I decided to change my site to the following address:
http://happytoknowhim.wordpress.com/
Wordpress allows for a much nicer looking home page. Hope you like it.
Thanks for all your help Cara in setting up my site.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" Acts 16:31.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
BRF - Mark 13-16
I guess the biggest truth that was revealed to me this week was what an awesome Lord and Saviour that I serve.
I am always humbled and saddened when I read all that my Saviour suffered for me that I might have eternal life with Him one day. Praise the Lord, He didn't stay in the grave but rose again and I serve a risen Saviour! I remember when I was a new Christian and reading this and thinking how brutal these Romans were to Jesus "Why would anyone want to crucify the Saviour?" I wasn't seeing at that time that I was also responsible for Christ's Crucifixion because of my sin. I am so thankful that Christ was willing to suffer shame and be brutally beaten and nailed to the cross, without His Crucifixion, I would be doomed to an eternity in Hell. Praise the Lord for His great love!!
Many times in the Book of Mark, Jesus mentioned about the hardness of hearts, and to be watchful for false prophets. It seems to me that this is very important for us to be aware of.
The Bible tells us in II Timothy 2:15 to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".
He also stressed the importance of watching for His return that we would be ready. In Chapter 13: 33-37 Jesus says, "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch".
I am looking forward to the rest of the reviews as well as for next weeks challenge. Until next time "Watch and Pray"!!!
I am always humbled and saddened when I read all that my Saviour suffered for me that I might have eternal life with Him one day. Praise the Lord, He didn't stay in the grave but rose again and I serve a risen Saviour! I remember when I was a new Christian and reading this and thinking how brutal these Romans were to Jesus "Why would anyone want to crucify the Saviour?" I wasn't seeing at that time that I was also responsible for Christ's Crucifixion because of my sin. I am so thankful that Christ was willing to suffer shame and be brutally beaten and nailed to the cross, without His Crucifixion, I would be doomed to an eternity in Hell. Praise the Lord for His great love!!
Many times in the Book of Mark, Jesus mentioned about the hardness of hearts, and to be watchful for false prophets. It seems to me that this is very important for us to be aware of.
The Bible tells us in II Timothy 2:15 to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".
He also stressed the importance of watching for His return that we would be ready. In Chapter 13: 33-37 Jesus says, "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch".
I am looking forward to the rest of the reviews as well as for next weeks challenge. Until next time "Watch and Pray"!!!
Friday, March 16, 2007
BRF - Mark 9-12
I must say that I found this book challenging. I think because I have read, not studied, the book a few times that I tend to read over the words but not spend time thinking about what I read. I was reminded of a few things though, so I will share these.
In Chapter 9:24 Jesus teaches us about the importance of believing Him. It is not a difficult thing to believe in Jesus when everything is going well, but my belief is most certainly tested when the difficult times come. I can say with this boy's father, "...Help thou my unbelief".
Also we see the blessing of children and the lesson we can learn from them. Little children don't have a problem believing and because of this Jesus uses children as His illustration to us for entering into the Kingdom of God. "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein". Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not...". God sees children as a blessing and of importance.
I noticed in chapter 10 that Jesus again talks of the hardness of the hearts of the Pharisees. He has already talked about the disciples having hardened hearts in Mark 6:52 and Mark 8:17. It seems to me that Jesus is warning us about having hardened hearts that we will not hear the truth of His Word and be willing to let Him change us to be conformed to His image.
We are also told that we are to forsake all the things that pull us away from Christ if we want to be His disciple. The rich young ruler had many riches, that is not necessarily a bad thing as long it is not more important than Christ, it is plain that the rich young ruler did not have the proper attitude concerning his riches because they were more important than following Christ. I don't believe that God says we can not have money, but I do believe He expects us to keep money and the material things of this world in prospective. I need to ask myself, "What good will money and material things be to me in eternity?"
In Chapter 11, I am reminded again of how quickly we forget as the people in Jesus day did. They saw His miracles they walked with Him, they saw Him personally but we see Him through His Word. The people were praising Jesus and treated Him as a King crying,"And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest". Then not many days later they were crying Crucify Him,Crucify Him . I wonder would I have been any different, this flesh would like to believe that I would have been different!
Jesus also teaches in this chapter the importance of His house, vs15-17, "And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves". These people were making money off the people that had travelled many miles and could not bring their sacrifice with them. We are to be careful to treat His house with respect and not make it common.
Jesus teaches in Chapter 12 in this parable about Himself and the chief priests and scribes were upset with Him because they knew that it was of them that He spoke and what they would do to Him in a short time. They tried very hard to find something to tempt Christ, but nothing worked for them. You would think that they would have gotten the message by now.
Another thing I found to share in this review is in 10:38 where Jesus tells us again to be aware of false teaching. I am to know His Word so well that I will not fooled by false doctrine. This definitely encourages me with our BRF to keep going and study His Word. It helps to have all you ladies to keep me on track.
It is encouraging to me that as the song says,"Little is Much When God is in It". The widow lady with two mites is a testimony of how God sees a surrendered life to Him. She gave her all.
I hope this review is not too disjointed and that it will encourage you ladies. Until next Friday, keep trusting our Lord! Now I off to read other reviews:)
In Chapter 9:24 Jesus teaches us about the importance of believing Him. It is not a difficult thing to believe in Jesus when everything is going well, but my belief is most certainly tested when the difficult times come. I can say with this boy's father, "...Help thou my unbelief".
Also we see the blessing of children and the lesson we can learn from them. Little children don't have a problem believing and because of this Jesus uses children as His illustration to us for entering into the Kingdom of God. "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein". Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not...". God sees children as a blessing and of importance.
I noticed in chapter 10 that Jesus again talks of the hardness of the hearts of the Pharisees. He has already talked about the disciples having hardened hearts in Mark 6:52 and Mark 8:17. It seems to me that Jesus is warning us about having hardened hearts that we will not hear the truth of His Word and be willing to let Him change us to be conformed to His image.
We are also told that we are to forsake all the things that pull us away from Christ if we want to be His disciple. The rich young ruler had many riches, that is not necessarily a bad thing as long it is not more important than Christ, it is plain that the rich young ruler did not have the proper attitude concerning his riches because they were more important than following Christ. I don't believe that God says we can not have money, but I do believe He expects us to keep money and the material things of this world in prospective. I need to ask myself, "What good will money and material things be to me in eternity?"
In Chapter 11, I am reminded again of how quickly we forget as the people in Jesus day did. They saw His miracles they walked with Him, they saw Him personally but we see Him through His Word. The people were praising Jesus and treated Him as a King crying,"And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest". Then not many days later they were crying Crucify Him,Crucify Him . I wonder would I have been any different, this flesh would like to believe that I would have been different!
Jesus also teaches in this chapter the importance of His house, vs15-17, "And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves". These people were making money off the people that had travelled many miles and could not bring their sacrifice with them. We are to be careful to treat His house with respect and not make it common.
Jesus teaches in Chapter 12 in this parable about Himself and the chief priests and scribes were upset with Him because they knew that it was of them that He spoke and what they would do to Him in a short time. They tried very hard to find something to tempt Christ, but nothing worked for them. You would think that they would have gotten the message by now.
Another thing I found to share in this review is in 10:38 where Jesus tells us again to be aware of false teaching. I am to know His Word so well that I will not fooled by false doctrine. This definitely encourages me with our BRF to keep going and study His Word. It helps to have all you ladies to keep me on track.
It is encouraging to me that as the song says,"Little is Much When God is in It". The widow lady with two mites is a testimony of how God sees a surrendered life to Him. She gave her all.
I hope this review is not too disjointed and that it will encourage you ladies. Until next Friday, keep trusting our Lord! Now I off to read other reviews:)
Friday, March 9, 2007
BRF - Mark 5-8
I can't believe it is Friday already and time for another BRF review. Does everyone find the week flying by or is it just me?
A few thoughts from this week's reading of Mark 5 to 8. I found that Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the crowds of people as sheep having no shepherd, how He healed the sick, how He fed the hungry. I cannot remember reading at anytime that Christ refused anyone that came to Him for healing and He refused. What a great Saviour we have!!!!
Chapter 6 was true for Jesus as it is many times for us as we witness to our family and friends, His family would not hear Him either, even though they had witnessed the many miracles that He did and knew that He was different. Jesus said in v.4, "But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house". I have often thought and said that it is easier for a stranger to win our families to Christ than it is for us.
In 6: 23 Herod made a foolish promise to his step daughter and no doubt because of his pride and the fact that he was expected to keep his word that when the daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist he complied even though he would have to bear the consequences. The Bible says,"And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her". This situation reminds me to think carefully before I open my mouth and make a promise. (Anyone who knows me, knows how often I open my mouth and speak before I think things through. I too often overbook myself).
In Chapter 7 Jesus teaches about traditions. There are many good traditions that we have as families, but we do need to keep these in perspective. If our traditions are more important than doing the things of God, I would say we need to let them go. Jesus taught in this chapter that the Pharisees were diligent to keep their traditions, but left doing the things of God. He taught us that the things we put in our mouth are not the things that are poison to us, but it is the things that we keep in our heart. In v. 18-23 He says,"And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man".
Chapter 8 the Lord was teaching his disciples to beware of the false teaching of the Pharisees, but the disciples didn't get it even though they had just witnessed the miracles that Jesus had done in feeding the hungry, they thought Jesus was annoyed that they had forgotten to bring food. They didn't understand the deeper things that Christ was teaching. I think that it is easy to criticize the disciples for not understanding, but would I have been any different. I find things hard to be understood and I have all of God's Word to guide me!
I like what Peter said in v 29 "And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ". Christ told them not to tell this to anyone as He had also told many of those that He healed earlier. I have heard said that this was because it was not yet time for Him to be revealed as the One who would go to the cross and pay the price for our sins, He had much more to accomplish before that day.
There is more to be said but this has become a book and not a review, so I am going to stop now wand go and glean truths from all of you.
I am looking forward to continuing on in Mark next week. Until next time!!
A few thoughts from this week's reading of Mark 5 to 8. I found that Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the crowds of people as sheep having no shepherd, how He healed the sick, how He fed the hungry. I cannot remember reading at anytime that Christ refused anyone that came to Him for healing and He refused. What a great Saviour we have!!!!
Chapter 6 was true for Jesus as it is many times for us as we witness to our family and friends, His family would not hear Him either, even though they had witnessed the many miracles that He did and knew that He was different. Jesus said in v.4, "But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house". I have often thought and said that it is easier for a stranger to win our families to Christ than it is for us.
In 6: 23 Herod made a foolish promise to his step daughter and no doubt because of his pride and the fact that he was expected to keep his word that when the daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist he complied even though he would have to bear the consequences. The Bible says,"And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her". This situation reminds me to think carefully before I open my mouth and make a promise. (Anyone who knows me, knows how often I open my mouth and speak before I think things through. I too often overbook myself).
In Chapter 7 Jesus teaches about traditions. There are many good traditions that we have as families, but we do need to keep these in perspective. If our traditions are more important than doing the things of God, I would say we need to let them go. Jesus taught in this chapter that the Pharisees were diligent to keep their traditions, but left doing the things of God. He taught us that the things we put in our mouth are not the things that are poison to us, but it is the things that we keep in our heart. In v. 18-23 He says,"And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man".
Chapter 8 the Lord was teaching his disciples to beware of the false teaching of the Pharisees, but the disciples didn't get it even though they had just witnessed the miracles that Jesus had done in feeding the hungry, they thought Jesus was annoyed that they had forgotten to bring food. They didn't understand the deeper things that Christ was teaching. I think that it is easy to criticize the disciples for not understanding, but would I have been any different. I find things hard to be understood and I have all of God's Word to guide me!
I like what Peter said in v 29 "And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ". Christ told them not to tell this to anyone as He had also told many of those that He healed earlier. I have heard said that this was because it was not yet time for Him to be revealed as the One who would go to the cross and pay the price for our sins, He had much more to accomplish before that day.
There is more to be said but this has become a book and not a review, so I am going to stop now wand go and glean truths from all of you.
I am looking forward to continuing on in Mark next week. Until next time!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
BRF - Mark 1-4
The first thing I saw while reading this book is that so much more today we can say as Jesus said in1:15 "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel". It makes me shudder when I share the Gospel with people and they are not a bit interested in their eternal destiny. The more I look at this world and the sin that is so prevalent, the more sure it makes me that the coming of Christ is very close.
Jesus says in v.17 that it is He who makes me a soul winner and not yself, "And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." (emphasis mine). When I have an opportunity to witness and it is received favorably, I can think what a good job I did, NOT it is all of Christ. "I can of mine own self do nothing:" John 5:30. Jesus asks me to be willing to follow Him and He will go with me whithersoever I go. I have heard it said that Jesus never gives us a job to do without the tools and ability to do it with. I need to remember this when I am being cowardly to witness to people especially my own family. I pray for the boldness to warn them of Hell. So many of my family are not saved.
In Chapter 2:15-17 I am reminded that I am not to look at the outward appearance of people but to see them as a soul that Christ died for. I wonder how people looked at me before Christ saved this wicked sinner. Too often I think we want to put every one into the mold that we think is the right one. I am so thankful that Christ does not save souls according to my standard. Where else would Christ be but among the sinners He came to save from an eternity in Hell? I trust that the next time I see someone that is not exactly welcomed by our society, that I will remember this passage and reach out to them with the love and Gospel of Christ and not shy away from them.
In chapter 3:23-26 it brought to my attention that I need to be protective and zealous for my Pastor and Church that I am not the cause of any division that would cause my sisters and brothers in Christ to be divided. Jesus said in v. 24,25, "And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand". I have a wonderful church family and I am so thankful to God for the love and care that is shown one toward another, I also know that I must not take this for granted but be ever careful myself not to be uncaring or thoughtless with my words or actions. I am sure that there are times when I have offended people and don't even realize it. I pray that God will keep me aware of the words I say, that I not offend anyone. I realize that this is not when I am sharing the Gospel (as the Bible says there are some that will be offended because if His Word), but the truth must be told in love.
I want to be a hundred fold Christian, I have a long way to go but I can keep striving to reach this goal with God's help. I want to keep my heart willing and teachable to the truths of God's Word. In 4:9 Jesus said, "And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear". Jesus also taught with illustrations (parables) because we can understand better the truth that He is teaching us.
Verse 21 While I am not sure that this verse means that I am not to hide that Christ is my Saviour, but to let my light shine brightly for Him that others may see Him in my life, it is true that I am to make sure that my testimony must be above reproach that the cause of Christ be not harmed. My prayer is that I would not hear these words from anyone, "I couldn't see anything different or better in your life than mine, so why should I want Christ?" God wants me to sow the seed to as many as I can, the reaping of souls is His job. Jesus uses the little mustard seed to show that even my little efforts could bring forth much fruit, if I am just willing to sow the seed.
Lastly I see that when the disciples thought that Christ did not care if they perished in the storm, He stepped forward and said three simple words, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), and the winds and seas obeyed Him. The same great God that stilled the storm with three words offers us His power to help us each day. I can see God's hand of peace, comfort and protection in the midst of the storms of my life. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. As He calmed the storm with the words of His mouth "Peace be Still" He is the same Lord today and can calm the storms in my life.
What a wonderful God we (I) serve!!! Now I am waiting to see what each of you gleaned from these chapters. To keep me from temptation at looking at any one's review before I have done mine, I am writing this on Thursday, but will post it on Friday. I can say of myself "O ye of little faith. Yield not to temptation"!!!
Until next time, just keep trusting the Lord!:)
Jesus says in v.17 that it is He who makes me a soul winner and not yself, "And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." (emphasis mine). When I have an opportunity to witness and it is received favorably, I can think what a good job I did, NOT it is all of Christ. "I can of mine own self do nothing:" John 5:30. Jesus asks me to be willing to follow Him and He will go with me whithersoever I go. I have heard it said that Jesus never gives us a job to do without the tools and ability to do it with. I need to remember this when I am being cowardly to witness to people especially my own family. I pray for the boldness to warn them of Hell. So many of my family are not saved.
In Chapter 2:15-17 I am reminded that I am not to look at the outward appearance of people but to see them as a soul that Christ died for. I wonder how people looked at me before Christ saved this wicked sinner. Too often I think we want to put every one into the mold that we think is the right one. I am so thankful that Christ does not save souls according to my standard. Where else would Christ be but among the sinners He came to save from an eternity in Hell? I trust that the next time I see someone that is not exactly welcomed by our society, that I will remember this passage and reach out to them with the love and Gospel of Christ and not shy away from them.
In chapter 3:23-26 it brought to my attention that I need to be protective and zealous for my Pastor and Church that I am not the cause of any division that would cause my sisters and brothers in Christ to be divided. Jesus said in v. 24,25, "And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand". I have a wonderful church family and I am so thankful to God for the love and care that is shown one toward another, I also know that I must not take this for granted but be ever careful myself not to be uncaring or thoughtless with my words or actions. I am sure that there are times when I have offended people and don't even realize it. I pray that God will keep me aware of the words I say, that I not offend anyone. I realize that this is not when I am sharing the Gospel (as the Bible says there are some that will be offended because if His Word), but the truth must be told in love.
I want to be a hundred fold Christian, I have a long way to go but I can keep striving to reach this goal with God's help. I want to keep my heart willing and teachable to the truths of God's Word. In 4:9 Jesus said, "And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear". Jesus also taught with illustrations (parables) because we can understand better the truth that He is teaching us.
Verse 21 While I am not sure that this verse means that I am not to hide that Christ is my Saviour, but to let my light shine brightly for Him that others may see Him in my life, it is true that I am to make sure that my testimony must be above reproach that the cause of Christ be not harmed. My prayer is that I would not hear these words from anyone, "I couldn't see anything different or better in your life than mine, so why should I want Christ?" God wants me to sow the seed to as many as I can, the reaping of souls is His job. Jesus uses the little mustard seed to show that even my little efforts could bring forth much fruit, if I am just willing to sow the seed.
Lastly I see that when the disciples thought that Christ did not care if they perished in the storm, He stepped forward and said three simple words, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), and the winds and seas obeyed Him. The same great God that stilled the storm with three words offers us His power to help us each day. I can see God's hand of peace, comfort and protection in the midst of the storms of my life. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. As He calmed the storm with the words of His mouth "Peace be Still" He is the same Lord today and can calm the storms in my life.
What a wonderful God we (I) serve!!! Now I am waiting to see what each of you gleaned from these chapters. To keep me from temptation at looking at any one's review before I have done mine, I am writing this on Thursday, but will post it on Friday. I can say of myself "O ye of little faith. Yield not to temptation"!!!
Until next time, just keep trusting the Lord!:)
Friday, February 23, 2007
BRF - Psalm 119
My first thoughts on this Book were of Praise, Prayer and the importance of the Word of God for my everyday life. Words like "teach me" and "help me to understand" are used repeatedly. I will try to pick out a couple of things that affected me the most in this chapter as one review would not do justice.
So often I forget to rely on my Lord and things don't go very well. Right from the start this Psalm says if I "walk in the law of the Lord","keep His testimonies, and seek Him with my whole heart" I will be blessed. David continually seeks the Lord in times of trouble and praises Him in all his situations. O, that i could say that when I am faced with difficulties or sorrow, my first thought was to flee to the comfort and help of the One who is the great Comforter. I have a long way to go in this area I am afraid. I know in my heart that God makes no mistakes and He knows what is best for me to bring me to a place of trusting Him fully and not my own self, so why is He my last resource?!!!
David talks about hiding God's Word in his heart in verse 11, I am so thankful that when I first became a Christian that my Pastor encouraged a Scripture Memory Program in my church. I can not count the times God has brought to mind a verse of Scripture that I needed for a difficult or sorrowful time in my life. To me memorization and meditating on God's Word are so very important for our lives. In Canada we take God's Word for granted. We can pick up our Bible(S) any time, I think we would be able to understand the importance of "hiding" the Word of God in our hearts if we were to be in a country where the Word of God is not readily available. OK enough of how I feel now back to the review.
Verse 18 David asks God to, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law". This is a prayer that I often pray when I don't understand something I am reading. I want to know and apply God's Word to my life. I know that if David, who was called a man after God's own heart, had to ask God to "....teach me thy statutes.Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works" Verses 26,27, how much more do I need the Lord to teach me. I'm so happy that He doesn't give up on me but as His Word says,"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippines 1:6..
In verse 67 David says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word". and in verse 71 he says "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes". It amazes me how often I find myself in situations that cause me to be afflicted before the Lord has my attention. I wonder when I will ever learn. The Lord is so merciful and long suffering.
This last verse to comment on and that I would like to be true in my life is verse 165 "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them".
I know that there is much more to learn from this chapter but I will end this review for this time and maybe we will come back to this chapter at a later date. So very much to learn!
Until nest time, keep trusting our Lord! Maybe I will even surprise you all and have my review submitted on time. Thank you Shannon for not giving out a penalty for late submissions:)
So often I forget to rely on my Lord and things don't go very well. Right from the start this Psalm says if I "walk in the law of the Lord","keep His testimonies, and seek Him with my whole heart" I will be blessed. David continually seeks the Lord in times of trouble and praises Him in all his situations. O, that i could say that when I am faced with difficulties or sorrow, my first thought was to flee to the comfort and help of the One who is the great Comforter. I have a long way to go in this area I am afraid. I know in my heart that God makes no mistakes and He knows what is best for me to bring me to a place of trusting Him fully and not my own self, so why is He my last resource?!!!
David talks about hiding God's Word in his heart in verse 11, I am so thankful that when I first became a Christian that my Pastor encouraged a Scripture Memory Program in my church. I can not count the times God has brought to mind a verse of Scripture that I needed for a difficult or sorrowful time in my life. To me memorization and meditating on God's Word are so very important for our lives. In Canada we take God's Word for granted. We can pick up our Bible(S) any time, I think we would be able to understand the importance of "hiding" the Word of God in our hearts if we were to be in a country where the Word of God is not readily available. OK enough of how I feel now back to the review.
Verse 18 David asks God to, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law". This is a prayer that I often pray when I don't understand something I am reading. I want to know and apply God's Word to my life. I know that if David, who was called a man after God's own heart, had to ask God to "....teach me thy statutes.Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works" Verses 26,27, how much more do I need the Lord to teach me. I'm so happy that He doesn't give up on me but as His Word says,"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippines 1:6..
In verse 67 David says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word". and in verse 71 he says "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes". It amazes me how often I find myself in situations that cause me to be afflicted before the Lord has my attention. I wonder when I will ever learn. The Lord is so merciful and long suffering.
This last verse to comment on and that I would like to be true in my life is verse 165 "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them".
I know that there is much more to learn from this chapter but I will end this review for this time and maybe we will come back to this chapter at a later date. So very much to learn!
Until nest time, keep trusting our Lord! Maybe I will even surprise you all and have my review submitted on time. Thank you Shannon for not giving out a penalty for late submissions:)
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Haggai - BRF
This Book made me realize how much I need to learn about God's Word. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the reviews to see what you gleaned.
A few things I did notice were that in Chapter 1 the Lord was rebuking the people through Haggai that they were so caught up in the things of themselves that they were neglecting the things of God. They had time to build their own houses but did not think it was time for the Lord's house to be built. I thought about my priorities, how often do I put God on the back burner for a more convenient time. Sobering thought!
God used the words "Consider your ways" or just the word "consider" a number of times in this little Book of the Bible, I think that if God uses the word this many times He wants me "to consider MY ways".
We are told that are ways are fruitless, "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes" vs 6. We cannot expect God to bless us if we have no time for Him.
God is so merciful to me. He forgives when I repent of my ways. I see that when the people repented and were willing to obey, God blessed them. The Lord promised to be with them as He does each of us when we are obedient to His Word.
There was a lot in this Book that I didn't quite get, so more study is needed. I feel like this review is disjointed.
Now I am off to our winter camp "Chill-Out" to act like a teenager for the next couple of days. Looking forward to reading each review when I get home. Until next time, keep trusting in our great Lord and Saviour!
A few things I did notice were that in Chapter 1 the Lord was rebuking the people through Haggai that they were so caught up in the things of themselves that they were neglecting the things of God. They had time to build their own houses but did not think it was time for the Lord's house to be built. I thought about my priorities, how often do I put God on the back burner for a more convenient time. Sobering thought!
God used the words "Consider your ways" or just the word "consider" a number of times in this little Book of the Bible, I think that if God uses the word this many times He wants me "to consider MY ways".
We are told that are ways are fruitless, "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes" vs 6. We cannot expect God to bless us if we have no time for Him.
God is so merciful to me. He forgives when I repent of my ways. I see that when the people repented and were willing to obey, God blessed them. The Lord promised to be with them as He does each of us when we are obedient to His Word.
There was a lot in this Book that I didn't quite get, so more study is needed. I feel like this review is disjointed.
Now I am off to our winter camp "Chill-Out" to act like a teenager for the next couple of days. Looking forward to reading each review when I get home. Until next time, keep trusting in our great Lord and Saviour!
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