Monday, April 26, 2010
Good Sermon at Mars Hill website--or maybe I just needed it
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/the-beatitudes-part-2
Friday, April 23, 2010
Bold, strong women of the Bible
Hannah's Story
Our pastor has started a study on Wednesday nights in First Samuel. The story of Samuel's mother, Hannah, is such a tender and amazing story, and so pertinent today. I wish our pastor would linger in the first few chapters, but I think he wants to finish the whole book this century.
Hannah is among five special ladies mentioned in the Bible who had problems getting pregnant. Sarah, Abraham's wife, Rebekah, Isaac's wife, even Rachel was barren for a time, (Jacob's wife) and Elizabeth in the New Testament. Sampson's mother, also experienced barrenness but her prayer was answered in a mighty way. Both Sampson's mother and Elizabeth (John the Baptisers mother) would receive specific instructions about what to feed their sons, as they were to be Nazarenes.
We read in First Samuel chapter one, that Hannah is married to Elkanah--an Ephraimite from the same area thousands of years later would come Joseph of Aramathea. Elkanah had two wives. Big problem right there. We are not told why, but God only ordained one wife for one man at a time. And maybe because of what happened here---the second wife, Peninnah "would provoke her bitterly to irritate her" year after year to the point where Hannah would weep and not eat.
Wow---way to go Peninnah---your sin is recorded for all to see. forever. No wonder my mom would admonish me to be nice to my sister and brothers when I was little. On the one hand, we feel sorry for Peninnah, because the Bible records that Elk loved Hannah. Maybe he only used Peninnah. And his not-very-helpful whine: "Hannah, why do you weep and why do not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"
Maybe Elk liked being spoiled. But, his question indicates he knows Hannah's plight. The men in the other stories are recorded as praying for their wives---Abraham, Isaac, Jacob--John's father, Zachariah, all prayed. But, in Hannah's story---she is the one who goes to the Tabernacle and prays and makes a vow. Eli the priest watches her and thinks she is drunk. And without gossiping, Hannah tells him that she has been praying, pouring out her heart to the Lord, "out of my great concern and provocation."
Hannah is encouraged by Eli's blessing, and the Bible says, she "went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
That is trust. When we have body slammed our problems and concerns on the Lord in prayer, we can get up and face the day.
God answers Hannah's prayer for a son, and Hannah keeps her vow. I cannot imagine leaving my three or four year old son with the pastor's family, let alone some priest who we know had trouble with his own sons. But, Hannah trusted God, and she did not just drop him off. She brought food and clothing for him every year. The Bible says she made a little linen ephod (tunic) for him to wear. And Eli the priest noticed her faithfulness, and Eli prayed for Hannah to have more children. Hannah would go on to have three more sons and two daughters. But, for a few years, I suspect her arms were empty.
Just like Elizabeth, Hannah proclaims wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit and chapter 2 records "Hannah's song". In the New Testament, it reminds me of Mary's song.
I want to copy it here. Some of the words may seem strange to come out of the mouth of a hard working woman who may have been illiterate. She obviously has been listening when God's Word is read at the tabernacle, and she knows God, and serves Him, and loves Him.
Way to go, Hannah. Your name is sweet to us, and we give it to girls to this day. Hannah was strong, and bold, and not afraid to declare what is right even to her own husband. I have to think that she looked forward to seeing Samuel each year. I hope she got to spend a little time with him and explain the miracle of his birth, and her vow, and hear how God was working in his life. Yes, she gave him back to the Lord, dedicating him to the Lord, but kept busy supporting him. And I am sure she prayed for him. Hannah trusted God with her son. Her son would live to anoint kings, teach and preach and even come back from the dead to speak to Saul. His would be an amazing life. Truly used by God to demonstrate and picture the fact that this world belongs to Jesus. But, like king David, there was a period of years where David was anointed but not yet on the throne.
Hannah's Song of Thanksgiving
1Then Hannah prayed and said,
"My heart exults in the LORD;
My horn is exalted in the LORD,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2"There is no one holy like the LORD,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.
3"Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the LORD is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.
4"The bows of the mighty are shattered,
But the feeble gird on strength.
5"Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
Even the barren gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children languishes.
6"The LORD kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7"The LORD makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
8"He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S,
And He set the world on them.
9"He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.
10"Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed."
Our pastor has started a study on Wednesday nights in First Samuel. The story of Samuel's mother, Hannah, is such a tender and amazing story, and so pertinent today. I wish our pastor would linger in the first few chapters, but I think he wants to finish the whole book this century.
Hannah is among five special ladies mentioned in the Bible who had problems getting pregnant. Sarah, Abraham's wife, Rebekah, Isaac's wife, even Rachel was barren for a time, (Jacob's wife) and Elizabeth in the New Testament. Sampson's mother, also experienced barrenness but her prayer was answered in a mighty way. Both Sampson's mother and Elizabeth (John the Baptisers mother) would receive specific instructions about what to feed their sons, as they were to be Nazarenes.
We read in First Samuel chapter one, that Hannah is married to Elkanah--an Ephraimite from the same area thousands of years later would come Joseph of Aramathea. Elkanah had two wives. Big problem right there. We are not told why, but God only ordained one wife for one man at a time. And maybe because of what happened here---the second wife, Peninnah "would provoke her bitterly to irritate her" year after year to the point where Hannah would weep and not eat.
Wow---way to go Peninnah---your sin is recorded for all to see. forever. No wonder my mom would admonish me to be nice to my sister and brothers when I was little. On the one hand, we feel sorry for Peninnah, because the Bible records that Elk loved Hannah. Maybe he only used Peninnah. And his not-very-helpful whine: "Hannah, why do you weep and why do not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"
Maybe Elk liked being spoiled. But, his question indicates he knows Hannah's plight. The men in the other stories are recorded as praying for their wives---Abraham, Isaac, Jacob--John's father, Zachariah, all prayed. But, in Hannah's story---she is the one who goes to the Tabernacle and prays and makes a vow. Eli the priest watches her and thinks she is drunk. And without gossiping, Hannah tells him that she has been praying, pouring out her heart to the Lord, "out of my great concern and provocation."
Hannah is encouraged by Eli's blessing, and the Bible says, she "went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
That is trust. When we have body slammed our problems and concerns on the Lord in prayer, we can get up and face the day.
God answers Hannah's prayer for a son, and Hannah keeps her vow. I cannot imagine leaving my three or four year old son with the pastor's family, let alone some priest who we know had trouble with his own sons. But, Hannah trusted God, and she did not just drop him off. She brought food and clothing for him every year. The Bible says she made a little linen ephod (tunic) for him to wear. And Eli the priest noticed her faithfulness, and Eli prayed for Hannah to have more children. Hannah would go on to have three more sons and two daughters. But, for a few years, I suspect her arms were empty.
Just like Elizabeth, Hannah proclaims wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit and chapter 2 records "Hannah's song". In the New Testament, it reminds me of Mary's song.
I want to copy it here. Some of the words may seem strange to come out of the mouth of a hard working woman who may have been illiterate. She obviously has been listening when God's Word is read at the tabernacle, and she knows God, and serves Him, and loves Him.
Way to go, Hannah. Your name is sweet to us, and we give it to girls to this day. Hannah was strong, and bold, and not afraid to declare what is right even to her own husband. I have to think that she looked forward to seeing Samuel each year. I hope she got to spend a little time with him and explain the miracle of his birth, and her vow, and hear how God was working in his life. Yes, she gave him back to the Lord, dedicating him to the Lord, but kept busy supporting him. And I am sure she prayed for him. Hannah trusted God with her son. Her son would live to anoint kings, teach and preach and even come back from the dead to speak to Saul. His would be an amazing life. Truly used by God to demonstrate and picture the fact that this world belongs to Jesus. But, like king David, there was a period of years where David was anointed but not yet on the throne.
Hannah's Song of Thanksgiving
1Then Hannah prayed and said,
"My heart exults in the LORD;
My horn is exalted in the LORD,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2"There is no one holy like the LORD,
Indeed, there is no one besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.
3"Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the LORD is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed.
4"The bows of the mighty are shattered,
But the feeble gird on strength.
5"Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
Even the barren gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children languishes.
6"The LORD kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7"The LORD makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts.
8"He raises the poor from the dust,
He lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor;
For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S,
And He set the world on them.
9"He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.
10"Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered;
Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn of His anointed."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Navy and Black
There is something obviously wrong with me. A black tee shirt looks okay with navy denim I suppose, but a black polo shirt worn with navy slacks: yuck. But, my man dresses himself, and he is at the "don't care" stage. As long as it is clean and presentable, the colors do not matter much to him.
The navy slacks had been hidden between some other shirts and slacks, so when he found them, he thought I'd bought him a new pair, and has been wearing them proudly. But, get him to go shopping to get a few more pair whilst we can afford it...even if we happen to be in Walmart for a tool or something manly, he ain't stopping no where no how at the men's department even if it is on the route to the cash registers. So, I either need to purchase a few more black pair and khaki---as they go with about any colored polo he grabs, or hide the navy amongsth the white (safe) polos...
Sure wish there was a verse about wearing black and navy together.
Any ideas, ladies? Help !
The navy slacks had been hidden between some other shirts and slacks, so when he found them, he thought I'd bought him a new pair, and has been wearing them proudly. But, get him to go shopping to get a few more pair whilst we can afford it...even if we happen to be in Walmart for a tool or something manly, he ain't stopping no where no how at the men's department even if it is on the route to the cash registers. So, I either need to purchase a few more black pair and khaki---as they go with about any colored polo he grabs, or hide the navy amongsth the white (safe) polos...
Sure wish there was a verse about wearing black and navy together.
Any ideas, ladies? Help !
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
We are all nursing moms
First Thessalonians 2:7,8
"But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives because you had become very dear to us."
The admonition to love, help, encourage, no matter what...no matter the opposition nor suffering, living your life pleasing God---love, love, love, appears in a ration of 10 to 1 to rebuke. We gotta do a whole lot of loving, and motivated by love and restoring before that one rebuke. Encourage, help, pray for, rejoice, be bold, be gentle for we serve a living God who searches our hearts. Live devoutly, uprightly, blamelessly, well behaved---walking in a manner worthy of God who calls you into His kingdom and glory.
a father's responsibility: implore his own children, exhort, and encourage.
Unblamable, receive instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God. Abstain from sexual immorality. Do not trangress nor defraud. The Lord is the avenger of all these things. God has not called us for the purpose of impurity but sanctification. Only God teaches us to love one another.
Practice it toward all. Lead a quiet life. Attend to your own business. Work with your hands. Behave properly toward outsiders and do not be in any need.
(the next verse does NOT say we are NOT to grieve) Instead, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Comfort one another with these words! We live in light of the fact that Jesus who died and rose again is coming back with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God to meet us in the air (the dead in Christ rise first) and we are to comfort each other knowing Jesus died, and rose, and exquisite details about our future. We are sons of light an sons of day...be alert, and sober. Put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation. Encourage one another, build up one another, appreciate the pastors and teachers and workers--esteem them highly.
Live in peace with one another. Admonish the unruly. Encourage the fainthearted. Help the weak. Be patient with all men. No repaying evil for evil. Seek after that which is good. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Examine everything carefully. Hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Be preserved complete. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit.
What does your work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope look like? He chose you.
"But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives because you had become very dear to us."
The admonition to love, help, encourage, no matter what...no matter the opposition nor suffering, living your life pleasing God---love, love, love, appears in a ration of 10 to 1 to rebuke. We gotta do a whole lot of loving, and motivated by love and restoring before that one rebuke. Encourage, help, pray for, rejoice, be bold, be gentle for we serve a living God who searches our hearts. Live devoutly, uprightly, blamelessly, well behaved---walking in a manner worthy of God who calls you into His kingdom and glory.
a father's responsibility: implore his own children, exhort, and encourage.
Unblamable, receive instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God. Abstain from sexual immorality. Do not trangress nor defraud. The Lord is the avenger of all these things. God has not called us for the purpose of impurity but sanctification. Only God teaches us to love one another.
Practice it toward all. Lead a quiet life. Attend to your own business. Work with your hands. Behave properly toward outsiders and do not be in any need.
(the next verse does NOT say we are NOT to grieve) Instead, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Comfort one another with these words! We live in light of the fact that Jesus who died and rose again is coming back with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God to meet us in the air (the dead in Christ rise first) and we are to comfort each other knowing Jesus died, and rose, and exquisite details about our future. We are sons of light an sons of day...be alert, and sober. Put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation. Encourage one another, build up one another, appreciate the pastors and teachers and workers--esteem them highly.
Live in peace with one another. Admonish the unruly. Encourage the fainthearted. Help the weak. Be patient with all men. No repaying evil for evil. Seek after that which is good. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Examine everything carefully. Hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Be preserved complete. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit.
What does your work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope look like? He chose you.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
That panic-ey feeling
I have such a long collection of blogs I visit...and I don't want to lose them.
I need to spend some time and add them here in case my computer acts up and eats my favorites list. With computers, nothing is ever permanent. You can spend all day composing the great epistle and poof---gone. Never to be seen again.
I wish there were a way to copy and paste the favorites list somewhere/somehow.
And I wish I were more organized as in a folder for all things Afghanistan.
Most I just read, a few a comment on. And some are for fun---like cakewrecks.com
update--- okay. there. I have added new ones up through the Ns. Saved them on this blog in case I lose my favorite.
Rain. We are getting a good soaking rain. we needed it. but, this is the race weekend for north Fort Worth...and a good friend's son's wedding... maybe they can get-er-done between showers. It was gonna be a quick ceremony at the Botanical gardens, anyway.
I need to spend some time and add them here in case my computer acts up and eats my favorites list. With computers, nothing is ever permanent. You can spend all day composing the great epistle and poof---gone. Never to be seen again.
I wish there were a way to copy and paste the favorites list somewhere/somehow.
And I wish I were more organized as in a folder for all things Afghanistan.
Most I just read, a few a comment on. And some are for fun---like cakewrecks.com
update--- okay. there. I have added new ones up through the Ns. Saved them on this blog in case I lose my favorite.
Rain. We are getting a good soaking rain. we needed it. but, this is the race weekend for north Fort Worth...and a good friend's son's wedding... maybe they can get-er-done between showers. It was gonna be a quick ceremony at the Botanical gardens, anyway.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Whirlwind
I don't think I ever grasped how some sins have consequences you just cannot take back.
And the tongue is the worst. Things said in gossip and anger are like vomitting up the whirlwind. And you can't take it back. And saying, "I'm sorry" will not undo the wreckage you have caused.
"Well, I said I was sorry" they huff and puff. But, the tornado-ic damage their rage unleashed will not rebuild the house nor barn anytime soon.
Thankfully, I lead a quiet life. Boring to most, I'm sure. I am happy with reading, knitting, a little laundry, a little cleaning. And while I have had to bite my tongue from saying some outrageous things, I chalked it up to hormones, or that time of month or something, and prayed God remove the insane thoughts.
But, the words come back---and those verses about gossipy tongues afire burning down whole forrests...please, Lord, guard my tongue. Help me to persevere to the end.
What sins unleashed are like the tube of toothpaste---blurped and squeezed out, but hard to put back inside, if not impossible. What sins burn down the house, and the barn? What sins wreck beyond repair? What sins murder the soul and spirit and respect? What sins shock and awe?
We tremble. And desire to guard our peaceful life from the drama.
And the tongue is the worst. Things said in gossip and anger are like vomitting up the whirlwind. And you can't take it back. And saying, "I'm sorry" will not undo the wreckage you have caused.
"Well, I said I was sorry" they huff and puff. But, the tornado-ic damage their rage unleashed will not rebuild the house nor barn anytime soon.
Thankfully, I lead a quiet life. Boring to most, I'm sure. I am happy with reading, knitting, a little laundry, a little cleaning. And while I have had to bite my tongue from saying some outrageous things, I chalked it up to hormones, or that time of month or something, and prayed God remove the insane thoughts.
But, the words come back---and those verses about gossipy tongues afire burning down whole forrests...please, Lord, guard my tongue. Help me to persevere to the end.
What sins unleashed are like the tube of toothpaste---blurped and squeezed out, but hard to put back inside, if not impossible. What sins burn down the house, and the barn? What sins wreck beyond repair? What sins murder the soul and spirit and respect? What sins shock and awe?
We tremble. And desire to guard our peaceful life from the drama.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Gift of Friendship
Three friends---
One helping with a newborn. One a new widow and dealing with extended family problems. One with the wedding of her youngest on Saturday. . .
Three friends. We are all grannies now. We have walked with each other through grade school, high school, college, and our birdies leaving home. Weddings, births, jobs, vehicles...kids. The death of parents. We are scattered across the country.
We know the names and ages of each others' kids and grandkids, and cute stories.
Thank You, Lord, for my three friends. Thank You, Lord, for friendship, and laughter and tears.
I know for certain that all three are Christians, so I hope we can all sit together someday in eternity and marvel at this gift of friendship. Thank you for phone calls, and letters, facebook and emails.
One helping with a newborn. One a new widow and dealing with extended family problems. One with the wedding of her youngest on Saturday. . .
Three friends. We are all grannies now. We have walked with each other through grade school, high school, college, and our birdies leaving home. Weddings, births, jobs, vehicles...kids. The death of parents. We are scattered across the country.
We know the names and ages of each others' kids and grandkids, and cute stories.
Thank You, Lord, for my three friends. Thank You, Lord, for friendship, and laughter and tears.
I know for certain that all three are Christians, so I hope we can all sit together someday in eternity and marvel at this gift of friendship. Thank you for phone calls, and letters, facebook and emails.
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