Paul tells the people this church that they are all one body each with unique gifts, but because they are all one body they must all work together.
Although here he is talking specifically about spiritual gifts given the people of the church, I think it applies even to peoples chosen careers. I can't count the number of times I've heard "oh I could never be a teacher".. this is more often than not said with a sort of pity in their manner? I always think, well its a good thing some of us can.
I'm thankful there are people who choose to be nurses or doctors, because that's something I could never do.
We should just all be thankful that there are so many types of people in the world, each with something different to offer.
Then Paul tells them about the best and highest gift of all which is love.......and then we get probably the most popular wedding reading of all time
This is one of my favorites because I often get picked on for doing it....Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, s ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening.
Also....love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. This is a good lesson for young people who think they are so in love, and get their heart broken. If its real love, it will last..... and last.... and last.
And then a whole bunch about speaking in tongues.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Cor. 9-11
10:11 this verse says that all men feel temptations. You will never be tempted by something that you simply are unable to resist. Also it says that there will always be a way around the temptation, a way out of the situation. This is so true, the trick is being able to see that other option and have the faith to know its there for a reason.
And then we have a bunchny bunch (not the funky bunch) about woman and their place in life and how we shall all have long hair and cover our heads in prayer. In Gone With the Wind when the O'Hara family says their evening prayers the girls all put little square cloths on their heads and I never knew why....till this very day.
Also the speech given before communion: "take eat......do this is remembrance of me.." I find it interesting that he says to not take communion if you are feeling that maybe you aren't worthy and that every time I've ever been to a church that offers communion everyone always takes it. Are we all really so perfect all the time, really?
I bet if the Amish offered communion, NO ONE would rise up to take it. Then they would all do the whole. "we're not worthy.....we're not worthy...." thing.
And then we have a bunchny bunch (not the funky bunch) about woman and their place in life and how we shall all have long hair and cover our heads in prayer. In Gone With the Wind when the O'Hara family says their evening prayers the girls all put little square cloths on their heads and I never knew why....till this very day.
Also the speech given before communion: "take eat......do this is remembrance of me.." I find it interesting that he says to not take communion if you are feeling that maybe you aren't worthy and that every time I've ever been to a church that offers communion everyone always takes it. Are we all really so perfect all the time, really?
I bet if the Amish offered communion, NO ONE would rise up to take it. Then they would all do the whole. "we're not worthy.....we're not worthy...." thing.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Cor. 5-8
So Paul tackles marriage in this reading, and apparently Paul is not much of a romantic but more of a realist. He says that if you can, stay unmarried. Unmarried people have less to worry about and can devote their lives to God (priests and nuns). This is a noble calling for some and I absolutely respect the sacrifice these people make.
BUTTT he says if you have desires of the flesh then you need to marry ASAP! Reading this made me feel less like a wife and more like some kind of tool for my husband to use and vice versa. Funny how it started this way and we, in later generations, brought love into the mix. I'm sure these people grew to love each other, but in most cases I don't imagine it started out that way.
Actually I saw a story not long ago about modern day arranged marriages, mostly people from India, who lived in America. These marriages actually have a higher success rate than traditional marriages. Not simply in terms of divorce but also happiness. I think its because we get too wrapped up in the romantic ideas that our society forces down our throats and when marriage doesn't look like what the movies tell us its suppose to look like then we give up.
I may have digressed.....
BUTTT he says if you have desires of the flesh then you need to marry ASAP! Reading this made me feel less like a wife and more like some kind of tool for my husband to use and vice versa. Funny how it started this way and we, in later generations, brought love into the mix. I'm sure these people grew to love each other, but in most cases I don't imagine it started out that way.
Actually I saw a story not long ago about modern day arranged marriages, mostly people from India, who lived in America. These marriages actually have a higher success rate than traditional marriages. Not simply in terms of divorce but also happiness. I think its because we get too wrapped up in the romantic ideas that our society forces down our throats and when marriage doesn't look like what the movies tell us its suppose to look like then we give up.
I may have digressed.....
Thursday, February 25, 2010
1 Cor. 1-4
So the people of Corinth are bickering. I belong to this church, you belong to that church.......so lets fight. Sound familiar.
Paul reminds them that they are all serving Jesus, not their ministers. Let us not confuse the two. The preachers (including Paul) are there to plant and water the seed only. God makes it grow.
They are warned of becoming boastful and reminded about remaining humble.
Paul reminds them that they are all serving Jesus, not their ministers. Let us not confuse the two. The preachers (including Paul) are there to plant and water the seed only. God makes it grow.
They are warned of becoming boastful and reminded about remaining humble.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Acts 18:19-19:41
Today was more detailed description of Paul's preaching and how Christianity was slowly spread across the world. Including losts of healing and miracles.
I thought the story about the idol makers to be interesting because it shows a practical reason as to why people were against Christianity. These people weren't worried about their souls as much as they were their wallets. The spreading of Christianity was putting a serious dent in the bank account of the folks who made all the idols that one must have in ones home prior to Jesus.
Just like today, if money is brought into the mix, things can get spicy. They have a huge meeting at the Temple of Artemis and chant for 2hrs. But like most huge crowds of angry shouting people, not everyone even knew what they were shouting about.
Luckily, there is a wise town clerk who handles the situation brilliantly. He said if the silversmiths had a problem with anyone that the courts are open for business, and then he dismissed the crowd. I think that went fairly well, considering....
I thought the story about the idol makers to be interesting because it shows a practical reason as to why people were against Christianity. These people weren't worried about their souls as much as they were their wallets. The spreading of Christianity was putting a serious dent in the bank account of the folks who made all the idols that one must have in ones home prior to Jesus.
Just like today, if money is brought into the mix, things can get spicy. They have a huge meeting at the Temple of Artemis and chant for 2hrs. But like most huge crowds of angry shouting people, not everyone even knew what they were shouting about.
Luckily, there is a wise town clerk who handles the situation brilliantly. He said if the silversmiths had a problem with anyone that the courts are open for business, and then he dismissed the crowd. I think that went fairly well, considering....Tuesday, February 23, 2010
2 Thes
This letter again started slow for me, but I loved the last chapter. As did, apparently John Smith. He was sent to the English colony of Virginia to help save it from the same fate as the lost colony of Roanoke. When he got there the crazy people were so obsessed with searching for gold and other treasures that they were actually starving to death, no one had planted crops and few had even built houses. He comes in and declares "if you do not work, you do not eat"...borrowing from Paul.
It worked.
Paul says many more good and useful things in the last chapter.... namely, mind your own business and take care of yourself.
It worked.
Paul says many more good and useful things in the last chapter.... namely, mind your own business and take care of yourself.
Monday, February 22, 2010
1 Thessalonians.
This letter started of slow but picked up some goodness along the way and ended with a great joyous bang!
Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians as they are a new church and perhaps Paul thought they needed a pep talk. He reviews with them some of the finer points of being a Christian.
I love 4:9-12
He also goes over the whole death, Resurrection thing as these people were worried that their dead loved ones wouldn't get to go with Jesus when he came again. They will actually go first, says Paul.
Super love all of Chapter 5....tis all really fantastic stuff
Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians as they are a new church and perhaps Paul thought they needed a pep talk. He reviews with them some of the finer points of being a Christian.
I love 4:9-12
He also goes over the whole death, Resurrection thing as these people were worried that their dead loved ones wouldn't get to go with Jesus when he came again. They will actually go first, says Paul.
Super love all of Chapter 5....tis all really fantastic stuff
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Acts 17-18:18
Ruffians and rascals abound in Thessalonica.
Paul and Silas are preaching about Jesus to the Jews in Thessalonica much to the displeasure of the towns riff raff. They manage to convert some and they move on to the next city. BUT the ruffians and rascals, when they find out that the fellas are preaching in a nearby city, seek them out there as well........rascals
The rest is just an account of more of Paul's preaching in different cities. God came to him in a vision at one point and told him to not keep quiet, the He will be with him and that all will be ok.
Paul and Silas are preaching about Jesus to the Jews in Thessalonica much to the displeasure of the towns riff raff. They manage to convert some and they move on to the next city. BUT the ruffians and rascals, when they find out that the fellas are preaching in a nearby city, seek them out there as well........rascals
The rest is just an account of more of Paul's preaching in different cities. God came to him in a vision at one point and told him to not keep quiet, the He will be with him and that all will be ok.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Gal. 4-6
I think I got lost in this one. I may have to go back and reread it before bed tonight. What I guess I got out of it was that being circumcised (like being baptized with water) doesn't mean your going to spend eternity in Heaven. You must become a new, better person afterwards. That's what will get you there.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Galations 1-3
This a letter from Paul to the Galatians. He's just trying to explain the basics of Christianity. We must keep in mind that this is a brand new thing. The last few vs of chapter 3 sum it up best I think.
He tells them that the Law that they followed for so long as Jews was set to prepare them for the coming of the faith of Jesus, like a trainer. Now that Jesus has come, they can ditch the trainer and live through His faith. Basically....stop all that hand washing! You were so clean when He came that you were prepared to accept Him, now its all good....eat of the dirty meat.....eat off dirty plates.....its a mealtime free for all!!!!
I just wonder what they did with all that spare time? I bet the older people still did all that, you know how they can be.
Also it says that the lines are gone that separate the rich from the poor, male from female, master from slave...everyone can live by the faith of Christ, no matter your station in life.
He tells them that the Law that they followed for so long as Jews was set to prepare them for the coming of the faith of Jesus, like a trainer. Now that Jesus has come, they can ditch the trainer and live through His faith. Basically....stop all that hand washing! You were so clean when He came that you were prepared to accept Him, now its all good....eat of the dirty meat.....eat off dirty plates.....its a mealtime free for all!!!!
I just wonder what they did with all that spare time? I bet the older people still did all that, you know how they can be.
Also it says that the lines are gone that separate the rich from the poor, male from female, master from slave...everyone can live by the faith of Christ, no matter your station in life.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Acts 15-16
Interesting stuff today I think. What a lot of work these guys have to do.Paul and his crew are meeting with people and explaining the ins and outs of Christianity. I imagine it to be a lot of "what about this......? and what about that........? is strangling my dinner ok?..........is washing it down with a nice big goblet of warm, lumpy blood alright? is fornicating with the woman that my golden calf tells me to, in the totally fine column?......"
So MANY questions.
and that would be a no, no, and a no no....not ok.
We meet Lydia, a woman who specializes in fabrics dyed purple. Oddly specific but interesting nevertheless.
Alright Jamie the scene in which the girl keeps following the guys around screaming about the Lord, finally get on Paul's nerves had to AT LEAST give you a little chuckle. The fact that she was indeed saying something good about them, "These mean are the servants of The Most High God! They announce to you the way of salvation" and yet, she still annoyed the "you know what" out of them.....speaks volumes to me.
Book of James
LOVE this book.
This may be my new favorite. I don't even know where to start. I love what he says about faith alone not being enough if there are no good works to back that up, and visa versa. We read this before but I don't have the time to look up where it was...
The discussion of temptation is a good one as well. "Blessed is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and has been approved he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him." Does temptation and the ability to withstand it makes us stronger people? Does it make our faith stronger? I think it does, it seems to me that the person who is never tempted by anything (as if there is such a person) or lets say tempted little, has an easier go at it......therefore maybe doesn't build up such a strong faith. Perhaps not in all cases, but hopefully you can see my point. I've an analogy, but am running short on time.....
It also says that one is never to think that God is the one who is tempting you....like a test. He doesn't do that.
"for as the human body, apart from the spirit is lifeless, so faith apart from its works of obedience is also dead."
Chapter 3 talks about the might power of the tongue. SO much truth in this. The old saying that we tell kids "sticks and stones may break my bones but word will never hurt me" is INSANE. Words can hurt a million times more than sticks and stones. The beauty of it is however that words have powers that those other things only dream of. Words spoken aloud and put into the correct order have created more beauty in the world than all the paintbrushes that ever were....but on the flip side as James warns us of, they have also cause more pain and suffering than all the sticks and stones that ever were.....might powerful things
and perhaps my favorite..."and the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflict].....this is ALL I want in life, truly.
let no simply be no and yes simply be yes
confess your sins to one another and pray for one another
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Acts 13-14
Barnabas and Saul have bean separated from the rest by God. They are sent to Cyprus, to preach the Word of God. John (mark) is also with them. They meet a wizard named Bar-Jesus. They asked that he stop making crooked the straight path of God and when he refused they made him blind. With this he became a convert. It was so easy then....you have doubts, you're blinded....you believe.
They then head to Perga and begin to preach in the Jewish synagogues. Most people like what they hear and return the following week to hear them speak again. Eventually however they are run out of town by some big wigs.
They are now at Iconium and the people there are divided. Some are pro Barnabas and Paul.....some are anti Barnabus and Paul. They hear of a plan to be molested and stoned and nothing good can come from that so they leave.
Next stop Lystra, where things seem to go from bad to worse. Here they heal a crippled man and instead of everyone praising God and becoming Christians, they think the duo to be Zeus and Hermes (saw his parade Friday night). This is not good, as the people thinking them Greek gods come to earth in human form, bring them all sorts of gifts. The two look at each other and say something along the lines of "I think we mighta made a huge mistake"
They try to straighten it out but Paul ends up getting stoned to what the townsfolk believe to be death and dragged out of town. However Paul is not dead and gets up and continues preaching with his pal.
They then head to Perga and begin to preach in the Jewish synagogues. Most people like what they hear and return the following week to hear them speak again. Eventually however they are run out of town by some big wigs.
They are now at Iconium and the people there are divided. Some are pro Barnabas and Paul.....some are anti Barnabus and Paul. They hear of a plan to be molested and stoned and nothing good can come from that so they leave.
Next stop Lystra, where things seem to go from bad to worse. Here they heal a crippled man and instead of everyone praising God and becoming Christians, they think the duo to be Zeus and Hermes (saw his parade Friday night). This is not good, as the people thinking them Greek gods come to earth in human form, bring them all sorts of gifts. The two look at each other and say something along the lines of "I think we mighta made a huge mistake"
They try to straighten it out but Paul ends up getting stoned to what the townsfolk believe to be death and dragged out of town. However Paul is not dead and gets up and continues preaching with his pal.
Acts 11-12
You have the Libertarian Party, the Republican Party, the Democratic Party and the Circumcision Party. Let me just say that of them all the Circumcision Party is by far the most selective. The Jews for Jesus are in charge and they don't take kindly to any uncircumcised heathen.
But Peter explains....
Herod is afflicting and oppressing and tormenting some people who belong to the church. He kills James with a sword, and seeing that he got a rousing applause he decides to arrest Peter as well.
But who should come and break him out of jail but the Angel of the Lord, master Locksmith. He gets Peter out of his chains and out from betwixt two guards.
Peter goes to his people and thoroughly freaks them out.....Herod has the guards killed and puts on royal robes and speaks to the people. God strikes him down and worms eat him.
But Peter explains....
Herod is afflicting and oppressing and tormenting some people who belong to the church. He kills James with a sword, and seeing that he got a rousing applause he decides to arrest Peter as well.
But who should come and break him out of jail but the Angel of the Lord, master Locksmith. He gets Peter out of his chains and out from betwixt two guards.
Peter goes to his people and thoroughly freaks them out.....Herod has the guards killed and puts on royal robes and speaks to the people. God strikes him down and worms eat him.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Acts 9-10
Saul is the current bad guy and hes trying to round up all the followers of Christ and have them bound with chains. Whist he is doing this Jesus actually speaks to him and in a round about way, he says "hey Saul....what up with the persecutions!?"
Saul freaks out, Jesus takes his sight and sends him into the nearest town where he has another man restore his sight in His name.
Saul is a convert.
Peter performs a few healings and more converts are added.
Im not feeling it this evening so I'll just let Jamie take it from here....
Saul freaks out, Jesus takes his sight and sends him into the nearest town where he has another man restore his sight in His name.
Saul is a convert.
Peter performs a few healings and more converts are added.
Im not feeling it this evening so I'll just let Jamie take it from here....
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Acts 7-8
Well folks I'm currently living in up in New Orleans with the family for Mardi Gras and I'm finding it difficult to find a moment alone to read and blog. So I will catch up on Monday, but I don't want Jamie to get alllll backed up. SO if he wants to he can go ahead and post his comments
Ok I'm now back......We start off with StePHan and his review lesson. He manages to pack in all the highlights in just one chapter. I happen to find this very very impressive. And for all of his hard work, he gets stoned to death at the finish.
Then we spend a little time with Philip and an Ethiopian eunuch. The E E is attempting to read the book of Isaiah even though he can not apparently speak the language. Philip is drawn over to the carriage in which the EE is sitting and asks him if he can understand what he is reading. The EE responds by saying "How is it possible for me to do so unless someone explains it to me and guides me in the right way"
Indeed, my friend......indeed.
So Phil rides with him and explains it along the way. After hearing the explanation the EE decides hes ready to be baptizes in a pool o water they happen upon. Phil says that if he trusts and believes that Jesus is the son of God and giving to him all of his obedience then he is indeed ready.
Ok I'm now back......We start off with StePHan and his review lesson. He manages to pack in all the highlights in just one chapter. I happen to find this very very impressive. And for all of his hard work, he gets stoned to death at the finish.
Then we spend a little time with Philip and an Ethiopian eunuch. The E E is attempting to read the book of Isaiah even though he can not apparently speak the language. Philip is drawn over to the carriage in which the EE is sitting and asks him if he can understand what he is reading. The EE responds by saying "How is it possible for me to do so unless someone explains it to me and guides me in the right way"
Indeed, my friend......indeed.
So Phil rides with him and explains it along the way. After hearing the explanation the EE decides hes ready to be baptizes in a pool o water they happen upon. Phil says that if he trusts and believes that Jesus is the son of God and giving to him all of his obedience then he is indeed ready.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Acts 4-6
We see more acts of sharing and communal property. Which means there will probably be more discussion of socialism vs. capitalism. I don't read any more into this than the fact that these people chose to do with their private property what they chose to do with it. If you feel like you want to sell all that you own and donate it to the church or to the needy then so be it. Nuns take a vow of poverty, in which they give up all their worldly possessions, because that's the calling they receive, as do monks; the key here being.....voluntary.
The disciples are in all sorts of trouble but manage to come out on top a gain and a gain....
They are locked up and then let out by an angel, was it the same one who let Jamie's dog out? Is there one angel who is in charge of cages? That would be an awesome angel job I think.
Stephen.....I shan't say any more.
I like "but they they were not able to resist the intelligence and the wisdom and the inspiration of the spirit with which and by Whom he spoke."
The disciples are in all sorts of trouble but manage to come out on top a gain and a gain....
They are locked up and then let out by an angel, was it the same one who let Jamie's dog out? Is there one angel who is in charge of cages? That would be an awesome angel job I think.
Stephen.....I shan't say any more.
I like "but they they were not able to resist the intelligence and the wisdom and the inspiration of the spirit with which and by Whom he spoke."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Acts 1-3
In the days after Jesus' death the disciples had to get it together and decide on a game plan. They had work to do. First they replaced Judas, who was deed, by casting lots and choosing a fella named Matthias.
As they are all together discussing their next move a fire comes and causes each one to speak in a different language about Jesus, God and heaven. People from all over are able to hear about Jesus in their own language and are very excited about it. Absolutely reminds me of the Santa in A Miracle on 34th St.
Because they are able to hear all the good news in their own tongue, many people become followers.
"and they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's Supper] and prayers."
As they are all together discussing their next move a fire comes and causes each one to speak in a different language about Jesus, God and heaven. People from all over are able to hear about Jesus in their own language and are very excited about it. Absolutely reminds me of the Santa in A Miracle on 34th St.
Because they are able to hear all the good news in their own tongue, many people become followers.
"and they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's Supper] and prayers."
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Luke 24 and John 20-21
Luke's tale has a bit more to tell about Christ's coming to see people after the fact. He meets up with a couple of people on a road and He yells "he guys...wait up" and He catches up with them and then says "whatchu guys talking about?" They tell Him all about the whole Jesus thing and invite him to dinner. As soon as he breaks the bread and says a blessing, they recognize him and poooof He is gone.
He then appears again to his disciples as these two are telling the story of the strange fella on the road. They are also having dinner and He asks for food. The only thing I can think is that Resurrection takes a lot out of a guy. They give him some broiled fish. As hes eating it, he basically says, "I told you so" hopefully without a mouth full of fish.
We get, in John 20 an account of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and again to the disciples, including Thomas....called the twin....? Presumably because he has a twin? Butt who is this twin?
Love this:
"I am going fishing!" says Simon Peter in a voice a bit to loud and with his hands placed firmly on his hips..
The rest of the disciples answer this call in unison also with hands placed on hips, chins up and feet spread hip width apart....."And we are coming with you!"
If I were a director thats how that scene would play out.....
He then appears again to his disciples as these two are telling the story of the strange fella on the road. They are also having dinner and He asks for food. The only thing I can think is that Resurrection takes a lot out of a guy. They give him some broiled fish. As hes eating it, he basically says, "I told you so" hopefully without a mouth full of fish.
We get, in John 20 an account of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and again to the disciples, including Thomas....called the twin....? Presumably because he has a twin? Butt who is this twin?
Love this:
"I am going fishing!" says Simon Peter in a voice a bit to loud and with his hands placed firmly on his hips..
The rest of the disciples answer this call in unison also with hands placed on hips, chins up and feet spread hip width apart....."And we are coming with you!"
If I were a director thats how that scene would play out.....
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Matt. 28 and Mark 16
He has risen and the wheels have bean set into motion. I just sorta wish He has left out Mark 16:17-18, I feel like those 2 vrs leave a lot of room for wackos to take advantage of people.
So be it.....
So be it.....
Monday, February 8, 2010
john 18-19
Here we have Johns version of the story. I never knew that Pilate was so against the idea of the cruxifiction, that he wanted to find a way around it.
This is actually worse though because he knew it wasn't the right thing to do.
A fine example of the Ultimate peer pressure.
A little side note here, I'm not sure if everyone heard but....the SAINTS won the Superbowl!?
This is actually worse though because he knew it wasn't the right thing to do.
A fine example of the Ultimate peer pressure.
A little side note here, I'm not sure if everyone heard but....the SAINTS won the Superbowl!?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Luke 23
The same story again.
Also interesting is how the crowd turns against him when the chance to free him is available to them. Is this a case of tearing down what we build up? A case of not wanting to speak up for what you believe, finding it easier to be still and shut up? or just prophecy being fulfilled?
Also interesting is how the crowd turns against him when the chance to free him is available to them. Is this a case of tearing down what we build up? A case of not wanting to speak up for what you believe, finding it easier to be still and shut up? or just prophecy being fulfilled?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
mark 15 matt 27
Judas is feeling guilty. Here it says that it wasn't exactly guilt like remorse but guilty with dread of consequences? Whatever the reason, he kills himself. I did not know that he did that.
Pilate gave the people a choice, free the prisoner Barabbas or Jesus.
They then took Jesus and ridicule and beat him, spit on him and laughed at him. You know for me, and probably for most people...being laughed at, and ridiculed in a public forum is far worse than physical pain. So its harder for me to read that than the whipping and beating.
Then the deed is done, an now we wait....
Pilate gave the people a choice, free the prisoner Barabbas or Jesus.
They then took Jesus and ridicule and beat him, spit on him and laughed at him. You know for me, and probably for most people...being laughed at, and ridiculed in a public forum is far worse than physical pain. So its harder for me to read that than the whipping and beating.
Then the deed is done, an now we wait....
Friday, February 5, 2010
John16-17
This is where He talks of leaving them and them not seeing him for a while. Then He says he shall reappear.
"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that you shall weep and grieve but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but you sorrow will be turned into joy."
What's worse than seeing something you love come to an end!? Its very much how I feel about this blog. I am so sorrowful and grieved by its ending, that I tear up on a regular basis thinking about it. However, there can be no now beginnings without endings. And in seeing it end I know that something even better is waiting to step in and fill that void.
Even though we separated this reading and today we are concentrating on these last two chapter, still there is so much. Every single verse is heavy and weighted down with meanings, ideas and thoughts.
I think, I will stop and let Jamie take it from here....I will add to his if need be.
"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that you shall weep and grieve but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but you sorrow will be turned into joy."
What's worse than seeing something you love come to an end!? Its very much how I feel about this blog. I am so sorrowful and grieved by its ending, that I tear up on a regular basis thinking about it. However, there can be no now beginnings without endings. And in seeing it end I know that something even better is waiting to step in and fill that void.
Even though we separated this reading and today we are concentrating on these last two chapter, still there is so much. Every single verse is heavy and weighted down with meanings, ideas and thoughts.
I think, I will stop and let Jamie take it from here....I will add to his if need be.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
John14-17
First off I have to have a personal, inside moment to sort of freak out and ask "who is Thomas and where did he come from?"
There is a bunch to take in today. I may actually have to come back to it later and add more as it all sinks in.
Its Jesus last talk with his peeps and he has much to say.
Some are still asking to see God. Jesus responds to them "have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet."
"Believe Me that I am the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake is the works themselves."
He is asked why shall He reveal himself to them and not to the world.
He responds by saying that He will make himself known to those who want to see Him and want to know Him.
Jesus also says that he shall now call his peeps "friends" and no longer servants, and commands that they love one another.
He then totally steals my childbirth analogy! But it is a perfect comparison I must say, so I will allow it.
I have run out of time...my friend may say the rest of what I have, butt If not I shall return.
There is a bunch to take in today. I may actually have to come back to it later and add more as it all sinks in.
Its Jesus last talk with his peeps and he has much to say.
Some are still asking to see God. Jesus responds to them "have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet."
"Believe Me that I am the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake is the works themselves."
He is asked why shall He reveal himself to them and not to the world.
He responds by saying that He will make himself known to those who want to see Him and want to know Him.
Jesus also says that he shall now call his peeps "friends" and no longer servants, and commands that they love one another.
He then totally steals my childbirth analogy! But it is a perfect comparison I must say, so I will allow it.
I have run out of time...my friend may say the rest of what I have, butt If not I shall return.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Luke 22 John 13
The Last Supper once again. Is 22:18 one reason some religions do not drink, I wonder? I can see how someone who was very devout could take that and think "I too shan't taste the fruit of the vine until I see the kingdom of. God arrive". (No mention of the hops and barley though!) Which is great IF its a personal decision.
And then I also wonder if there was a crazy awkward silence whence He announced His betrayer to be at the very table in which He is to have His last meal.
I find John 13:8-17 very interesting and telling. At its core, I guess its the golden rule, but I see more to it as well. Its sorta like the idea of "pay it forward". If we all just did a little to help someone else and they in turn did a little to help someone and so on and so on.... BUTT if it stops, then its all lost. AND what if it stops always on the same people. Hmmmmmmm
Here's an interesting, albeit very shallow example of this...last week when I was having a particularly frustrating day at work (I actually had to walk out on my class to take a mental health moment), I walked down to the lounge like Charlie Brown, with my head hung low. And just as I was about to walk into the lounge I looked up and a student teacher was walking towards me and just out of the blue, with not an ounce of joy in my voice I said "those are really pretty boots" (I said it was shallow) I meant it, just couldn't muster up the strength to say it gleefully. Her face lit up and she said "thank you!". You may have to be a woman to get this, but it mattered to her.
Anyway in the next minute another teacher walked in the lounge and said to me outta the blue also "you are really looking good these days". When you work so hard to get to the gym everyday, this means A LOT. Even when it happened I thought it strange that I had just given the student teacher a compliment, and then received one.
I'm in no way, shape, or form saying that this was a life changing moment. What I am saying is sometimes its just the little things we need help with. Just a kind word, or a shared laugh, or a sounding board....the everyday stuff.
I think I digress...?
And then I also wonder if there was a crazy awkward silence whence He announced His betrayer to be at the very table in which He is to have His last meal.
I find John 13:8-17 very interesting and telling. At its core, I guess its the golden rule, but I see more to it as well. Its sorta like the idea of "pay it forward". If we all just did a little to help someone else and they in turn did a little to help someone and so on and so on.... BUTT if it stops, then its all lost. AND what if it stops always on the same people. Hmmmmmmm
Here's an interesting, albeit very shallow example of this...last week when I was having a particularly frustrating day at work (I actually had to walk out on my class to take a mental health moment), I walked down to the lounge like Charlie Brown, with my head hung low. And just as I was about to walk into the lounge I looked up and a student teacher was walking towards me and just out of the blue, with not an ounce of joy in my voice I said "those are really pretty boots" (I said it was shallow) I meant it, just couldn't muster up the strength to say it gleefully. Her face lit up and she said "thank you!". You may have to be a woman to get this, but it mattered to her.
Anyway in the next minute another teacher walked in the lounge and said to me outta the blue also "you are really looking good these days". When you work so hard to get to the gym everyday, this means A LOT. Even when it happened I thought it strange that I had just given the student teacher a compliment, and then received one.
I'm in no way, shape, or form saying that this was a life changing moment. What I am saying is sometimes its just the little things we need help with. Just a kind word, or a shared laugh, or a sounding board....the everyday stuff.
I think I digress...?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Matt. 26 and Mark 14
Matt 26
The Last supper. Its the first night of Passover and all 12 are around the table. Jesus tell them that one shall betray him tonight, no one believes it. They eat the bread that is his body and drink the wine that is his blood. He also tells Peter that he shall betray him 3 times before the rooster crows.
And then they go out and Jesus waits....He asks that they stay awake with him, but they don't. Jesus spends his time praying. To me he seems to be telling God that if maybe he's changed his mind about the whole "horrible death" thing, that would be alright.
"He begins to show grief and distress of mind and was deeply depressed..." We are shown many many times how Divine He was and here we see exactly how human He was also, and I find comfort in His foreboding. I see it this way....its like childbirth in that you know its going to be the most awful, terrible pain ever (well, for those of us who do it naturally that is) but you know you have to do it (even though I can remember screaming and crying "i don't wannna do this!!") and in the end you get the most wonderful gift in the whole wide world.
They come, we have the kiss by Judas, the denial by Peter and the trial.
The Last supper. Its the first night of Passover and all 12 are around the table. Jesus tell them that one shall betray him tonight, no one believes it. They eat the bread that is his body and drink the wine that is his blood. He also tells Peter that he shall betray him 3 times before the rooster crows.
And then they go out and Jesus waits....He asks that they stay awake with him, but they don't. Jesus spends his time praying. To me he seems to be telling God that if maybe he's changed his mind about the whole "horrible death" thing, that would be alright.
"He begins to show grief and distress of mind and was deeply depressed..." We are shown many many times how Divine He was and here we see exactly how human He was also, and I find comfort in His foreboding. I see it this way....its like childbirth in that you know its going to be the most awful, terrible pain ever (well, for those of us who do it naturally that is) but you know you have to do it (even though I can remember screaming and crying "i don't wannna do this!!") and in the end you get the most wonderful gift in the whole wide world.
They come, we have the kiss by Judas, the denial by Peter and the trial.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Matt.25
There are two stories that are meant to teach about preparation. The story of the virgins and the bridegroom and then a retelling of the master who gives the servants money and some double their money and one buries it.
In the first virgins are sent waiting for the bridegroom to arrive at the wedding banquet. Some of the gals brought extra oil for their lamps and some didn't. When he arrives the girls are sent out to meet them. The girls who had enough oil, they had lamps that burned bright.....the bridegroom met them and escorted them into the banquet. The girls who did not bring enough oil.....their lights had burned out, and he didn't see or recognize them.
Always keep your light burning bright.
I shan't rehash the second. I shall only say.....Don't bury your goodness, don't hide yourself. That is to say "if your light's under a bushel...its lost something sorta crucial"
And thennnnn the separation of the sheep and the goats. I really love this one.
He address the "sheep" at his right hand first....
When I was hungry, you gave me food, when thirsty I received water, clothes, shelter.......therefore you shall inherit the kingdom
They say to him "we never saw you need for any of these things?!"
AH! says He, When you do it for the least of these, you do it for me.
Next: the goats which are sitting at his left hand.......
Never once gave Me food when I was hungry, water for my thirst, clothes, shelter....... therefore you shall not get into the heavenly party.
"we never saw you needing food, water, clothes, or shelter....... we would have surely given you whatever you needed"
AH! say He.... for as you failed to do it for the least of these, so you failed to do it for me.
This is a very timely reading as far as Haiti is concerned. I read a post on my facebook wall that some looney wrote (my uncle) that said basically that we have all the problems of poverty and homelessness in America, yet when this happened in Haiti we reached into our pockets and gave and gave and gave.
I'm not going to go into what I deal with everyday as far as poverty goes, because Jamie knows. But the poverty here that I see (and I see it, everyday) is not because these people CAN'T, it's because these people WON'T.
The people in Haiti right now simply CAN'T.
We can't give ENOUGH to get some of these people in America out of poverty. I better stop before this turns into a rant.
In the first virgins are sent waiting for the bridegroom to arrive at the wedding banquet. Some of the gals brought extra oil for their lamps and some didn't. When he arrives the girls are sent out to meet them. The girls who had enough oil, they had lamps that burned bright.....the bridegroom met them and escorted them into the banquet. The girls who did not bring enough oil.....their lights had burned out, and he didn't see or recognize them.
Always keep your light burning bright.
I shan't rehash the second. I shall only say.....Don't bury your goodness, don't hide yourself. That is to say "if your light's under a bushel...its lost something sorta crucial"
And thennnnn the separation of the sheep and the goats. I really love this one.
He address the "sheep" at his right hand first....
When I was hungry, you gave me food, when thirsty I received water, clothes, shelter.......therefore you shall inherit the kingdom
They say to him "we never saw you need for any of these things?!"
AH! says He, When you do it for the least of these, you do it for me.
Next: the goats which are sitting at his left hand.......
Never once gave Me food when I was hungry, water for my thirst, clothes, shelter....... therefore you shall not get into the heavenly party.
"we never saw you needing food, water, clothes, or shelter....... we would have surely given you whatever you needed"
AH! say He.... for as you failed to do it for the least of these, so you failed to do it for me.
This is a very timely reading as far as Haiti is concerned. I read a post on my facebook wall that some looney wrote (my uncle) that said basically that we have all the problems of poverty and homelessness in America, yet when this happened in Haiti we reached into our pockets and gave and gave and gave.
I'm not going to go into what I deal with everyday as far as poverty goes, because Jamie knows. But the poverty here that I see (and I see it, everyday) is not because these people CAN'T, it's because these people WON'T.
The people in Haiti right now simply CAN'T.
We can't give ENOUGH to get some of these people in America out of poverty. I better stop before this turns into a rant.
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