fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383 
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Post by fearnot on Feb 22, 2016 23:35:55 GMT -5
Wow I love what you said about our spiritual bank account being made ( or lessened) in the here and now and also how everything you say and do from now on is with that in mind ( of course out of love for the Lord).
You have encouraged me with your words and thoughts on that. That was interesting tho we both read about 'money' the same day.
So today Feb 22, 2016 Monday
I read and studied Hosea 13.
Again Israel worshiped Baal. It was such a horrible idol worship because of the so called sacred prostitutes and yet even worse burning their first born babies (human sacrifice).
And I guess it 'attraction' if you can call such a terrible thing attraction, had basically or at least in part their 'money'...as in crops etc.
Also once again.... a more or less, quoted verse in the New testament was in v.14
"......Where O death are your plagues?
Where O grave is your destruction?"
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Post by Cindy on Feb 23, 2016 13:56:30 GMT -5
I'm glad you like it. I just started writing and couldn't stop LOL
That's good that you recognized it! Many wouldn't recognize the NT verse as being from here as they're quite a bit different:
““I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? “I will have no compassion,” (Hosea 13:14)
““Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
I really like the way Paul put it though, especially since it shows him doing just what we do all the time. He wasn't quoting the exact verse (obviously) instead, he was simply saying what it meant - putting it in other terms that fit with what he was saying then. He didn't change the meaning of it (God forbid!) and we should be very careful not to do so either. But it shows us too what God means when He says not to add or subtract from His Word. So many people are scared to death of changing a verse in order to pray it back to the Lord, or change it by adding their name to it to make it more personal at times, but that's perfectly OK to do. Just as Paul shows us when he shares this verse with us. We aren't to add or subtract from it's meaning, not just the words themselves. That's so neat that you recognized it!
I began studying Luke 16:16-31 today. But it's got some very deep stuff in it so it's going to take me another day at least to get through it.
Back to what you read though...isn't it neat that God tells us that He will ransom us from the power of the grave? Notice He doesn't say He's taking the grave away, but rather that He's taking it's power from it. I just love that! We have no reason at all to fear the grave anymore. Interesting too because in the part I'm studying in Luke, it talks about the grave! In fact, it's the only scripture we have that describes Hell, and another one that explains in more detail exactly what happens at death - that there is no delay between this world and the next. I had to laugh because one of my commentaries put it the exact same way I've described it before:
it would seem as though there was absolutely no pause between the two lives of this world & the world to come. The rich man evidently is pictured as closing his eyes upon his gorgeous surroundings here, & opening them directly again upon his cheerless surroundings there. Lazarus is described as being borne at once into Abraham’s bosom. St Luke Vol. II. 1909
God has indeed taken the power of the grave away! And it will be done away with entirely once we're in Heaven, for we will never die again!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 23, 2016 16:51:55 GMT -5
That was also soooo helpful....what you said about not adding to or taking away from the Word.
I did even feel a wee bit uncomfortable adding my name, tho I did believe for the biggest part it was in fact, ok.
Well this is the part of what you said that I was referring to.
"So many people are scared to death of changing a verse in order to pray it back to the Lord, or change it by adding their name to it to make it more personal at times, but that's perfectly OK to do. Just as Paul shows us when he shares this verse with us. We aren't to add or subtract from it's meaning, not just the words themselves.
And, as always, I am always always encouraged when you write about death.
I am at the age where I have lived a pretty long time, so I would not be totally surprised if my time is getting very short and I may have to face death any day.
But......at the same time, I also believe we are living in the end times, and Jesus could rapture us at any moment.....so it's like the old saying:
6 of one and half a dozen of the other! Which will come first ( I sort of need to be prepared for either)
So you can never talk to me too much about why we do not have to fear death. I really enjoyed what you wrote.
I miss Eva...I hope she is feeling better soon and can join us again.
I am going to read the last chapter of Hosea now,
Feb 23 Hosea Ch 14
if there is anything the Lord puts on my heart of mind I will write about it.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 24, 2016 10:18:51 GMT -5
I know you still have some reservations about death, but honestly, for us, there's no such thing. We don't die, only this body (which is not "us") dies. We simply close our eyes here and a fraction of a second later open them in our new intermediate bodies, to see our Lord's precious face, with no pain or discomfort at all, ever again! It's great, and I can't wait! I honestly don't care whether it's the rapture or what the world calls "death" that takes me to the Lord. Both are exciting to me. Death is simply finally getting to really see all that our physical eyes can't see now. Death is the end of pain, sorrow, disease, heartache, fear, doubt, bills, creditors, unfairness,and most especially the end of all evil and sin! What is there to not want about it? Like I said, I'm with Paul and would much rather be with the Lord, but no I have to stay here till He lets me come Home; but I sure can't wait for that homecoming! It will be grand!
It reminds me of when Michelle and Michael, my two oldest children were toddlers. They were eating breakfast and Michael asked Michelle how they got their hair. Michelle told him that God put it on their heads before they were born. Then he asked if it hurt. Her answer was, "No, silly, it didn't hurt because it was God doing it!" LOL Truer words were never spoken and that's true of when we die and get our intermediate bodies too. We won't even be able to tell anything happened, we'll only realize it because there won't be any pain etc and we'll know something is different.
Today I finished studying Luke 16.
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Post by evafromgreece on Feb 24, 2016 15:53:31 GMT -5
Hey guys!
Barbara, believe it or not, I just got your Christmas card and your small gift! It was AWESOME! YOU MADE MY DAY! I AM SO HAPPY AND BLESSED :)
But I am laughing about our post services... How long it took? 2 months or more?
Cindy, if you sent me also a Christmas card, I havent got it yet, maybe on Easter it will arrive! Or next year :P Due to our perfect postal services :)
If not, it is ok :) I am just wondering what is wrong with these so called "services". Ah.... Things in my country is getting worse every day...
I will write in a little while what I am studying
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Post by evafromgreece on Feb 24, 2016 16:42:05 GMT -5
Hey guys!
On Feb 19 I studied Romans 5
Feb 20-21 Romans 6
Feb 22-23 Romans 7
Yeterday Romans 8
Today Romans 12
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 24, 2016 21:46:27 GMT -5
How funny Eva! We thought maybe it got stolen or lost...in the service LOL We are happy you liked it (Leonard designed it.
Today Feb 24 I read Micah ch. I
In the vision Micah saw God says for ALL the people of the eath to hear His Judgment against Samaria, and Jerusalem.
Once again it's idolatry.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 25, 2016 13:14:40 GMT -5
that's horrible that it took so long, but I'm glad you got Barbara's at least!
Sorry guys, I'm really sick (still) you can read why in my post in the chat thread in Christian chat if you want. I studied the first part of Chapter 17 today.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 26, 2016 14:17:14 GMT -5
I studied Luke Luke 17:1-19 which speaks among other things of how we need to be more grateful to the Lord. Just exactly what I need to hear about today.
Eva, I meant to ask you something yesterday and just wasn't up to it. You shared what you studied and that's wonderful, thank you. But just before coming in here, I was thinking about starting another thread for you for questions you might have, but then, I realized that would be silly, because you can ask your questions about what you're reading right here. The only reason for a separate thread would be if you weren't going to be reading daily and therefore had no place to ask questions. You said that you wanted the thread because you didn't feel we discussed what we read enough, which can be true. There are days, like today when I'm not up to writing a lot. But usually, we do talk about what we've read, and I try to always reply to anything anyone says about what they read - either adding more information about it, or just saying how much I enjoyed it. Yet you haven't really said anything about what you're reading. I realize that may be because you're still not feeling well, and that's fine. I just wanted to bring it up so that you'd know that if you do share about what you're reading, I'll read it and reply and will answer any questions you may have about it.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 27, 2016 9:55:16 GMT -5
Where is everyone?
Barbara, I've been meaning to ask you what happened at your appointment. We talked so much about it before you went so I'm curious to know what happened. If you'd rather answer in the counseling forum you can, or you can answer in the pain forum or here...wherever you want to....
I studied Luke 17:20-37 today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 27, 2016 21:58:40 GMT -5
Sorry so yesterday Feb 25th I read Micah 3
Where God gives an indictment against the princes, the prophets and the priests ( the 3 P's).
Today, Feb 26th I read Micah 4.
It's amazing that Micah either seems to quote exactly word for word Isaiah Ch. 2
It has so many famous verses but maybe one of the most famous is:
"....They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore." Micah 4:3
Also at first its a little tricky to read because Micah goes back and forth between immediate coming judgement and the last days.
But really as long as one pays attention to:
"In the last days"
and
"For NOW"
"but NOW"
I agree we need to be more grateful to the Lord.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 27, 2016 23:11:54 GMT -5
Sorry
so yesterday Feb 25th I read Micah 3
Where God gives an indictment against the princes, the prophets and the priests ( the 3 P's).
Today, Feb 26th I read Micah 4.
It's amazing that Micah either seems to quote exactly word for word Isaiah Ch. 2
It has so many famous verses but maybe one of the most famous is:
"....They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore." Micah 4:3
Also at first its a little tricky to read because Micah goes back and forth between immediate coming judgement and the last days.
But really as long as one pays attention to:
"In the last days"
and
"For NOW"
"but NOW"
I agree we need to be more grateful to the Lord. |
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Post by Cindy on Feb 28, 2016 11:31:04 GMT -5
Sorry
so yesterday Feb 25th I read Micah 3
Where God gives an indictment against the princes, the prophets and the priests ( the 3 P's).
Today, Feb 26th I read Micah 4.
It's amazing that Micah either seems to quote exactly word for word Isaiah Ch. 2
It has so many famous verses but maybe one of the most famous is:
"....They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore." Micah 4:3
Also at first its a little tricky to read because Micah goes back and forth between immediate coming judgement and the last days.
But really as long as one pays attention to:
"In the last days"
and
"For NOW"
"but NOW"
I agree we need to be more grateful to the Lord.
Today I read Luke 18:1-8. I wrote about what I read yesterday and added to it today in: 1909 Pastor nails it when talking about the world & church which I found fascinating. |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 28, 2016 18:49:19 GMT -5
How bizarre....I did not even know there was a double post and what? an hour apart?
So have I missed a day?
I thought I was up to date?
So today Sun the 28th (?) I read
Micah ch 5
It has the prophecy of Jesus birth place in Bethlehem
and it also seems to prophesize to Jesus 2nd coming.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Feb 29, 2016 21:49:52 GMT -5
So today Monday Feb 29th
I read Micah 6
God has a complaint concerning among other things about Israel's ingratitude. I sometimes pat myself on the back thinking, I express my gratitude to the Lord.....
but then
I realize, I am very guilty of grumbling about getting old, aches and pains, not being beautiful, and on and on. so I am as guilty as they were.
I love v. 8
"....And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."
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Post by Cindy on Mar 1, 2016 11:09:52 GMT -5
How bizarre....I did not even know there was a double post and what? an hour apart?
So have I missed a day?
I thought I was up to date?
So today Sun the 28th (?) I read
Micah ch 5
It has the prophecy of Jesus birth place in Bethlehem
and it also seems to prophesize to Jesus 2nd coming.
yes, the majority of chapter 5 is about the second coming and the millennial kingdom. It's no wonder that the Jew's had such a hard time understanding these scriptures. We can see it easier as we have the ability to look back and see what's already happened and what's still to come. They couldn't figure out how one man could fulfill both the suffering servant scriptures and the proud, king and conqueror scriptures, so they figured it must be two different "messiahs".
So today Monday Feb 29th
I read Micah 6
God has a complaint concerning among other things about Israel's ingratitude. I sometimes pat myself on the back thinking, I express my gratitude to the Lord.....
but then
I realize, I am very guilty of grumbling about getting old, aches and pains, not being beautiful, and on and on. so I am as guilty as they were.
I love v. 8
"....And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 2, 2016 13:14:34 GMT -5
Yesterday, Tue., March 1.
I read Micah 7
A couple of verses that caught my spirit were:
v7 "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me."
I've heard people in the past say the God of the old testament is cold, cruel even, but Micah says he hopes for the Lord, and will wait for his Savior, who will hear him. That doesn't sound like a mean God to me.
Micah even says in v.9 that God will plead his case ( Micah does not have to the Lord will do it....), it sounds so much like Jesus to me.
v. 18 totally knocks the cruel God idea out the window when it says:
"Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression...
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot"
I would call that compassionate and loving!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 3, 2016 2:16:44 GMT -5
Today: Wed. March 2
I read Nahum 1
It also Had some great verses ( well...they all are great, but the ones that shouted out...this time)
v. 2,3 "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God...
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power....."
v.7 Again show a loving, compassionate God, but to those who trust in Him.
"The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him"
However the main idea seems to be God's anger at Nineveh.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 3, 2016 22:55:19 GMT -5
Today Thur. March 3
I read Nahum ch. 2 & 3
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Post by evafromgreece on Mar 4, 2016 15:41:48 GMT -5
Hey guys
On Feb 25-26 I studied 1st Corinthians 1-2
27-28 1st Corinthians ch 13
29-1 March 2nd Corinthians ch 4
2-3 March 2nd Corithians ch 5
And I am about to see again ch 5 and then I will move to ch 8
You are right Cindy, I have to write more on what I read. I will try to do so starting from what I am going to study today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 5, 2016 0:26:13 GMT -5
Hi Eva, nice to hear from you again, I was getting worried you were very sick or something. Phew good to know you are ok!!
Today, Friday March 5th
I read Zephaniah 1
It seems like maybe he was of royalty because he traces his line back to King Hezekiah.
In any case he gives warning of coming destruction and wouldn't you know Baal worship, pagan and idolatrous priests ( sounds like our day), it also mentions worship of the starry host ( which sounds similar to astrology of today), and Molech ( it just reminds me of abortion of today, we don't burn the babies rather we cut them limb from limb).
Yet the people are complacent thinking God is not really going to be bothered to do anything ( almost like a 'God is dead' sort of viewpoint.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 6, 2016 2:50:42 GMT -5
Today Sat. March 6th
I read Zephaniah ch. 2
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 7, 2016 0:08:08 GMT -5
Today Sunday March 6th
I read: Zephaniah ch.3
A beautiful verse was v 17
"The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
That God would actually take great delight in me and in His love rejoice over me with singing...well, I want to see that!!
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Post by Cindy on Mar 7, 2016 12:11:17 GMT -5
Yesterday, Tue., March 1.
I read Micah 7
A couple of verses that caught my spirit were:
v7 "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me."
I've heard people in the past say the God of the old testament is cold, cruel even, but Micah says he hopes for the Lord, and will wait for his Savior, who will hear him. That doesn't sound like a mean God to me.
Micah even says in v.9 that God will plead his case ( Micah does not have to the Lord will do it....), it sounds so much like Jesus to me.
v. 18 totally knocks the cruel God idea out the window when it says:
"Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression...
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot"
I would call that compassionate and loving!!!
Today: Wed. March 2
I read Nahum 1
It also Had some great verses ( well...they all are great, but the ones that shouted out...this time)
v. 2,3 "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God...
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power....."
v.7 Again show a loving, compassionate God, but to those who trust in Him.
"The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him"
However the main idea seems to be God's anger at Nineveh.
Today Thur. March 3
I read Nahum ch. 2 & 3
Hey guys On Feb 25-26 I studied 1st Corinthians 1-2 27-28 1st Corinthians ch 13 29-1 March 2nd Corinthians ch 4 2-3 March 2nd Corithians ch 5 And I am about to see again ch 5 and then I will move to ch 8 You are right Cindy, I have to write more on what I read. I will try to do so starting from what I am going to study today.
Hi Eva, nice to hear from you again, I was getting worried you were very sick or something. Phew good to know you are ok!!
Today, Friday March 5th
I read Zephaniah 1
It seems like maybe he was of royalty because he traces his line back to King Hezekiah.
In any case he gives warning of coming destruction and wouldn't you know Baal worship, pagan and idolatrous priests ( sounds like our day), it also mentions worship of the starry host ( which sounds similar to astrology of today), and Molech ( it just reminds me of abortion of today, we don't burn the babies rather we cut them limb from limb).
Yet the people are complacent thinking God is not really going to be bothered to do anything ( almost like a 'God is dead' sort of viewpoint.
Also, Jesus alluded to Zephaniah on two occasions (Zeph. 1:3; Matt. 13:41 and cf. Zeph. 1:15; Matt. 24:29). Both of these are about Christ’s second coming.
Today Sat. March 6th
I read Zephaniah ch. 2 Today Sunday March 6th
I read: Zephaniah ch.3
A beautiful verse was v 17
"The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
That God would actually take great delight in me and in His love rejoice over me with singing...well, I want to see that!!
fresh-hope.com/thread/2013/when-trials-on
Sorry, don't have time for anymore today but should be back to normal tomorrow. |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 7, 2016 16:41:30 GMT -5
Cindy: I do hope you will be able to feel a bit better....soon!
Today Monday, March 7th
I started reading Habakkuk ch. 1..... who was living with very severe trials and he has honest questions and complaints.
I know from previous reading this book, his circumstances are not going to change... but even in ch 1 God answers him.
Habakkuk was willing to wait for the answers to his questions....and was willing to hear whatever God would say ( even tho it may not have been what Habakkuk initially wanted to hear).
Since I have read this before, I know his circumstances are going to get worse, but God so comforts him, and gives Habakkuk an understanding of what God is doing in these trials, that Habakkuk is able to comfort others who trials do not end but perhaps are only going to get worse.
When God explains he is going to judge the wicked people ( of Judah...Habakkuk's people) by bringing the Babylonians ( things will get much worse), I couldn't help but think of Europe and our country with some ( to maybe many) of the Muslim immigrants ( and other nations) coming.
v. 6 & 7 "... who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwellings not their own.
7 They are a feared and dreaded people;
they are a law to themselves
and promote their own honor."( that reminds me of so called 'honor killings, sharia law, etc.)
and v. 9 & 10
".....they all come intent on violence.
Their hordes advance like a desert wind
and gather prisoners like sand.
10 They mock kings...."
Then Habakkuk has a 2nd complaint and he honestly asks God
v.13 ...."13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?...."
It is all right to have 'honest' questions and even doubts. It is all right to ask the Lord your questions and doubts, since He already knows. He will not be offended if you are honest and sincere and we also have to be (as I said) willing to wait for the answer, look for the answer, read the Bible and pray for the answer, and be willing to humbly accept the answer, even if its not the answer we wanted. God is not our genii in a bottle, to give us the comforts we want, He loves us to much to constantly pamper us, instead of truly helping us.
And having said that, I have to be completely honest and say that sometimes I still want, wish, and hope that God might still give me what I want, but He did give Habakkuk so much comfort that even tho things were going to get much worse, Habakkuk could then comfort others. I guess I could really live with that!!
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Post by Cindy on Mar 8, 2016 11:56:50 GMT -5
Cindy: I do hope you will be able to feel a bit better....soon!
Today Monday, March 7th
I started reading Habakkuk ch. 1..... who was living with very severe trials and he has honest questions and complaints.
I know from previous reading this book, his circumstances are not going to change... but even in ch 1 God answers him.
Habakkuk was willing to wait for the answers to his questions....and was willing to hear whatever God would say ( even tho it may not have been what Habakkuk initially wanted to hear).
Since I have read this before, I know his circumstances are going to get worse, but God so comforts him, and gives Habakkuk an understanding of what God is doing in these trials, that Habakkuk is able to comfort others who trials do not end but perhaps are only going to get worse.
When God explains he is going to judge the wicked people ( of Judah...Habakkuk's people) by bringing the Babylonians ( things will get much worse), I couldn't help but think of Europe and our country with some ( to maybe many) of the Muslim immigrants ( and other nations) coming.
v. 6 & 7 "... who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwellings not their own.
7 They are a feared and dreaded people;
they are a law to themselves
and promote their own honor."( that reminds me of so called 'honor killings, sharia law, etc.)
and v. 9 & 10
".....they all come intent on violence.
Their hordes advance like a desert wind
and gather prisoners like sand.
10 They mock kings...."
Then Habakkuk has a 2nd complaint and he honestly asks God
v.13 ...."13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?...."
It is all right to have 'honest' questions and even doubts. It is all right to ask the Lord your questions and doubts, since He already knows. He will not be offended if you are honest and sincere and we also have to be (as I said) willing to wait for the answer, look for the answer, read the Bible and pray for the answer, and be willing to humbly accept the answer, even if its not the answer we wanted. God is not our genii in a bottle, to give us the comforts we want, He loves us to much to constantly pamper us, instead of truly helping us.
And having said that, I have to be completely honest and say that sometimes I still want, wish, and hope that God might still give me what I want, but He did give Habakkuk so much comfort that even tho things were going to get much worse, Habakkuk could then comfort others. I guess I could really live with that!!
The book shows one righteous way to bring concerns to God when his ways appear incomprehensible. God’s people today will benefit from hearing God’s replies to Habakkuk’s questions: (1) Why does evil seem to go unpunished for so long? & (2) Why does God sometimes reprove the less evil by sending an even greater evil? Habakkuk focuses attention on the worldview categories of God; sovereignty and providence; and ethics and morality. The book causes readers to consider the attributes of God when their experience appears to deny that he is just. Further, the book addresses the issue of God’s care for his people in the presence of great evil. The question of what is moral in international relations, particularly when one nation wars against another, is also in view. The answers God gave the prophet show him as the Revealer of truth. The revelations God made focus on his absolute sovereignty over human history. Themes: God’s honor & God’s sovereignty in the face of evil. The majestic glory of God is evident throughout the book, in particular in Habakkuk’s confession of Habakkuk 2:20 that has become a standard in Christian worship. The supremacy of God in international events is especially evident in the dialog section of the book. Holman QuickSource guide
When Habakkuk was written, Meanwhile, in other parts of the world…The Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world, is built in Ephesus.God’s answers to the prophet’s searching questions give a proper understanding of God’s character & sovereign actions in history. Ultimately, Habakkuk demonstrates that life’s meaning does not rest in finely argued intellectual answers, but in trusting God. The prophet echoes the theme of genuine holy living: “The just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Those who read the prophet today will find a fellow traveler who may well lead them to trusting the God he came to trust. The MacArthur Bible handbook
The circumstances of life sometimes appear to contradict God’s revelation concerning His power and purposes. Habakkuk struggled in his faith when he saw men flagrantly violate God’s law and distort justice on every level without fear of divine intervention. He wanted to know why God was allowing growing iniquity to go unpunished. When God revealed His intention to use Babylonia as His rod of judgment, Habakkuk was even more troubled, because that nation was more corrupt than Judah. God’s answer (Habakkuk 2:2–20) satisfied Habakkuk that he could trust Him even in the worst of circumstances because of His matchless wisdom, goodness, and power. God’s plan is perfect, & nothing is big enough to stand in the way of its ultimate fulfillment. In spite of appearances to the contrary, God is still on the throne as the Lord of history & the Ruler of the nations. Yahweh may be slow to wrath, but all iniquity will eventually be punished. He is the worthiest object of faith, & the righteous will trust in Him at all times. Habakkuk moves from burden to blessing, from wondering to worship, from restlessness to rest, from a problem to God’s person, & from a complaint to consolation. It also powerfully affected the lives of Luther & Wesley. The concluding psalm of praise, in chap 3, is one of the greatest psalms in the OT. This magnificent declaration of faith in the character & ways of God has much in common with Psalm 18 & Psalm 68. Talk thru the Bible
Habakkuk make me this of what's going on today. After reading the article: "After The Gold Rush" which is a very long article about Trump written back in 1990, I'm really beginning to wonder if he might well be the antichrist, or, if not, then yet another step toward the real antichrist. I thought Obama was a lot like the AC, but thought he was just really preparing us for the real one; but having read that article (as well as others) about Trump, I'm really beginning to wonder now. If he's not, he's most likely the one who will put a complete end to the US as we know it, since we know we're not mentioned in the bible, that would make sense too. If you're interested in reading the article, I'll give you a link to it. It's amazing to me because it describes Trump exactly and was written long ago and has nothing to do with politics. It's neither for or against him, but just let's you get to know him for who he is. And who he is, is really, really scary!
www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2015/07/donald-ivana-trump-divorce-prenup-marie-brenner
Here's what I've studied each day; I know I wrote some of these down but figured it would be easier to see in a list:
Feb 28 Luke 18:1-8
Feb 29: Luke 18:9–14
March 1: Luke 18:15–17
March 2: Luke 18:18–30
March 3: Luke 18:31–34
March 4: Luke 18:35–43
March 5: Psalm 136 (I'm writing my own song in notes by each verse, thanking & praising Him for what He's done in my life)
March 6: Psalm 136 (finished working on it)
March 7 Luke 19:1–10
Today March 8 Luke 19:11–27 |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 8, 2016 13:54:15 GMT -5
I am not sure I understand what you meant by writing your own song of psalm 136. Is it sort of like what you wrote for Eva and me as to who we are in Christ?
Like taking a verse and inserting your name, or are you writing a 'real' song?
I would like to hear more about your song.
Thank you for all the info on Habakkuk.
I sometimes hear the Bible is not relevant for today, and especially not the Old testament, but the more I read the Old testament it almost seems like I am reading about all manner of things of today, in my own life and in the world.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 8, 2016 20:54:07 GMT -5
Today Tuesday, March 8th
I read Habakkuk ch. 2
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Post by Cindy on Mar 9, 2016 12:23:03 GMT -5
I am not sure I understand what you meant by writing your own song of psalm 136. Is it sort of like what you wrote for Eva and me as to who we are in Christ?
Like taking a verse and inserting your name, or are you writing a 'real' song?
I would like to hear more about your song.
Thank you for all the info on Habakkuk.
I sometimes hear the Bible is not relevant for today, and especially not the Old testament, but the more I read the Old testament it almost seems like I am reading about all manner of things of today, in my own life and in the world.
No, it's not like that. I don't know how to explain it so I'll just give you an example by posting the first verse of the psalm and then sharing what I wrote. Remember, in my bible, I can see my notes. They look like a colored box and when I hover my cursor over it, I can then read whatever I wrote in that note. So to write my own psalm of thanksgiving and praise, I'd read the scripture and then write my own version in notes next to each verse. For some, I borrowed from other scriptures that mean a lot to me, for others, I wrote from my own experiences, and for others I included things that had touched me from other books that seemed like the author had read my mind:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
Then in one of my notes to that verse, I wrote:
Enter his gates with thanksgiving & his courts with praise; give thanks to him & praise his name. His love endures forever! (Ps 100:4–5)
For the Lord is good & his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. His love endures forever! (Ps 100:4–5)
Whoever is wise, let them heed these things & consider the great love of the Lord, for His love endures forever! (Ps 107:43)
I give thanks to You Lord, for You are good & Your love endures forever!
I give thanks to You Lord for Your promises that allow us to participate in the divine nature & escape the corruption in the world, Your love endures forever! 2 Peter 1:3–4
Instead of copying all my notes for verse one, I'll just share that one, so you can see what I mean about borrowing other scriptures and then show you another verse and what I wrote so you can see the other way I did it:
“Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:2)
I give thanks to You Lord, for You are above all things, for Your love endures forever!
I give thanks to You Lord for Your Name & Your Word have been exalted above all, for Your love endures forever!
I give thanks to You Lord for none is higher then You for Your love endures forever!
I give thanks to You Lord for none is wiser then You for Your love endures forever!
I give thanks to You Lord for nothing is more powerful then You, for Your love endures forever!
I give thanks to You Lord for no love is greater then Yours for Your love endures forever!
I give thanks to You, the Lion of Judah, for Your love endures forever!
The content of these next notes are what most of my notes are like - from my own experiences with the Lord:
“Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:3)
I thank You for getting to talk to my cousin Jeff again, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for giving me Bruce to be my husband, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for all the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, raccoons, fox, bear, & other critters that come into our yard, especially the deer, Your love endures forever!
I thank You that you know all my thoughts and what I mean, even when I can't explain it, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for teaching and showing me all about Your love & how we're to love others, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for all our friends (near & far) & neighbors, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for not letting me forget Your Word & all You've taught me, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for the many wonderful times we have together in Your Word, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for the many times You've continued to teach me though other books, shows or people, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for my mother & father & their love, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for showing me how soap can stop pain, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for the many donations You've had people send, Your love endures forever!
“to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:4)
To Him who doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, Your love endures forever!
To Him who redeemed my life from the pit, Your love endures forever!
To Him who crowns me with love & compassion, Your love endures forever!
To Him who satisfies all my desires with good things, Your love endures forever!
To Him who renews my youth like the eagles, Your love endures forever!
To Him who intervened & got Jenn & Bob a great deal on a new car, Your love endures forever!
“who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:5)
Who brought Christopher home, safely, Your love endures forever!
Who has often eased my pain, Your love endures forever!
Who gave us doctors & nurses, Your love endures forever!
Who gave me the miracle of the Eagle You sent me, Your love endures forever!
Who gave us the car, what an amazing surprise, Your love endures forever!
Who has often shown me exactly what I needed to hear that day, Your love endures forever!
“the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:8)
I thank You for the many miraculous ways You've paid our bills, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for the 12 great years You gave me Fresh-Hope, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for showing me how I can sleep without so much pain, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for Jenn, Bob, Elijah & Grace, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for the times Jenn & Michael took care of me when I was sick & Bruce wasn't home, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for reminding me not to live in the past or future, but to live in the present with You, Your love endures forever!
I thank You for the many answers to my prayers, Your love endures forever!
I give You thanks & praise for the trials I didn't understand, but that taught me of Your unfailing love for me, Your love endures forever!
I give You thanks & praise for filling me with Your peace when Bruce had a heartattack, Your love endures forever!
I give You thanks & praise for enabling me to go to Bruce in spite of the pain & illness in my own body, Your love endures forever!
My very last note on the last verse:
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:26)
Give thanks to our God who's given us the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, Your love endures forever!
May all the people praise You, May the nations be glad and sing for joy, Your love endures forever!
May Your ways be known on all the earth, for Your love endures forever!
And all the ends of the earth will fear You, for Your love endures forever!
Praise to my God! The Lord lives! Exalted be God my Savior! You are the God who avenges me! Your love endures forever!
I tried to follow the format of the psalm when I wrote mine, but sometimes I just wasn't able to. That's ok though, I don't think the Lord minds. I have 3 or 4 notes on each verse since I can only see so much per note and I wanted to be able to see it all without having to click on the note itself. (In other words, I can write as much as I want in each note, but only so much of it will show when I hover my cursor over it, so I only wrote as much as I'd be able to see without having to click on the note) I've been working on it for a long time now actually, adding a little more whenever I could; but used those two days to finish it up. I've just felt compelled to write my own praises to God and to thank Him for the many ways He helps and guides me every day. Anyone could do it, as it certainly doesn't have to be written right next to one of His psalms. It can just be put on a sheet of paper.
Today Tuesday, March 8th
I read Habakkuk ch. 2
Today I studied and reflected on Luke 19:11-27 again. I've gotten so much out of it these last couple of days, it's going to take awhile to absorb it all.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Mar 10, 2016 4:21:37 GMT -5
Yesterday Wed. March 9th
I read Habakkuk ch.3
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