
Christianity look like? God will discipline those who are not obeying His
commands as declared in the Holy Bible. </span></div>
<div style="margin-right: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Some examples of
not truly believing are listed below:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Obvious example from my Bible study partner’s time in
Indonesia as a missionary: Saying God is all-powerful, but then going to the
local witch doctor for help.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Saying only God knows the future, but then going to a
fortune-teller or other medium.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">More subtle: Saying God can and will help us, but then
taking things into our own hands forcing situations.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 13.5pt; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For students: Praying God will help on a test, but
then cheating on the test. </span></div>
<div style="margin-right: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Some may say things
like, “I’m not going to the medical doctor because God will heal me.” Or, “I’m
not studying because God will help me.” Doing that is contrary to God’s command
to do everything as for the Lord, like praying, seeking appropriate help, and
doing the footwork (Colossians 3:23). Just being lazy saying God will take care
of everything, is just that: lazy. And that’s the kind of cultural Christian we
can become if we are not deeply grafted into the root of God. </span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Courier New";
panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:2;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:541551211;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1030076964 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.0in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:1.5in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.0in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:2.5in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.0in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:3.5in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:4.0in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:4.5in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
margin-left:5.0in;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-71705318654209983542019-11-07T02:00:00.000-05:002019-11-07T02:00:04.661-05:00Loopholes
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Kings chapters 5-8 are all about the Temple being built in
Jerusalem. While it’s an interesting read, and the commentator we use (Tom
Bradford) highlights some important points we need to understand for our future
study of the history of Israel, there are not a lot of practical commands or
doctrines for people today. The measurements (in cubits) and the materials used
(Lebanese cedar wood, lots of gold, bronze, intricate carvings and statues) are
hard for me to understand or really imagine. The Temple, and later, Solomon’s
palace were structures to behold. They were easily the grandest things in
Israel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In verse 51 of chapter 7, there are items mentioned that
were not included in the construction and furnishing of the Temple or Palace:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thus all the work
that King Shlomo [Solomon] did in the house of </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> was finished. After this, Shlomo
brought in the gifts which David his father had dedicated — the silver, the
gold and the utensils — and put them in the treasuries of the house of </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. (Complete Jewish Bible)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The second half of this verse says that
Solomon did not include David’s gifts in the Temple itself, but put those gifts
in the treasury. If we look back at 2 Samuel 7, the prophet Nathan relayed to
David what God said about David building the Temple. The bottom line was that
David was not to do it. David wasn’t completely satisfied with that answer.
David quickly began looking for loopholes. He wouldn’t “build” the Temple but
he would supply all the materials needed for it. He wouldn’t build the Temple
but he would have fine craftsmen make beautiful and expensive vessels to be
used in the Temple. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David was looking for ways to get away
with something he was told not to do. He was looking for ways to get away with
not doing the commands God had given him. Before we get too harsh with David,
we need to evaluate our own lives. Aren’t there things we are directed not to
do, but immediately we begin searching for loopholes (think taxes if you can’t
think of something else)? Aren’t there places we say, “I’m technically
following a rule or command, but not following the spirit of the rule?” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am confronted by my own loophole
hunting. Maybe not violating God’s commands openly and willfully, but how many
times do I say, “Just this once,” or “It’s not hurting anyone.” It may not even
be a Scriptural principle I’m trying to find loopholes for. Sometimes it’s just
trying to get out of doing something I said I would do. “It doesn’t matter that
much.” However, each time I lose my integrity, at the very least, I feel bad
about me. God gives us rules and commands to keep us safe and focused on Him
(not on how many sweets I can eat before gaining weight).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week I’m going to keep my word
(even if it’s only between God and myself), and stop looking for loopholes.</span></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-37836653269366870752019-10-31T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-31T02:00:07.290-04:00Prestige or Obedience
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh the grandeur of the Temple Solomon was having built!
Cedar timbers from Lebanon. Stones hewn in a quarry away from the actual site
so iron tools would not defile the Temple site. Gold plated everything.
Cherubim seventeen feet high and wide (all plated in gold). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who was Solomon trying to impress? God was not interested in
the show. He was not impressed. In the middle of the account of the features of
the Temple, God interrupts Solomon’s seeking after the best and grandest
possible construction materials and the most expert craftsmen. He tries to
remind Solomon of his responsibilities as the king of Israel.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span class="text"><sup>11 </sup>Then this word of </span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"> came to Shlomo (Solomon): <sup>12 </sup>“Concerning this house which you
are building: if you will live according to my regulations, follow my rulings
and observe all my <i>mitzvot</i> [commands] and live by them, then I will
establish with you my promise that I made to David your father — <sup>13 </sup>I
will live in it among the people of Isra’el, and I will not abandon my people
Isra’el” (1 Kings 6:11-13, CJB). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately Solomon did not get the message God intended
and continued to focus all his attention, energy, and power on building
something grand. For what purpose? God was content to have the tent tabernacle
as He had from the time of Moses on Mt. Sinai. As a matter of fact, God told
David exactly this in 2 Samuel 7:1-7. See what God told David in verses 6 and 7
say,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><sup><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since
the day I brought the people of Isra’el out of Egypt until today, I never lived
in a house; rather, I traveled in a tent and a tabernacle. <sup>7 </sup>Everywhere
I traveled with all the people of Isra’el, did I ever speak a word to any of
the tribes of Isra’el, whom I ordered to shepherd my people Isra’el, asking,
“Why haven’t you built me a cedar-wood house?”’</span></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God had not asked for a majestic place to reside. In
reality, just as now, God didn’t actually dwell in the Temple anyway. His place
is in heaven and He is anywhere He wants to be (and that’s everywhere, all the
time). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s interruption in Solomon’s building project was God’s
attempt to get Solomon back on track with what God does require: to live
according to His commands and regulations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is asking the same from us. He’s not looking to see who
has the biggest or best decked out church (or synagogue). He’s not looking to
see who gets the most followers on their social media pages. He’s not impressed
by our fame or wealth. He’s not interested in how many people go to a specific
church. He’s not joyful over big giving checks. He doesn’t care how many
mission trips we volunteered for. He’s not even counting the number of times we
appear in church each week or each month. He’s not concerned with any of the
things we think are proofs of how holy we are. All those things are folly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God desires us to be obeying His Word. He desires (and has
modeled and commanded) humility. He’s not going to reward us for our deeds as a
bargaining chip for heaven. He only cares about the conditions of our hearts
based on salvation in Christ and how we love our brothers and sisters (1 John
3:14). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s time for me to examine my motives and my humility. Am I
relying on God or on my own works to be acceptable to God? What about you?</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-56504398427208015752019-10-24T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-24T02:00:08.594-04:00Don't Give Up
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Mental health issues are a big part of
my life. Lately I’ve been feeling the effects of my cycling patterns with my
bipolar disorder, the changing of the seasons, having less daylight, and
various life events. I’m depressed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I’ve searched and prayed for permanent
answers so I don’t have to deal with these aspects of myself. I’ve tried to
believe that God expects us to be happy all the time. (Notice, I said “happy.”
That is distinctly different from the joy I have in knowing Christ and looking
forward to the fruition of His eternal promises.) I am coming to a point of
acceptance that happiness is just an emotion like any other, and it will come
and go from time to time. Just like I should not expect anger, loneliness, or
despair to totally disappear from my life as a human being, I cannot expect
that happiness will be a constant. God did not create us as robots. He gave us
emotions for a reason – I’d say, for information – that we are better able to
know Him and serve Him. I can’t say I have it all figured out yet, and probably
will not as long as I walk on the earth. I can learn to deal with them in
appropriate ways, and I get tremendous help from the Scriptures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">That said, I read Luke 18:1-8 for my
Quiet Time one morning this week. This passage is the parable of the judge that
was worn down by the repeated appearance and requests of a widow woman. Luke’s
narration in the first verse, which introduces the parable, challenged me. I
had just written down on my “emotions chart” for my therapist that the primary
emotion for the last week has been “discouraged.” Then I read the passage and
verse one summarized one of my problems right now. In the Amplified Bible it
says,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"Now Jesus was telling the
disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and
not give up <i>and</i> lose heart,” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Other versions say “never quit” (MSG)
and “faint” (KJV). So I looked up “faint” in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abingdon’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible</i> (this
resource is keyed to the King James Version of the Bible and gives the exact
Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) word with a brief definition). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Greek word is “ékkakéo.” Strong’s
indicates this means “to be bad or weak, to fail (in heart):-faint, be weary.” Looking
for more synonyms, I used W.E. Vine’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An
Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words</i>: “To lack courage, lose heart,
be fainthearted.” I think those words imply that we can do something about the
situation to avoid staying discouraged. Note in verse one it says we need to
pray at all times, frequently, consistently, and always, depending on the
translation. Further, I think it means we are to expect God to answer because
He wants to answer. The parable tells of a widow who wore down a civil judge
(who did not fear God), and although he didn’t really want to give in to the
woman’s request, he did. We don’t even have to try and wear God down. He wants
us to ask Him and He wants to answer us, but He wants us to ask Him. He’s just
waiting for us to ask (see John 16:24). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So, next on my agenda is to try and
figure out what the discouragement is about and pray, and pray again as I encounter
discouragement during my days. Figuring out what the discouragement is about
will be difficult so my prayer might just be “Help me in my discouragement.” By
laying my troubles at Jesus’ feet through prayer, His peace will come over me,
even if five minutes later I have to pray again (Philippians 4:6-7).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-43591359880491643822019-10-17T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-17T02:00:01.284-04:00Wisdom Comes With Responsibilities
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who was the wisest man in the known world between 970 and
931 B.C.? The Bible has something to say about that. In 1 Kings 4:29-34 God
explains exactly who that person was:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span class="text"><sup>29 </sup>Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very
great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore.</span>
<span class="text"><sup>30 </sup>Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of
all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.</span> <span class="text"><sup>31 </sup>For
he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the
sons of Mahol; and his fame was <i>known</i> in all the surrounding nations.</span>
<span class="text"><sup>32 </sup>He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs
were 1,005.</span> <span class="text"><sup>33 </sup>He spoke of trees, from
the cedar that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that grows on the wall; he
spoke also of animals and birds and creeping things and fish.</span> <span class="text"><sup>34 </sup>Men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of
Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Solomon sounds like a well rounded, highly educated, Renaissance
man. The Hebrew word used for wisdom in this passage means, in one sense,
“practical knowledge and understanding.” Solomon didn’t only know a lot about a
lot; he knew how and when to apply it. Sounds like the kind of person I want to
be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t be fooled. Having such wisdom does not mean always
getting it right. In fact, while Solomon used the wisdom God gave him to
develop Israel into a center of wealth, economic development, and leisure
activity, he didn’t necessarily apply the wisdom as God would have had him.
People in high places from all around the known world came to get advice and
counsel from Solomon, but he didn’t always give them what God would consider
most important. Solomon’s wisdom was leading Israel, and presumably other
nations, into a decline – a falling away from the one true God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In New Testament terms, Solomon, with all his wisdom, was a
stumbling block causing people to do things in a manner not according to God’s
instructions. Luke 17:1-2 indicates there will be people who cause other people
to stumble, and there is a warning to such people. Such people usually have a
role that makes them an authority of some type: a teacher, a pastor, a business
leader, a small group leader, a counselor, etc. Woe to anyone who leads others
astray. Look at what Jesus says in Luke 17:1-2.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said to His disciples, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It is
inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span class="woj"><sup>2 </sup>It would be better for him if a millstone were hung
around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one
of these little ones to stumble.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m
sure no one sets out to cause another to stumble or lose their way in following
the commands of God; however, look at the passage. Stumbling blocks are
inevitable, and they will come through people. I do not want to be such a
person. So I consistently study and apply God’s Word to my own life, and
prayerfully do not give wrong information to others.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
penalty for being the cause of stumbling blocks is high. Do everything you can
to avoid being the bearer of wrong information or teachings. </span></span></div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.woj
{mso-style-name:woj;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004812678620912208.post-26158445061586786142019-10-10T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-10T02:00:07.252-04:00How Would You Answer?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m getting right to the point. God said to Solomon: “Tell
me what I should give you” (1 Kings 3:5b CJB). God is saying to us, “Tell me
what I should give you.” How would you answer?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Solomon answered, demonstrating three aspects we should use.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, Solomon was <u>thankful</u> (vs.
6). He thanked God for all He had done for David including giving David a son
to sit on his throne. Second, in verse 7, Solomon <u>confessed</u> his
weaknesses: “<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So now, </span></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adonai</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> my God, you have made your servant king in the place of
David my father; but I am a mere child — I don’t know how to lead!” (CJB) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally, Solomon made his <u>petition</u>
in verses 8 and 9:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moreover your servant
is among your people, whom you chose, a great people so numerous that they
cannot be counted. <sup>9 </sup>Therefore, give your servant an
understanding heart able to administer justice to your people, so that I can
discern between good and bad — for who is equal to judging this great people of
yours?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Solomon asked for an understanding
heart. A heart that would be able to hand out justice, according to God’s
wisdom, for the people God chose. Solomon wanted to discern what was good
versus bad in God’s eyes. Solomon recognized he was not “equal” to do such
judging on his own. He was concerned about carrying out the role God had given
him and in taking care of God’s people as best as he could.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How would you answer? What would be at
the top of your list? Would help for personal situations and needs or wants be
on top? Picture yourself sitting in front of God. What would be most important
to Him? Are those our day-to-day concerns? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God answered Solomon in verses 10-14,
and the answer went far beyond the humble request of Solomon:</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span class="text"><sup>10 </sup>What Shlomo [Solomon] had said in
making this request pleased <i>Adonai</i>. <sup>11 </sup>God said to him,
“Because you have made this request instead of asking long life or riches for
yourself, or your enemies’ death, but rather asked for yourself understanding
to discern justice; <sup>12 </sup>I am doing what you requested. I am
giving you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone
like you, nor will there ever again be anyone like you. <sup>13 </sup>I am
also giving you what you didn’t ask for, riches and honor greater than that of
any other king throughout your life. <sup>14 </sup>More than that, if you
will live according to my ways, obeying my laws and <i>mitzvot</i> [commands]
like your father David, I will give you a long life.”</span></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Solomon had focused his
request on the things God would want. He focused on what would further the
Kingdom of God. And God granted him his request – and so much more. This
reminds me of Matthew 6:33 and Jesus’s instructions to His disciples:</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span class="text">But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all
these things will be added to you. (NASB).</span></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God knows our needs and one
of His promises in the New Testament says, “</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And my God
will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 4:19 NASB). Both Solomon and Paul (the writer of Philippians)
understood that by serving God and His purposes, their needs (and our needs)
would be taken care of (added to us). </span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do
we understand this? Are we asking of God according to His purposes and to
further His Kingdom? </span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
would you answer God’s question?</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></span><br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.small-caps
{mso-style-name:small-caps;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Mary B. Grimmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074473626203956679noreply@blogger.com0