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Post by Cindy on Apr 1, 2016 11:36:18 GMT -5
Today Thursday 31th I read Zechariah 11
A very sad chapter. I could only think and pray ask that God keep me out of the gutter so to speak ( this world is wallowing more and more in the gutter, on every level of life.... and I have spent waaaay to much of my life there).
Wow, such an important chapter as it talks about Jesus when He was here. Here's some of my notes in case you're interested:
The passage Two Shepherds (Zechariah 11:4–14) is probably not intended to be a strict dramatic portrayal, for this would require the unlikely cooperation of other actors in the narrative. The passage focuses attention on Israel’s spiritual condition at the time of Christ’s ministry and the consequences of her rejection of Christ, the True Shepherd. The “flock” was the nation Israel which God had designated for slaughter by the Romans. This divine withdrawal seemed to result from the people’s rejection of their true Shepherd-Messiah, stated in verses 8–13. The king to whom God would hand over Israel was apparently the Roman emperor (cf. John 19:15, “We have no king but Caesar”). God would not deliver them from the Roman armies. As commanded, Zechariah portrayed the work of a shepherd tending the flock marked for slaughter (cf. v. 4), especially the oppressed of the flock. This perhaps refers to the believing remnant at Messiah’s First Advent. Like any good shepherd, Zechariah took two staffs to use in directing and protecting the flock. The staffs were given the symbolic names of Favor (or beauty, grace, pleasantness) and Union (lit., bands or “ties”). They depicted God’s gracious benefits toward His people (Zechariah 9:14–17) and the internal union of Israel and Judah as a nation (cf. Hosea 1:11) The Bible Knowledge Commentary
The Lord God said that His people were to be treated like sheep fattened for the slaughter, whose shepherds have no pity, but are only interested in money for the meat. Thus God will serve up His sheep for slaughter without pity. With God’s pity (cf. Hos 1:6) and protection withdrawn, they will be given over to their Roman “neighbors” and to their “King” Caesar (cf. John 19:14, 15), who will ultimately lead them to their destruction in a.d. 70 by the Roman army (cf. John 11:47–50). Over one million Jews were slaughtered in that assault, and almost half a million in subsequent Roman attacks in Palestine. I pastured the flock. The prophet did feed the truth of God to his people as a picture of what Messiah would do when He came. the afflicted of the flock. Only the poor responded when Jesus came to feed the flock (Mt 11:5; 1Co 1:26). They were the lowly who wouldn't follow the pride of the priest, scribes, & Pharisees, but believed on Jesus. Favor … Union. Shepherds often carried 2 sticks, a rod to ward off wild beasts & a staff to guide & retrieve sheep (cf. Ps 23:4). The staff speaks of Christ the Good Shepherd who expressed the love & grace of God by tenderly leading & protecting His people (Mk 6:34), while the rod speaks of His unifying ministry, binding together the scattered house of Israel into 1 fold (Mt 15:24). The Good Shepherd “dismissed the three shepherds in one month.” The presence of the definite article points to familiarity, so that the Jews would have understood their identity without further reference. It's not so easy for us to understand. One of the oldest, & probably the correct view identifies them as 3 orders of leaders: the priests, elders, & scribes of Israel. During His earthly ministry, Jesus also confronted the hypocrisy of Israel’s religious leaders (cf. Matt. 23), disowning them with scathing denunciations, followed by destruction of the whole nation in a.d. 70. Since His coming, the Jewish people have had no other prophet, priest, or king. The MacArthur study Bible
Zechariah 11:10–11 The revoked covenant (symbolized by breaking the staff called Favor) had been made with all the nations, apparently to secure God’s providential protection of Israel. The divine disfavor on Israel because of her rejection of the True Shepherd resulted in spiritual blindness (Rom. 11:25) and national destruction and dispersion. Only the believing remnant (the afflicted of the flock) who recognized Jesus as the true Messiah understood His true origin in God. Zechariah 11:12–13. Israel’s appraisal of the True Shepherd’s worth was 30 pieces of silver, the compensation price for a slave gored by an ox (Ex. 21:32). Some think 30 pieces of silver for a slave indicates the “high value set on human life” in the Mosaic Law. Whether or not this is correct, the choice of the slave price was probably intended as an insult to the Shepherd, worse than a direct refusal to pay Him any wage. Throwing this handsome price (an obvious use of irony) to the potter shows its trifling worth (the potter was one of the lowest of the laboring class). This prophecy was fulfilled in Judas’ betrayal of Christ (Matt. 26:14–16; 27:3–10). Zechariah then broke the second staff called Union to picture the dissolving of the national solidarity of Judah and Israel. Discord within the nation was one of the factors that led to the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70 and a new wave of worldwide dispersion. Zechariah 11:15-16. After rejecting the True Shepherd, the flock of Israel will accept a foolish and worthless shepherd. This is a prophecy of the end-time Antichrist who will do the very opposite of Christ the True Shepherd (cf. John 5:43). Zechariah was called on to portray a second prophetic role, this time a foolish shepherd. The Hebrew word rendered “foolish” suggests a person who is a coarse, hardened fool. This shepherd will have no concern for the flock and its needs; he will be interested only in his own gluttony. Instead of defending the flock, the foolish shepherd will destroy it (cf. Rev. 13:7). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Zechariah 11:13 Note how specific this amazing prophecy is: the money obtained was to (1) be cast down to the potter; (2) be silver; (3) be precisely thirty pieces; (4) be thrown down, (5) in the house of the Lord. Mt 27:3-10, 12. Ac 1:18, 19. the potter. Mt 27:7. a goodly price. Is 53:2, 3. Ac 4:11. The new treasury of scripture knowledge
The flock of Israel rejected their true Shepherd and smote Him (Zechariah 13:7), but they accepted the false shepherd, the “idol shepherd”—Antichrist. Jesus predicted this in John 5:43. Dan 9:27 tells us that after the church has been raptured, the leader of Federated Europe (the ten kingdoms of Dan. 7:7–8) will make a covenant with the Jews to protect them for 7 years. Jerusalem will have three and a half years of peace, a false peace that will be the prelude to 3 and a half years of awful tribulation. During those first 3 and a half years, the 2 witnesses of Rev. 11:1ff will be giving God’s message; and Rev. 11:4 relates them to the 2 olive trees of Zech. 4. In Zechariah’s day, the 2 olive trees represented Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, through whom the Spirit was working. But the final application is to the two witnesses in the last days. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines
Some people think Zechariah 11:17 is talking about the antichrist..
I'm still not doing very well. I've been to two doctors and have discovered recently that now I can't take antibiotics anymore. Since they wanted me to be on them daily as a preventative measure, that's a problem, especially since having an autoimmune disease makes me more susceptible to infections anyway. I have no idea what they're going to do, or if there's anything they can do. If I got really sick and had to take antibiotics, I'd have to do it and just deal with the horrible burning pain they cause in my legs and feet, but I certainly don't want to have to deal with that every single day, "just in case". I'm going to have to be extra careful now about catching anything from the kids. I never really concerned myself with it before, but I'm afraid those days are over. I just can't deal with the idea of having to be on antibiotics unless there's no chance of surviving without them. So from now on, I'm going to have to let all my kids know that if anyone is even a little sick, I can't be around them. Unfortunately I've already caught what Gracie, Elijah, and Jenn had, and am sick anyway.
I'm still working on the same chapter in Luke. I'll be starting on Luke 23:50 tomorrow. It's taking me so long partly cause I'm sick, but mostly because, being about our Lord's torture and death, it's just a very heavy chapter and there's so very much involved in it to learn and much to apply to our own lives as well.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,385
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Post by fearnot on Apr 1, 2016 22:43:39 GMT -5
Thank you so much for the notes because that was a really hard one to understand....other than it seemed very sad.
There was only one (well 2) bible references I didn't quite get the:
goodly price. Is 53:2, 3. Ac 4:11
I read the verses but didn't see the connection to a goodly price. Maybe I just didn't understand what the goodly price was. I thought at first maybe it was a prophecy of the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Jesus, but that doesn't seem to be it.
I am so sorry about your health! have you tried tumeric?
In a small 2012 pilot study, a curcumin product called BCM-95 reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA better than diclofenac, an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Recent research has evidenced that curcumin from turmeric, if fed continuously in considerable amounts, significantly decreases the levels of COX enzyme and consequently, prostaglandin E2. This helps in the inhibition of the target tissue to attract the inflammatory cytokines.
Another research study has found that curcumin – an active ingredient in turmeric – can benefit those with rheumatoid arthritis since it has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties.
A study was done to determine the effectiveness and safety of using curcumin independently and combined with Voltaren – a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
The study found that bioavailable forms of curcumin were high effective in easing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as swollen and tender joints. Those who took only turmeric demonstrated greater improvement in their symptoms.
A research has shown that it increases the amount of the pro apoptotic factors (caspase 9 and caspase 3) in damaged cells and decreases the amount of anti apoptotic factors like Bcl 2 in the same.
This leads to the programmed cell death of the damaged cell as it should happen ideally. Overall, the whole process prevents the damage to spread in the newly formed tissue and in the nearby cells.
One can easily take upto 1 gm of turmeric powder per day without any issues. Since turmeric is not well absorbed in the body, it availability to the target tissue or organ is relatively low as compared to the actual amounts taken by mouth.
To increase its absorption in the body, small amounts of black pepper should be taken. Freshly cracked seems to the pepper is best, if possible.
Adding fats also help, this is because turmeric is fat soluble.
It may be you cannot take it, but I have been trying it and it does seem to help when I take it.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,385
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Post by fearnot on Apr 1, 2016 23:04:50 GMT -5
Today Friday April 1 I read Zechariah 12
V. 2 is a noted end times prophecy: "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling..."
In fact, it is most end times prophecies with the words "In that day"
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Post by Cindy on Apr 2, 2016 10:08:16 GMT -5
Thank you so much for the notes because that was a really hard one to understand....other than it seemed very sad.
There was only one (well 2) bible references I didn't quite get the:
goodly price. Is 53:2, 3. Ac 4:11
I read the verses but didn't see the connection to a goodly price. Maybe I just didn't understand what the goodly price was. I thought at first maybe it was a prophecy of the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Jesus, but that doesn't seem to be it.
I am so sorry about your health! have you tried tumeric?
In a small 2012 pilot study, a curcumin product called BCM-95 reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA better than diclofenac, an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Recent research has evidenced that curcumin from turmeric, if fed continuously in considerable amounts, significantly decreases the levels of COX enzyme and consequently, prostaglandin E2. This helps in the inhibition of the target tissue to attract the inflammatory cytokines.
Another research study has found that curcumin – an active ingredient in turmeric – can benefit those with rheumatoid arthritis since it has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties.
A study was done to determine the effectiveness and safety of using curcumin independently and combined with Voltaren – a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
The study found that bioavailable forms of curcumin were high effective in easing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as swollen and tender joints. Those who took only turmeric demonstrated greater improvement in their symptoms.
A research has shown that it increases the amount of the pro apoptotic factors (caspase 9 and caspase 3) in damaged cells and decreases the amount of anti apoptotic factors like Bcl 2 in the same.
This leads to the programmed cell death of the damaged cell as it should happen ideally. Overall, the whole process prevents the damage to spread in the newly formed tissue and in the nearby cells.
One can easily take upto 1 gm of turmeric powder per day without any issues. Since turmeric is not well absorbed in the body, it availability to the target tissue or organ is relatively low as compared to the actual amounts taken by mouth.
To increase its absorption in the body, small amounts of black pepper should be taken. Freshly cracked seems to the pepper is best, if possible.
Adding fats also help, this is because turmeric is fat soluble.
It may be you cannot take it, but I have been trying it and it does seem to help when I take it. Yes, it is the 30 pieces of silver. In the scriptures you mentioned though, were speaking of not of the price paid for Him, not of the 30 pieces of silver, but but rather why they paid that price for Him. I apologize as I wasn't feeling well at all yesterday, and should have been more careful and not included those two scriptures as they are quite confusing. Let me share what one commentary says about the Isaiah verses, and that may help us to understand why it's included as a cross ref. for Zechariah 11:13. Plus, I should also explain that the book those verses are quoted from, does not just give the regular cross ref for each verse, but breaks the verse down by the words and gives the cross ref for the words themselves. In this case the words were "goodly price" (or handsome price) which is a sarcastic expression about the value Israel put on the Lord's redemptive grace, so the verses that are quoted from Isaiah show why they put that price on Him, and the one from Acts shows the truth about what they did and who He is.
Isaiah 53:2–3 Once they understood what He demanded of them, how did most people treat the Servant? The way they treated any other slave: They despised Him, put a cheap price on Him (thirty pieces of silver), and “looked the other way when He went by” (Isa. 53:3, TLB). They were ashamed of Him because He did not represent the things that were important to them, things like wealth (Luke 16:14), social prestige (14:7–14; 15:1–2), reputation (18:9–14), being served by others (22:24–27), and pampering yourself (Matt. 16:21–28). He is rejected today for the same reasons. Be Comforted.
Yes, I've tried it, but it didn't seem to do anything for me. but thank you for asking....
Today Friday April 1 I read Zechariah 12
V. 2 is a noted end times prophecy: "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling..."
In fact, it is most end times prophecies with the words "In that day"
Weird... as soon as I read: “On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” (Zechariah 12:3) It made me think of: “He is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’” (Acts 4:11) that we were just talking about! Jesus is the One who will save Jerusalem at the last moment when she's been captured by the Antichrist, but before he totally destroys everyone and everything in it. And since that's when Jesus returns, (obviously) it's also when all Israel will look upon Him who they pierced and be convicted, repent and be saved! (Zechariah 12:10) Just think... you and I will be there with Him when all this happens! I was just thinking about this last night and how incredible and awesome it's going to be! We'll be returning with Him, in our new glorified bodies, strong, faithful, and without sin, and all the world will see Him and us too! It's so exciting to think about! I can hardly wait!
I finally finished that chapter 23 Luke! What I get from this section is that we need to be as unselfish as Jesus is, not easy for us to do! This, like every other day of His life, shows how He thought of others before Himself & not only thought of them, but loved them all - including me. I need to love others the way He does. Most importantly, it also shows me the truth about just how horribly sinful I am & what my sin did & does to God, & yet, how He still loves me & will help me. It's hard to read but necessary.
I'm reminded that the death of our Lord & all the supernatural things that happened, did have a profound effect on the people there. How could it not??? Many most of spent the Sabbath thinking of all they'd seen & all they'd heard before about Jesus, or, if they'd heard Him teach, of all He had taught. It was perfect timing (of course) that they had the whole next day to do nothing but consider what they'd heard & seen, & this probably brought many of them to faith when they heard Peter speak about it on Pentecost.(Acts 2:22, 23, 37–41) That Sabbath most have had everyone thinking & reflecting on Jesus. It shows again how good, loving & merciful our God is, that He would plan things so that many more would be saved out of Israel so they would spend eternity with Him & escape the holocaust of 70ad. The seeds that had been planted in their hearts bore fruit producing a great crop for God's Kingdom!
But there also would have been those who spent the Sabbath the same way & would have seemingly the same reaction, but later, when the priests began persecuting the new Church, they would fall away, as they hadn't allowed the seeds to take root in the foundation of Christ. Next would be those who also seemed like the others at first, but who allowed the fear of man & their desire for material things & status to choke the seeds that had been planted. It's a perfect picture of what Jesus told us in Matt 13:18–23 in the parable of the sower. The Sabbath rest after His death prepared for the fulfillment of His prophecy in John 14:12. We know that none of their "miracles" were greater then His, but they did bring many more into the kingdom just on the day of Pentecost, then had been saved in the 3 years of our Lord's ministry.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,385
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Post by fearnot on Apr 4, 2016 0:26:43 GMT -5
I have been trying to take turmeric in a truly medicinal way because I will see my PCP this Tue. Since I refused to do the STOMP (mindfulness, hypnosis and all) I do not know how much longer he will continue to write prescriptions for pain meds for me.
I know the turmeric is not like pain meds, but I took it for awhile and didn't realize that black pepper increased the bio-availablity by 2000 percent and also coconut oil.
Because without those two added, it is hard for the body to absorb turmeric and utilize it in anyway whatsoever.
Like I said, I am just trying to see if anything will be helpful should he stop pain meds.....I just don't feel totally confident that he will. I keep reading so many new articles talking about how many people have died due to pain meds blah blah.
Well, I thought it was worth mentioning but if you tried and it was not the least helpful then that is that. I think maybe it helps a wee bit but of course, I still have pain meds to take so its really hard to say.
Thank you again for such great commentaries! I do so appreciate them. You never need to think I wouldn't! I am so happy to read them, they are always so helpful!!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,385
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Post by fearnot on Apr 4, 2016 0:38:48 GMT -5
Yesterday Sat. April 2nd I read Zechariah 13
v.8 "In the whole land,” declares the Lord, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it."
This seemed like the remnant that God always has.
Today Sunday April 3rd I read Zechariah 14
It has a lot of End times prophecies
v. 4 "On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south."
v.12 "This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths."
What horror for those people, I would not want to be ever counted among them.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 4, 2016 9:51:04 GMT -5
I have been trying to take turmeric in a truly medicinal way because I will see my PCP this Tue. Since I refused to do the STOMP (mindfulness, hypnosis and all) I do not know how much longer he will continue to write prescriptions for pain meds for me.
I know the turmeric is not like pain meds, but I took it for awhile and didn't realize that black pepper increased the bio-availablity by 2000 percent and also coconut oil.
Because without those two added, it is hard for the body to absorb turmeric and utilize it in anyway whatsoever.
Like I said, I am just trying to see if anything will be helpful should he stop pain meds.....I just don't feel totally confident that he will. I keep reading so many new articles talking about how many people have died due to pain meds blah blah.
Well, I thought it was worth mentioning but if you tried and it was not the least helpful then that is that. I think maybe it helps a wee bit but of course, I still have pain meds to take so its really hard to say.
Thank you again for such great commentaries! I do so appreciate them. You never need to think I wouldn't! I am so happy to read them, they are always so helpful!!!!! I'd been wondering what happened about that appointment, so I'm glad you let me know. I hope you're able to find something that will help you. The only thing that's helped me is the Pro15 that I take for my stomach. It hasn't cured it by any means, but it's much better then it was, so that's a step in the right direction anyway. Yesterday Sat. April 2nd I read Zechariah 13
v.8 "In the whole land,” declares the Lord, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it."
This seemed like the remnant that God always has.
Today Sunday April 3rd I read Zechariah 14
It has a lot of End times prophecies
v. 4 "On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south."
v.12 "This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths."
What horror for those people, I would not want to be ever counted among them. Me either. I'm so ready to go Home..... but that's partly just because I'm just on overload due to pain and new health problems. today I started reading Luke 24, about the resurrection. I love reading this part! It reminded me again how important it is to know His Word and believe it. This commentary says it better than I can:
At this point two angels appeared on the scene. Matthew 28:2 and Mark 16:5 mention only one of the two, the one who gave the message to the women. There was a kind rebuke in his message as he reminded them of their bad memories! More than once, Jesus had told His followers that He would suffer and die and be raised from the dead (Matt. 16:21; Matt. 17:22–23; Matt. 20:17–19; Luke 9:22, Luke 9:44; Luke 18:31–34). How sad it is when God’s people forget His Word and live defeated lives. Today, the Spirit of God assists us to remember His Word (John 14:26). The Bible exposition commentary
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Post by Cindy on Apr 5, 2016 10:23:01 GMT -5
Sorry guys, my eyes, among other things, are hurting too much to write anymore. I posted in the chat thread in Christian chat about what's going on with me if you want to read it. I'm studying Luke 24:13–35 On the Road to Emmaus now.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,385
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Post by fearnot on Apr 5, 2016 23:38:15 GMT -5
Today was the day I actually saw my PCP. It was both sort of good news and frustrating too. He is still doing the work of 2 doctors literally. They have not yet found a replacement and he has taken the full load of that doctor, plus his normal load of patients.
I think perhaps because it may yet be serveral months before they find another doctor willing to come to a very small ocean village clinic, he wrote 4 months worth of prescriptions for pain meds. YEAH!!
However I had a very short but frustrating chat. Stomp came up....I had already waited over an hour ( was not feeling well etc.) so I just said well mindfulness is Zen Buddhism. He said something like: Well doesn't the Christians have a 'sound' not unlike ohmmm that they chant? I said, maybe the Catholic monks do but I am not Catholic..... anyway Somehow he soon after said well I can't keep up with all the religions and now it seems WWIII is going to be started by the Christians against Islam. I was so tired and couldn't believe he really thought that....I did try to refute it and he proceeded to then bring up the Crusades and the Salem witch trials Oye Vey!!! He asked me: The Catholics were not the ones that burned the witches at the stake correct. I said: No I don't think they did.
But we didn't have any more time....so he seems to think the Christians are determined to kill Muslims ( I did try to refute that and he said well it's our country that is in the lead.....I said something like that is the government and he sort of smile/laughed.
So again I feel like I blew it for the Lord yet again, because I was not properly prepared to discuss the Crusades, the Witch trials,and WWIII. Anyway, I don't have to go back till the end of July!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,385
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Post by fearnot on Apr 5, 2016 23:44:03 GMT -5
Today April 5 I read Nehemiah I From v.5-11 is a great prayer example of Nehemiah.
v.5 “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
v. 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.
v.7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
v.8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,
v. 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
v. 10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.
v. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
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Post by Cindy on Apr 6, 2016 10:21:07 GMT -5
Today was the day I actually saw my PCP. It was both sort of good news and frustrating too. He is still doing the work of 2 doctors literally. They have not yet found a replacement and he has taken the full load of that doctor, plus his normal load of patients.
I think perhaps because it may yet be serveral months before they find another doctor willing to come to a very small ocean village clinic, he wrote 4 months worth of prescriptions for pain meds. YEAH!!
However I had a very short but frustrating chat. Stomp came up....I had already waited over an hour ( was not feeling well etc.) so I just said well mindfulness is Zen Buddhism. He said something like: Well doesn't the Christians have a 'sound' not unlike ohmmm that they chant? I said, maybe the Catholic monks do but I am not Catholic..... anyway Somehow he soon after said well I can't keep up with all the religions and now it seems WWIII is going to be started by the Christians against Islam. I was so tired and couldn't believe he really thought that....I did try to refute it and he proceeded to then bring up the Crusades and the Salem witch trials Oye Vey!!! He asked me: The Catholics were not the ones that burned the witches at the stake correct. I said: No I don't think they did.
But we didn't have any more time....so he seems to think the Christians are determined to kill Muslims ( I did try to refute that and he said well it's our country that is in the lead.....I said something like that is the government and he sort of smile/laughed.
So again I feel like I blew it for the Lord yet again, because I was not properly prepared to discuss the Crusades, the Witch trials,and WWIII. Anyway, I don't have to go back till the end of July! No, you didn't blow it dear. Remember, the Lord said NOT to give our precious truth to dogs or swine and he is a perfect example of what Jesus meant when he said that. He very obviously isn't interested in the Truth, he only wants to attack and break you down, he only wants to accuse you, Jesus and the Church. Now who does that sound like? Satan - the accuser. Jesus doesn't expect us to explain to people like that. The most I would have said is something like, "what you're saying only shows how little you understand about God's Word" and left it right there. I'm glad you got your meds though, that's great!Today April 5 I read Nehemiah I From v.5-11 is a great prayer example of Nehemiah.
v.5 “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
v. 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.
v.7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
v.8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,
v. 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
v. 10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.
v. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” Yes, that is a wonderful prayer, isn't it?
I wrote about some of what I've been studying here: fresh-hope.com/thread/2143/exciting-share
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,385
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Post by fearnot on Apr 6, 2016 18:18:33 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy I have been sort of down all day, thinking of what I could have said, said better, etc.
For example, I did a search on the Salem witch trials. I learned it lasted just one year, 200 people were accused but 'only' ( I don't mean to imply this info in a non caring way) 20 were hanged ( none were burned at the stake).
Tho it still is a blight on Christians, an Islamic terrorist kills 20 people in one suicide bomb, or bomb. I only mention Islam because he tried to put them (Christians and Islam) on the same level of murdering people.
And yet, I am still not convinced that he is evil, I do think he is misinformed. But nevertheless, your words did bring tears to my eyes, because I felt like such a bad ambassador for the Lord. I did pray fervently to have a meek and quiet spirit before I went.
I also think ( tho he didn't say so) he was miffed that I refused STOMP.... because he, himself, read close to 200 pages the psych guy gave him on the program. I think it must have been a very clever propaganda piece.
I know in the past I have been sweetly arrogant (not a meek spirit) about various issues so I think that he also may have 'attacked', due maybe because doctors don't like that? Who does?
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Post by Cindy on Apr 7, 2016 11:15:15 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy I have been sort of down all day, thinking of what I could have said, said better, etc.
For example, I did a search on the Salem witch trials. I learned it lasted just one year, 200 people were accused but 'only' ( I don't mean to imply this info in a non caring way) 20 were hanged ( none were burned at the stake).
Tho it still is a blight on Christians, an Islamic terrorist kills 20 people in one suicide bomb, or bomb. I only mention Islam because he tried to put them (Christians and Islam) on the same level of murdering people.
And yet, I am still not convinced that he is evil, I do think he is misinformed. But nevertheless, your words did bring tears to my eyes, because I felt like such a bad ambassador for the Lord. I did pray fervently to have a meek and quiet spirit before I went.
I also think ( tho he didn't say so) he was miffed that I refused STOMP.... because he, himself, read close to 200 pages the psych guy gave him on the program. I think it must have been a very clever propaganda piece.
I know in the past I have been sweetly arrogant (not a meek spirit) about various issues so I think that he also may have 'attacked', due maybe because doctors don't like that? Who does? Now, wait, I didn't say he was evil, , I said that we aren't to share our pearls with people like him! It's fine to pray for his salvation, but other then that, you don't need to say anything to him about the Lord for all that does is give him more ammunition to use against you and others. It gives him more ammunition, not because you say anything wrong, but because that's what he's looking for, and that's all he's interested in. The Lord tells us we'll know people by their fruit, and you've told me his words and reactions to things for years now. I seriously do not believe that you should attempt to witness to him with anything other then your life itself... in other words, your calm, loving, and gentle spirit. (The Spirit of the Lord) We think it sounds bad to say that, but it's not. Remember, that for some folks like this, Paul literally turned them over to Satan so that they would learn not to blaspheme! You're not doing that. Instead, you're leaving them in the Lord's hands to do as He sees fit. We have to submit to the Lord and His Word even when we're uncomfortable with it and wish we didn't have to.
I've found though that it's always for that persons best though, and sometimes the Lord can work amazing things in their life if we will let them go and leave them to Him. I don't know if you ever noticed on our old board, but I'm sure you remember the years that I used to post in apologetics. Then I stopped posting in there because I realized that every single person that was posting at that time was not interested in the truth. They were only interested in arguing! That was my first step of obedience. The second stop was when new people would come post on the board, sometimes even in other forums (usually the atheists). Instead of "witnessing to them" or even telling them the truth about whatever they'd posted about, I simply told them that if they really wanted to know the Truth, they simply had to ask God to reveal the Truth about Himself to them, and read the Bible - and I would at times suggest where they should start their reading from. And that was it. I refused to say another word to them about it. That really bothered them because, as I knew, all they wanted to do was argue. They too are the kind we're not to give our pearls to.
I'm quite sure he was upset that you didn't do that program. By not doing it, and by telling him it went against your beliefs, you were in his mind telling him that he was offering things that were not good to his patients. And, that's the Truth. He is offering patients things that will harm instead of help them. Remember, people (including us) hate to give up their sins; we love sin, we don't want to be reminded that something is a sin or bad for us, and neither does he.
The other thing we have to remember is that we do not know what other people have told him, including members of his family or his close friends or even other patients or his staff. It's quite possible that others have suggested the same thing to him or may have been even more adamant about it then you were. We have a tendency to think that someones salvation or even just their learning the truth about something is all up to us, but it's not. As the Lord told Paul, He has many people in the city who love Him and do His Will.
I feel I should ask why you're making so many excuses for him? I know you have a soft and loving heart, and that you, like me, hate to think that anyone is beyond our ability to show the truth to - or rather make them see the truth lol. I have a feeling that you're probably stubborn like me too (another of my many sins). Trying to reach others for the Lord is always good, if that's what we're doing. But just as Jesus never forced Himself on anyone, neither can we. In fact, Jesus never even attempted to make people believe Him or believe in Him. He didn't give them lots of chances either. He told them the truth and that was it. They either accepted it or not. We're the ones that tend to nag people to death about it.
You were (and are) a good ambassador for the Lord. Doubts of that are most likely from the accuser, Satan, because God wouldn't cause you to feel depressed or down about it. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and faith, Satan's sorrow leads to depression. You know that hon. None of us are perfect and we won't be until we get to heaven, God knows that, and loves us anyway. He wants us to see each situation as a learning experience, not as something to beat ourselves up with. If we've done something that was sinful, then certainly, we should say so and repent and then as God tells us through Paul in His Word, forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14)
You're doing a very good job, don't let Satan tell you otherwise!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 7, 2016 21:54:12 GMT -5
I think I really understand now. Thank you!
I forgot about turning people over to Satan....so yeah I didn't do that.
And you really made it clear, that I was in fact, saying that he was offering things not good to his patients. I agree its true...Stomp is not good!! But I didn't really see it so clearly as you put it.
He may have also decided he didn't need to see me for 4 mts (not only because he has taken on all the patients of another doctor), and I wondered if maybe the Lord arranged it... but also because, he was angry that I was implying he was wrong about this.
Which maybe was also why he decided to attack Christianity so hard. He may have prepared it ahead of time, but I was blind sided not being prepared for his put downs.
Well, I am actually glad I don't have to go for 4 mts and he did write the pain prescriptions so I don't have to worry about that for 4 mts....maybe we will be outta here by then. Thank you again soooo much!
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fearnot
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Post by fearnot on Apr 7, 2016 22:42:08 GMT -5
Wed April 6th I read Nehemiah 2 I wondered why he was so afraid to be sad before the king. I read several thoughts on the matter, but it seems you could be killed for being sad in front of the king...so that right there could cause great fear, even after praying. Nevertheless, Nehemiah petitioned the king and because the gracious hand of God was on him the king granted his requests.
I think this is a good reminder to me to be fully prayed up when about to ask anyone a favor.
Thurs April 7th I read Nehemiah 3 Tells who built which part of the wall...everybody worked together. It was greatly organized....something I really need!
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Post by Cindy on Apr 8, 2016 11:42:09 GMT -5
I think I really understand now. Thank you!
I forgot about turning people over to Satan....so yeah I didn't do that.
And you really made it clear, that I was in fact, saying that he was offering things not good to his patients. I agree its true...Stomp is not good!! But I didn't really see it so clearly as you put it.
He may have also decided he didn't need to see me for 4 mts (not only because he has taken on all the patients of another doctor), and I wondered if maybe the Lord arranged it... but also because, he was angry that I was implying he was wrong about this.
Which maybe was also why he decided to attack Christianity so hard. He may have prepared it ahead of time, but I was blind sided not being prepared for his put downs.
Well, I am actually glad I don't have to go for 4 mts and he did write the pain prescriptions so I don't have to worry about that for 4 mts....maybe we will be outta here by then. Thank you again soooo much! You do realize that your doctor actually just gave you a tremendous blessing don't you?“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10–12) Far from letting our Lord down, He was rejoicing that another of His children had earned a wonderful reward and He can't wait till you see what it is! Wed April 6th I read Nehemiah 2 I wondered why he was so afraid to be sad before the king. I read several thoughts on the matter, but it seems you could be killed for being sad in front of the king...so that right there could cause great fear, even after praying. Nevertheless, Nehemiah petitioned the king and because the gracious hand of God was on him the king granted his requests.
I think this is a good reminder to me to be fully prayed up when about to ask anyone a favor.
Thurs April 7th I read Nehemiah 3 Tells who built which part of the wall...everybody worked together. It was greatly organized....something I really need! I love Nehemiah. I think chapter 3 shows us that everyone has something to do, even if it's something that seems like an "every day common chore". When that every day chore is done for the Lord, it makes that thing glorious to our Lord. It also shows us in Nehemiah 3:23 and Nehemiah 3:28 that the Lord wants us each to start at our own home. Too often we think of everyone and everything besides our own house and our own family. But if we each served the Lord in our own homes first, what a difference it would make in our world!
I added another book to my favorites list for you!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 8, 2016 22:56:36 GMT -5
No, Ididn't realize it was a blessing.....gee another verse I never thought of in respect to that appointment. Thank you again for that verse!
It's so hard to sit on my hands...or rather shut my mouth....I keep wanting to defend the Lord's honor and in my head keep thinking of things to say in 4 mts. I know....don't go there!! sigh!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 8, 2016 23:09:16 GMT -5
Today Friday April 8th
I read Nehemiah 4
Sanballat ridiculed the Jews saying, “What are those feeble Jews doing"?
So as expected first thing Nehemiah does is to pray. And he tells the people not to be afaid and to remember the Lord who is great!
Nevertheless, he instituted some practical security measures, but again reminds the people when and if they hear the trumpet sound, that ultimately God will fight for them.
And what workers they were! From the first light of dawn till the stars came out!!! Plus, they did not take their clothes off and keep their weapons always by themselves!
So there is plenty of applications to be applied!
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Post by Cindy on Apr 9, 2016 10:01:06 GMT -5
No, Ididn't realize it was a blessing.....gee another verse I never thought of in respect to that appointment. Thank you again for that verse!
It's so hard to sit on my hands...or rather shut my mouth....I keep wanting to defend the Lord's honor and in my head keep thinking of things to say in 4 mts. I know....don't go there!! sigh!
No, actually that's a good thing to do! Although you may not need those answers for him, you may need them someday for another person. Remember the prodigal son, and how he practiced in his mind what he'd say when he got back to his father? That and other scriptures show us that it's good for us to practice how we'll answer for the hope that is in us! So go for it, and enjoy the process! It's also another way the Lord uses to teach us and to help us remember His Word. Today Friday April 8th
I read Nehemiah 4
Sanballat ridiculed the Jews saying, “What are those feeble Jews doing"?
So as expected first thing Nehemiah does is to pray. And he tells the people not to be afaid and to remember the Lord who is great!
Nevertheless, he instituted some practical security measures, but again reminds the people when and if they hear the trumpet sound, that ultimately God will fight for them.
And what workers they were! From the first light of dawn till the stars came out!!! Plus, they did not take their clothes off and keep their weapons always by themselves!
So there is plenty of applications to be applied!
That's for sure, especially the idea that prayer is always our first reaction!
I finally finished Luke and just barely began to study John 1:1-12. When I got to verse 12, I had to share about some things here, so I added another article. It's a must read. fresh-hope.com/thread/2161/biblical-labels-millions-people-free
You all won't believe what happened last night! I was asked to lead a funeral service for a co worker of Bruce! You can imagine my reaction when Bruce passed the request on to me! I really don't want to do it, but if the Lord wants me to, I will. They're supposed to call and talk to us about it later today, so I'm talking to Him and trying to decide what my answer should be.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 9, 2016 22:13:09 GMT -5
I did wonder if thinking about how I could answer all those questions might not be good for....well....first me LOL... but also, someone else in the future.
Wouldn't you just know it, in today's letters to the editor section of today's newspaper, some man from Calif ( why he is replying to a small Oregon coastal editorial paper is another question)..
Anyway, he was attacking another reader, who had said our country was founder on Judo-Christian values. The attacker went into a tirade about: Oh you mean the values that burned innocent woman at the stake in Salem, the one of the horrors of the crusades, the same God of Abram that is exactly the same one worshiped by the Muslims and on and on and on.
So maybe I do need to think of some Godly answers since this scoffing hatefilled litany seems to be thing to trot out.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 9, 2016 22:23:36 GMT -5
Today saturday April 9th
I read Nehemiah 5
It seems the nobles and officials were charging their people interesth which made Nemhemiah very angry! he says to the elite in v.9 "9 So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?"
I should be careful to also walk in the fear of God to avoid reproach of unbelievers. Nemhemiah was very careful not to abuse he fellow Jews but to also make every effort to help them with food etc.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 11, 2016 10:43:18 GMT -5
I did wonder if thinking about how I could answer all those questions might not be good for....well....first me LOL... but also, someone else in the future.
Wouldn't you just know it, in today's letters to the editor section of today's newspaper, some man from Calif ( why he is replying to a small Oregon coastal editorial paper is another question)..
Anyway, he was attacking another reader, who had said our country was founder on Judo-Christian values. The attacker went into a tirade about: Oh you mean the values that burned innocent woman at the stake in Salem, the one of the horrors of the crusades, the same God of Abram that is exactly the same one worshiped by the Muslims and on and on and on.
So maybe I do need to think of some Godly answers since this scoffing hatefilled litany seems to be thing to trot out. It can't hurt, it's always good to study God's Word. Look again at what you wrote that they said... do you see how they again went off the original topic? the original topic was that our country was built on judeo Christian values, not about witch hunts or anything else!Today saturday April 9th
I read Nehemiah 5
It seems the nobles and officials were charging their people interesth which made Nemhemiah very angry! he says to the elite in v.9 "9 So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?"
I should be careful to also walk in the fear of God to avoid reproach of unbelievers. Nemhemiah was very careful not to abuse he fellow Jews but to also make every effort to help them with food etc.
Yes, the people told Nehemiah that they were being charged what amounted to about 12% interest on their loans and that their property had also been taken away from them in order to pay their debts, and now they were having to sell themselves or their children. Nehemiah was righteously angry about this because God had forbidden them to do such a thing to each other right after He rescued them from Egypt. So everything Nehemiah made them swear to, was directly out of God's Word. Notice though, that although he was very angry, he first pondered it all in his mind, (he reflected on it) so as to get himself and his emotions under control before he spoke to them about it.
“When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are exacting usury from your own countrymen!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them” (Nehemiah 5:6–7)
He tells us how this happened too, the people began taking after the foreigners who were ruling over them. They wanted to be important, and accepted and so began to act just like them. We see that happening all the time, don't we?
Here's what I wrote about today: fresh-hope.com/thread/2166/amazing-say
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Post by evafromgreece on Apr 11, 2016 15:32:25 GMT -5
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fearnot
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Post by fearnot on Apr 11, 2016 22:49:55 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy. Yes, it seems like we are /men pleasers' instead of 'God pleasers'. Few are those who love the Lord so much they can withstand the onslaught of not being accepted by our fellowmen.
You did mention what you were having confusion about Eva? Would you care to share?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 11, 2016 23:09:43 GMT -5
Today sunday April 9th
I read Nehemiah 6
Interesting that Nehemiah didn't have a problem with being accepted by "Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies", in fact, he discerned that "they were scheming to harm me".
An application for me to muse about is that people don't have to be trying to literally kill us (me), to be either knowingly or unknowingly, harming us (me).
It's hard enough to sever ties with a non-believer, but imagine if they were persistent like Sanballat, who wrote Nehemiah 5 times?
And then the gloves came off, and the nice ( but sheming to harm him) words became more honest, in their true intentions to harm Nehemiah's reputation, trying to frighten etc.
Moday April 11 I read Nehemiah 7
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Post by Cindy on Apr 12, 2016 12:50:16 GMT -5
What are you confused about Eva? Haven't you read anything in the last 2 and a half weeks since you last posted? Did you see our replies to you? Have you been sick or hurt or something that you've been unable to be here? I sure have missed hearing from you! Thank you Cindy. Yes, it seems like we are /men pleasers' instead of 'God pleasers'. Few are those who love the Lord so much they can withstand the onslaught of not being accepted by our fellowmen.
You did mention what you were having confusion about Eva? Would you care to share? True... or really, when you boil it down to the nitty gritty, I think we're all really "self pleasers". At least I know I am unless I stay on top of it to control it; yet it seems like no matter how hard I try to, I constantly find times during the day, (usually in the evening) when I drop the ball. Today sunday April 9th
I read Nehemiah 6
Interesting that Nehemiah didn't have a problem with being accepted by "Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies", in fact, he discerned that "they were scheming to harm me".
An application for me to muse about is that people don't have to be trying to literally kill us (me), to be either knowingly or unknowingly, harming us (me).
It's hard enough to sever ties with a non-believer, but imagine if they were persistent like Sanballat, who wrote Nehemiah 5 times?
And then the gloves came off, and the nice ( but sheming to harm him) words became more honest, in their true intentions to harm Nehemiah's reputation, trying to frighten etc.
Moday April 11 I read Nehemiah 7
Yes, we saw the enemies work in Nehemiah 4:10–11. Whenever people promote fear, we can know they are not for us. They may not be an outright enemy as they were in Nehemiah's case, but at the very least, they don't know God. (Unless of course we're living in sin, outside His Will, for He will protect us as long as we're obeying Him) Notice that when the enemy wasn't able to get them to be fearful, they then tried subterfuge, but Nehemiah had discernment from the Lord, because He'd been obeying Him. So when that didn't work, they then tried slander, but that didn't work either. Instead of spending all his time defending himself, Nehemiah simply replied once that it wasn't true, and then went on about his work. That's a good model for us to follow as well when we're being slandered. God hates slander and gossip. (they're really the same thing) God will defend us in His time, we don't need to waste our energy doing so. Nehemiah's response to all this was really amazing, because he didn't get bitter, or angry, he just gave it all to the Lord and kept doing what He'd been called to do. I've got to remember that!
I love what one of my commentaries says about chapter 7:
Reading this long list of difficult names might be boring to the modern student, but these people were God’s “bridge” from the defeats of the past to the hopes of the future. These Jews were the “living link” that connected the historic past with the prophetic future and made it possible for Jesus to come into the world. Ezra 2 and Neh 7 are to the OT what Hebrews 11 is to the NT: a listing of the people whose faith and courage made things happen. Be Determined. Hebrews 11 is often called "the hall of faith".
One things confusing me though. If you look up at your post that I quoted, you said that that "today, Sunday, April 9th, I read Nehemiah 6." then you said later, that "Monday, April 11th," you read Nehemiah 7. You must have just mixed up the dates right? Cause you've been posting every day and so have I..... that's gotta be it, but for a minute there, it really threw me LOL.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 13, 2016 13:34:48 GMT -5
That's a really good to note what you said that:
"That's a good model for us to follow as well when we're being slandered. ....God will defend us in His time, we don't need to waste our energy doing so"
Yup! I do mix up dates and have typos, cuz I forget to re-read what I wrote at least half the time. sorry!
I am really curious about what you are confused about? Something in the Bible?
I noticed the Bible reading/study plan will complete the gospels in 45 days. How is it going?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 13, 2016 15:09:53 GMT -5
Oh one thing, when I first started really reading the Bible, I did find all the long lists of names a bit much ( well a LOT much and even dare I say 'boring').
But slowly on I began to change.
First someone pointed out at a BSF Bible study, how God gives people honor of being in the Bible ( even tho He sometimes doesn't give us their name, nevertheless He knows who they were and some day in Heaven we will meet them).
But secondly, I know this might sound weird, but after awhile ( as I began to know some of these people more and more),....
I just began to have pleasure in pronouncing their names.
For some odd reason, it gives me pleasure to be able to say their names, and rather than hurriedly race or speed read over them.
I now take time to say each one and try to get the pronunciation as good as I possible can.
So its a mix of now knowing... that's Jeremiah or Ezra, or Nehemiah who did such and such...
and
Just joy in being able to now pronounce their names....its fun even.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Apr 14, 2016 0:25:31 GMT -5
Today Wednesday April 13th
I read Nehemiah 8
Some Christians today get antsy if the pastor goes 5 or 10 minutes over the allotted time for the sermon ( usually around 30 mins or so)...not so in Nehemiah time
v.3 says that he read the law ( the Old Testament Bible) from: "He read it aloud from daybreak ....) I am thinking that is about 6 hours give or take 5 or 10 mins.!
Okay, I doubt 10 percent of Christians today could listen for 6 hour and it was not in comfy chairs with lattes
V.5 says: "Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up".
Both he and the people stood for 6 hours. Well surely after a marathon reading of 6 hours they were all grumpy!!
No not really, v. 6 saya:
"Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground."
So the application for me, is to continue with an ever greater adjustment change about reading God's word and studying His Word!
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Post by Cindy on Apr 14, 2016 9:56:20 GMT -5
That's a really good to note what you said that:
"That's a good model for us to follow as well when we're being slandered. ....God will defend us in His time, we don't need to waste our energy doing so"
Yup! I do mix up dates and have typos, cuz I forget to re-read what I wrote at least half the time. sorry!
I am really curious about what you are confused about? Something in the Bible?
I noticed the Bible reading/study plan will complete the gospels in 45 days. How is it going?
I do too, it just took me a minute to realize it was a mistake lol. My brain was only in first gear...Oh one thing, when I first started really reading the Bible, I did find all the long lists of names a bit much ( well a LOT much and even dare I say 'boring').
But slowly on I began to change.
First someone pointed out at a BSF Bible study, how God gives people honor of being in the Bible ( even tho He sometimes doesn't give us their name, nevertheless He knows who they were and some day in Heaven we will meet them).
But secondly, I know this might sound weird, but after awhile ( as I began to know some of these people more and more),....
I just began to have pleasure in pronouncing their names.
For some odd reason, it gives me pleasure to be able to say their names, and rather than hurriedly race or speed read over them.
I now take time to say each one and try to get the pronunciation as good as I possible can.
So its a mix of now knowing... that's Jeremiah or Ezra, or Nehemiah who did such and such...
and
Just joy in being able to now pronounce their names....its fun even. I found them hard at first too, until I realized as you did that every single one of those names represents a person that God knows and loves, just as He loves me and you. I think one reason He included all the names was to assure us that He knows us personally and that we're important to Him. And like you said, it is quite an honor to have your name included in His Word too!Today Wednesday April 13th
I read Nehemiah 8
Some Christians today get antsy if the pastor goes 5 or 10 minutes over the allotted time for the sermon ( usually around 30 mins or so)...not so in Nehemiah time
v.3 says that he read the law ( the Old Testament Bible) from: "He read it aloud from daybreak ....) I am thinking that is about 6 hours give or take 5 or 10 mins.!
Okay, I doubt 10 percent of Christians today could listen for 6 hour and it was not in comfy chairs with lattes
V.5 says: "Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up".
Both he and the people stood for 6 hours. Well surely after a marathon reading of 6 hours they were all grumpy!!
No not really, v. 6 saya:
"Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground."
So the application for me, is to continue with an ever greater adjustment change about reading God's word and studying His Word!
Amen! It shows me too how they truly appreciated and realized the great privilege and honor of being allowed to hear and know His word. It reminds me of the people in other countries who didn't have the Bible in their language for a very long time. I've seen videos of how they responded when the missionaries first brought them their very own bibles in their language. You'd have thought they'd just become the richest people in the entire world - and indeed they had! The attitude of most people in the so called "civilized" countries toward the bible is so pathetic that it's a slap in God's face. I remember as a child I'd left my bible in the living room, and when I came back in later, I found my mother had set her coffee cup on it. I had a fit! I wasn't disrespectful of her, but I cried and told her how very wrong that was because it was a Holy book and should never ever be treated the way you'd treat just any other book. I begged her to never do anything like that again, and she didn't. On the other hand, many people own bibles or at least one, but it does nothing but collect dust, which is just another way to slap God in His face. One day we will all finally realize just how Holy that book is, and how we should have treated it and paid attention to it. That will happen on the day the Lord holds everyone accountable for knowing what was in His word, because if they had access to it, whether they read it or not, they will be held accountable for knowing it and knowing Him through it. I guess it's just another way our sin nature reacts to anything Holy - make fun of it, minimize it, ignore it, but whatever you do, don't read or study it!
I've just started John 2 now and was reading about when Jesus turned water into wine. John 2:11 tells us this was the first of His miracles which let's us know that all those extra non biblical books that are supposed to be about Jesus as a child, are nothing more then fairy tales.
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