As an update, my Jewish wedding research is ongoing, and showing deeper and deeper things into God. A whole world we are missing by not understanding these cultural things and how the people linked them to God. When God then used them in His teachings, we miss some of it.
I love the depths of God. The deeper you get, the more the exponents of His nature expand. The deeper I get, the greater He becomes. It is the most thrilling study on the earth, the most heartening, the most astonishing, the most breathtaking. Do study! Find something of interest, find a good author, solid websites, dig deeper!
I think the "luke warm" discussion of believers is just that. We just keep doing the same thing, without any fire driving us. We journal. We read x amount of the Word or x amount of our daily devotional. We underline a few things. We listen to the radio or some podcasts. We march along like to many ants in a hill.
No! Do something to change your view! I have found that that dull, stupid feeling when one begins to flip aimlessly through the Word, or through some "pious" book is the time to stir up the flames. Pick a subject, any subject, and study it with vigor. Pick the Spirit, read and study the Spirit, all the facets you can think of. Google it, dig deep. Pick the Names of God, and why each Name is and was so important. Pick Creation (an enormously popular subject). Pick End Times. Pick and study the Jewish feasts, what they were for and why, and see what Christ said or did around them.
Anything can spike up a fever for God. We don't have to get duller and duller in our faith. We just need to pick something and run with it. Become like the Bereans, whom Paul applauded for checking everything he said against the Word. Constantly check, and by checking, you slowly (or suddenly) find yourself researching something. What did Abraham do that was credited to him as righteousness, how was it he had faith? Why did the Jews keep pushing for Christ to lead a revolution? And why did He resist?
Start asking questions, sound them out with good, solid answers. The information we learn about God is never ending, always thrilling, and always fulfilling. Happy hunting, and keep that fire brightly burning. A watched pot may never boil, but a watched fire gets hotter all the time from the wood put into it.
Rheumatoid Awareness
Monday, July 31, 2017
RA Post: Somebody Stop the Merry-Go-Round, I Want Off!
Somehow, lately, like, a lot...I feel that one thing after another is smashing into me. I keep getting one after another diagnoses. Two more have joined the parade, though at least they won't affect my eyesight like iritis :"could". And they are not majorly important, just annoying.
I just feel beat up. I hurt worse because the new pharmacy had messed up on Humira, so I basically get to start over. I finally hit 6 months, which means getting towards the peak (possibly) of the medication, seeing how it really would work for me. And with the burst of unhelpfulness from about three sides, I was off of Humira for a month. That means start over time. 3 months is the "usually begins to see some result" according to the manufactuer, though "some may see results as early as 6 weeks." Hey, don't get me wrong, I love Humira. Humira's company Abbvie is paying more than 3,000 a month for two months so I can get my medications. (Then I hit my deductible!). Abbvie sent me a ton of free stuff, calendars, pain diaries, my own nurse. I love Humira. I hate that it goes away so fast, and that in that one month, I went nearly back to base camp. I feel awful most days, exhausted, can't sleep and can't wake up. Can't hardly manage to get anywhere. My pain is up, I limp all over the place. Clothes are KILLING me. Everything feels like having a sunburn and rubbing wool against it. My ribs hurt to breathe with.
So much for trying. I had tried to get the ball rolling for prior auths 2 weeks before my new ins. took effect. Somehow that didn't happen.
Anyway...I just really feel miserable. It's so much harder to do what I had been doing. I am not even gardening beyond a bit of watering, and I had been digging great big holes and pulling weeds with roots half way to the earth's core. Now I can't even imagine trying---makes me ache and get nauseous to just think about it.
It's really hard to be a young person who is sick. Everyone who is your age, in general, is not sick. They can usually do what they want to, work where they want to, see who they want to when they want to. I am so incredibly jealous at times that I sob over Facebook posts of someone running a marathon, or taking their kids all to a park together, or seeing a movie. Anything can cause my heart to wither away and "die" because I so desperately want to do what everyone else does.
Anytime you see me, (and of course some of my readers never do, eh Russia? :) is probably the result of great effort. Yes, there are days I feel absolutely AMAZING. But most days you see me is an incredible amount of effort.
I guess I just want those who are healthy, whatever their age, to be grateful that they have it. I never thought about my health as a "healthy" person much. It was just there. I expected to be "sick" as a "old" person---even though, especially as a nurse, I know young people have poor health too. Just look to your health whatever it might be, and be thankful that you have it.
A wise older person pointed out to me something that has stunned me since. I had shared a video of a blind man and his guidedog walking about town, supposedly being unhelped by passersby. While I didn't really think that the man was being all that ignored, I have known that to happen, so shared it by an awareness thing. This older person said: "He should be grateful he can walk."
She cannot walk well, is mainly in a wheelchair. The statement is profound. Indeed, he should, and probably isn't. I generally do no think about the fact I can walk or not.
I should be grateful that I can still walk, I can type, draw, do a great many things. I should be grateful for the mental abilities I have, the assistance I have from family and friends. I should be grateful for my sight, voice, hearing, the list goes on and on.
So be grateful for what one is given, the abilities one does have. And always check your specialty drugs' prior auths very carefully.
I just feel beat up. I hurt worse because the new pharmacy had messed up on Humira, so I basically get to start over. I finally hit 6 months, which means getting towards the peak (possibly) of the medication, seeing how it really would work for me. And with the burst of unhelpfulness from about three sides, I was off of Humira for a month. That means start over time. 3 months is the "usually begins to see some result" according to the manufactuer, though "some may see results as early as 6 weeks." Hey, don't get me wrong, I love Humira. Humira's company Abbvie is paying more than 3,000 a month for two months so I can get my medications. (Then I hit my deductible!). Abbvie sent me a ton of free stuff, calendars, pain diaries, my own nurse. I love Humira. I hate that it goes away so fast, and that in that one month, I went nearly back to base camp. I feel awful most days, exhausted, can't sleep and can't wake up. Can't hardly manage to get anywhere. My pain is up, I limp all over the place. Clothes are KILLING me. Everything feels like having a sunburn and rubbing wool against it. My ribs hurt to breathe with.
So much for trying. I had tried to get the ball rolling for prior auths 2 weeks before my new ins. took effect. Somehow that didn't happen.
Anyway...I just really feel miserable. It's so much harder to do what I had been doing. I am not even gardening beyond a bit of watering, and I had been digging great big holes and pulling weeds with roots half way to the earth's core. Now I can't even imagine trying---makes me ache and get nauseous to just think about it.
It's really hard to be a young person who is sick. Everyone who is your age, in general, is not sick. They can usually do what they want to, work where they want to, see who they want to when they want to. I am so incredibly jealous at times that I sob over Facebook posts of someone running a marathon, or taking their kids all to a park together, or seeing a movie. Anything can cause my heart to wither away and "die" because I so desperately want to do what everyone else does.
Anytime you see me, (and of course some of my readers never do, eh Russia? :) is probably the result of great effort. Yes, there are days I feel absolutely AMAZING. But most days you see me is an incredible amount of effort.
I guess I just want those who are healthy, whatever their age, to be grateful that they have it. I never thought about my health as a "healthy" person much. It was just there. I expected to be "sick" as a "old" person---even though, especially as a nurse, I know young people have poor health too. Just look to your health whatever it might be, and be thankful that you have it.
A wise older person pointed out to me something that has stunned me since. I had shared a video of a blind man and his guidedog walking about town, supposedly being unhelped by passersby. While I didn't really think that the man was being all that ignored, I have known that to happen, so shared it by an awareness thing. This older person said: "He should be grateful he can walk."
She cannot walk well, is mainly in a wheelchair. The statement is profound. Indeed, he should, and probably isn't. I generally do no think about the fact I can walk or not.
I should be grateful that I can still walk, I can type, draw, do a great many things. I should be grateful for the mental abilities I have, the assistance I have from family and friends. I should be grateful for my sight, voice, hearing, the list goes on and on.
So be grateful for what one is given, the abilities one does have. And always check your specialty drugs' prior auths very carefully.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Gifts of the Spirit
I have known many people in my short life, and of those many people, few will tell you solidly and with certain conviction that they know what gift is theirs. Or they knew their gift, and "lost" it, or they begin to be filled with fear regarding "no actions" on their part. Further, this, seemingly to my eyes and ears, is followed by the absolute exhaustion of doing nothing but "jobs" in an attempt to either prove worth to God, prove worth to man, or a desperate guilt in not doing something.
Let me perfectly honest here in that I love acts of service in the church or the community. I think such things are desperately needed---but it is a matter of the heart, mind and soul. Is whatever "job" the job that is really for you, or the one you are doing because of, and only because of, guilt? A job of the Spirit should, in my humble opinion, be one that is generally enjoyable, but best of all, sets fire to you in some way.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.....21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.1 Cor 12 NIV
"All gifts are the word of the one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines...". Is that not beautiful? The gifts given are straight from God, and are not meant to be a burden. As Paul goes on to write to the Corinthians, he uses the analogy of the hand, the feet, the eyes. Any of us can say that each of those body parts are unique, even one hand differing from the other. Most of us would likely state that they would rather lose a hand than both eyes or even one eye, yet a concert pianist may prefer to keep both hands and lose the eyes. There was a MASH episode where a young soldier injured and hours were spent to save the legs, while the hand was given "saving" work, but not to the extent that a concert pianist desired. He was devastated to find his hand non-functioning when awaking.
Each of our bodies have different parts, and all are equally important, in their own, unique way. So much more so are the gifts given us by the Spirit. Think, again, how beautiful the phrasing is--a gift from God, part of the work of the Spirit in us, funneling out into the world, affecting our families, friends and complete strangers. How much, during a hard time in life--especially when the other is not aware of it---does it mean when someone places their hand on your shoulder in passing, with an eyes-alight smile of true affection? How much does it mean when someone you hardly know sees your break down during a Bible study and puts their arms around you? How much does it mean to listen to, hear, or read from a good teacher of today or the past? How much does it mean to have these acts of service done towards us? And I have learned that many times we are not even aware of the assistance we have offered someone. God is so incredibly beautiful to have us all in the same place at the right time, saying or doing the right thing.
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mt 22 NIV BibleGateway
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.BIBLEGATEWAY NIV 1 Cor 13
Ironically I utilized the words in this passage in my wedding...and while I still love the use of words here, and what it meant to me to say those to my husband, it is mildly amusing because the word "love" here is not "eros" (romantic love), nor is it "philos" (friend love), but is instead the "agape" : "A regard, respect, and caring concern for another person that does not depend on the worthiness or “lovableness” of that person (cf. Rom 5:8, Luke 6:32-35). An act of the will which places the welfare of others above the interests of oneself (cf. Phil 2:1-5ff). The NT standard for agape love is Christ’s sacrificial love for His people (John 13:34)" (2)
"...giving, but love in its fullest and most extensive meaning, true love to God and man, a benevolent disposition of mind towards our fellow-christians, growing out of sincere and fervent devotion to God." (4)
Popular movies, such as A Walk to Remember, and others I have seen tend to turn this into a romantic love style of love. And yet we are told here that love, which is the more important facet of any of the gifts, because it is out of love, agape love, the love of God, that we are best able to manage our gifts.
The worst things I have ever been told of from non-believers about Christians is how "fake" we all are. We often get too wrapped up in the check-mark list of being one of the local missionaries, and do not show these people agape love, a love that shows we value them because they are a human being, a fellow image of God. Worse, in a way, is the fact that we do the same things to our own believing family.
Paul stresses that speaking without agape love was merely banging a gong, making noise for no real reason. This puts me to the thoughts of how good and godly things are so quickly corrupted by our actions---prayer is lost to become a noisy gong. Any of the gifts, then, without agape love, the love of God, is but a noisy gong--providing a false example. Instead of showing a side of God, we show off our "self", and bring fake glory to our own being.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 12 NIV BibleGateway
I love this section, going over gifts in more details and depths, stating to do what is given to you--what is natural to you, as it were. Not that going about acting out our gifts is not always incredibly comfortable. I adore being an RN. I do not adore putting in urinary catheters. There are forever parts of any job that is not loved.
I have italicized the sections of the passage that stick out to me as little flags of things I feel drawn to do--and that I hope I do. Yet when I see the other things I do not do, it begins to dishearten me that I do not feel as great a leap in myself at those words. I want to do all those things, but I do not manage well. Yet what have we already learned this far about God's gifts? The greatest of these is love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind and with all your heart. When God is so loved by us (and even when we aren't as focused on Him), we just seem to be handed the things of which our gifts will best be served.
I have sometimes had people with panic attacks suddenly come to talk to me. I am perhaps mildly proud of that, but that is because I can help--I DO help. I know panic attacks, I know the words to say, and when to be concerned for the person in a go-to-hospital way. I am encouraging with that specific battle, because it is one in which I can usually effectively encourage.
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4 NIV BibleGateway
I have always liked this passage too. I wanted to mark the whole thing with what stands out to me as so incredible. We are new people, and we need to act like new people. We left the nations of our birth, Death, and by accepting the conditions of the Salvation, we have become new citizens. Our biggest law, from the beginning of time, was to be like God in righteousness and holiness, completed by faith (Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness). We need to remind ourselves to be holy, and to do so by listening to the Spirit He sent us, and utilizing the strengths of the Spirit that are uniquely given to us.
I do not know how many gifts each of us is given, or if they shuffle around on us, depending on where we live and what stage of life, or the need of the others around us...but when you really want an incredible thought, think on that Christ, as a man, had them all. At once. Of course He did, He was fully God, but, since He is fully man, too, it is overwhelming and thrilling to consider He had and has all the gifts at once. Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, mercy, Words of wisdom, faith, healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing spirits, speaking tongues, interpreting tongues, helps (5). How incredibly amazing is that! All in one person, at the same time. Think how wonderful He handled mourning people in the Word, what He said. Consider what He has said to you during hard times!
It all, if one can call it that, boils down to loving God with all we have, but speaking and acting with the strength of God that God might be praised. If our words and actions be truly filled with the love we feel toward God, and is fueled by the strength of God, we will seem different, standing out to the lost, but to the saved as well. Then we do not as easily hit the exhaustion level and burn out our ability to serve in whatever manner, but we will act quicker when our gift has its chance.
Lastly, never think poorly of your gift. It is sometimes hard with our human, worldly pride to not be annoyed at how others' gifts get them notoriety. This pastor somehow manages to have an international service, and I have 25 people. That woman prays the same way I do, but everyone likes hers better. I don't heal people, but she does. I don't lead a Sunday School class, but he has for 45 years. I don't this, I don't that.
Let me perfectly honest here in that I love acts of service in the church or the community. I think such things are desperately needed---but it is a matter of the heart, mind and soul. Is whatever "job" the job that is really for you, or the one you are doing because of, and only because of, guilt? A job of the Spirit should, in my humble opinion, be one that is generally enjoyable, but best of all, sets fire to you in some way.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.....21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.1 Cor 12 NIV
"All gifts are the word of the one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines...". Is that not beautiful? The gifts given are straight from God, and are not meant to be a burden. As Paul goes on to write to the Corinthians, he uses the analogy of the hand, the feet, the eyes. Any of us can say that each of those body parts are unique, even one hand differing from the other. Most of us would likely state that they would rather lose a hand than both eyes or even one eye, yet a concert pianist may prefer to keep both hands and lose the eyes. There was a MASH episode where a young soldier injured and hours were spent to save the legs, while the hand was given "saving" work, but not to the extent that a concert pianist desired. He was devastated to find his hand non-functioning when awaking.
Each of our bodies have different parts, and all are equally important, in their own, unique way. So much more so are the gifts given us by the Spirit. Think, again, how beautiful the phrasing is--a gift from God, part of the work of the Spirit in us, funneling out into the world, affecting our families, friends and complete strangers. How much, during a hard time in life--especially when the other is not aware of it---does it mean when someone places their hand on your shoulder in passing, with an eyes-alight smile of true affection? How much does it mean when someone you hardly know sees your break down during a Bible study and puts their arms around you? How much does it mean to listen to, hear, or read from a good teacher of today or the past? How much does it mean to have these acts of service done towards us? And I have learned that many times we are not even aware of the assistance we have offered someone. God is so incredibly beautiful to have us all in the same place at the right time, saying or doing the right thing.
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mt 22 NIV BibleGateway
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.BIBLEGATEWAY NIV 1 Cor 13
Ironically I utilized the words in this passage in my wedding...and while I still love the use of words here, and what it meant to me to say those to my husband, it is mildly amusing because the word "love" here is not "eros" (romantic love), nor is it "philos" (friend love), but is instead the "agape" : "A regard, respect, and caring concern for another person that does not depend on the worthiness or “lovableness” of that person (cf. Rom 5:8, Luke 6:32-35). An act of the will which places the welfare of others above the interests of oneself (cf. Phil 2:1-5ff). The NT standard for agape love is Christ’s sacrificial love for His people (John 13:34)" (2)
"...giving, but love in its fullest and most extensive meaning, true love to God and man, a benevolent disposition of mind towards our fellow-christians, growing out of sincere and fervent devotion to God." (4)
Popular movies, such as A Walk to Remember, and others I have seen tend to turn this into a romantic love style of love. And yet we are told here that love, which is the more important facet of any of the gifts, because it is out of love, agape love, the love of God, that we are best able to manage our gifts.
The worst things I have ever been told of from non-believers about Christians is how "fake" we all are. We often get too wrapped up in the check-mark list of being one of the local missionaries, and do not show these people agape love, a love that shows we value them because they are a human being, a fellow image of God. Worse, in a way, is the fact that we do the same things to our own believing family.
Paul stresses that speaking without agape love was merely banging a gong, making noise for no real reason. This puts me to the thoughts of how good and godly things are so quickly corrupted by our actions---prayer is lost to become a noisy gong. Any of the gifts, then, without agape love, the love of God, is but a noisy gong--providing a false example. Instead of showing a side of God, we show off our "self", and bring fake glory to our own being.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 12 NIV BibleGateway
I love this section, going over gifts in more details and depths, stating to do what is given to you--what is natural to you, as it were. Not that going about acting out our gifts is not always incredibly comfortable. I adore being an RN. I do not adore putting in urinary catheters. There are forever parts of any job that is not loved.
I have italicized the sections of the passage that stick out to me as little flags of things I feel drawn to do--and that I hope I do. Yet when I see the other things I do not do, it begins to dishearten me that I do not feel as great a leap in myself at those words. I want to do all those things, but I do not manage well. Yet what have we already learned this far about God's gifts? The greatest of these is love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind and with all your heart. When God is so loved by us (and even when we aren't as focused on Him), we just seem to be handed the things of which our gifts will best be served.
I have sometimes had people with panic attacks suddenly come to talk to me. I am perhaps mildly proud of that, but that is because I can help--I DO help. I know panic attacks, I know the words to say, and when to be concerned for the person in a go-to-hospital way. I am encouraging with that specific battle, because it is one in which I can usually effectively encourage.
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4 NIV BibleGateway
I have always liked this passage too. I wanted to mark the whole thing with what stands out to me as so incredible. We are new people, and we need to act like new people. We left the nations of our birth, Death, and by accepting the conditions of the Salvation, we have become new citizens. Our biggest law, from the beginning of time, was to be like God in righteousness and holiness, completed by faith (Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness). We need to remind ourselves to be holy, and to do so by listening to the Spirit He sent us, and utilizing the strengths of the Spirit that are uniquely given to us.
I do not know how many gifts each of us is given, or if they shuffle around on us, depending on where we live and what stage of life, or the need of the others around us...but when you really want an incredible thought, think on that Christ, as a man, had them all. At once. Of course He did, He was fully God, but, since He is fully man, too, it is overwhelming and thrilling to consider He had and has all the gifts at once. Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, mercy, Words of wisdom, faith, healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing spirits, speaking tongues, interpreting tongues, helps (5). How incredibly amazing is that! All in one person, at the same time. Think how wonderful He handled mourning people in the Word, what He said. Consider what He has said to you during hard times!
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pt 4 NIV BibleGateway
It all, if one can call it that, boils down to loving God with all we have, but speaking and acting with the strength of God that God might be praised. If our words and actions be truly filled with the love we feel toward God, and is fueled by the strength of God, we will seem different, standing out to the lost, but to the saved as well. Then we do not as easily hit the exhaustion level and burn out our ability to serve in whatever manner, but we will act quicker when our gift has its chance.
No matter what our gift is, too, time alone with God is needed. Christ often went out into the hills to pray alone, and was often found out by the crowds. He made that step, though, to speak with God, look at the glory of His creation, smudged as it is now, but He made that refueling time.
I guess the last several months without writing have sort of been a refueling time for me--I have more passion for writing than I have in ages. Yet when I consider these last several months, I could have (as always) spent more time with God. Still, I have had some very close and wonderful experiences.
Lastly, never think poorly of your gift. It is sometimes hard with our human, worldly pride to not be annoyed at how others' gifts get them notoriety. This pastor somehow manages to have an international service, and I have 25 people. That woman prays the same way I do, but everyone likes hers better. I don't heal people, but she does. I don't lead a Sunday School class, but he has for 45 years. I don't this, I don't that.
It isn't about what we do. It is about what God does through us. So long as we rely on Him, and respond to things in a holy and honorable-to-God way, we end up likely doing what needs to be done. We may need encouragement to participate in this world, but I think that that Spirit will fill us with the desire to do what needs to be done when we are in this deep commune with Him. We just end up finding those opportunities to talk to people about God, or to do something that seems different, or a new volunteer position that just screams of interest to us. I thoroughly believe that one filled with the Spirit cannot but help to act on the gift they were given.
References and Resources
(1) http://livingontheedge.org/broadcast/how-to-discover-your-primary-spiritual-gift-part-1/daily-radio#.WXSGBFG8CM8 (for the assistance in putting Rom 12, Eph 4, and 1 Pt 4 in this blog)
(2) http://www.purifiedbyfaith.com/ShortBibleStudies/1Cor13_1-13/1Cor13_1-13.htm
(3) https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-corinthians-13/(4) http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-corinthians/13.html
(5) https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-gifts-list.html
Friday, July 21, 2017
Wedding Feast posts removed
Well, there were too many errors on my wedding feast posts, try though I did, so they are taken down until I can get it written correctly. Somehow things have been placed in weird places, with very strange statements that are not true and correct by the Word. I really have no idea how some things ended up where they did...
3 Years Ill experience
As I near 3 years of this battle, or at least with a name to it, since I can see the thin fingers of RA since childhood, there comes over me a great sense of mourning. I really rather hate that RA hit so close to my own wedding anniversary, because it rather spoils it.
I have learned much these three years. I have learned who my deepest and safest friends are---some I did not know I had and so I am doubly touched by their devotion. I have made new friends across the globe who will "cry" online with me when I hurt the most or feel like if I open my mouth I would be sick.
I have learned much about God. The smallest portion of a hidden ice burg, I am certain. If God created all that is about me---the swallows that swoop overhead in my garden, the horrid slugs that devour all my plants and if they would just eat spoiled foliage I would not feel so annoyed, the beauty and glory of a night sky flashing with a meteor shower--then indeed I cannot begin to dig into the depths of Him. What I have learned though! Even in the moments when I am in the shallow grave of depression, viewing the world as all black, I know that He is there if I will simply turn my thoughts away from the darkness that is this world.
I still do not understand the point of my suffering. The sorrows I had as a teenager eventually made sense and were useful toward other people, but this, where it is a hidden disease and often not believed by those who have not seen the deep purple shadows under the eyes, the red-hot swollen fingers and feet, nor the white face of sickness, this makes a "point" harder. Yes, I can see that this illness has been helpful to me because I know God more. But because so many other things are now 20x to 100x harder than they were, I do not see how that helps me or anyone else. And yet:
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? Job 38 NIV BibleGateway
I used to find this section upsetting...that asking why of God was forbidden. I think the line is when we change from asking God "why do I have to be sick" to "if I'm sick, you're no god." (Boy, that last one makes me shudder just to write it.) I think God understands that when we ask why we are ill, why our job failed, why our child is ill, why, why, why, He accepts it as we accept when a child asks why they have to have a vaccination, or a dentist appointment, or learn to read. The child does not like this prospect, may be terrified, or it may even be a long term affliction. A parent may or may not have an answer---but a good parent is willing to hear this mournful cry, and know it comes from fear.
We ask the questions about our life, "why did x happen", "why does x happen" from fear and misunderstanding. So long as we are willing to still remember God, and do what He lays before us, I do not think that our asking that of God is sinful. He is our loving Father, and understands the crying of hurt children---
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 Jn 4.18 NIV BibleHub
"14For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.f And by Him we cry, “Abba,g Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." Rm 8
If there remains doubt that God can understand us in our human weakness, in our "darkest" hours of each trial, consider His own time--His prayer in the Garden. BibleGateway--Prayer in Gethsemane(Matthew), and also Luke 22 ESV BibleGateway . Yet consider, too, that we are speaking of He who created us, the God who knows the very number of the hair on each head of every human who ever was conceived. He knows and understands our trials, better than we understand them ourselves.
We share in sufferings with our King, as such we bring Him glory, but too are we brought glory as Romans 8 points out--a reason, a purpose for suffering. Christ, being fully God and man, knew the reasons for His suffering, and having a purpose makes suffering "easier". Perhaps some suffering, such as RA for me, seems to have no reason at all. Yet the God who created us, knew and allowed us to ruin the perfect creation, knew and prepared a perfect salvation, must also know and use every wrong note that a broken creation propels at us. Like the producer of a film, He knows how everything turns out, yet it is up to the actors to get to that point, responding as they will with each new scene.
We have received some of that glory in the sense that the Kingdom of God is indeed at hand, for the Kingdom of God lies in our hearts. The Spirit filled soul is one nail of the last nails ending the battle against the fallen world, and as such we show the glory of God over the "stronghold" of Death, over the lies of the Fallen One. We show how His power is greater than any other "god", that His will did prevail, is prevailing, and shall prevail.
Regardless of what struggle you walk on, remember to grasp firmly after God, especially when it seems that the ground is slipping out from under you. So often my fears and illness get the better of me, and I forget to call after God, knowing that He will answer me---that if "nothing" else, I will feel His Spirit close to me, and that worth is beyond all that money could buy. Reach for God, find something that helps remind you to look toward God. Joni Earckson Tada's book "Joni" is that for me, as well as Anne Frank's Diary (though she did not believe in Christ (?)). Every day things can remind us of God; were not the psalmists and the apostles right in saying that creation shouted out God's existence that man might have no excuse? Whatever it is that is pure which might help you to remember and focus on God, to go back to His Word when you have tripped in the blindness of suffering, use it!
I have learned much these three years. I have learned who my deepest and safest friends are---some I did not know I had and so I am doubly touched by their devotion. I have made new friends across the globe who will "cry" online with me when I hurt the most or feel like if I open my mouth I would be sick.
I have learned much about God. The smallest portion of a hidden ice burg, I am certain. If God created all that is about me---the swallows that swoop overhead in my garden, the horrid slugs that devour all my plants and if they would just eat spoiled foliage I would not feel so annoyed, the beauty and glory of a night sky flashing with a meteor shower--then indeed I cannot begin to dig into the depths of Him. What I have learned though! Even in the moments when I am in the shallow grave of depression, viewing the world as all black, I know that He is there if I will simply turn my thoughts away from the darkness that is this world.
I still do not understand the point of my suffering. The sorrows I had as a teenager eventually made sense and were useful toward other people, but this, where it is a hidden disease and often not believed by those who have not seen the deep purple shadows under the eyes, the red-hot swollen fingers and feet, nor the white face of sickness, this makes a "point" harder. Yes, I can see that this illness has been helpful to me because I know God more. But because so many other things are now 20x to 100x harder than they were, I do not see how that helps me or anyone else. And yet:
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? Job 38 NIV BibleGateway
I used to find this section upsetting...that asking why of God was forbidden. I think the line is when we change from asking God "why do I have to be sick" to "if I'm sick, you're no god." (Boy, that last one makes me shudder just to write it.) I think God understands that when we ask why we are ill, why our job failed, why our child is ill, why, why, why, He accepts it as we accept when a child asks why they have to have a vaccination, or a dentist appointment, or learn to read. The child does not like this prospect, may be terrified, or it may even be a long term affliction. A parent may or may not have an answer---but a good parent is willing to hear this mournful cry, and know it comes from fear.
We ask the questions about our life, "why did x happen", "why does x happen" from fear and misunderstanding. So long as we are willing to still remember God, and do what He lays before us, I do not think that our asking that of God is sinful. He is our loving Father, and understands the crying of hurt children---
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 Jn 4.18 NIV BibleHub
"14For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.f And by Him we cry, “Abba,g Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." Rm 8
If there remains doubt that God can understand us in our human weakness, in our "darkest" hours of each trial, consider His own time--His prayer in the Garden. BibleGateway--Prayer in Gethsemane(Matthew), and also Luke 22 ESV BibleGateway . Yet consider, too, that we are speaking of He who created us, the God who knows the very number of the hair on each head of every human who ever was conceived. He knows and understands our trials, better than we understand them ourselves.
We share in sufferings with our King, as such we bring Him glory, but too are we brought glory as Romans 8 points out--a reason, a purpose for suffering. Christ, being fully God and man, knew the reasons for His suffering, and having a purpose makes suffering "easier". Perhaps some suffering, such as RA for me, seems to have no reason at all. Yet the God who created us, knew and allowed us to ruin the perfect creation, knew and prepared a perfect salvation, must also know and use every wrong note that a broken creation propels at us. Like the producer of a film, He knows how everything turns out, yet it is up to the actors to get to that point, responding as they will with each new scene.
We have received some of that glory in the sense that the Kingdom of God is indeed at hand, for the Kingdom of God lies in our hearts. The Spirit filled soul is one nail of the last nails ending the battle against the fallen world, and as such we show the glory of God over the "stronghold" of Death, over the lies of the Fallen One. We show how His power is greater than any other "god", that His will did prevail, is prevailing, and shall prevail.
Regardless of what struggle you walk on, remember to grasp firmly after God, especially when it seems that the ground is slipping out from under you. So often my fears and illness get the better of me, and I forget to call after God, knowing that He will answer me---that if "nothing" else, I will feel His Spirit close to me, and that worth is beyond all that money could buy. Reach for God, find something that helps remind you to look toward God. Joni Earckson Tada's book "Joni" is that for me, as well as Anne Frank's Diary (though she did not believe in Christ (?)). Every day things can remind us of God; were not the psalmists and the apostles right in saying that creation shouted out God's existence that man might have no excuse? Whatever it is that is pure which might help you to remember and focus on God, to go back to His Word when you have tripped in the blindness of suffering, use it!
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Fun Facts About Modern Jewish Weddings
Just some fun facts about weddings.
There are several days that are not allowed under Judaic law, so then and now, Jewish couples must not pick those days.
Many pay artists to design the chuppah, though some women will do so themselves. It does not seem that they are any longer used to prove virginity.
Many learn sections of Hebrew to speak at the wedding, others simply ignore that part. Invitations may be in Hebrew and in English/other language. Couples are sometimes expected to sign the Ketubah with their Hebrew name and so practice this.
Many people hire someone to design a Ketubah, as well.
Modern marriages have everything put together much faster. The Ketubah is signed the same day as the wedding ceremony. Today men and women see each other all the way up to the wedding, though it us tradition now that they do not see one another the week before the wedding, and will be followed if they leave the house. Modern couples who are "living" together may even move out to meet this expectation.
Some still require the immediate consummation, some do not, but either way the rest of the wedding celebration happens that day/night, rather than 7 days later. Makes sense when most wedding guests cannot be away that long from work.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/448431/jewish/The-Wedding.htm
The Creative Jewish Wedding Handbook. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky. 2009, Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, USA, pg 2-93
There are several days that are not allowed under Judaic law, so then and now, Jewish couples must not pick those days.
Many pay artists to design the chuppah, though some women will do so themselves. It does not seem that they are any longer used to prove virginity.
Many learn sections of Hebrew to speak at the wedding, others simply ignore that part. Invitations may be in Hebrew and in English/other language. Couples are sometimes expected to sign the Ketubah with their Hebrew name and so practice this.
Many people hire someone to design a Ketubah, as well.
Modern marriages have everything put together much faster. The Ketubah is signed the same day as the wedding ceremony. Today men and women see each other all the way up to the wedding, though it us tradition now that they do not see one another the week before the wedding, and will be followed if they leave the house. Modern couples who are "living" together may even move out to meet this expectation.
Some still require the immediate consummation, some do not, but either way the rest of the wedding celebration happens that day/night, rather than 7 days later. Makes sense when most wedding guests cannot be away that long from work.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/448431/jewish/The-Wedding.htm
The Creative Jewish Wedding Handbook. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky. 2009, Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT, USA, pg 2-93
Monday, July 10, 2017
RA Post: Such Trials
It has been a very long month. I know it only just started. But I have been arguing with my new specialty pharmacy about everything in the book---from "No, I do NOT have Medicaid, this is private" to supposedly giving them the wrong ID numbers, to orders being made and "I'm sorry ma'am, it just wasn't shipped out."
Meanwhile, my pain has gone up the last two weeks, my eyes feel worse, and I am running my inflammation fevers, anywhere from my dead normal to 2 degrees above. I get to have the emotional ups and downs of fighting with this company, not getting medication, and the fevers which make me so very moody. I just feel like someone has been standing and lashing me with a whip. I hurt all over, and everything seems so terrible. I could (and often do) start to cry at a moments notice, and wander around with a clean towel to cry into.
The "depths of despair" I may feel from fighting all this stuff, the sorrow of illness and things missed may linger, but I still have the solid feel of God about me. As miserable as I am, I know He is there, having me fulfill my time and duties, such as they are, lending me all strength, peace and support that I might ever need to ask for.
It is honestly beyond description for me to begin to describe how I feel physically, how I feel about nearing 3 years of off and on bed-bound status, difficulty driving or even walking. The emotional word base of the English language is somehow not deep enough to discuss how it feels to be who I now am.
Even so, neither is the English language deep enough to describe what I feel of God. How I see Him now, how much more I feel His love, His presence, His gift to me. The more I study, the more I learn about God through research, the more I find God in the midst of pain and sickness, the more incredible He becomes. The larger a battle is, the bigger God becomes---surpassing that battle with a mass of storm clouds overwhelmingly bigger than the Mt St Helen's eruption. All for one person. Look here, see the battle that is done when we call on God, whatever the reason:
16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me. NIV
God rushes to our aid, though not always in the manner we expect. As I am learning from the language of the past, we are thought of so much more deeply than I had ever seen before. We were given an enormous gift and symbol through the death of Christ. God fought our biggest enemy, Death, to the end. We have no Death before us, because His death destroyed the hold Death had rightfully over us. We have become heirs, true sons of God, loved and remembered.
No battle is fought alone, no matter how we may feel alone. We forever are of the Spirit--God is forever with us. No battle is ever finished alone, He is there fighting as well, lending us strength, wisdom and honor. All we need to do is turn around, seek that help that is ready, willing, and set aside for us, and be willing to do the same when God lays something in our path.
Meanwhile, my pain has gone up the last two weeks, my eyes feel worse, and I am running my inflammation fevers, anywhere from my dead normal to 2 degrees above. I get to have the emotional ups and downs of fighting with this company, not getting medication, and the fevers which make me so very moody. I just feel like someone has been standing and lashing me with a whip. I hurt all over, and everything seems so terrible. I could (and often do) start to cry at a moments notice, and wander around with a clean towel to cry into.
The "depths of despair" I may feel from fighting all this stuff, the sorrow of illness and things missed may linger, but I still have the solid feel of God about me. As miserable as I am, I know He is there, having me fulfill my time and duties, such as they are, lending me all strength, peace and support that I might ever need to ask for.
It is honestly beyond description for me to begin to describe how I feel physically, how I feel about nearing 3 years of off and on bed-bound status, difficulty driving or even walking. The emotional word base of the English language is somehow not deep enough to discuss how it feels to be who I now am.
Even so, neither is the English language deep enough to describe what I feel of God. How I see Him now, how much more I feel His love, His presence, His gift to me. The more I study, the more I learn about God through research, the more I find God in the midst of pain and sickness, the more incredible He becomes. The larger a battle is, the bigger God becomes---surpassing that battle with a mass of storm clouds overwhelmingly bigger than the Mt St Helen's eruption. All for one person. Look here, see the battle that is done when we call on God, whatever the reason:
Psalm 18:6-19New International Version (NIV)
6 In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
7 The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.
8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.
9 He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.
10 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
12 Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
13 The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.[a]
14 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, Lord,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
7 The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.
8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.
9 He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.
10 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
12 Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
13 The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.[a]
14 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, Lord,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me. NIV
God rushes to our aid, though not always in the manner we expect. As I am learning from the language of the past, we are thought of so much more deeply than I had ever seen before. We were given an enormous gift and symbol through the death of Christ. God fought our biggest enemy, Death, to the end. We have no Death before us, because His death destroyed the hold Death had rightfully over us. We have become heirs, true sons of God, loved and remembered.
No battle is fought alone, no matter how we may feel alone. We forever are of the Spirit--God is forever with us. No battle is ever finished alone, He is there fighting as well, lending us strength, wisdom and honor. All we need to do is turn around, seek that help that is ready, willing, and set aside for us, and be willing to do the same when God lays something in our path.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Suffering of God Himself
"The other side of the sovereignty of God is the suffering of God Himself." --Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, Timothy Keller, pg 147, 2013, Penguin Random House, LLC, New York New York, USA.
One of the harder thing for many people to accept is that Christ is fully God, and yet was fully man. Beyond that, the fact that God suffered, and, in my opinion suffered worse than we will ever suffer.
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[a]
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. Luke 22 NIV
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23
Very few of us have suffered to the point that the sun has gone dark. Nor that the temple curtains have torn in half. We may feel that it is that way, but it does not spread beyond us or beyond our circle of family who see the hardest moments of suffering.
I have felt moments of suffering that make it seem as if the earth itself could not possibly still exist--that all has fallen away to leave me standing in a black smudge. Yet the suffering I faced and face has never darkened the sky.
Being aware of the amount of suffering that Christ underwent in those days leading up to crucifixion can help us to believe that He does know what we face, and understands the emotional portion of suffering. The Triumphant Procession into Jerusalem must have had such a tinge of sadness, in the sense of knowing that time was growing short until the time of suffering was completed.
When I was a child, and actually I still do, I hated going to the dentist. At least at this point in my life, however, I no longer count down the days until that dreaded appointment for three months before hand. I would literally be a basket case the week before, and feel physically numb the last three days. Dental procedures filled me with such dread and terror that I cried that last week, cried the whole drive up to the dentist. And yet while the outlook was dark for me, it was not for the sky. That makes the suffering of God pretty intense that the sky darkened, the earth shook, and that curtain (I believe it was 8 layers thick) tore.
A human has to be extraordinarily stressed to drip blood in the sweat--few of us ever see such a level of stress. Christ died much sooner than was expected. If you compare the Gospels, the soldiers were going to speed up the process, so broke the legs of the others being crucified. This sped up the strangulation effect of crucifixion, because they had no support to try to breath. The soldiers found Christ already dead, so stabbed Him with a sword---finishing up prophecy that He would not have any broken bones. Pilate, when questioned for Jesus' body by Joseph of Arimathea, was surprised He had passed away already. I believe that the amount of stress and suffering that He underwent possibly sped up the death process...giving us pause at how much misery He faced.
14For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.f And by him we cry, “Abba,g Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Rom 8 NIV
We are sons of God through our adoption, full heirs (which means first born sons' rights as heirs). A full, firstborn son, a beloved one. Christ HAD to die, for His sacrifice was the only perfect sacrifice ever to be had. A heifer, a pigeon--all those blood offerings were temporary. Christ, being perfect and full of the law, being the Word, the Spirit and God all in one, was the only sacrifice that would ever be long enough, deep enough, wide enough, perfect enough and full enough to cover us through a lifetime of wickedness. We then can commune more deeply with God.
We see tastes of the Kingdom of Heaven---( “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21)---for do we not see and meet new people and think that they are of us? We see the peace and enjoyment, love and laughter that we will have in the fullness of glory. We taste the Spirit within us, He does not leave us, though we may ignore Him or "forget" Him. We, because of the depth of His sacrifice, His suffering, allows us to have the comfort of His presence. We are given a new garment, no longer covered in the blood of murderous thoughts, we can be freely communicated with.
It is an important thing to consider the depths of what His suffering meant and means---how harsh it may have been, how it leads us today into being able to be more in His presence now and in the future of eternity.
One of the harder thing for many people to accept is that Christ is fully God, and yet was fully man. Beyond that, the fact that God suffered, and, in my opinion suffered worse than we will ever suffer.
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[a]
45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. Luke 22 NIV
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23
Very few of us have suffered to the point that the sun has gone dark. Nor that the temple curtains have torn in half. We may feel that it is that way, but it does not spread beyond us or beyond our circle of family who see the hardest moments of suffering.
I have felt moments of suffering that make it seem as if the earth itself could not possibly still exist--that all has fallen away to leave me standing in a black smudge. Yet the suffering I faced and face has never darkened the sky.
Being aware of the amount of suffering that Christ underwent in those days leading up to crucifixion can help us to believe that He does know what we face, and understands the emotional portion of suffering. The Triumphant Procession into Jerusalem must have had such a tinge of sadness, in the sense of knowing that time was growing short until the time of suffering was completed.
When I was a child, and actually I still do, I hated going to the dentist. At least at this point in my life, however, I no longer count down the days until that dreaded appointment for three months before hand. I would literally be a basket case the week before, and feel physically numb the last three days. Dental procedures filled me with such dread and terror that I cried that last week, cried the whole drive up to the dentist. And yet while the outlook was dark for me, it was not for the sky. That makes the suffering of God pretty intense that the sky darkened, the earth shook, and that curtain (I believe it was 8 layers thick) tore.
A human has to be extraordinarily stressed to drip blood in the sweat--few of us ever see such a level of stress. Christ died much sooner than was expected. If you compare the Gospels, the soldiers were going to speed up the process, so broke the legs of the others being crucified. This sped up the strangulation effect of crucifixion, because they had no support to try to breath. The soldiers found Christ already dead, so stabbed Him with a sword---finishing up prophecy that He would not have any broken bones. Pilate, when questioned for Jesus' body by Joseph of Arimathea, was surprised He had passed away already. I believe that the amount of stress and suffering that He underwent possibly sped up the death process...giving us pause at how much misery He faced.
14For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.f And by him we cry, “Abba,g Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Rom 8 NIV
We are sons of God through our adoption, full heirs (which means first born sons' rights as heirs). A full, firstborn son, a beloved one. Christ HAD to die, for His sacrifice was the only perfect sacrifice ever to be had. A heifer, a pigeon--all those blood offerings were temporary. Christ, being perfect and full of the law, being the Word, the Spirit and God all in one, was the only sacrifice that would ever be long enough, deep enough, wide enough, perfect enough and full enough to cover us through a lifetime of wickedness. We then can commune more deeply with God.
We see tastes of the Kingdom of Heaven---( “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21)---for do we not see and meet new people and think that they are of us? We see the peace and enjoyment, love and laughter that we will have in the fullness of glory. We taste the Spirit within us, He does not leave us, though we may ignore Him or "forget" Him. We, because of the depth of His sacrifice, His suffering, allows us to have the comfort of His presence. We are given a new garment, no longer covered in the blood of murderous thoughts, we can be freely communicated with.
It is an important thing to consider the depths of what His suffering meant and means---how harsh it may have been, how it leads us today into being able to be more in His presence now and in the future of eternity.
Musing
"Oh,
there is, in contemplating Christ, a balm for every wound; in musing on
the Father, there is a quietus for every grief; and in the influence of
the Holy [Spirit] there is a balsam for every sore." Knowing God, J.I.
Packer
I read this nearly two years ago according to the date on one of my many notebook pages filled with writings. The words strike me today almost as much as they did then--though perhaps in a different way. I now have the other added benefit of knowing that if I am studying God, my mind is distracted from whatever may be "terrible" in my life today. I can get deeper than I could those two years ago, even though it seemed like I was getting deeper then. One can never fathom, nor reach, the wonders of God, who He is, and the great love and compassion He holds for us!
I recommend reading Ps 18 NIV, though I will put this section up for discussion:
Yet
if deep sorrow hits, the kind of sorrow that knocks you literally to
your knees...you find suddenly that the faith you thought you had was a
bit on the weak side. It was real, just on the weak side.And with the
struggle you suddenly face you become stronger in Him, refined by fire.
The oldest Christians still stand out to me as such incredible people. The way they even walk somehow shows the solid belief they have in God. It as if I am literally seeing "faith".
While we were not created to face a world such as this, God can handle anything--and as such, He can most assuredly help us to handle this world through Him. After all, are we not a new creation in Christ?
I can use a bit of the research project I am on to show this point of God's being completely for us. In covenant language, when a blood covenant is formed, there is an exchanging of robes, which signifies that "you are now part of my tribe". The next step is an exchanging of weapons, meaning that each other's enemies are now the other's---so that the evil in this world which was God's enemy is our enemy, but also that the evil in this world that is our enemy (whether we know it or not) is God's enemy. We are fully part of His family, His tribe; the evil in the world is against us, against God, but because of our covering, we will stand strong with God to the ends of time.
Knowing that God is for us, concerned about us, and loves us does make it easier to bear the difficulties of the day. Knowing that others in our large family are concerned about us makes it easier to bear the difficulties of the day.
I read this nearly two years ago according to the date on one of my many notebook pages filled with writings. The words strike me today almost as much as they did then--though perhaps in a different way. I now have the other added benefit of knowing that if I am studying God, my mind is distracted from whatever may be "terrible" in my life today. I can get deeper than I could those two years ago, even though it seemed like I was getting deeper then. One can never fathom, nor reach, the wonders of God, who He is, and the great love and compassion He holds for us!
I recommend reading Ps 18 NIV, though I will put this section up for discussion:
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.
Basically
if you flip through the psalms you will find so many passages and
references to what God will do for us when we call out. It is
interesting to me that so many psalms start out so incredibly miserable
and uncertain--fully certain of torture or death even. However, by the
end of the psalm, the writer has found God's comfort and is singing of
that to try to remind themselves (I imagine) but also others.
Isn't it true in life that if we go looking for God we find Him? The more eager we are to be with Him, to have His help in our lives, often the easier it is to find Him. There is, in a way, a begrudging note to some of our cries to Him, which I have noted in some of my calls and in others. I think it is that begrudging note, the note which says we would rather try to manage our own life in our own ways.
Isn't it true in life that if we go looking for God we find Him? The more eager we are to be with Him, to have His help in our lives, often the easier it is to find Him. There is, in a way, a begrudging note to some of our cries to Him, which I have noted in some of my calls and in others. I think it is that begrudging note, the note which says we would rather try to manage our own life in our own ways.
How
often is it that we go along struggling "merrily" along, forcing our
exhausted self to be the all in the world? How often do I begin to
struggle with mild depression or fear because of my health? How often
when that happens do I remember to call upon God versus how many times
do I just try to suck it up and manage to barrel through.
The oldest Christians still stand out to me as such incredible people. The way they even walk somehow shows the solid belief they have in God. It as if I am literally seeing "faith".
While we were not created to face a world such as this, God can handle anything--and as such, He can most assuredly help us to handle this world through Him. After all, are we not a new creation in Christ?
I can use a bit of the research project I am on to show this point of God's being completely for us. In covenant language, when a blood covenant is formed, there is an exchanging of robes, which signifies that "you are now part of my tribe". The next step is an exchanging of weapons, meaning that each other's enemies are now the other's---so that the evil in this world which was God's enemy is our enemy, but also that the evil in this world that is our enemy (whether we know it or not) is God's enemy. We are fully part of His family, His tribe; the evil in the world is against us, against God, but because of our covering, we will stand strong with God to the ends of time.
Knowing that God is for us, concerned about us, and loves us does make it easier to bear the difficulties of the day. Knowing that others in our large family are concerned about us makes it easier to bear the difficulties of the day.
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