Week of June 27, 2008 thoughts.

It has been a while (about two weeks). I took my mother for her HS reuinion out of state and we had a marvelous time. I personally don't believe in coincidenses although sometimes I use the term (out of habit), but rather I believe its the favor of God. She called them "God winks" so I looked the term up Biblically and wink doesn't have too much of a positive connotation. We certainly experienced His favor. My thoughts are at the end.

Numbers 14:18 our iniquity affects our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Actions have consequences which is the way God made it (of course He can change those things, we cannot). He doesn't harm our children because of what we did - we do, it is a consequence of our actions.

Numbers 14:41, the people see that they have missed their chance at the promised land and God told them they had. They decide to go anyway. They even confessed their sin, but their not entering the promised land is a consequence of their previous actions. We also can't be God and do what we want, its still about what the Lord says.

Numbers 20:4-5 the Israelites ask why they left Egypt to die in the wilderness. They died in the wilderness out of their choices and actions having seen the cloud by day and the fire by night. Imagine being able to walk not very far and seeing the presence of the Lord. This statement is interesting because some people don't want to leave their bondage, they want to be slaves.

Balak and Balaam, talking donkey. Donkey saw angel of the Lord, Elisha (or Elijah- I need to look that up) saw the hosts of heaven that were there for us but his servants did not. It would be nice to see the angels working for us.

Daniels visions - after mourning three weeks, no tasty food. Tremendous visions- after a sacrifice (of sorts) and a centering on God.

Hosea 1:8 Good things for Israel come from God, good things for us from God.

What did I see on the trip to NY? A room full of people apprehensive of the future. The economy, the election, the .... References to past, lots of well wishing, Public acknowledgement of God was very rare, and it is something that isn't just in NY but everywhere I go. Sure we hear "God forbid" but that is habitual, a saying we pick up, it is seldom thought about. But I saw the favor of God constantly, and I prayed that He would bless those we came across.

A show came on TV where to gay men where raising children. A woman that did not believe this should be allowed was going to spend time there "getting to know", its all for TV and I'm sure she got paid in some way. It struck me that the real issues aren't discussed. God made it to where it takes a man and a woman to have a child (a blessing on their union) and legislation calling them a family or parents cannot change that fact. The other fact is that you can't legislate morality, preventing these people from raising (someone else's unwanted or inconvenient children) isn't going to happen just because we pass a law. Loop holes will be found. So the show focused on the woman's belief that it was wrong -although she couldn't articulate it, versus their belief that being part of this family was better than foster care. They cared for their children deeply.

Today's sermon was wonderful- submit to Christ and let Him use us as He will. I so needed that, and that we are living in His kingdom now.

What a tumultuous week, lots of ups and downs and a bout with depression. All of it was about things of this world. I read the end of Leviticus and the start of Daniel. I needed reminding from Daniel this week, but it did not necessarily make it easy.

Leviticus- Don't wrong one another- that scripture spoke very clearly concerning something happening at work, and my skepticism concerning motives. That was then followed by don't make for yourselves idols. In contemplating that it occured to me that we should God first (which isn't news) and then His creation (specifically other humans), and then the things we create like institutions, and houses and cars. Putting a creation of man before a creation of God's, or anything before God Himself is idolatry. I saw real examples of that this week, well maybe its better to say I suspected it strongly.

The end of Leviticus is very comforting- if we walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, He will dwell with us walk with us. If we don't then sudden terror, invasion, fear and being ruled by those that hate us will be the reality. If your life is full of fear- embrace Him closer, until you feel Him dwelling with you and walking with you. Its interesting the fear and upleasantness is brought about by our not being obedient. Even though things are difficult he won't reject us, but our lives may not be as pleasant as we wish. Our wickedness leads to punishment but not rejection. Finally another verse on tithes. A tenth is the Lords, but if we want it back (for somethings that is possible) we must add 20% to the value to redeem it or buy it back.

Now Daniel- I rejected a promotion offer initially this week then had thoughts of reconsideration come to mind. This was followed by colleagues telling me I should reconsider. Then I got to read about Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a fearful dream and commanded that people not only interpret the dream but tell him what it was. I think as a manager getting those under you to state your concerns is an interesting concept. They have to be tuned in to you, and forget their own agendas. As far as knowing dreams of others that is clearly in the realm of God, and it took Daniels three friends praying for God to share the dream and its interpretation- otherwise they were going to be killed. Once God answered the prayer Daniel praised Him, something we don't do enough (or at least me).

I like to blanket praise and say anything good in me is the work of God, but specifically He does lead me, for which I am truly thankful.

Daniels interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream assure him long life and success. I think that led to pride in Nebuchadnezzar's case. The entire next chapter is about the golden image he had made and ordered everyone to worship. But its another reminder of why God doesn't tell us our future. If we knew in most cases our pride would take over and we would do things whereby God would have to intervene, we would be tempted to put Him to the test. He'll give us knowledge and discernment if we ask, but seldom tell us our futures. The only exception I see to that is when our death is imminent. Many people in the Bible knew that their death would be soon, because God told them.

The golden image came about due to his pride, but the miracle of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't turn him completely from his pride. An example of how we all must personally experience things that lead us to change. It wasn't until his pride caused God to make him lose his mind and he realized it that he dealt with his pride. The greatest king in history acknowledged that God could humble even him. That Belteshazzar is the next story is a reminder for us parents that our kids may know our story, but they need their own experiences to develop their behavior.

On a side note, I was reminded this last week of the lack of personal knowledge many people have of God. I sent what I thought was a blessing to people and received some surprising responses. I was also reminded in the form of an immediate prayer request that our priorities often get out of order.

My prayer is that God will bless everyone, and the people He has given me as friends to know personally I specifically remember prayerfully from time to time.

Its been an interesting week reading in Leviticus. I used to think of sacrifice as something we lost in giving it to God, but considering in the old testament the animal gave up its life, the sacrifices of time and effort on a personal level is what God is after. Its a this world sign acknowledging our belief, an action to back up words. If your sacrifice doesn't cost you anything, then it isn't a sacrifice.

For instance if it is flour you bring for sacrifice it must be fine flour- finely ground -which takes longer more effort either personally or more cost associated in having someone grind it to that condition. The sacrifices were to be without honey or leaven (things we don't make)- bread rises without our effort, and bees make honey. If its an animal it had to be without defect- a choice animal good for reproducing and continuing income, also young so many offspring possibilities.

In the light of those kinds of sacrifices how do they compare to ours of today? Has it cost you time and physcical effort to sacrifice, are you giving Him future wealth possibilities. Now we have to be careful, He would rather have obedience than sacrifice, so like most things we can concentrate too much on sacrifice and comparing ours to other's and miss the point.

The poor are told to sacrifice, so it is possible for everyone to give up something as a sacrifice to God. I also wondered how many people who could afford sheep sacrificed turtledoves or pigeons. I'm guessing the poor would have had to make the effort to catch the birds.

Lev 14:34 is interesting, the Lord can put a mark of leprosy on a house, which will mean it will have to be inspected by the priest, and possibly reinspected. Clean and unclean and atonement, live cleanly and make atonement for uncleaness- this is going to fit later with the command to "be holy". The scapegoat also had the sins of Israel confessed over it (Verbally).

We are not supposed to eat blood or the fat. Blood is life, what is the fat??? I'm looking for that one as I read.

Most of Leviticus is defining sin and rules for living. In the book the steps of sin are clearly stated: knowledge of, confession of, sacrifice, restitution (20%) and forgiveness of those that sin against you is very important. Confession -do we confess our sins like they were told to do over the scapegoat? as we discover them verbally? Do we make sacrifice based on our transgression showing our desire to turn from our ways? Do we make restitution? Do we forgive those that sin against us?

Leviticus 17- a prescribed way to sacrifice, offer it to the Lord, you are to offer the sacrifice in a way that you don't control how the Lord uses it. Some folks sacrificed in their own way and the Lord said to cut them off from the assembly. In other words we are to give up control.

Leviticus 18 is a do and don't list, but in reading it this year it struck me that it is also God telling the Israelites what happens when people don't acknowledge Him and His ways. He is also forewarning them of the how the people in the promised land will be. They followed what they thought was good in their own eyes, and wound up sacrificing their kids. We call that behavior abortion. They became me focused and not other focused so they tried all kinds of things. God told the Israelites to follow His ways, perform His judgements, keep His statutes. Is it "hate speech" on our part when we say that our God has stated very clearly that homosexuality is not a good idea? It isn't hate to warn people who are breaking a statute of God, but rather actually an act of love, its not our opinion but His, and we recognize He will deal with those that continue or don't repent. Also its interesting that the way God prescribes things has a logical basis and in depth research supports what God has said. For example - children need a father.

Do what the Lord says, just because someone else does it, does NOT justify it. If we follow the ways of men it will be a trap.

In Leviticus 19 we are to be personally Holy just as our Father is Holy, and we are striving to walk with Him. In harvesting don't glean it all, but leave some. Leave others an opportunity, don't strive to be perfectly efficient and watch out for greed. In verse 17 correct your neighbor, but do not hate them. First fruits, first part of income or the first part of the blessings received from God are His for us to sacrifice and give back. Then there is the verse don't profane daughters and make them play the harlot and I am reminded of all the youthful pictures we see on magazine covers.


EZE 33:13 The Lord tells someone they will live due to their righteousness, and then the person trusts in the righteousness (not God)and commits iniquity. We must trust in the Lord and realize that any righteous we exhibit comes from Him. Once we get satisfied that we are righteous, then pride and iniquity is at the door.

EZE 33:14 The Lord tells the wicked they will die, and the wicked turns and becomes righteous and makes restitution- then they live. I think the key to this verse is realizing and acknowledging God holds our lives in His hand so if he tells us we will die we can believe it. Restitution is true repentance.

EZE 34:2 Shepherds should feed the flock and not themselves. The Lord will feed the flock. As part of the flock I enjoy sharing what I discover with each of you. I hope its encouraging, some of what has been shared with me has increased my desire to keep studying and going deeper.

Question -is the city described in Ezekiel former or future (it sounds like New Jerusalem, but there will be sacrifices???)?

Today I got to listen to a student explaining the reason they didn't perform well on tests. My mind quickly went to the story of the garden of Eden and the blame game that was played. Once we identify something to blame (exs. - parents, medical conditions, hormones, other people, our childhood, etc) we are then free to complain about our situation. In this case the student has resigned themselves to poor test grades. Don't worry it won't be their fault, they can't help it.

Firstly that person goes on the prayer list, that God will place the idea that improvement is possible. There is also a desire on my part to be able to say a magic word and poof they have no more anxiety. Again that isn't a normal reality, it will take earnest prayer, continuing exhortation, and work on both the student's part and mine. Those things won't guarantee success, but if God intervenes then success will happen. So if the success happens it will be a praise. What poor performance are we accepting, mediocrity?

I also searched my New Testament thoughts searching for a scripture that I was convinced I had seen, but hadn't been able to find for three days. As part of that search I came across my thoughts from James 5- One of the things that clearly came to me today has to do with blame and fault. As people we are usually looking to blame others, or find fault. I don't believe its God's way. In the garden of
Eden the woman blamed the snake, the man blamed the woman.

I think rather than focus on blame or fault we should focus on what we can do to prevent unpleasant things from happening again. We can (1) assign blame and expect others to do what is necessary without us having to lift a finger to avoid unpleasantness, OR (2) we have a dialog (2 way communication) asking what we can do to help/avoid repeats.

The first leads to frustration, or can, or hard feelings, anger, resentment, hurt, and definite repetition of unpleasant circumstances.

The second leads to dialog, stronger friendships, a working together and growing together, and positive change. This is God's plan, how do we implement it? For this to work all parties need to be willing to communicate, if anyone isn't, then avoidance of that person is probably the only safe answer. I'm advocating relationship building by doing your part- honestly communicating your feelings, and being receptive to the ideas and feelings of others. Then compare these to God's word.

Back to the garden of Eden ­ even though all parties fervently believed they were not at fault, that did not mean the unpleasant consequences were avoided, they were held accountable in fact. So blame is easy, but is not an answer. When we stand before God, will we offer Him excuses, or blame our faults on others (maybe even Him). God's heart must be grieving over our (as people) reliance on blaming others as a way to justify our actions. On judgement day our Father will be explaining to many.

1 Thess 2:12

Father's day is on the way, and I want to remind the father's of their influence. First of all most prisoners don't have or didn't have a fatherly influence. The numbers of fatherless families is staggering, so the prison situation won't improve. We as men and fathers need to take advantage of the influence God has stated is ours. Strengthening urging and comforting is as a father would of his children. So one of the father's duties in the home is to prophesy what will happen. If you are a father, what are you prophesying to happen to your family? Make sure its positive then speak it vocally, verbally and often, the good things you want to happen in your family. If you are negative (definitely a possibility) then those results will affect the family. God is our role model, and He wants only good things for His children.

Romans Ch 9

Finally that scripture. In the story of the Golden calf of Exodus Moses intercedes for the people wanting to be blotted out if God would not forgive that transgression. In Romans 9 Paul records a prayer along the same lines. I wonder if there is a third in the Bible. Is our heart for others such that we are willing to be blotted out of His book, or be separated from Christ?

Exodus 32 - Story of the Gold calf

People want God or a god- they see it as security.
Moses was gone too long and so they felt alone and sought another.
People are gladly willing to support their god, bringing the treasure ultimately used to make the calf (cheerfully in fact).
People also want their god on their own terms, and often times aren't willing to wait on the real One.
These things lead to the creation of idols.

Those things are still true of us "obstinate people" today.

God said He was going to destroy them, I wonder if it was a test of Moses heart toward these people. Was He waiting on Moses to intercede for this people showing his commitment and love for them? Do we have a heart to intercede for rebellious people or do we give up too easily?
As part of Moses intecession he wanted to be blotted out if the Lord wouldn't forgive. Paul spoke a similar sentiment in the NT about how he would gladly go to hell that his brethren would come to know Christ.- need to find that scripture.

If we are obstinate, God won't be in our midst. Put off all our ornaments and bare ourselves before God and He will know what to do with us. EXO 33:5

EXO 33:13 Moses wanted God to show him His ways, Moses had a heart for the people and for God.

EXO 34 God is talking about the covenant he made with this people and He warns them - in general - be careful about making covenants that aren't God approved, our life should be what God wants it to be, and making covenants or promises that God didn't tell us to make can become become a snare in our midst and cause us to play the harlot. This happens when we don't put God first.

EXO 35 Skillful people should do the Lords work, their hearts will be moved to do so- volunteer. Lord will provide the skilled workers necessary. Lord provided workers and material for His tabernacle . EXO 36 the material provided for the material was more than enough. So if God wants it to happen He will provide the workers and the means (more than enough).



Now from my reading in EZE
Ch 13 - Prophesy against those that prophesy of their "own inspiration" . "Own inspiration" means own agenda, not God's. God will make clear what He wants us to know, and He doesn't have to use others. The Lord is against false prophets He will show people He is God. We must be careful not to dishearten the righteous, and not fail to encourage the wicked to turn from their ways. He will lead us in the right direction. The Lord spoke to Ezekiel in real time about the iniquity of the people. We should repent from idols - countries are idols. Do we idolize our country, it may be the best in our opinions but where in the hierarchy is it in relationship to God.

Then Ezekiel 16 which talks about the city of Jerusalem, but could it not be describing each and everyone of us.
Jerusalem was of poor birth- (our history isn't flattering) The Lord made it what it is.
God gives Jerusalem wealth (He gives us ours)
God gives Jerusalem food (He provides ours)
God gives Jerusalem goods (He gives us ours)
God gives Jerusalem children (He gives us ours)

Jerusalem didn't trust the Lord but rather what He had given it - do we get caught up in our things? rather than God?
Jerusalem forgot its past, its roots, have we forgotten ours?
Jerusalem made shrines for itself out of the things God gave it rather than honoring God. Do we feel secure because of God or because of the things He has given us.
Jerusalem focused on people, other countries, do we focus on God or people to determine our happiness? Jerusalem played the harlot with these countries putting them before God, Do we put people before God. These countries became bitter - Jerusalem sought Egypt to protect it from Babylon, and not God

Sodom is described as the sister of Jerusalem, it had the following characteristics : careless ease, abundant food, arrogant. (which led to rampant homosexuality). We in the US have had careless ease- we take too much for granted, we are the breadbasket of the world so we have food, and we are arrogant in that we use our military might.

My notes for the week, the things God has brought to my mind. I can see God working in my life, little things happened all week and it was a God thing.

like being worried about a student's grade and the same student showing up and agreeing with me that the grade I had decided on was fair.
like having peace about how other students faired in my classes.
like causing the computer network at home to blink, when I should have been getting off to go to bed anyway
like the wonderful calm and cheerfulness putting His share of some income in an envelope
like the wonderful insight into how to present material to a class I'm teaching -the timing has been perfect in the last two
like His wonderful leadings into my personal life, and some of the concerns I have been having
I feel He is leading me along the path that is best for me.

I went hiking this week, a short one mile trip, the best photos I took are posted at wunderground my handle is nchiker.

http://www.wunderground.com/wximage/imagesearch.html?handlebox=on&handle=nchiker&submit=go

Hiking is a wonderful reflective time in the woods. Good prayer time, and relaxation away from the things of man.

Now from the Bible reading

Nebuchadnezzar is Called "My servant" in Jer 27:6

In Jer 34:2 Jerusalem is to be burned with fire

In Jer 38:3 Jerusalem will be given into his hand (Nebuchadnezzar's)

Yet later in the book of Jeremiah it clearly prophesies the destruction of Babylon

In Jer 51:11 Vengeance of the Lord for His temple

In Jer 51:24 repay Babylon for the evil done in Zion

In Jer 51:26 will be desolate forever.

How did someone who was God's servant for a country end up causing the destruction of that country? He seemingly carried out God's will, but my question is did he? God gave him success over Jerusalem and Israel and Judah that is clear. God later destroyed Babylon for it.

Did his God given success go to his head and become pride?
There is some evidence for that, God made Nebuchadnezzar lose his mind for a period of years over pride.
Eze 7:20 transformed the beauty of His (God's) ornaments into pride. Not about Babylon, but rather the Jewish people- just sounded to me like something that could commonly happen to anyone.


Could it be that they didn't do exactly what the Lord had said, maybe He didn't tell them specifically to destroy the temple. That may have been their practice, but not God's intention. They were maybe to just carry the Jews off to exile, and decided to destroy the city and His temple. God would have known they were going to.


On another note in Lam 2:14 prophets should expose iniquity, fearing men rather than God leads to the painting of false pictures and predictions. Ezekiel was told not to fear Israel but to speak the words given to him by God. So if we feel led to warn someone we should obey that leading.

Proverbs 18:13 a scripture I had read and looked for last month, but could not find. Make sure you understand before answering. I do this to people, and I am keenly aware of when it happens to me. Getting a short answer.

One last observation from Eze 8:16 people will be in God's temple, and yet face east toward the sun to pray. (Muslims) A muslim temple on the sight of God's temple. The alter is on the west end of the temple

Thoughts for the week ending May 11.

Wisdom calls to people as we are told in Proverbs 9:4
So does Folly in verse 16. People are called to, there is a definite choice people have to make. Follow the Lord's wisdom or folly. I've read proverbs multiple times, and this is the first time I noticed this. God is truly remarkable. We are constantly making choices, choices that have consequences that we are responsible for. What voice are we listening too?

Another marvelous thought came to me while I was mowing. I've been trying to get some blueberries started. With gas going out of sight price wise I thought it would be neat to grow some fruit, maybe some fruit trees. Well the ones I planted last year have died, and I got a new one and put it out this year. When I mowed the other day I noticed one of its branches had been broken off, about 6-8" long. The thought of the blueberry bushes I have seen in the gorge came to mind. The literally grow out of cracks in rocks, and are very healthy. So I thought of the fall of man, a punishment for not obeying God. Man would labor all the days of his life. Like those plants I realized that our labor will make us stronger, and draw us to God. So the punishment He assigned actually is something that draws us back to Him. Like any good parent that wants the best for their child, God is our parent and He wants the best for us, which may not and probably isn't an easy life. His punishment for our disobedience draws us closer to Him.

I was also tarried on trip back from the in-laws and heard some good preaching. It was about slothful Christians, those that aren't progressing. His final point was a question. Where do you want to go?

My answer to that question, I want to discern God's guidance daily, and obey. I'm currently reading in Exodus and He guided them daily by a cloud, and at night by fire, so we can become in tune to His desires and then its a question of obeying. Hopefully yes.