January 21, 2008

Read Exodus 1-3 and Matthew 14:1-21

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Matthew 14:1-12 This is the main reason I was told by a Jehovah's Witness that they don't celebrate birthdays. My attention in reading this passage this time actually turned to John. He probably didn't even see this coming. We know he was in jail for telling the truth; Herod shouldn't be messing with his brother's wife....not like there weren't lots of other women in the kingdom...anyway, John had doubted, briefly, but I believe after Jesus sent the reply back, his faith remained steadfast. I am so glad we'll all be capable of a different kind of communication in heaven, because the line to see this guy and speak to him would be out the....uh...well, it would be really long. I think it was a tragic, albeit swift, end for one so great. I began thinking that there are JTB's everywhere though, who preach Christ and are persecuted for it...they are imprisoned, tortured, killed, everyday in presecuted nations. "What a tragic end for one so great"...that thought ran through my head several times, and I felt compelled to ask you guys to pray for the unknown great ones who are meeting a tragic death everyday. What a crown they have coming in Heaven!

V 13-I can relate to Jesus here. He got news that must have just slain him....so he took off by himself for awhile to a secluded place. I would be inclined to do the same, I think, although in this day & age , if you're a woman that's not always such a hot idea unless you've got a carry permit.

I like how, when the multitudes came to him, Jesus didn't ask them to please respect his grieving time, he didn't flip out like I probably would have "My friend is dead! Leave me alone!" He saw beyond his own grief and went on loving and helping. I am privileged to know someone like this, and this gal is my hero in the faith. Y'all probably know who I'm talking about. :-)

Exodus 1:15 Man, that's some harsh words for the midwives! And they lied, to save lives. I remember once PD talked about this. "Isn't lying a sin?" unbelievers might ask. Well, yeah, although they didn't have the ten commandments yet, but I tell ya what, as committed as I am to God and His Word, if a guy showed up and asked, "Is Erin here? I'm here to kill her", and she was, I'd probably be like, "No, she's not here right now. She's on vacation in Alaska. Can I take your number and have her call you when she returns?"

V 12 Yes, I saw "The Prince of Egypt" but I forget is Moses knew he was adopted, or just felt sorry for the enslaved Hebrews.

V 25 God looked upon the children of Israel, and He acknowledged them. I like that. He didn't just peer down and go, "Huh....how about that..." He acknowledged them. They mattered to Him. It's the same with us. God isn't just looking down dispassionately watching us scurry around like ants. He acknowledges us, because we're His. The Creator of the universe looks at me and says, "Hey, Chris!" Whoa! He acknowledges me...He knows I exist, and has a purpose and a plan for me, and for everyone else. He cares! WHY? I can't fathom it....but I can grab hold of it, and enjoy it, and use my life to give back.

Exodus 3:5 My dad is visiting (he just called to tell me he was running late; tell me it's not genetic) and we were talking about how to dress for church. He's pretty old school, and out of respect for him, I'll dress up while he is here...so don't laugh, you guys! But how that tied in, is when we worship God, we are standing in His presence, on Holy ground. Pastor Chris was talking yesterday about having a proper attitude of worship when we come to church. No, it's not about our external appearance, and that's what I was sharing with my dad, but the proper attitude of the heart, about reverence, not an "I'm here to be entertained" attitude. It's not literally, with us, about taking off our shoes (thank goodness!) or wearing a suit or a dress, but about acknowledging the privilege of standing in God's presence, and having that humility. I dunno; it was a cool verse, and one that caused me to check my attitude and see where I maybe need to make an adjustment or two.

Exodus 3:14 I AM. I have loved this verse for as long as I can remember; it is so God. He simply is. No long explanations, no complications, He just IS. That makes me feel so safe and secure. Tell them I AM. (It's even capitalized in the Bible, so you know it's important!) It's the essence of Who and What God is. Who are we telling?

January 21, 2008 at 11:24 AM

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