Matthew 2:1-12
Wise men
Characteristics
They were wise
They came from the east
They were seeking
They were observant to details
They traveled far
They came to worship Him
They rejoices greatly with exceedingly great joy when they saw the star over the house
They worshipped Him falling at His feet
They brought treasures and gifts for Jesus
They listened to divine warning in a dream
So these men were seeking God. And they weren't from Israel. This is exciting because it is once more confirming God had a much bigger plan that just Israel to be in relationship with Him. He wants all of us!
Things I want to learn from the wise men. When I worship bring my gifts to Him.
What are my biggest treasures and gifts to lay at his feet and worship Him with?
My husband, my children, things I love to do like sing and bake and write and run
My friendships
The opportunities to be a blessing to others. To give to others what He gives me. Share in His richness.
Also, to seek Him and be observant of the details He is showing me not to miss. To diligently seek Him. And to listen.
Lord help me use my gifts with a joyful heart and not with a checklist mindset. May I be alert and available for how You want me to spend today.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 1:18-25
Characters brought into the story:
Mary
mother of Jesus Christ
Betrothed to Joseph
She became pregnant with a child of the Holy Spirit
A virgin
Was taken by Joseph to be his wife
Was not with Joseph until after she gave birth
She gave birth to her firstborn son
Joseph
Betrothed to Mary
Joseph was a righteous man
Did not want to make a public example of Mary
Was thinking about putting her away quietly
Saw an angel of The Lord in a dream
Was called "Joseph song of David"
Was told not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife
Was told to name Him Jesus
Obeyed the angel of The Lord
Took Mary as his wife
Did not know her until after she gave birth
Named the baby Jesus
Jesus Christ
Conceived of by the Holy Spirit in Mary's body
Give his name by the angel of The Lord
Will save his people from their sons
He shall be called Immanuel: God with us
Angel of The Lord
Appears to Joseph in his dream
Instructs Joseph on how to handle the situation
I love how Joseph and Mary are submitted to God. Joseph doesn't act out of quick response. He is thinking to himself how to handle the situation and God appears to him and tells him what to do. He doesn't question it or analyze it, he wakes up and obeys and does what God tells him to do.
Application
I tend to be the type of person that once a decision is made I will step back and analyze and re analyze it, making sure is it really what God wants us to do? Did I really hear Him right? Like a wrestling through my thoughts to make sure that it is right before God.
What I need to make sure, is that once I know God has spoken to us on whatever it might be, that I don't need to keep analyzing it over and over. It's time to rest in it and trust God's direction and stop fretting.
God is showing me this in our school decisions. I am grieving through the losses that are at Cor Deo. The friends, the way that God takes center stage in everything at the school, a principal whose heart is to teach the kids Bible classes. Teachers that are personal and take the time to talk and care about me and my children. We are on our last month there. Saturday we went to an event at our kids new school next year and I came home in years broken up over those losses, and struggling with some things that I observed. Nick said we need to go back and pray about it again, seeking God to confirm our decision. God told me to follow Nick's leading, and God told Nick don't change the plans.
So even if its hard, or if the feelings don't all line up right now, we don't base out decisions on feelings of the moment, but I have to stand in what He has shown us to do.
Praying for the desire to do that in all the areas of my life.
Characters brought into the story:
Mary
mother of Jesus Christ
Betrothed to Joseph
She became pregnant with a child of the Holy Spirit
A virgin
Was taken by Joseph to be his wife
Was not with Joseph until after she gave birth
She gave birth to her firstborn son
Joseph
Betrothed to Mary
Joseph was a righteous man
Did not want to make a public example of Mary
Was thinking about putting her away quietly
Saw an angel of The Lord in a dream
Was called "Joseph song of David"
Was told not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife
Was told to name Him Jesus
Obeyed the angel of The Lord
Took Mary as his wife
Did not know her until after she gave birth
Named the baby Jesus
Jesus Christ
Conceived of by the Holy Spirit in Mary's body
Give his name by the angel of The Lord
Will save his people from their sons
He shall be called Immanuel: God with us
Angel of The Lord
Appears to Joseph in his dream
Instructs Joseph on how to handle the situation
I love how Joseph and Mary are submitted to God. Joseph doesn't act out of quick response. He is thinking to himself how to handle the situation and God appears to him and tells him what to do. He doesn't question it or analyze it, he wakes up and obeys and does what God tells him to do.
Application
I tend to be the type of person that once a decision is made I will step back and analyze and re analyze it, making sure is it really what God wants us to do? Did I really hear Him right? Like a wrestling through my thoughts to make sure that it is right before God.
What I need to make sure, is that once I know God has spoken to us on whatever it might be, that I don't need to keep analyzing it over and over. It's time to rest in it and trust God's direction and stop fretting.
God is showing me this in our school decisions. I am grieving through the losses that are at Cor Deo. The friends, the way that God takes center stage in everything at the school, a principal whose heart is to teach the kids Bible classes. Teachers that are personal and take the time to talk and care about me and my children. We are on our last month there. Saturday we went to an event at our kids new school next year and I came home in years broken up over those losses, and struggling with some things that I observed. Nick said we need to go back and pray about it again, seeking God to confirm our decision. God told me to follow Nick's leading, and God told Nick don't change the plans.
So even if its hard, or if the feelings don't all line up right now, we don't base out decisions on feelings of the moment, but I have to stand in what He has shown us to do.
Praying for the desire to do that in all the areas of my life.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Matthew 1:16&17
Matthew 1:16 & 17
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity of babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until Christ are fourteen generations.
Intrigues by this statement, I counted. Only got to two sets of fourteen and one set of 13. Not sure about the discrepancy. I looked online a little bit, would love to have a reputable commentary to read what they say on it. Some people said David is counted in the first and the second. I'm not sure, just like I'm not sure why a few kings got omitted, although those kings did wicked things, there were other kings included that also did wicked things that were included. I'm sure there were sound cultural foundation for the way it was put down.
That being said this is the account that Matthew put down. It does make you want to sit down with Matthew and discuss the choices he made on putting the genealogy together. Reasons why for certain things.
Summary:
God took a lot of people in need of redemption leading up to Jesus.
Not one perfect man. But a lot of people whose hearts belonged to The Lord and some that were not so faithful.
I know I skipped over Joseph and mary but in the next few verses it talks a lot about him so that will be my focus next.
Application:
Not much more application than from the last day, but just encouraged all the more in my time with God in the bible to keep studying and reading. I am excited to start studying my Savior's life :).
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity of babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until Christ are fourteen generations.
Intrigues by this statement, I counted. Only got to two sets of fourteen and one set of 13. Not sure about the discrepancy. I looked online a little bit, would love to have a reputable commentary to read what they say on it. Some people said David is counted in the first and the second. I'm not sure, just like I'm not sure why a few kings got omitted, although those kings did wicked things, there were other kings included that also did wicked things that were included. I'm sure there were sound cultural foundation for the way it was put down.
That being said this is the account that Matthew put down. It does make you want to sit down with Matthew and discuss the choices he made on putting the genealogy together. Reasons why for certain things.
Summary:
God took a lot of people in need of redemption leading up to Jesus.
Not one perfect man. But a lot of people whose hearts belonged to The Lord and some that were not so faithful.
I know I skipped over Joseph and mary but in the next few verses it talks a lot about him so that will be my focus next.
Application:
Not much more application than from the last day, but just encouraged all the more in my time with God in the bible to keep studying and reading. I am excited to start studying my Savior's life :).
Friday, April 26, 2013
Matthew 1:14-15
Matthew 1:14-15
Zerrubabbel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor.
Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud.
Eliud begot Matthan, Matthan begot Jacob.
So pretty much after Zerrubabbel it's really hard to trace the genealogy in the Bible. But summary is this. 8 more generations are going to go by before we come to Jacob's son, who is listed as Joseph in the next verse.
I have loved reading through the stories of those listed in this genealogy. One cool moment, was yesterday I was sharing with Josiah what I have been studying and he knew exactly what I was talking about because he had been studying through the kings in his bible time at school. :).
Application: with not much to go off of, I'm praying that God will speak to me in this. Honestly, I think the important thing is what I do, how I respond in every day stuff matters to God as He uses all of us for the bigger picture. Also, the generations that waited for their King makes me think as we wait for His return to be patient, He is not slow about His promise, but patient not wanting anyone to perish but to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)
That includes you and me and my children, and maybe my children's children? God knows the plan.
So make each day count like it's a thousand years for The Lord.
Zerrubabbel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor.
Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud.
Eliud begot Matthan, Matthan begot Jacob.
So pretty much after Zerrubabbel it's really hard to trace the genealogy in the Bible. But summary is this. 8 more generations are going to go by before we come to Jacob's son, who is listed as Joseph in the next verse.
I have loved reading through the stories of those listed in this genealogy. One cool moment, was yesterday I was sharing with Josiah what I have been studying and he knew exactly what I was talking about because he had been studying through the kings in his bible time at school. :).
Application: with not much to go off of, I'm praying that God will speak to me in this. Honestly, I think the important thing is what I do, how I respond in every day stuff matters to God as He uses all of us for the bigger picture. Also, the generations that waited for their King makes me think as we wait for His return to be patient, He is not slow about His promise, but patient not wanting anyone to perish but to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)
That includes you and me and my children, and maybe my children's children? God knows the plan.
So make each day count like it's a thousand years for The Lord.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
April 25th
Matthew 1:12
And after they were brought to Babylon Jeconiah begot Shealtiel and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.
Shealtiel is the father of Zerubbabel.
The story is with Zerubbabel
(Ezra 3:2,3, 8, 5:2 Nehemiah 7:7, 12:1,47. Haggai 1 & 2. Zechariah 4:6-10)
A captive who returned to Jerusalem. God told him and others it was time to rebuild His temple. Governor of Judah.
Helped build an altar of God in Israel, to offer burnt offerings on, just as written in the law of Moses. Both in the morning and the evening. Kept the feast of tabernacles
Helped to work on and oversee the house of The Lord, with prophets helping him. His hands laid the temple foundation and his hands would finish it.
Not by night not by power but by His Spirit. Not to fear His covenant is true His Spirit remains.
He is The Lord's servant.
The Lord also put on their hearts to be registered by genealogy at that time.
Application
It's so cool to see the beauty begin to be rebuilt after all the loss. Key points.
Don't jump ahead of God. Do it when He says and not before or after.
Be The Lord's servant. Work with my hands as He leads.
Do what He purposes in my heart to do.
It's not by my might or by my power, but only by His Spirit.
Don't fear, His Spirit remains and his covenant is true.
Lord please rebuild your temple inside of me. Let me be Your hands to finish the foundation of what you started me to do: my children, my marriage to Nick, and don't stop writing of His faithfulness. In time when you have moments listen to Him and share. By Your Spirit alone. I am not going to accomplish anything by my might or power :).
And after they were brought to Babylon Jeconiah begot Shealtiel and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.
Shealtiel is the father of Zerubbabel.
The story is with Zerubbabel
(Ezra 3:2,3, 8, 5:2 Nehemiah 7:7, 12:1,47. Haggai 1 & 2. Zechariah 4:6-10)
A captive who returned to Jerusalem. God told him and others it was time to rebuild His temple. Governor of Judah.
Helped build an altar of God in Israel, to offer burnt offerings on, just as written in the law of Moses. Both in the morning and the evening. Kept the feast of tabernacles
Helped to work on and oversee the house of The Lord, with prophets helping him. His hands laid the temple foundation and his hands would finish it.
Not by night not by power but by His Spirit. Not to fear His covenant is true His Spirit remains.
He is The Lord's servant.
The Lord also put on their hearts to be registered by genealogy at that time.
Application
It's so cool to see the beauty begin to be rebuilt after all the loss. Key points.
Don't jump ahead of God. Do it when He says and not before or after.
Be The Lord's servant. Work with my hands as He leads.
Do what He purposes in my heart to do.
It's not by my might or by my power, but only by His Spirit.
Don't fear, His Spirit remains and his covenant is true.
Lord please rebuild your temple inside of me. Let me be Your hands to finish the foundation of what you started me to do: my children, my marriage to Nick, and don't stop writing of His faithfulness. In time when you have moments listen to Him and share. By Your Spirit alone. I am not going to accomplish anything by my might or power :).
April 24th
Matthew 1:10-1
Hezekiah begot Manasseh
Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah
Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon
Manasseh
12 years old
Reigned 55 years
Did evil in the sight of The Lord
Raised alters for Baal and did witchcraft and soothsaying, set up other alters for the gods in the house of The Lord
Amon
22 years
Reigned 2 years
Did evil like his fathers. His servants conspired against him and killed him in his own house
Josiah
8 years old
Reigned 31 years
Did what is right in the sight of The Lord, walked in the ways of his father David. Josiah dies in battle
Skips Jehoahaz and jehoiakim
Jeconiah
8 years old
Reigned 3 months and 10 days. Did evil in the sight of The Lord
King Nebuchadnezzar summoned him and took him to Babylon.
Application
It finally is happening. Judah too has fallen away and God is sending them to Babylon.
My goal from this in my parenting:
Work on getting a grip on my kids hearts
Pray for them
Teach them with grace and truth
Spend time with them
Tell them of your faithfulness
Teach them a healthy fear for you.
Sometimes I feel so much pressure to do things right, and I make mistakes... I want to take this moment to remind myself that that He is the one that can do the work in my family, and that I need Him :)
Hezekiah begot Manasseh
Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah
Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon
Manasseh
12 years old
Reigned 55 years
Did evil in the sight of The Lord
Raised alters for Baal and did witchcraft and soothsaying, set up other alters for the gods in the house of The Lord
Amon
22 years
Reigned 2 years
Did evil like his fathers. His servants conspired against him and killed him in his own house
Josiah
8 years old
Reigned 31 years
Did what is right in the sight of The Lord, walked in the ways of his father David. Josiah dies in battle
Skips Jehoahaz and jehoiakim
Jeconiah
8 years old
Reigned 3 months and 10 days. Did evil in the sight of The Lord
King Nebuchadnezzar summoned him and took him to Babylon.
Application
It finally is happening. Judah too has fallen away and God is sending them to Babylon.
My goal from this in my parenting:
Work on getting a grip on my kids hearts
Pray for them
Teach them with grace and truth
Spend time with them
Tell them of your faithfulness
Teach them a healthy fear for you.
Sometimes I feel so much pressure to do things right, and I make mistakes... I want to take this moment to remind myself that that He is the one that can do the work in my family, and that I need Him :)
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
April 19-23
Matthew 1:7b-9
Rehoboam begot Abijam, and Abijam begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, Ahaz begot Hezekiah.
Well, it has taken several days to go through the studying of these verses. A lot of name confusion, and some men skipped in the genealogy. This is basically going to be a list of the facts on each of the fathers listed.
Abijam
King for 3 years.
1kings 15:3 heart was not loyal to The Lord God as David had been. Was at war with jeroboam king of Israel during that time, and there was a point where they relied on The Lord. (2 chronicles 13:18)
Asa
Reigned 41 years
1 kings 16:11 did what was right in the sight of The Lord
Heart was loyal to The Lord all his days
Judah's oath made during his reign: 2 chronicles 15:12-15 God gave them rest all around them as they sought Him with their souls
2chronicles 16:11-15 diseased in his feet, did not seek The Lord but the physicians. Then he died.
Jehoshaphat
35 years old when took the throne
Reigned 25 years
Looks for the word of The Lord in seeking out whether to go to battle
Said the word of The Lord was with Elisha
The only reason Elisha sees the king of Israel is because Jehoshaphat is with him
2 Chronicles 17
The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of David
He did not seek baals but the God of his fathers.
Walked according to the acts of God's commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.
Fear of The Lord fell around all the kingdoms surrounding Judah during his reign.
Jehoshaphat got mislead by king Ahab and almost died when going to war with him, but he cried out to The Lord and was saved.
Ended not so well by making a treaty with Ahaziah king of Israel who acted wickedly. The Lord destroys their work.
Jehoram (Joram not to be confused with Joram king of Israel)
32 years old when he took the throne
Reigned 8 years
Married Ahab's daughter and did evil in God's sight.
Killed all his brothers (2 Chronicles 21)
Walked in the ways of the kings of Israel just as Ahab had done.
The Lord would not destroy Judah for the sake of David. (V19 His promise to give David a lamp to Him and his sons)
Lost all his wives and sons and possessions in His house (except his son jehoahaz).
Is struck by The Lord with an incurable disease and his intestines all came out and died in severe pain.
No one sorrows when he died.
Ahaziah (also called Jehoahaz)
skipped in the genealogy of Jesus.
Three kings are skipped in Jesus genealogy before it reintroduces Huzziah
22 years old reigned one year.
Did evil like Ahab. (2 chronicles 22) Was a son in law of the house of Ahab. Mother was granddaughter of Omri, king of Israel: athaliah
Athaliah took the throne and killed all the royal heirs except Ahaziah's son Joash who was hidden from her. She reigned for six years. Then they killed her.
Joash (not mentioned in the geneology) took the throne. At 7 years old. He reigned 40 years in Jerusalem.
He did what was right in the Lord's eyes all the days of Jehoida the priest.
Worked to rebuild the temple. After Jehoida died, the king and the leaders of Judah left the house of The Lord, and worshipped images and idols. Would not listen to prophets of The Lord. When Jehoida's son Zechariah came down to confront him Joash kills his son.
Amaziah (skipped in the genealogy)
25 years old when he took the throne
Reigned 29 years.
Did what was right in The Lord's sight but not with a loyal heart. Turned away from following The Lord.
Uzziah (back into the genealogy)
Reigned at 16 years old
Reigned for 52 years
Did what was right in the sight of The Lord during the days of Zachariah The Lord made him prosper.
Entered in the temple when he shouldn't have, got leprosy and spent the rest of his days isolated.
Jotham
Reigned at 25 years old
Reigned 16 years
Did what was right in the sight of The Lord but the people acted corruptly.
Ahaz
20 years old
Reigned 16 years
Did not do what was right in the sight of The Lord. Made Baals burned his children in the fire
The Lord delivered him to the hand of the king of Syria. In his distressed e became increasingly unfaithful to The Lord.
Hezekiah
25 years old
Reigned 29 years
Mother was Abidjah, daughter of Zachariah
Did what was right in the sight of The Lord
Opened the temple
Time to minister to The Lord to worship in the temple
Keeps the Passover and feasts of unleavened bread
2 chronicles 30:12 God's hand was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and of the leaders at the word of The Lord
2 chronicles 31:21
In all the work he did was good and right before The Lord he sought God with all his heart and he prospered
He cried out to The Lord with Isaiah the prophet and God heard and saved them from Assyria
God gave him a sign when he was sick and near death and makes the son go back 10 degrees and gives him another 15 years of his life (2 kings 20:1-11) and then Hezekiah did not repay the favor, but then he humbles himself.
God tested his heart when princes of Babylon came to visit and Hezekiah shows them all the treasures.
Isaiah prophesies that it will all be taken away some of the sons will be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Hezekiah is okay with it because there will still be peace in his time
One side note observation from the split of Judah and Israel there is not one king of Israel mentioned that did good in the sight of The Lord.
Application
I still have so much to go through in the genealogy. Almost up to the kingdom that gets taken into Babylon
So much thoughts here. Watching the kings that did what was right in the sight of The Lord, vs the kings that did evil, then the kings that were doing right only when a certain priest or person was there but once that person died they turned away. And even the kings who did right made mistakes
We need a Savior. We will make mistakes and there will be consequences for those choices. God also wants to redeem. That seems to be common theme. He is very patient between all these kings that go back and forth in their faithfulness or lack of faithfulness. He is jealous for His people and their hearts. And he releases them into the choices they make with the desire that they will come back to Him.
My application: seek Him with all my heart
Be loyal to Him. Don't put my faith based on the people around me but on Him, whom is always consistent. Be careful to not make choices based on what those around me say... Without taking time to inquire of The Lord and seek the counsel of those in authority He has placed in my life: aka nick, pastors, missional community leaders... Wisdom from those who have gone before and are walking faithfully in their life to God. Those that speak truth that line up with His word.
In sickness take time to pray to The Lord for healing.
Remember what He has done. Don't ever forget it! Tell of His faithfulness in my life to my children and my children's children :)
Rehoboam begot Abijam, and Abijam begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, Ahaz begot Hezekiah.
Well, it has taken several days to go through the studying of these verses. A lot of name confusion, and some men skipped in the genealogy. This is basically going to be a list of the facts on each of the fathers listed.
Abijam
King for 3 years.
1kings 15:3 heart was not loyal to The Lord God as David had been. Was at war with jeroboam king of Israel during that time, and there was a point where they relied on The Lord. (2 chronicles 13:18)
Asa
Reigned 41 years
1 kings 16:11 did what was right in the sight of The Lord
Heart was loyal to The Lord all his days
Judah's oath made during his reign: 2 chronicles 15:12-15 God gave them rest all around them as they sought Him with their souls
2chronicles 16:11-15 diseased in his feet, did not seek The Lord but the physicians. Then he died.
Jehoshaphat
35 years old when took the throne
Reigned 25 years
Looks for the word of The Lord in seeking out whether to go to battle
Said the word of The Lord was with Elisha
The only reason Elisha sees the king of Israel is because Jehoshaphat is with him
2 Chronicles 17
The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of David
He did not seek baals but the God of his fathers.
Walked according to the acts of God's commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.
Fear of The Lord fell around all the kingdoms surrounding Judah during his reign.
Jehoshaphat got mislead by king Ahab and almost died when going to war with him, but he cried out to The Lord and was saved.
Ended not so well by making a treaty with Ahaziah king of Israel who acted wickedly. The Lord destroys their work.
Jehoram (Joram not to be confused with Joram king of Israel)
32 years old when he took the throne
Reigned 8 years
Married Ahab's daughter and did evil in God's sight.
Killed all his brothers (2 Chronicles 21)
Walked in the ways of the kings of Israel just as Ahab had done.
The Lord would not destroy Judah for the sake of David. (V19 His promise to give David a lamp to Him and his sons)
Lost all his wives and sons and possessions in His house (except his son jehoahaz).
Is struck by The Lord with an incurable disease and his intestines all came out and died in severe pain.
No one sorrows when he died.
Ahaziah (also called Jehoahaz)
skipped in the genealogy of Jesus.
Three kings are skipped in Jesus genealogy before it reintroduces Huzziah
22 years old reigned one year.
Did evil like Ahab. (2 chronicles 22) Was a son in law of the house of Ahab. Mother was granddaughter of Omri, king of Israel: athaliah
Athaliah took the throne and killed all the royal heirs except Ahaziah's son Joash who was hidden from her. She reigned for six years. Then they killed her.
Joash (not mentioned in the geneology) took the throne. At 7 years old. He reigned 40 years in Jerusalem.
He did what was right in the Lord's eyes all the days of Jehoida the priest.
Worked to rebuild the temple. After Jehoida died, the king and the leaders of Judah left the house of The Lord, and worshipped images and idols. Would not listen to prophets of The Lord. When Jehoida's son Zechariah came down to confront him Joash kills his son.
Amaziah (skipped in the genealogy)
25 years old when he took the throne
Reigned 29 years.
Did what was right in The Lord's sight but not with a loyal heart. Turned away from following The Lord.
Uzziah (back into the genealogy)
Reigned at 16 years old
Reigned for 52 years
Did what was right in the sight of The Lord during the days of Zachariah The Lord made him prosper.
Entered in the temple when he shouldn't have, got leprosy and spent the rest of his days isolated.
Jotham
Reigned at 25 years old
Reigned 16 years
Did what was right in the sight of The Lord but the people acted corruptly.
Ahaz
20 years old
Reigned 16 years
Did not do what was right in the sight of The Lord. Made Baals burned his children in the fire
The Lord delivered him to the hand of the king of Syria. In his distressed e became increasingly unfaithful to The Lord.
Hezekiah
25 years old
Reigned 29 years
Mother was Abidjah, daughter of Zachariah
Did what was right in the sight of The Lord
Opened the temple
Time to minister to The Lord to worship in the temple
Keeps the Passover and feasts of unleavened bread
2 chronicles 30:12 God's hand was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and of the leaders at the word of The Lord
2 chronicles 31:21
In all the work he did was good and right before The Lord he sought God with all his heart and he prospered
He cried out to The Lord with Isaiah the prophet and God heard and saved them from Assyria
God gave him a sign when he was sick and near death and makes the son go back 10 degrees and gives him another 15 years of his life (2 kings 20:1-11) and then Hezekiah did not repay the favor, but then he humbles himself.
God tested his heart when princes of Babylon came to visit and Hezekiah shows them all the treasures.
Isaiah prophesies that it will all be taken away some of the sons will be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Hezekiah is okay with it because there will still be peace in his time
One side note observation from the split of Judah and Israel there is not one king of Israel mentioned that did good in the sight of The Lord.
Application
I still have so much to go through in the genealogy. Almost up to the kingdom that gets taken into Babylon
So much thoughts here. Watching the kings that did what was right in the sight of The Lord, vs the kings that did evil, then the kings that were doing right only when a certain priest or person was there but once that person died they turned away. And even the kings who did right made mistakes
We need a Savior. We will make mistakes and there will be consequences for those choices. God also wants to redeem. That seems to be common theme. He is very patient between all these kings that go back and forth in their faithfulness or lack of faithfulness. He is jealous for His people and their hearts. And he releases them into the choices they make with the desire that they will come back to Him.
My application: seek Him with all my heart
Be loyal to Him. Don't put my faith based on the people around me but on Him, whom is always consistent. Be careful to not make choices based on what those around me say... Without taking time to inquire of The Lord and seek the counsel of those in authority He has placed in my life: aka nick, pastors, missional community leaders... Wisdom from those who have gone before and are walking faithfully in their life to God. Those that speak truth that line up with His word.
In sickness take time to pray to The Lord for healing.
Remember what He has done. Don't ever forget it! Tell of His faithfulness in my life to my children and my children's children :)
Thursday, April 18, 2013
April 18th, 2013
Matthew 1:7a Solomon begot Rehoboam
Conclusion of Solomon 1 Kings 11:4 Solomon turns away his heart after other gods. His heart was not wholly devoted to God as his father David was.
Facts on Rehoboam
His mother was Naamah, an Ammonitess
He became king of Judah (not king of Israel) and reigned 17 years
How he lost his kingdom (1 Kings 12)
Rehoboam consults with elders who had served with his father.
The people have asked for a lightened load and promise to be faithful to him.
They advised him to be a servant to this people, and serve them today. the people asked for a lightened load.
He ignores their advise and listens to his friends instead and makes their load thicker.
Israel departs and appoints a new king. Rehoboam is left to lead Judah. The division in the land begins.
2 Chronicles 11 - his second wife, Maacah, whom he loved more than all of his other wives - daughter of Absalom, gave him his son Abijah.
He appointed Abijah to be head and leader among his brothers. He intended to make Abijah king.
Rehoboam acted wisely and distributed some of his sons through out all the territories of Judah and Benjamin and to all the fortified cities. He gave them food in abundance and sought wives for them. All together he had 28 sons and 60 daughters.
2 Chronicles 12:14 He did evil because he did not set in his heart to seek the Lord.
Application
Be watchful, as I get older, to set in my heart to seek the Lord. Do what I need to do to keep my heart wholly devoted on God.
Seek to listen out to the counsel of those who have walked roads ahead of me.
I think it can be an easy thing the older we get to be more complacent in our walk with the Lord. We get tired - it is a lot of work to be an adult sometimes ;) But it is so important that we make our priority Jesus. And let everything else fall around Him. And that we finish strong!
I pray some day I can be a delightful old woman that shines Jesus love to my family and my friends and those I don't know... no matter what life circumstances come my way as I age, that every day will count. Thinking of a verse recently I heard on Focus on the Family broadcast: 2 Peter 3:8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice beloved, that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.
May each day I live, be as valuable as a thousand years. Today is important to God.
Conclusion of Solomon 1 Kings 11:4 Solomon turns away his heart after other gods. His heart was not wholly devoted to God as his father David was.
Facts on Rehoboam
His mother was Naamah, an Ammonitess
He became king of Judah (not king of Israel) and reigned 17 years
How he lost his kingdom (1 Kings 12)
Rehoboam consults with elders who had served with his father.
The people have asked for a lightened load and promise to be faithful to him.
They advised him to be a servant to this people, and serve them today. the people asked for a lightened load.
He ignores their advise and listens to his friends instead and makes their load thicker.
Israel departs and appoints a new king. Rehoboam is left to lead Judah. The division in the land begins.
2 Chronicles 11 - his second wife, Maacah, whom he loved more than all of his other wives - daughter of Absalom, gave him his son Abijah.
He appointed Abijah to be head and leader among his brothers. He intended to make Abijah king.
Rehoboam acted wisely and distributed some of his sons through out all the territories of Judah and Benjamin and to all the fortified cities. He gave them food in abundance and sought wives for them. All together he had 28 sons and 60 daughters.
2 Chronicles 12:14 He did evil because he did not set in his heart to seek the Lord.
Application
Be watchful, as I get older, to set in my heart to seek the Lord. Do what I need to do to keep my heart wholly devoted on God.
Seek to listen out to the counsel of those who have walked roads ahead of me.
I think it can be an easy thing the older we get to be more complacent in our walk with the Lord. We get tired - it is a lot of work to be an adult sometimes ;) But it is so important that we make our priority Jesus. And let everything else fall around Him. And that we finish strong!
I pray some day I can be a delightful old woman that shines Jesus love to my family and my friends and those I don't know... no matter what life circumstances come my way as I age, that every day will count. Thinking of a verse recently I heard on Focus on the Family broadcast: 2 Peter 3:8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice beloved, that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.
May each day I live, be as valuable as a thousand years. Today is important to God.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
April 16th & 17th combined
Matthew 1:6b
David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah
First off, let me say, I didn't try to skip yesterday. I had written a bunch out and it all got erased when I pressed a button to go backwards. That being said, I will try again, and I am praying God will have me write and show me what He wants.
1 kings 15:5
David's one fall: David did what was right in the sight of The Lord, and had not turned aside from anything commanded except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.
In that case, he committed adultery with Uriah's wife, got her pregnant, tried to hide his sin bringing Uriah back from the war. When Uriah didn't cooperate, David sent him back to the war carrying his very own death note to give to the commander. Uriah is killed in battle and David takes his wife Bathsheba to be his.
Consequences:
2 Samuel 12:10
Sword will never leave men his house because he despised The Lord and took the wife of Uriah to be his.
2 Samuel 12:14 because of this the enemies of The Lord are given great room to blaspheme
And also the child who is to be born to Bathsheba will surely die
Consequences. Choices that we make do have consequences.
Interesting to read in proverbs 6 Solomon, second child of David and Bathsheba write about adultery.
V 32: the one who commits adultery lacks understanding, destroys his own soul, v 33: gets wounds and dishonor, his reproach will not be wiped away, v 29 shall not be innocent
V31 may have to give up all the substance in his house.
Application
We have all made mistakes. And there are consequences.
One of the consequences that stood out to me was that it causes enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. To me, that is one of the worse consequences of all, that something I would do would give opportunity for blaspheming. Especially in my own home. My biggest regret as a parent would be some day if my actions did not reflect the true nature of Christ to my children that they would turn away and not want to have anything to do with Him. Oh how I pray for Christ in my weaknesses to turn those into opportunity to teach my children instead of turning them away from the cross.
One thing that gives me hope is 2 Samuel 12:24
After Nathan had confronted David on his sin, David had true repentance in his heart. He prayed and petition that God would spare the child's life. But God took the child. David's heart was back with The Lord. And The Lord didn't hold it over David for years to come, although his whole family had struggles and consequences from the decision. However back to 2 Samuel 2:24 David and Bathsheba conceived again, and she bore a son and called his name Solomon. And The Lord loves Solomon and sent Nathan to tell them that. And Nathan called him Jedidiah, which means beloved of The Lord.
God brings even adulterous situation and heals it into his family line. There is no sin too big for God to forgive. He loves Solomon, and has great plans for his life. Once again the story of redemption continues, showing how gracious and compassionate and forgiving our God is.
David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah
First off, let me say, I didn't try to skip yesterday. I had written a bunch out and it all got erased when I pressed a button to go backwards. That being said, I will try again, and I am praying God will have me write and show me what He wants.
1 kings 15:5
David's one fall: David did what was right in the sight of The Lord, and had not turned aside from anything commanded except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.
In that case, he committed adultery with Uriah's wife, got her pregnant, tried to hide his sin bringing Uriah back from the war. When Uriah didn't cooperate, David sent him back to the war carrying his very own death note to give to the commander. Uriah is killed in battle and David takes his wife Bathsheba to be his.
Consequences:
2 Samuel 12:10
Sword will never leave men his house because he despised The Lord and took the wife of Uriah to be his.
2 Samuel 12:14 because of this the enemies of The Lord are given great room to blaspheme
And also the child who is to be born to Bathsheba will surely die
Consequences. Choices that we make do have consequences.
Interesting to read in proverbs 6 Solomon, second child of David and Bathsheba write about adultery.
V 32: the one who commits adultery lacks understanding, destroys his own soul, v 33: gets wounds and dishonor, his reproach will not be wiped away, v 29 shall not be innocent
V31 may have to give up all the substance in his house.
Application
We have all made mistakes. And there are consequences.
One of the consequences that stood out to me was that it causes enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. To me, that is one of the worse consequences of all, that something I would do would give opportunity for blaspheming. Especially in my own home. My biggest regret as a parent would be some day if my actions did not reflect the true nature of Christ to my children that they would turn away and not want to have anything to do with Him. Oh how I pray for Christ in my weaknesses to turn those into opportunity to teach my children instead of turning them away from the cross.
One thing that gives me hope is 2 Samuel 12:24
After Nathan had confronted David on his sin, David had true repentance in his heart. He prayed and petition that God would spare the child's life. But God took the child. David's heart was back with The Lord. And The Lord didn't hold it over David for years to come, although his whole family had struggles and consequences from the decision. However back to 2 Samuel 2:24 David and Bathsheba conceived again, and she bore a son and called his name Solomon. And The Lord loves Solomon and sent Nathan to tell them that. And Nathan called him Jedidiah, which means beloved of The Lord.
God brings even adulterous situation and heals it into his family line. There is no sin too big for God to forgive. He loves Solomon, and has great plans for his life. Once again the story of redemption continues, showing how gracious and compassionate and forgiving our God is.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
April 15th, 2013
Matthew 1:6
And Jesse begot David the king
Jesse was a Bethelmite. The LORD had chosen a king from one of his sons.
Samuel came to the house of Jesse and had seven of his sons pass before him. The LORD tells Samuel He sees not as man sees (1 Samuel 16:7) David is chosen, Samuel annoints David in front of all his brothers. Then the Spirit of The Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.
Description of David
Ruddy
Beautiful eyes
Handsome in appearance
A skillful musician
Mighty man of valor
A warrior
Prudent in speech
Isaiah 11:1 a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, a branch from his roots will bear fruit
The nations will resort to the root of Jesse who will stand as a signal for the peoples.
Application:
The Lord looks at the heart
He sees not as man sees
I wanted to focus on that and track down a few verses to end there today.
Proverbs 31:30 charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears The Lord is to be praised.
Psalm 139:13
For you saw my inward parts. You wove me in my mother's womb.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, do your work heartily to The Lord rather than men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is The Lord Christ whom you serve.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward, arranging hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel. Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is very precious in the sight of God.
And Jesse begot David the king
Jesse was a Bethelmite. The LORD had chosen a king from one of his sons.
Samuel came to the house of Jesse and had seven of his sons pass before him. The LORD tells Samuel He sees not as man sees (1 Samuel 16:7) David is chosen, Samuel annoints David in front of all his brothers. Then the Spirit of The Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.
Description of David
Ruddy
Beautiful eyes
Handsome in appearance
A skillful musician
Mighty man of valor
A warrior
Prudent in speech
Isaiah 11:1 a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, a branch from his roots will bear fruit
The nations will resort to the root of Jesse who will stand as a signal for the peoples.
Application:
The Lord looks at the heart
He sees not as man sees
I wanted to focus on that and track down a few verses to end there today.
Proverbs 31:30 charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears The Lord is to be praised.
Psalm 139:13
For you saw my inward parts. You wove me in my mother's womb.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, do your work heartily to The Lord rather than men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is The Lord Christ whom you serve.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward, arranging hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel. Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is very precious in the sight of God.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
April 14th, 2013
Matthew 1:5
Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse
Ruth the great grandmother of king David.
Facts and Characteristics of Ruth:
Widow of Mahlon
Moab woman
Leaves her country to stay with her mother in law
Her well known statement of faith:"your people will be my people, your God, my God"
Moves to Bethlehem with Naomi
Gleans in Boaz field
A hard worker
Her reputation proceeds her. Boaz has heard about her.
Is a respectful honoring woman, shows it to Naomi and to Boaz
God provides Boaz to take care of Ruth and Naomi
God blessed Ruth and Boaz with a son names Obed
Ruth is called better than seven sons to Naomi
Application
Ruth was faithful. She wanted this God of the family she married into, to be her God to. She shows her faithfulness to those around her. She works hard to care for her and Naomi
But ultimately, this God that she has chosen to follow, is the Provider He is faithful to her, and after they had lost everything in their lives of meaning and hope, He begins to restore all of it... And restore it beyond what they would imagine.
Lord help me be faithful to You, even when things are difficult, to stand in confidence, in You. You are faithful, I could write a book on Your faithfulness and never run out of stories to write, just in my own life.
Thank you for being a Redeeming God. Help me be faithful in telling Your gospel story and Your personal story of faithfulness in my life to others.
Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse
Ruth the great grandmother of king David.
Facts and Characteristics of Ruth:
Widow of Mahlon
Moab woman
Leaves her country to stay with her mother in law
Her well known statement of faith:"your people will be my people, your God, my God"
Moves to Bethlehem with Naomi
Gleans in Boaz field
A hard worker
Her reputation proceeds her. Boaz has heard about her.
Is a respectful honoring woman, shows it to Naomi and to Boaz
God provides Boaz to take care of Ruth and Naomi
God blessed Ruth and Boaz with a son names Obed
Ruth is called better than seven sons to Naomi
Application
Ruth was faithful. She wanted this God of the family she married into, to be her God to. She shows her faithfulness to those around her. She works hard to care for her and Naomi
But ultimately, this God that she has chosen to follow, is the Provider He is faithful to her, and after they had lost everything in their lives of meaning and hope, He begins to restore all of it... And restore it beyond what they would imagine.
Lord help me be faithful to You, even when things are difficult, to stand in confidence, in You. You are faithful, I could write a book on Your faithfulness and never run out of stories to write, just in my own life.
Thank you for being a Redeeming God. Help me be faithful in telling Your gospel story and Your personal story of faithfulness in my life to others.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
April 13th, 2013
Matthew 1:4b
Nahshon begot Salmon (going into vs 5 a little - Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab)
Can I just say, I always "knew" the story of the genealogy up to this point, but I didn't really grasp, how close the time frames were between families, until I realized who Nahshon was, and when he was around.
Nahshon was part of the generation that would not enter the promise land.
Israel would have to wait until that generation died off. But his son Salmon would take the land. Salmon would marry a harlot, who God would use to help Israel take the land.
Together they would have a son named Boaz.
In Ruth 2:1 it describes that Boaz is a man of great wealth. His character describes him as one that is protective of the women that glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. It also describes his response to Ruth, who questions his kindness: "The Lord repay your works, and a full reward be given to you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge."
He also is a man that protects Ruth's integrity, and would not let it be known that she came to the threshing floor in the middle of the night, to protect her reputation.
That says a lot about Boaz character. Boaz, whose mother was a harlot in Jericho. Whose father was a son of Nahshon, the leader of Judah during the time Moses led Israel out of Egypt.
Boaz first hand had seen through his mother's life, a woman that had come under the Lord's wings for refuge.
Going back to the story of Salmon and Rahab, I was thinking about the two spies that went into Jericho that Rahab protected. It doesn't say who the spies were. The romantic girl in me wants to believe that one of the spies was Salmon. Which would be a very high possibility that he would have been given such a role, because of the position his father had before him. But the Bible doesn't fill in that detail. So we don't know if that is true or not. However it does talk about Rahab.
Hebrews 11:31 - By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish after she welcomed the spies in peace.
And in Joshua 2 it talks about her faith. Rahab hides the two spies in, and protects them. She believes the Lord has given Israel the land. She heard what the Lord did at the Red Sea to Egypt, and to the two kings of the Ammorites. verse 11 is her declaration: "the Lord your God is God in heaven and on the earth beneath." She then petitions for her families life.
She is given a cord of scarlet thread to hang from her window, and gather her family in her home. If she honors her oath and does not tell others about the spies and their business, anyone in her home will be saved. In Joshua 6, her and her father's household and all she had is spared, and she lived in Israel the rest of her days.
And somewhere during that time Rahab and Salmon marry. And they raise a boy named Boaz.
Application:
I think Rahab, and later Ruth, are examples of God's desire to extend His love to those who would believe in Him. Rahab did believe, and even with her past He wanted her in His family. And not only was she chosen in His family, She became apart of the family line for the birth of His Son Jesus. Around us, there are people God desires to extend His love to. He sees them for who they are. And He looks at the heart. Rahab, even though her life was not one that would have been pleasing to God in Jericho, came to a point that she believed God was real and alive and with Israel. And when Jericho came down she was saved. And her new life in Israel began.
And it did begin. And the fruit of God in her life and in Salmon's life is evident in her son Boaz.
This family, filled with imperfect past is full of a redeeming God and His love. I can't wait to keep studying more on it tomorrow :)
Nahshon begot Salmon (going into vs 5 a little - Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab)
Can I just say, I always "knew" the story of the genealogy up to this point, but I didn't really grasp, how close the time frames were between families, until I realized who Nahshon was, and when he was around.
Nahshon was part of the generation that would not enter the promise land.
Israel would have to wait until that generation died off. But his son Salmon would take the land. Salmon would marry a harlot, who God would use to help Israel take the land.
Together they would have a son named Boaz.
In Ruth 2:1 it describes that Boaz is a man of great wealth. His character describes him as one that is protective of the women that glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. It also describes his response to Ruth, who questions his kindness: "The Lord repay your works, and a full reward be given to you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge."
He also is a man that protects Ruth's integrity, and would not let it be known that she came to the threshing floor in the middle of the night, to protect her reputation.
That says a lot about Boaz character. Boaz, whose mother was a harlot in Jericho. Whose father was a son of Nahshon, the leader of Judah during the time Moses led Israel out of Egypt.
Boaz first hand had seen through his mother's life, a woman that had come under the Lord's wings for refuge.
Going back to the story of Salmon and Rahab, I was thinking about the two spies that went into Jericho that Rahab protected. It doesn't say who the spies were. The romantic girl in me wants to believe that one of the spies was Salmon. Which would be a very high possibility that he would have been given such a role, because of the position his father had before him. But the Bible doesn't fill in that detail. So we don't know if that is true or not. However it does talk about Rahab.
Hebrews 11:31 - By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish after she welcomed the spies in peace.
And in Joshua 2 it talks about her faith. Rahab hides the two spies in, and protects them. She believes the Lord has given Israel the land. She heard what the Lord did at the Red Sea to Egypt, and to the two kings of the Ammorites. verse 11 is her declaration: "the Lord your God is God in heaven and on the earth beneath." She then petitions for her families life.
She is given a cord of scarlet thread to hang from her window, and gather her family in her home. If she honors her oath and does not tell others about the spies and their business, anyone in her home will be saved. In Joshua 6, her and her father's household and all she had is spared, and she lived in Israel the rest of her days.
And somewhere during that time Rahab and Salmon marry. And they raise a boy named Boaz.
Application:
I think Rahab, and later Ruth, are examples of God's desire to extend His love to those who would believe in Him. Rahab did believe, and even with her past He wanted her in His family. And not only was she chosen in His family, She became apart of the family line for the birth of His Son Jesus. Around us, there are people God desires to extend His love to. He sees them for who they are. And He looks at the heart. Rahab, even though her life was not one that would have been pleasing to God in Jericho, came to a point that she believed God was real and alive and with Israel. And when Jericho came down she was saved. And her new life in Israel began.
And it did begin. And the fruit of God in her life and in Salmon's life is evident in her son Boaz.
This family, filled with imperfect past is full of a redeeming God and His love. I can't wait to keep studying more on it tomorrow :)
Friday, April 12, 2013
April 12, 2013
Matthew 1:4a
Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nashon...
Alright loving this genealogy stuff, because when I go back searching for information about these people, it's like getting the scoop on their lives. One thing I notice is not everyone has a lot said about them, but then when you get to the ones that do have something said about them, the ones before were important because these were their dads and grandpas prior that lead to this.
Couldn't find much on Ram, other than he was the father of Amminadab. I realized that this was the time period Israel's family is living in Egypt. Then this is what I read about Amminadab:
Exodus 6:23 Moses' brother Aaron married Elisheba who is the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nashon. This is during the days that Israel is going to be leaving Egypt.
So Nashon and Aaron are brother in laws.
Next, once in the wilderness after coming out of Egypt, in the second year of leaving, when they are at Mt Sinai. A man is to be chosen to stand with Moses from each tribe of Israel to be the leader of their fathers tribe. Nashon is chosen to be the leader over the tribe of Judah.
They take the time to number the tribe of Judah to register by ancestry by their fathers household, according to the number of names from 20 years old on up.
Tribe of Judah is numbered at 74,600. Nashon is to lead these people.
Other things I noticed, two times tribe of Judah was chosen to go first. In Numbers 7 once the tabernacle was completed each leader was to take a turn to bring an offering in. Nahshon brought the first offering for Judah, the first of all the tribes.
In Numbers 10, when they set out on their journey leaving the wilderness of Sinai, the sons of Judah with Nahshon over the army set out first.
One last note, when they camped Judah was to camp on the east side toward the sunrise.
Application time
First, what we do matters to God, in raising our families. We could be raising up Nahshon, a man chosen to lead his tribe of 74,600 people. Seriously that is huge responsibility and I'm sure it was quite an honor to be chosen. So as a mom, in my own little home with my four children, it matters :).
Second, they were in the wilderness preparing before they went out on their journey. This just stands out to me. God definitely has taken me through different wilderness seasons to prepare me before I head out on the journey He has for me. Seasons of waiting and unknowns... Waiting six years to marry nick, waiting 4 years to start our family... I feel like I have been in the middle of a wilderness again...
I think each season is of wilderness I have been prepared for what He wanted to do next. And each season was very important for building character in my life. Not easy but very important.
Makes me think of James 1:2-4. All the hard stuff in life is to make us perfect and complete lacking in nothing :). So we are to count it as all joy.
Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nashon...
Alright loving this genealogy stuff, because when I go back searching for information about these people, it's like getting the scoop on their lives. One thing I notice is not everyone has a lot said about them, but then when you get to the ones that do have something said about them, the ones before were important because these were their dads and grandpas prior that lead to this.
Couldn't find much on Ram, other than he was the father of Amminadab. I realized that this was the time period Israel's family is living in Egypt. Then this is what I read about Amminadab:
Exodus 6:23 Moses' brother Aaron married Elisheba who is the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nashon. This is during the days that Israel is going to be leaving Egypt.
So Nashon and Aaron are brother in laws.
Next, once in the wilderness after coming out of Egypt, in the second year of leaving, when they are at Mt Sinai. A man is to be chosen to stand with Moses from each tribe of Israel to be the leader of their fathers tribe. Nashon is chosen to be the leader over the tribe of Judah.
They take the time to number the tribe of Judah to register by ancestry by their fathers household, according to the number of names from 20 years old on up.
Tribe of Judah is numbered at 74,600. Nashon is to lead these people.
Other things I noticed, two times tribe of Judah was chosen to go first. In Numbers 7 once the tabernacle was completed each leader was to take a turn to bring an offering in. Nahshon brought the first offering for Judah, the first of all the tribes.
In Numbers 10, when they set out on their journey leaving the wilderness of Sinai, the sons of Judah with Nahshon over the army set out first.
One last note, when they camped Judah was to camp on the east side toward the sunrise.
Application time
First, what we do matters to God, in raising our families. We could be raising up Nahshon, a man chosen to lead his tribe of 74,600 people. Seriously that is huge responsibility and I'm sure it was quite an honor to be chosen. So as a mom, in my own little home with my four children, it matters :).
Second, they were in the wilderness preparing before they went out on their journey. This just stands out to me. God definitely has taken me through different wilderness seasons to prepare me before I head out on the journey He has for me. Seasons of waiting and unknowns... Waiting six years to marry nick, waiting 4 years to start our family... I feel like I have been in the middle of a wilderness again...
I think each season is of wilderness I have been prepared for what He wanted to do next. And each season was very important for building character in my life. Not easy but very important.
Makes me think of James 1:2-4. All the hard stuff in life is to make us perfect and complete lacking in nothing :). So we are to count it as all joy.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
April 11th, 2013
Matthew 1:3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron and Hezron begot Ram.
Genealogies are so interesting when you start breaking down the details. Judah and Tamar. Tamar was Judah's daughter in law that's husband died because of his wickedness before she conceived a child. (Genesis 38) Then Judah asked his next son to go into Tamar and be her husband and give her a son, but he emitted on the ground his sperm do she would not conceive a child that would an heir to his brother and not his own, so he died too. Then he told Tamar to wait until his next son would be old enough, but he did not for fear Shelah dying too.
Over time Judah's wife died, and Tamar goes to play prostitute to get Judah to lie with her and give her a son. Judah does not know her and goes into her, and she becomes pregnant with twins. Once he finds out that it was her, he never goes into her gain, and she gives birth to Perez and Zerah. Zerah's hand comes out first and they put a scarlet thread on his arm to signify he came out first, but then he pulls it back in and Perez (which means breach) came through first.
I love the response it says when he comes out:"how did you break through? " I can totally hear that being said to a little baby. It doesn't say too much more about other than Perez became the father of Hezron and Hezron became the father of Ram.
One thing I did notice about Zerah is in his family line his relative is Achan who you can read about in Joshua 7 (often titled the sin of Achan in the bible)
Application: God is a redeeming God that likes to turn the things that are full of sin in the world, and bring them into His story and make beautiful things from them. He took this situation of Judah's sons and how they were wicked, and then Judah going to a prostitute and Tamar playing a prostitute to bring along the family line that leads to the birth of Jesus.
So even when things aren't right or good or things that are full of sin Christ wants to redeem those things.
A very personal example in my life. My grandparents met after world war 2. World war 2 was terrible and awful and full of sin and grossness in all the mass killings of people. My grandma was Japanese. My grandpa was a part of the service that came to help after the war. My grandparents were fixed up on a blind date, and they married and then got pregnant with my dad who was born on Christmas Day.
Redemption in one small picture. If there hasn't been a war my grandparents would not have met and my dad would not be here, I would not be here, my kids would not be here. My life is made because of something terrible in the world. It's humbling and it is one tiny glimpse of how God goes to work to make an imperfect world redeemed.
I love the song by Gungor: Beautiful things. He makes beautiful things out of the dust :).
❦
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
April 10th, 2013
Matthew 1:2b
Isaac begot Jacob and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers
Deceptive ways. That is primarily what I see when I read through Jacob's story. Rebekah has Jacob deceive Isaac to get Esau's blessing.
Laban deceives Jacob and gives him Leah instead of Rachel first.
Rachel deceives Laban and says she did not steal his idols. Idols? How did idols creep into this family?
And there are all sorts of picking at each other and accusations between his sons and wives and his mother's brother. And struggles just like a lot of families.
Once again Rachel deals with infertility. Third one in this family line to struggle with not getting pregnant. And Leah struggles with being unloved.
My favorite passage in the midst of this crazy story is this: Genesis 29:31-35
Leah is unloved and unfavored by her husband.
In this passage it shows her striving for his love through conceiving children. When she gives birth to Reuben and to Levi she believes Jacob will now become attached to her.
But then, somewhere in between Levi and the birth of Judah God does a work in her, because this time when she gives birth to Judah, her response is this: "Now I will praise The Lord!" And Judah's name is linked into the genealogy of Jesus. That's pretty cool!
Application:
Obvious one: lying and deception can lead to all sorts of turmoil, and is also like a weed that digs itself in soil and spreads rapidly, and needs to be stopped in its tracks. And we set the example as parents in this. Our kids make choices, but we need to be guarding our homes from not letting lies take root.
Proverbs 12:22
Ephesians 5:1-21
But my main focus and draw out this is what Leah learned. My striving needs to not be for the approval of man but to praise The Lord :)
Colossians 3:23-25 & Colossians 3:12-17
❦
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
April 9th, 2013
Matthew 1:2b
Rebekah and Isaac
Facts About Isaac Sarah and Abraham's only son (Abraham also had his first son Ishmael) Isaac's father took charge to find a bride for him Isaac and Rebekah never met before marriage, but Isaac took Rebekah as his wife and he loved her.
Rebekah went in faith. Rebekah was a beautiful woman, a virgin. She also was willing to serve and took care of the servant's camels. Rebekah could not conceive just as Sarah before, but Isaac went before The Lord and He gave them twin boy to become two great nations: Esau and Jacob.
Thing to notice: the man whom God used to play a huge part in Jesus genealogy. The servant. Abraham sent his servant to go to Abraham's family's home because Abraham did not want a Canaanite bride for Isaac. What is interesting is that there was never doubt God had a bride for Isaac. What was questioned was would she come back with the servant or not. His servant was close to God. His servant prayed for success in his masters instructions. When he found Rebekah he bowed his head and worshiped and blessed The Lord. He did as Abraham instructed and God blessed his assignment.
Application: We may not be big players in the story of furthering the gospel. But we all play a part. I don't see where it says what Abraham's servants name was but he followed his master's instruction and went in faith and asked God to do things on behalf of Abraham and praised God when He fulfilled it. We are all a part of the body of Christ and as a family it's our job to do What He calls us to do to help the body grow. It's not about us it's about Him. (Read 1 Corinthians 12).
Rebekah and Isaac
Facts About Isaac Sarah and Abraham's only son (Abraham also had his first son Ishmael) Isaac's father took charge to find a bride for him Isaac and Rebekah never met before marriage, but Isaac took Rebekah as his wife and he loved her.
Rebekah went in faith. Rebekah was a beautiful woman, a virgin. She also was willing to serve and took care of the servant's camels. Rebekah could not conceive just as Sarah before, but Isaac went before The Lord and He gave them twin boy to become two great nations: Esau and Jacob.
Thing to notice: the man whom God used to play a huge part in Jesus genealogy. The servant. Abraham sent his servant to go to Abraham's family's home because Abraham did not want a Canaanite bride for Isaac. What is interesting is that there was never doubt God had a bride for Isaac. What was questioned was would she come back with the servant or not. His servant was close to God. His servant prayed for success in his masters instructions. When he found Rebekah he bowed his head and worshiped and blessed The Lord. He did as Abraham instructed and God blessed his assignment.
Application: We may not be big players in the story of furthering the gospel. But we all play a part. I don't see where it says what Abraham's servants name was but he followed his master's instruction and went in faith and asked God to do things on behalf of Abraham and praised God when He fulfilled it. We are all a part of the body of Christ and as a family it's our job to do What He calls us to do to help the body grow. It's not about us it's about Him. (Read 1 Corinthians 12).
Monday, April 8, 2013
April 8th, 2013
Matthew 1:1-2a
Introduction to Matthew
Jesus Christ is the son of David and Son of Abraham.
Start of his genealogy
Abraham had Isaac. Abraham was married to Sarah and given a promise to be father of many children. He did not see that promise fulfilled until old age when it seemed impossible to have a child. Angels came to tell him and his wife laughed at them. The next year Sarah gave birth to Isaac.
Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac on the alter. Abraham obeyed and God stopped him. Isaac was whom God had chosen to continue Abraham's family.
Abraham sent his servant away to find a wife for Isaac. His servant asked God to show him at the well. God brought rebekah to him and he knew he was to be Isaac's wife. Rebekah left her family and came to be wife to Isaac.
Personal application: God used many people together to bring about His big plan. People who are sinners and don't always do the best trusting, but whose heart does love God and wants to follow Him.
He also used infertility to teach people how to trust Him and live surrendered lives to Him. This is a lesson I know very well
Something God spoke to me yesterday. Don't underestimate the power of His story in my life. Don't underestimate the power of the gospel's story.
Help me listen to you today and share what you would have me share with those around me, not underestimating Your work in my life. Help me see Your big picture and not get so wrapped up in my own little story.
I love you Lord :)
I have been through a lot of challenging things this last year. I am not going to go into too much detail about that right now. But I want to share what this blog is going to be about, and it comes from one of my struggles. My struggle to long to be more in depth in reading the Bible, but how do I do it well, in the stage of life I am in right now?
When our church first started, there was an amazing group of women that gathered together for times of fellowship and reading the Bible and praying together. God used that time in amazing ways in my life and I will always be so grateful that He allowed me to be a part of it. As our church grew bigger, it became more difficult to maintain that type of intimacy on a smaller scale. I was encouraged by leadership to gather women I knew and do a small group study with them. Since then I have done that several times over the last several years. But I hit a wall this fall that I became completely drained, and I have been scraping a very dry barrel just to do daily caring for my children and husband.
I "do" all the "right" things. I read my Bible every morning, but really it has been a bit of a challenge when I am waking up at 5:30 every morning to start my day, to try to really absorb what I am reading. I feel like it's more of a check it off the list, than a thriving exciting time of really studying the Bible. I don't like that at all. Before children I used to do Precept Bible Study at my old church, and I LOVED being able to take an hour a day to break down the word and study it line by line and all together. It was wonderful rich times in my life.
Honestly, for awhile, I have been going to church and coming home in tears every Sunday, feeling such an aching longing for something - although I still can't put my finger on it, I think it has a lot to do with connectedness with other women the way that it once was, but knowing that it won't ever go back to that way. It's bittersweet and hard to swallow sometimes. I miss my Titus 2 older women. They are really hard to find, or if you do they are very busy, and it's hard to be okay with the fact, that since I am doing okay in my life, that I need to let those Titus 2 women be available to those who really have needs at church. Anyways, that is just me being honest as I sort and wrestle things out with the Lord. One thing I have learned with our church, is life is DEFINITELY NOT about me, it's about Jesus, and furthering His gospel. However it is hard to know what it is like to have amazing support like that and not have it in the same way anymore.
This last Sunday I was having a really hard time sitting through the message. I don't know why, because I love the sermons. One of the big reasons why we stay at our church is because it is so amazing to have such encouraging teaching, straight from the Bible with no skirting around issues. And the heart to reach out to those in need through all the different ministries, it's definitely a church Nick and I know it's where we are suppose to be, and a church that we want to support and be a part of the functioning body. Functioning. That is my big struggle too. How do I function with taking care of my four small children and feeling so dry. Sometimes I have big dreams of what I want to do at church, to help serving, but then enters into the equation: Josiah, Ava, Lena & Mallory, and I don't know how to do both... and honestly, raising my children beats out those dreams every single time. It's a struggle. I want to function well in the church. Be a part of the living body. I can't figure out where I fit right now and it's really hard for me.
I went to night of prayer last month. That was a struggle. It took my neighbor who doesn't even go to our church to agree last minute to go with me, to commit to going. I went to the night of prayer, and I received the card: "Holy One of Israel." To explain a little more, during the night of prayer, we are given name cards with different descriptions of who God is. And the cards come with verses.
Holy One of Israel. This one came with two verses. One that speaks to what I have been emotionally coming out of, and one that speaks to what He wants to do in me now.
The first verse: Isaiah 43:1-3 "But now, Jacob, listen to the Lord, who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through the deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
I know this last year I have walked through some very deep waters, and had moments where I felt like I was drowning. It has not been easy... this verse spoke so personally to me, because it reminded me that He was with me through it all, and walked through it with me.
The second verse is this: Isaiah 48:17 "...your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel (says): 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.'"
This is where I am at now. I am ready for God to teach me what is good and lead me on His paths for me to follow.
Which is a long tangent that brings me back to Sunday. At the end of the sermon, our pastor gave very basic instructions, that gave me direction, something I had been longing for. Direction for how to be seeking God. We are starting a study through the gospel of Mark as of this last week, one that will go on for awhile. And so we have been encouraged, for the weeks months ahead, in our time in the Word, to read out of one of the gospels, every day. To start by asking God to show us what He wants to show us, about Jesus. Then to open up and read. And then to listen to God speak. And then apply what He shows us in our lives that day.
So I decided to start in Matthew and slowly work my way through the gospels. I have started journaling each day, (only two days in so far lol) and I plan to journal each day what He is teaching me. So far I have not even made it past verse 1:2, but I will go as slow or fast as He leads me in each verse (and how much time I have each day), and seek out what He wants to show me, and hopefully become more like Jesus each day as I seek Him on this journey.
So this blog is basically my gospel notes. I am just going to copy what I write in my journal each day, and post it on this blog. I hope if you read any of them that God will use it to speak to you as well. But it really is just going to be little bits of what He is showing me each day.
I am excited. I have direction. He is so faithful, I have never doubted that. But I am ready and willing to walk on the paths He wants me to follow again. :)
When our church first started, there was an amazing group of women that gathered together for times of fellowship and reading the Bible and praying together. God used that time in amazing ways in my life and I will always be so grateful that He allowed me to be a part of it. As our church grew bigger, it became more difficult to maintain that type of intimacy on a smaller scale. I was encouraged by leadership to gather women I knew and do a small group study with them. Since then I have done that several times over the last several years. But I hit a wall this fall that I became completely drained, and I have been scraping a very dry barrel just to do daily caring for my children and husband.
I "do" all the "right" things. I read my Bible every morning, but really it has been a bit of a challenge when I am waking up at 5:30 every morning to start my day, to try to really absorb what I am reading. I feel like it's more of a check it off the list, than a thriving exciting time of really studying the Bible. I don't like that at all. Before children I used to do Precept Bible Study at my old church, and I LOVED being able to take an hour a day to break down the word and study it line by line and all together. It was wonderful rich times in my life.
Honestly, for awhile, I have been going to church and coming home in tears every Sunday, feeling such an aching longing for something - although I still can't put my finger on it, I think it has a lot to do with connectedness with other women the way that it once was, but knowing that it won't ever go back to that way. It's bittersweet and hard to swallow sometimes. I miss my Titus 2 older women. They are really hard to find, or if you do they are very busy, and it's hard to be okay with the fact, that since I am doing okay in my life, that I need to let those Titus 2 women be available to those who really have needs at church. Anyways, that is just me being honest as I sort and wrestle things out with the Lord. One thing I have learned with our church, is life is DEFINITELY NOT about me, it's about Jesus, and furthering His gospel. However it is hard to know what it is like to have amazing support like that and not have it in the same way anymore.
This last Sunday I was having a really hard time sitting through the message. I don't know why, because I love the sermons. One of the big reasons why we stay at our church is because it is so amazing to have such encouraging teaching, straight from the Bible with no skirting around issues. And the heart to reach out to those in need through all the different ministries, it's definitely a church Nick and I know it's where we are suppose to be, and a church that we want to support and be a part of the functioning body. Functioning. That is my big struggle too. How do I function with taking care of my four small children and feeling so dry. Sometimes I have big dreams of what I want to do at church, to help serving, but then enters into the equation: Josiah, Ava, Lena & Mallory, and I don't know how to do both... and honestly, raising my children beats out those dreams every single time. It's a struggle. I want to function well in the church. Be a part of the living body. I can't figure out where I fit right now and it's really hard for me.
I went to night of prayer last month. That was a struggle. It took my neighbor who doesn't even go to our church to agree last minute to go with me, to commit to going. I went to the night of prayer, and I received the card: "Holy One of Israel." To explain a little more, during the night of prayer, we are given name cards with different descriptions of who God is. And the cards come with verses.
Holy One of Israel. This one came with two verses. One that speaks to what I have been emotionally coming out of, and one that speaks to what He wants to do in me now.
The first verse: Isaiah 43:1-3 "But now, Jacob, listen to the Lord, who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through the deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
I know this last year I have walked through some very deep waters, and had moments where I felt like I was drowning. It has not been easy... this verse spoke so personally to me, because it reminded me that He was with me through it all, and walked through it with me.
The second verse is this: Isaiah 48:17 "...your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel (says): 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.'"
This is where I am at now. I am ready for God to teach me what is good and lead me on His paths for me to follow.
Which is a long tangent that brings me back to Sunday. At the end of the sermon, our pastor gave very basic instructions, that gave me direction, something I had been longing for. Direction for how to be seeking God. We are starting a study through the gospel of Mark as of this last week, one that will go on for awhile. And so we have been encouraged, for the weeks months ahead, in our time in the Word, to read out of one of the gospels, every day. To start by asking God to show us what He wants to show us, about Jesus. Then to open up and read. And then to listen to God speak. And then apply what He shows us in our lives that day.
So I decided to start in Matthew and slowly work my way through the gospels. I have started journaling each day, (only two days in so far lol) and I plan to journal each day what He is teaching me. So far I have not even made it past verse 1:2, but I will go as slow or fast as He leads me in each verse (and how much time I have each day), and seek out what He wants to show me, and hopefully become more like Jesus each day as I seek Him on this journey.
So this blog is basically my gospel notes. I am just going to copy what I write in my journal each day, and post it on this blog. I hope if you read any of them that God will use it to speak to you as well. But it really is just going to be little bits of what He is showing me each day.
I am excited. I have direction. He is so faithful, I have never doubted that. But I am ready and willing to walk on the paths He wants me to follow again. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)