I'm having a hard time being positive, but yet the path to happiness doesn't go through negativity. Tomorrow is the traditional day of atonement, and I've been thinking of what I could "sacrifice". There are so many options, -money, food, etc. I see and hear people talk about what is wrong with this world, and at no point do they say we are following Christ to too great an extent. Mostly what they say treats a symptom. A symptom caused by a lack of following Christ. Truly and not what they may have seen accomplished by hypocrits. In some cases I'm sure I appear as a hypocrit, and hopefully a person will look past my failures and catch a glimpse of what I'm trying to follow. Of course focusing on hypocrisy is easier sometimes than admitting that we as individuals are imperfect and make mistakes. Well I thought additionally I might start typing my prayer or at least my prayer thoughts, if for no other reason than to vocalize them (or at least record them). We're supposed to pray solutions and not problems. In which case it is God's desire for a wonderful family life and work life, but mainly a close relationship with Him. Work has been tough- reactionary policy with its potential problems seem to leap off the page at me and I grieve over the blindness that has allowed this state to occur. Calling it to someone's attention will mean I may get labeled "troublemaker" but do I care more for a label given by men, or in doing the right thing? Its a choice that many have made. I also want to make God even more of a focus in my life, but work presents an obstacle if I choose to let it- great another choice. My prayer is to remain firm in my beliefs and quietly exhort people in the right direction when the opportunity arises.
Anyway the scripture from 10 months or so ago is John 4. Chapter 4 has the Samaritan woman at the well story. He reached across ethnic and gender lines to talk to her. She had been married multiple times in addition showing that God reaches out to all. In addition the worship of God verse 23 does not depend on physical earthly location. Rituals can be dangerous, its spirit and truth. Worship of God is an encounter with Him, and we as worshipers should expect Him to be a part of our worship. He is there whether we detect it sensually or not. We also need to confess and purify our hearts in the Lord's presence. In verse 48 Jesus says unless people see signs and wonders they will not believe. His Word says He is there when two or three are gathered in His name whether we sense it or not.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
I've stayed up too late, but reading the Bible is always a blessing, and some things have been on my mind I wanted to write down. I typed them in my journal so to speak of New Testament thoughts and in about 30 blog entries it will show up. If I still find it relevant that is. In my yearly reading I have just finished the gospels, but noticed my log had 22 gospel chapter entries left. I hope to focus on those prior to continuing, but I will miss Paul and his letters, so we will see how that works out. My personal anti-negativity campaign is not without difficulty, but I think I'm becoming more aware of it and being more like I should be. I just need to listen and obey. I also feel terribly burdened at work, and someone said I seemed depressed (which maybe true), but it maybe more in the line of frustration. You see or hear or sense another's troubles and can very clearly see a solution a fix a permanent positive change, but since it is tied to Jesus they don't want to hear it. Jesus is associated with religion and depending on a person's religious experience there may be bad connotations. Oh that people would consider Him on His merits, and seek a relationship with Him just to see where it goes.
Well for the review it was John 3. Nicodemus recognized (as did other Pharisees) that God was with Jesus by His miracles. John 3:8 also sticks out in terms of showing the unpredictability of those folks led by God. We as people are always trying to define things, we make assessments of people and feel like we can predict them based on what we perceive. Verse 8 is God's reminder that He is not predictable, and neither are the people that follow Him. I think its an important point for example that what is right for one church may not be right for another, and over time the Spirit may (will) lead people and churches in different directions. John 3:27 is John the Baptist's confession that he can only do what God wants him too. He was generally well revered (at least a curiosity) but he confessed his place and that what he had accomplished was given to him by God and that all anyone could ever do is what God has ordained or given to them.
Well for the review it was John 3. Nicodemus recognized (as did other Pharisees) that God was with Jesus by His miracles. John 3:8 also sticks out in terms of showing the unpredictability of those folks led by God. We as people are always trying to define things, we make assessments of people and feel like we can predict them based on what we perceive. Verse 8 is God's reminder that He is not predictable, and neither are the people that follow Him. I think its an important point for example that what is right for one church may not be right for another, and over time the Spirit may (will) lead people and churches in different directions. John 3:27 is John the Baptist's confession that he can only do what God wants him too. He was generally well revered (at least a curiosity) but he confessed his place and that what he had accomplished was given to him by God and that all anyone could ever do is what God has ordained or given to them.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In study skills class we are keeping logs of how we spend time. Its a good exercise to "see" where all the time goes, and hopefully make the necessary choices for positive change. The chapter we are on is "planning". One of the points of the chapter is that we don't plan, but are rather carried away by life. When that happens we find ourselves "too busy", "don't have time", etc. Another point it makes is that the important things get done. As a parent if your child needs to go to the doctor it happens, regardless of how "busy" you are. So lately I've been thinking about these things along with some advice I was given years ago in a factory- "in a hundred years it won't matter". How many of the things we worry about, stress over, feel burdened by -won't matter in a hundred years? I think people relationships have the best chance of "mattering" in fact I would say they do, whereas watching that TV show, or getting in "one more load of laundry" probably won't.
Another thought I had today based on my logging of time spent is computer access. There are times I'm reading on the computer from the Internet. Years ago a person had to do their reading from a book. The thought struck me that while the Internet may exceed in quantity, the quality has a good chance of being diminished as compared to a book (that was reviewed and approved by some process).
I'm glad I read this again from last November, it was just as relevant today. John 2 The wedding in Cana. Its very interesting that I just read about old wine in old wine skins and new wine in new wine skins and how they shouldn't be mixed. I took that to mean the covenants God made with the people through following the Law (old wine) and the new covenant believing in His Son. Both amounted to the same thing in terms of truly following the law leads anyone to the place they realize they can't do it on their own but need divine help. So they accept the sacrifice of Jesus if living after the cross and look to God to forgive their sins if they lived before the cross. Jesus miracle at the wedding was turning water into wine which the headwaiter proclaimed that the new wine was much better than the old. I wonder if this is referring to covenants? it is also interesting that Jesus told His mother His time had not yet come, but still obeyed her as a child is commanded to do in the ten commandments. This chapter also involves the driving the moneychangers out of the temple, God's house should not be a place of business. Jesus had many people believe because of His signs and wonders, but did not trust Himself to man because He knew their hearts. People can seem Godly and seemingly accept Jesus but we don't know their hearts, only God does and in this instance He chose not to confide in them.
In my walk/run today I went alone. I cherish the reflection time. I can think of how far I have to go, how tired my body is, or I can think about God. Today (Nov 8, 2006) it came to me that we have basically two choices in life. We can do things in a way we reason suits us best, or we can do things God's way. I guess I thought of it because going out to run I almost did not. I didn't feel like it, I had other work to do that I needed to do, but I went because I know I need a certain amount of exercise. Toward the end of the run I was feeling the joy of the accomplishment, but I could plainly remember the doubt or reservation I had in leaving. Following God is like that. Looking into our future there are certain things we know we should do for God. They require sacrifice and discomfort on our part, there is usually an alternative that is more pleasing to our self. We may not realize the reward in following God in this life and we know it, whereas not following God seemingly has rewards and in a quicker more immediate time frame. Then I thought of times I had not followed God, I made a clear choice not to, the "reward" for doing so seems so inconsequential now. Actually there is regret, anguish. I contrasted that with times I followed God consciously in this life and realized His reward (or part of it) I can't think of any regrets in those cases I only have pleasant memories. How true is "there is a way that seems right unto man ... I don't know why that came to me on a run, but I'm glad it did and may I be constantly reminded of that truth as I live the rest of my life and face the choices that will inevitably come.
Another thought I had today based on my logging of time spent is computer access. There are times I'm reading on the computer from the Internet. Years ago a person had to do their reading from a book. The thought struck me that while the Internet may exceed in quantity, the quality has a good chance of being diminished as compared to a book (that was reviewed and approved by some process).
I'm glad I read this again from last November, it was just as relevant today. John 2 The wedding in Cana. Its very interesting that I just read about old wine in old wine skins and new wine in new wine skins and how they shouldn't be mixed. I took that to mean the covenants God made with the people through following the Law (old wine) and the new covenant believing in His Son. Both amounted to the same thing in terms of truly following the law leads anyone to the place they realize they can't do it on their own but need divine help. So they accept the sacrifice of Jesus if living after the cross and look to God to forgive their sins if they lived before the cross. Jesus miracle at the wedding was turning water into wine which the headwaiter proclaimed that the new wine was much better than the old. I wonder if this is referring to covenants? it is also interesting that Jesus told His mother His time had not yet come, but still obeyed her as a child is commanded to do in the ten commandments. This chapter also involves the driving the moneychangers out of the temple, God's house should not be a place of business. Jesus had many people believe because of His signs and wonders, but did not trust Himself to man because He knew their hearts. People can seem Godly and seemingly accept Jesus but we don't know their hearts, only God does and in this instance He chose not to confide in them.
In my walk/run today I went alone. I cherish the reflection time. I can think of how far I have to go, how tired my body is, or I can think about God. Today (Nov 8, 2006) it came to me that we have basically two choices in life. We can do things in a way we reason suits us best, or we can do things God's way. I guess I thought of it because going out to run I almost did not. I didn't feel like it, I had other work to do that I needed to do, but I went because I know I need a certain amount of exercise. Toward the end of the run I was feeling the joy of the accomplishment, but I could plainly remember the doubt or reservation I had in leaving. Following God is like that. Looking into our future there are certain things we know we should do for God. They require sacrifice and discomfort on our part, there is usually an alternative that is more pleasing to our self. We may not realize the reward in following God in this life and we know it, whereas not following God seemingly has rewards and in a quicker more immediate time frame. Then I thought of times I had not followed God, I made a clear choice not to, the "reward" for doing so seems so inconsequential now. Actually there is regret, anguish. I contrasted that with times I followed God consciously in this life and realized His reward (or part of it) I can't think of any regrets in those cases I only have pleasant memories. How true is "there is a way that seems right unto man ... I don't know why that came to me on a run, but I'm glad it did and may I be constantly reminded of that truth as I live the rest of my life and face the choices that will inevitably come.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Yesterday in my going through the new testament I read about the widow's offering. That needs some explanation- I go through the new testament, then review it later before posting it on the blog. I'm many entries away from the widow's offering, but the interesting thing is I read it, and the same scripture was part of the daily devotional that was sent to me. This person reflected that gifts to God are measured not by what you give or the amount, but rather what you are willing to give up or as they put -what you have left after giving. I never thought of it along those lines, but its interesting. Additionally it is an area I struggle with. I look forward to reviewing this again and maybe remembering at some future time.
I continue to be tired, and am putting my foot down that some things need to change. I mopped water in a lab today (AC condensate), my office is getting dimmer. These are the facts, my feelings are ones of frustration. I may have fixed the condensate leak, we will see Monday.
My other projects seem to be going well, an ice cream social may be in the works. I certainly hope so.
I didn't edit this, it looked very good and was a joy to re-read. Luke 5 Luke records the calling of the first disciples. Luke has more detail, the first disciples follow Jesus after hearing a sermon and witnessing Him prospering their business through a large catch. He then heals a leper and a paralytic- the one whose friends lowered him through the roof. Jesus also call Levi the tax collector who invited Jesus to a party. Jesus makes two interesting statements near the end of the chapter "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" and later in a parable says" No one after drinking old wine wants new: for he says, 'the old is good enough.' " The law pointed clearly to Christ, although we have the benefit of looking back. The law was also misinterpreted and was made by some factions into a legalistic burden on people. It took faith to follow the old covenant and those who earnestly attempted to keep the law and were honest with themselves sought God's mercy and forgiveness. They knew they had failed . others compared their success in keeping the law with others and felt like if they were doing a better job of keeping the law then they somehow justified themselves. Jesus statement implies to me that if interpreted correctly the old covenant made folks righteous. In some way they knew they needed God's help and like Abraham said "the Lord Himself will provide the sacrifice". They then looked ahead to Christ and recognized Him when they saw him - like as a baby in the temple. So Christ came not to call the righteous (which there had to be some for Him to say it), but rather to reach out to sinners people who had decided to live for themselves or realized they had already miserably failed at keeping the Law and had given up.
I continue to be tired, and am putting my foot down that some things need to change. I mopped water in a lab today (AC condensate), my office is getting dimmer. These are the facts, my feelings are ones of frustration. I may have fixed the condensate leak, we will see Monday.
My other projects seem to be going well, an ice cream social may be in the works. I certainly hope so.
I didn't edit this, it looked very good and was a joy to re-read. Luke 5 Luke records the calling of the first disciples. Luke has more detail, the first disciples follow Jesus after hearing a sermon and witnessing Him prospering their business through a large catch. He then heals a leper and a paralytic- the one whose friends lowered him through the roof. Jesus also call Levi the tax collector who invited Jesus to a party. Jesus makes two interesting statements near the end of the chapter "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" and later in a parable says" No one after drinking old wine wants new: for he says, 'the old is good enough.' " The law pointed clearly to Christ, although we have the benefit of looking back. The law was also misinterpreted and was made by some factions into a legalistic burden on people. It took faith to follow the old covenant and those who earnestly attempted to keep the law and were honest with themselves sought God's mercy and forgiveness. They knew they had failed . others compared their success in keeping the law with others and felt like if they were doing a better job of keeping the law then they somehow justified themselves. Jesus statement implies to me that if interpreted correctly the old covenant made folks righteous. In some way they knew they needed God's help and like Abraham said "the Lord Himself will provide the sacrifice". They then looked ahead to Christ and recognized Him when they saw him - like as a baby in the temple. So Christ came not to call the righteous (which there had to be some for Him to say it), but rather to reach out to sinners people who had decided to live for themselves or realized they had already miserably failed at keeping the Law and had given up.
The semester is progressing, and some things I needed to complete I finally have. Whew. I hate grading, I may try the portfolio in all my classes, and let the students "show" me what they have learned in my classes, and then grade them accordingly. OK "hate" is negative and I'm trying to avoid that- still. I need to find efficient ways to grade, that is both meaningful and reinforcing of class material. A portfolio of lab work, and class assignments, and then a cumulative final. it may work. The portfolio may even be their notes for the final. I'm going to think about that a while.
Speaking of negativity, I've noticed I must be careful who is around at lunch. I also get easily frustrated when things appear not to make positive progress, or progress at the rate I think they should. I repent, and I am trying to understand myself better and thus be more positive. I think my students are learning, again at the rate I think they should??? I really have difficulty with students that miss class, then show up for the next one and say "I have no clue what is going on", and then leave again. This is not a negative statement, but rather a fact- I've seen it. I want to help them- whew.
Luke 4 The temptation of Christ by Luke. Same temptings as Matthew same result although the order is different. One thing that struck me in is that in one of Jesus responses He made clear that - All the kingdoms of the world are less important than worshiping God. He also starts His ministry reading from Isaiah and proclaiming that portion of prophecy fulfilled. The jews were then stirred up in anger when He reminded them of Elijah and the widow and the healing of Naaman the leper. Their national pride must have been strong because the crowd intended to throw Jesus off a cliff for saying that, but He passed through their midst- were they blinded like in Sodom, or angels came and made Him a path to walk through because they did not touch Him. He healed ALL the sick and demon possessed people brought to Him and ALL in the area were. Do we medicate our demons, and in so doing give them some kind of honor and prestige in our lives , and they in return knowing we make them a priority don't torture us to the same extent? Clearly chronic long term conditions will tend to take your focus off of the Lord. A recent daily devotional was talking about a Christian watching idol worship go on. Their first thought was disgust, but it was revealed to them (maybe by the Holy Spirit) that rituals they were seeing were probably easier to deal with than having a relationship with God. Being ritualistic is easier than learning to listen for God, to God and have relationship with Him. Some people hold firmly to their rituals and some people hold firmly to their infirmities. God is greater than all of it, and doesn't want anyone bound, He wants a relationship with you. The answer is to take the infirmity to Jesus, and put God as Lord over all things.
Speaking of negativity, I've noticed I must be careful who is around at lunch. I also get easily frustrated when things appear not to make positive progress, or progress at the rate I think they should. I repent, and I am trying to understand myself better and thus be more positive. I think my students are learning, again at the rate I think they should??? I really have difficulty with students that miss class, then show up for the next one and say "I have no clue what is going on", and then leave again. This is not a negative statement, but rather a fact- I've seen it. I want to help them- whew.
Luke 4 The temptation of Christ by Luke. Same temptings as Matthew same result although the order is different. One thing that struck me in is that in one of Jesus responses He made clear that - All the kingdoms of the world are less important than worshiping God. He also starts His ministry reading from Isaiah and proclaiming that portion of prophecy fulfilled. The jews were then stirred up in anger when He reminded them of Elijah and the widow and the healing of Naaman the leper. Their national pride must have been strong because the crowd intended to throw Jesus off a cliff for saying that, but He passed through their midst- were they blinded like in Sodom, or angels came and made Him a path to walk through because they did not touch Him. He healed ALL the sick and demon possessed people brought to Him and ALL in the area were. Do we medicate our demons, and in so doing give them some kind of honor and prestige in our lives , and they in return knowing we make them a priority don't torture us to the same extent? Clearly chronic long term conditions will tend to take your focus off of the Lord. A recent daily devotional was talking about a Christian watching idol worship go on. Their first thought was disgust, but it was revealed to them (maybe by the Holy Spirit) that rituals they were seeing were probably easier to deal with than having a relationship with God. Being ritualistic is easier than learning to listen for God, to God and have relationship with Him. Some people hold firmly to their rituals and some people hold firmly to their infirmities. God is greater than all of it, and doesn't want anyone bound, He wants a relationship with you. The answer is to take the infirmity to Jesus, and put God as Lord over all things.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Matthew 11:24-25 have been on my mind lately. Throught the Bible reading group that I'm in we have discussed speaking things that we want to happen. Then this verse, and might I also add the importance of walking with God and wanting what He wants and asking for what He desires. It has also been apparent that we can't ask for others to change- that is similar to blaming others. We must focus on the things that don't involve others, or maybe that do involve others, but also ourselves. Otherwise we can easily fall into the blame game which is to be avoided.
I haven't updated, and I've fallen behind on my Bible reading. I remain with a feeling of being terribly run down, although praise and worship last night lifted my spirits. Working on the trail today helped also. I think I have failed as a husband and father, on too many issues I haven't taken authority to make sure it goes the way I think and am led to believe it should. I've started praying to straighten it out, and it seems one of those things only God can fix. Maybe I'm listening to satan because it does seem that once family habits form, and then last 20 years, they are difficult to change, whereas God says speak what I want, and doubt not and He will give it to me- strong functional families are something He wants. I'm trying to cling to that.
Matthew 4 Matthew includes details of the temptation of Christ. He was "led by the Spirit", and fasted. If we let ourselves be led by the Spirit, and fast in order to draw closer to God one might believe we would not be in a situation that the devil could be successful tempting us, but that is exactly when satan went after Jesus. Satan appealed to His hunger- Esau sold his birthright for a meal, When I'm hungry i'm less likely to be careful with money. When I'm tired its hard not to give in to bad ideas, I've got a significant history of that. Satan tempted Jesus to do something where God would have to supernaturally act to prevent His physical harm. We should use this as a reason not to violate the physical laws we know. If God who is able wants to violate those laws, then its His prerogative. Example like the widow's oil, later feeding 5000 with a few fish and loaves. Thirdly satan offered Him power and prestige, the world's, in this life. It takes faith to endure some parts of this life because its the right thing to do. In other words are you living for this world or the next, or even better -are you living for yourself or for God. The end of Matthew four reports the calling of disciples and the starting of His ministry. People brought infirm people to Him (all of them) and He healed them. People seem to innately believe in God when it comes to being healed or having a friend healed. They realize there is something beyond themselves when they run out of worldly options.
I haven't updated, and I've fallen behind on my Bible reading. I remain with a feeling of being terribly run down, although praise and worship last night lifted my spirits. Working on the trail today helped also. I think I have failed as a husband and father, on too many issues I haven't taken authority to make sure it goes the way I think and am led to believe it should. I've started praying to straighten it out, and it seems one of those things only God can fix. Maybe I'm listening to satan because it does seem that once family habits form, and then last 20 years, they are difficult to change, whereas God says speak what I want, and doubt not and He will give it to me- strong functional families are something He wants. I'm trying to cling to that.
Matthew 4 Matthew includes details of the temptation of Christ. He was "led by the Spirit", and fasted. If we let ourselves be led by the Spirit, and fast in order to draw closer to God one might believe we would not be in a situation that the devil could be successful tempting us, but that is exactly when satan went after Jesus. Satan appealed to His hunger- Esau sold his birthright for a meal, When I'm hungry i'm less likely to be careful with money. When I'm tired its hard not to give in to bad ideas, I've got a significant history of that. Satan tempted Jesus to do something where God would have to supernaturally act to prevent His physical harm. We should use this as a reason not to violate the physical laws we know. If God who is able wants to violate those laws, then its His prerogative. Example like the widow's oil, later feeding 5000 with a few fish and loaves. Thirdly satan offered Him power and prestige, the world's, in this life. It takes faith to endure some parts of this life because its the right thing to do. In other words are you living for this world or the next, or even better -are you living for yourself or for God. The end of Matthew four reports the calling of disciples and the starting of His ministry. People brought infirm people to Him (all of them) and He healed them. People seem to innately believe in God when it comes to being healed or having a friend healed. They realize there is something beyond themselves when they run out of worldly options.
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