Taught by Arlene
Notes by Linda
Today Arlene taught on Psalm 16. She opened by asking us what brought us delight. She followed this by saying that Psalm 16 is about what brought David delight. Arlene divided the psalm into six sections – each one focusing on a specific thing that delighted David.
(1)David Delighted in God as his refuge. (Psalm 16:1-2)
“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
Arlene first pointed out the difference in meaning of the name ‘lord’ that is used in this verse 2. In the first occurrence, ‘LORD’ refers to our personal covenant God, Yahweh. The word for the second "Lord" is Adonai which means master. Next she asked us why we thought David would say ‘apart from you I have no good thing’. The class gave many examples of David’s trials, victories and defeats. Arlene pointed out that no matter what David went through, he knew the truth - “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5b). Knowing God is with us gives us strength, no matter what we face.
(2)David delighted in those who delighted in God. (Psalm 16:3-4)
“As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.”
As a comprehensive example of this, Arlene brought us to Psalm 101. “Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil. Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me. No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence” (Psalm 101:4-7). Arlene summarized this psalm by saying that David surrounded himself with those who lived what they spoke. He knew that those who surrounded themselves with idol worshipers would be ensnared. They had been warned about this before entering into the promise land. “Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them” (Deu. 11:16). Arlene then asked the question ‘how do we evangelize the world yet separate ourselves from its ways?’. The Word says “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). The ‘world’ in this instance is the world systems. This is the way or values under which the world operates (i.e. sexuality, self-reliance, materialism). As New Testament Christians this is not the way in which we should live our lives.
(3)David delighted in his inheritance. (Psalm 16:5-6)
“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Arlene taught that in this verse David was using a metaphor. The word for lot here was referring to the division of property when the Israelites claimed the Promised Land. “The LORD said to Moses, “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed” (Numbers 26:52-54). God had divinely ordered their lot. In the same way God has divinely ordered what comes into our lives. Arlene asked us if we could really accept all that what comes into our lives through the perfect or permissive will of God has been assigned by Him – regardless of how we see it. This also encompasses what we have lived or experienced prior to accepting Jesus as our LORD and Savior. God will use for good even what Satan has designed for evil. Arlene stressed that our life is not by chance. He will use these things to bring ministry and healing to others. A very important thing we have to realize is that we do need to come to God with these things. We need to ask Him to redeem them and use them for good. This will not happen apart from His divine power.
Another metaphor David uses in this passage from Psalm 16 is the reference to ‘boundaries’. In Numbers 34:1-2 we read “The LORD said to Moses, “Command the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance is to have these boundaries:”. Arlene explained that our boundaries are the people in our lives, our circumstances, our obstacles…really everything that comes into our lives. We see an additional facet of our inheritance in Joshua 18:3, “So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?”. Not only are we given boundaries but we must also exercise our wills and take action in securing our spiritual inheritance within our God-given boundries. If you notice in this verse, God wanted to graciously give them the land but they had to be actively participating in the taking possession of it. We are meant to conquer the challenges in our lives with the aid of God's grace.
While the Israelite’s lots, boundaries and inheritance in the Promised Land were physical ours are mirrored as New Testament Christians primarily in the spiritual realm. Arlene gave us the following parallels (with the Israelites first, ours second): earthly battles vs. spiritual battles, physical fruitfulness vs. fruit of the spirit/our service, wild animals, giants and enemies vs. trials and obstacles. Within both groups blessings follow obedience and grace is through faith. (As a side note, the first group of Israelites did not enter the Promised Land because of unbelief.)
As noted earlier, our inheritance is primarily spiritual. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). This is our spiritual inheritance.
As a child of God, Arlene showed us that our inheritance as New Testament Christians is filled with the richest of blessings. We have abundant life, abundant joy, abundant peace, abundant comfort, abundant delight, abundant self-discipline, abundant righteousness, abundant mercy and abundnat power. We have to choose to possess these things.
Arlene gave us a few examples of what it looks like when we are living with the understanding that “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:6a). Fannie Crosby was the author of many of our most beloved hymns. She had been blinded inadvertently by a doctor. She had said that if she could have seen she would have been distracted by the physical world. Amy Carmichael was a famous missionary in India. The last 20 years of her life she was an invalid yet ran a large orphanage that rescued children who were sold at temple protitutes by their parents. Arlene reiterated that God may bring suffering into our lives for reasons we don’t understand to accomplish His divine purpose. He can transform a curse into a blessing.
(4)David delighted in the Lord’s counsel. (Psalm 16:7-8)
“I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
In this verse, ‘praise’ means to bless or speak well of. She explained that ‘night’ could mean a period of darkness. In times of darkness we cannot let our emotions rule us. We need to be mindful of the presence of God and the truth of His word. In this verse it speaks of God’s instruction. This instruction is given in firmness. We need to accept His teaching even when it is hard.
(5)David delighted in the stability he enjoyed with God. (Psalm 16:9-10)
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”
Arlene pointed out that even though there was nothing in the Old Testament that spoke of heaven David knew that his physical death would not separate him from the presence of God. It is also noted that this verse is prophetic, pointing to Jesus, the Holy One of God.
(6)David delighted in the hope of eternal pleasures with God. (Psalm 16:11)
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Arlene emphasized that the path between God and each of us is eternity. Revelation 21 gives us a powerful description of the glories of heaven. While this is something we can read in the Word we won’t be able to comprehend what God has in store for us until we are actually there.
In conclusion, Arlene asked us where we were in relation to David’s delight. If we are not where we would like to be she made the following suggestions: 1) Pray that He would be your delight. 2) We need to realize that sanctification is a process and we grow in our delight in God as we grow in our walk with God. The following words of Paul speak to this. As you read, keep in mind that Paul wrote this 30 years after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. (Phil 3:8-14).
Arlene pointed out that even though Paul had been striving after knowing His Saviour for 30 years he still had not obtained the kind of relationship that He so longed for. He knew that Jesus was more then enough and all that he desired and worthy of "all his delight".
“In essence, there is only one thing God asks of us-that we be …people from whom God is everything and for whom God is enough.” Brennan Manning.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Good News!!
He is Risen!
"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28:5-6
And all the people said......
"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28:5-6
And all the people said......
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Bible Memorization Project - Week Eight
Good Morning! Good Morning! Good Morning!
How is everyone doing today? Well the last few days were a whirlwind spiritually as a family. On Saturday we attended the play at Monmouth Worship Center and boy did that bless my heart. Kudos to all who poured out an overwhelming amount of time and energy participating in that production with the sole purpose that others might know the reason for the hope that we have as lovers of Jesus. I am told that there were somewhere around 40 commitments to Christ that day. Glory to His Name! If you haven't seen "My Story" there is still one more performance this Friday. Why not bring a friend?
Yesterday, I was neck deep in matzah all day. From matzah stuffing to matzah kugel to matzah apricot squares to matzah ball soup. Still not tired of the stuff because I just have an affinity to it. I will take a plain piece, smear it with a little butter and I am in heaven. Our Seder was a success as we plowed through the Haggadah (the telling) learning how intimately Christ is displayed in the passover supper. Since passover is meant to be a joyful celebration, there was much laughter and love. We celebrated the love of God and all that He has accomplished in our lives through the death of Jesus. Just as God rescued His people from the clutches of Pharoah and brought them into the land promised for them, He has indeed accomplished that same deliverance spiritually in Christ. "He rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves". (Colossians 1:13) Hallelujah!
Ok so the main point of our post. You guessed it, it is that time again. We are now up to our eighth verse and I just know you guys are tracking with me. I am really glad that you commited to taking this journey to go deeper with Him. Nothing has dramatically catapulted my spiritual life quite like Bible memorization. Something about memorizing and meditating on God's word that just changes my perspective on life. It is often only after I have been working on difficult passages that the Holy Spirit will suddenly bring illumination and revelation. Often this deeper meaning from my meditation and memorization will usher me into the wonder and briliance of God that leaves me breathless. There isn't anything like it and it draws me to want to do it more and more. For me, this is a Holy habit and not one I will quickly give up. The benefit/rewards are to extreme for me and I know that if you keep at it, you will agree.
So let me kick it off with my next verse and as usual you follow through in the comments with yours. I am continuing on a passage I started with week seven.
"who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:4
Have a blessed day!! Shalom!
How is everyone doing today? Well the last few days were a whirlwind spiritually as a family. On Saturday we attended the play at Monmouth Worship Center and boy did that bless my heart. Kudos to all who poured out an overwhelming amount of time and energy participating in that production with the sole purpose that others might know the reason for the hope that we have as lovers of Jesus. I am told that there were somewhere around 40 commitments to Christ that day. Glory to His Name! If you haven't seen "My Story" there is still one more performance this Friday. Why not bring a friend?
Yesterday, I was neck deep in matzah all day. From matzah stuffing to matzah kugel to matzah apricot squares to matzah ball soup. Still not tired of the stuff because I just have an affinity to it. I will take a plain piece, smear it with a little butter and I am in heaven. Our Seder was a success as we plowed through the Haggadah (the telling) learning how intimately Christ is displayed in the passover supper. Since passover is meant to be a joyful celebration, there was much laughter and love. We celebrated the love of God and all that He has accomplished in our lives through the death of Jesus. Just as God rescued His people from the clutches of Pharoah and brought them into the land promised for them, He has indeed accomplished that same deliverance spiritually in Christ. "He rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves". (Colossians 1:13) Hallelujah!
Ok so the main point of our post. You guessed it, it is that time again. We are now up to our eighth verse and I just know you guys are tracking with me. I am really glad that you commited to taking this journey to go deeper with Him. Nothing has dramatically catapulted my spiritual life quite like Bible memorization. Something about memorizing and meditating on God's word that just changes my perspective on life. It is often only after I have been working on difficult passages that the Holy Spirit will suddenly bring illumination and revelation. Often this deeper meaning from my meditation and memorization will usher me into the wonder and briliance of God that leaves me breathless. There isn't anything like it and it draws me to want to do it more and more. For me, this is a Holy habit and not one I will quickly give up. The benefit/rewards are to extreme for me and I know that if you keep at it, you will agree.
So let me kick it off with my next verse and as usual you follow through in the comments with yours. I am continuing on a passage I started with week seven.
"who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:4
Have a blessed day!! Shalom!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Psalm 34
Taught by Jan
Notes by Linda
Before delving into Psalm 34, Jan gave a general overview of the Book of Psalms as a whole. Jan likened the psalms to ‘poetry unfolding in song’. She said that the reading of the psalms is a sacred moments between the Lord and ourselves. Jan defined three components of the Psalms as a whole.
Praise - recognizing and appreciation of God’s greatness
Worship – praising God and devoting ourselves to Him
Confession – declaring one’s wrong doings, a statement of our beliefs
Jan divided the authors of the Psalms into four different groups. Approximately 73 of the 150 psalms have been attributed to King David.. They were also written by the sons of Korah, Asaph, and anonymous. (A note from Linda, with the understanding that they were written by man under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit.) The time period covered in this book span the time of Moses through the return of the Israelites from captivity in Babylon.
In the early Christian church the Psalms were adopted as part of their liturgy and are still used today. As an example, Jan pointed out that Gregorian chant is the Psalms being sung in Latin. Jan also emphasized that the Psalms speak to the root of our humanity – our emotions, which are both basic and complicated.
Jan gave us a handout that drew parallels between the first five books of the bible (The Pentateuch) to the Psalms, divided into five sections. (The following information is taken directly from this handout which was adapted from the Life application Bible.)
Section 1
Section 1 covers Psalms 1 through 41. The major themes of this section are: confidence in God’s justice, compassion, and forgiveness, and the depravity of humans. Book 1 of the Pentateuch is Genesis. It’s major themes are: human creation, fall of humankind in sin, and the promised redemption. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 23 – comfort, Psalm 5 – how to come to God each day, Psalm 15 – how to please God, and Psalm 34 – freedom from fear.
Section 2
Section 2 covers Psalms 42 – 72. The major themes of this section are: prayers for rescue and confession of sin. Jan compared this to Exodus. The major themes of this book relate to the nation of Israel and its times of distress and ruin as well as its recovery. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 51 – a plea for God’s mercy, cleansing, and forgiveness of sin.
Section 3
Section 3 covers Psalms 78 through 89. The major themes of this section are: God’s temple and God’s enthronement & majesty. Book 3 of the Pentateuch is Leviticus . Its major themes are: God’s holiness and sovereignty and God’s faithfulness. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 73 – trusting God for our future rewards and a prayer for revival and restoration after experiencing destruction (God is in charge).
Section 4
Section 4 covers Psalms 90 through 106. The major themes of this section are: a prayer of Moses, oppressors to God’s people, and God as king. Book 4 of the Pentateuch is Numbers . Its major themes are: Israel’s relationship with the surrounding nations and God bringing Israel to the Promised Land. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 103 – a description of God’s love and benefits, Psalm 91 – protection in the midst of danger, and Psalm 105 – history of God’s mighty deeds as Israel comes to the Promised Land. Psalms – Section 4
Section 5
Section 5 covers Psalms 107 through 150. The major themes of this section are: God’s word is love and praise for the Lord. Book 5 of the Pentateuch is Deuteronomy. Its major themes are: thanks for God’s word and God’s decrees are just and righteous. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 134 & 145 – praise to God, Psalm 146 – knowledge that God is in control, and Psalm 119 – God’s word guides us.
Psalm 34
Jan spoke on the importance of this Psalm in her life. She recounted that this was written by David at the time in his life where he had pretended to be insane in the presence of King Abimelech of the Philistines. Prior to this encounter, David had been killing the Philistines. Jan spoke on the root causes of depression, as David experienced. When the Lord reveals the root it is the beginning of healing. Jan expressed that fear could be a root of depression. Jan highlighted the following verses from the psalm.
Verse 6 – God saved him from all of his troubles.
Verse 7 – The fear that the psalmist speaks of is not fear as an emotion, rather it is fear as a sign of respect and reverence.
Verse 8 – That we see that God is good, and that ‘seeing’ is understanding. Jan reminded us that God is good and His mercy endures forever. She stressed that God can use every experience for our good.
Verse 11 – God will teach us how to have fear and reverence for him.
Verse 13 – An admonition to keep from speaking evil.
Verse 14 – That we should depart from evil and do good. That we should seek the peace that only god can give.
Verse 19 – That will all be afflicted.
Verse 20 – This is a prophecy concerning the death of Jesus. Although it was customary for the legs of the one being crucified to be broken, not one of Jesus’ bones were broken.
Verse 22 – None that trust in the Lord will be desolate.
Notes by Linda
Before delving into Psalm 34, Jan gave a general overview of the Book of Psalms as a whole. Jan likened the psalms to ‘poetry unfolding in song’. She said that the reading of the psalms is a sacred moments between the Lord and ourselves. Jan defined three components of the Psalms as a whole.
Praise - recognizing and appreciation of God’s greatness
Worship – praising God and devoting ourselves to Him
Confession – declaring one’s wrong doings, a statement of our beliefs
Jan divided the authors of the Psalms into four different groups. Approximately 73 of the 150 psalms have been attributed to King David.. They were also written by the sons of Korah, Asaph, and anonymous. (A note from Linda, with the understanding that they were written by man under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit.) The time period covered in this book span the time of Moses through the return of the Israelites from captivity in Babylon.
In the early Christian church the Psalms were adopted as part of their liturgy and are still used today. As an example, Jan pointed out that Gregorian chant is the Psalms being sung in Latin. Jan also emphasized that the Psalms speak to the root of our humanity – our emotions, which are both basic and complicated.
Jan gave us a handout that drew parallels between the first five books of the bible (The Pentateuch) to the Psalms, divided into five sections. (The following information is taken directly from this handout which was adapted from the Life application Bible.)
Section 1
Section 1 covers Psalms 1 through 41. The major themes of this section are: confidence in God’s justice, compassion, and forgiveness, and the depravity of humans. Book 1 of the Pentateuch is Genesis. It’s major themes are: human creation, fall of humankind in sin, and the promised redemption. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 23 – comfort, Psalm 5 – how to come to God each day, Psalm 15 – how to please God, and Psalm 34 – freedom from fear.
Section 2
Section 2 covers Psalms 42 – 72. The major themes of this section are: prayers for rescue and confession of sin. Jan compared this to Exodus. The major themes of this book relate to the nation of Israel and its times of distress and ruin as well as its recovery. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 51 – a plea for God’s mercy, cleansing, and forgiveness of sin.
Section 3
Section 3 covers Psalms 78 through 89. The major themes of this section are: God’s temple and God’s enthronement & majesty. Book 3 of the Pentateuch is Leviticus . Its major themes are: God’s holiness and sovereignty and God’s faithfulness. Jan gave the following Psalm as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 73 – trusting God for our future rewards and a prayer for revival and restoration after experiencing destruction (God is in charge).
Section 4
Section 4 covers Psalms 90 through 106. The major themes of this section are: a prayer of Moses, oppressors to God’s people, and God as king. Book 4 of the Pentateuch is Numbers . Its major themes are: Israel’s relationship with the surrounding nations and God bringing Israel to the Promised Land. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 103 – a description of God’s love and benefits, Psalm 91 – protection in the midst of danger, and Psalm 105 – history of God’s mighty deeds as Israel comes to the Promised Land. Psalms – Section 4
Section 5
Section 5 covers Psalms 107 through 150. The major themes of this section are: God’s word is love and praise for the Lord. Book 5 of the Pentateuch is Deuteronomy. Its major themes are: thanks for God’s word and God’s decrees are just and righteous. Jan gave the following Psalms as examples of ways they could minister to us individually: Psalm 134 & 145 – praise to God, Psalm 146 – knowledge that God is in control, and Psalm 119 – God’s word guides us.
Psalm 34
Jan spoke on the importance of this Psalm in her life. She recounted that this was written by David at the time in his life where he had pretended to be insane in the presence of King Abimelech of the Philistines. Prior to this encounter, David had been killing the Philistines. Jan spoke on the root causes of depression, as David experienced. When the Lord reveals the root it is the beginning of healing. Jan expressed that fear could be a root of depression. Jan highlighted the following verses from the psalm.
Verse 6 – God saved him from all of his troubles.
Verse 7 – The fear that the psalmist speaks of is not fear as an emotion, rather it is fear as a sign of respect and reverence.
Verse 8 – That we see that God is good, and that ‘seeing’ is understanding. Jan reminded us that God is good and His mercy endures forever. She stressed that God can use every experience for our good.
Verse 11 – God will teach us how to have fear and reverence for him.
Verse 13 – An admonition to keep from speaking evil.
Verse 14 – That we should depart from evil and do good. That we should seek the peace that only god can give.
Verse 19 – That will all be afflicted.
Verse 20 – This is a prophecy concerning the death of Jesus. Although it was customary for the legs of the one being crucified to be broken, not one of Jesus’ bones were broken.
Verse 22 – None that trust in the Lord will be desolate.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Call to Get Involved With This Years Easter Drama
The Greatest Book
by Jan S.
A conversation heard in the Monmouth Worship Center Lounge: Was it you we heard?
#1: The Easter Drama must be in rehearsal today – I hear voices and singing.
#2: When is the drama?
#1: In April, the 16th, 17th, 22nd; I know there will be info in the bulletin.
#2: Our family went last year; it was good, but we’re so busy around Easter. We may have to skip it this year.
#1: I hear it’s quite different this year. It’s being told from Jesus’ point of view. He tells His story. It’s still biblically based, but we get a more vivid description of His thoughts and feelings.
#2: That does help you to see Jesus in a new way. I never thought of Him telling us about these events in His life. Where is it performed?
#1: All three performances are at the new Monmouth Worship Center church. It will give us a chance to see how it looks on a larger stage. New scenery is being added and, of course, the choir will be sharing new and old favorite songs.
#2: I’m just thinking about the opportunities this gives us to reach our new neighbors. The drama is such a great way to tell others about Christ, and I like to see the children in the performance – what a wonderful way to learn about Jesus and His times!
#1: Come see the new costumes I helped create this year. It was so much fun sewing elegant robes and colorful head dresses.
#2: You talked me into coming. How can I stay away when so much good theater is so close and so worthwhile! Do they need any more help?
#1: You bet. Call Meghan McCarthy , Steve Krogh , Jan Scheerer they will get you started. Welcome to the drama family!
by Jan S.
A conversation heard in the Monmouth Worship Center Lounge: Was it you we heard?
#1: The Easter Drama must be in rehearsal today – I hear voices and singing.
#2: When is the drama?
#1: In April, the 16th, 17th, 22nd; I know there will be info in the bulletin.
#2: Our family went last year; it was good, but we’re so busy around Easter. We may have to skip it this year.
#1: I hear it’s quite different this year. It’s being told from Jesus’ point of view. He tells His story. It’s still biblically based, but we get a more vivid description of His thoughts and feelings.
#2: That does help you to see Jesus in a new way. I never thought of Him telling us about these events in His life. Where is it performed?
#1: All three performances are at the new Monmouth Worship Center church. It will give us a chance to see how it looks on a larger stage. New scenery is being added and, of course, the choir will be sharing new and old favorite songs.
#2: I’m just thinking about the opportunities this gives us to reach our new neighbors. The drama is such a great way to tell others about Christ, and I like to see the children in the performance – what a wonderful way to learn about Jesus and His times!
#1: Come see the new costumes I helped create this year. It was so much fun sewing elegant robes and colorful head dresses.
#2: You talked me into coming. How can I stay away when so much good theater is so close and so worthwhile! Do they need any more help?
#1: You bet. Call Meghan McCarthy , Steve Krogh , Jan Scheerer they will get you started. Welcome to the drama family!
Friday, April 8, 2011
It's A Kohathite Kind of Thing!
Have you ever thrown your hands up into the air and asked God “what are you doing with my life?” Well maybe you never did it publicly, but have you ever experienced that kind of thing in private? Perhaps you are in a season of reflection and find yourself wondering “is this all there is?” “I thought there was supposed to be more”, “What happened with the great work that God had planned for me?” “I have labored and stayed faithful all these years but where is the fruit?” Then you take a look at someone else’s life, perhaps a brother or sister, and see all their accomplishments and it only makes you feel worse. The more you think about it the more you find yourself falling head long into a sea of hopelessness, engulfed by confusion and overwhelming frustration that are the hallmarks of a perceived wasted life.
In the Bible there was just such a brother, or rather a whole family line of brothers who could have felt this way. They were the Kohathites. They were one of three male siblings of the sons of Levi. All three sons and their clans were given the responsibility of taking care of the tabernacle while the Israelites traveled in the desert. First we have Gershon, he and his clan were given the task “for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes – and everything related to their use.” (Numbers 3:25-26) You might say they were in charge of the soft goods.
Then we have another brother and his clan, Merari, they were in charge of the care of “the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes.” (Numbers 3:36-37) Let’s say these brothers were in the charge of the hard goods.
This brings us to our brother, Kohath, and his clan in question today. Their responsibilities were far greater. They were in charge of “the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use.” (Numbers 3:31) Now it would seem that they definitely had the more prestigious position. While the Gershonite’s and the Merarite’s had important duties in their care of the tabernacle, the Kohathite’s sole focus was the care of the furnishings that would be contained in the Holy of Holies.
You might be wondering, how could the Kohathites feel frustrated? It would seem they had the most rewarding not to mention impressive position among the brothers. They are like the CEO of tabernacle transportation. They were among the elite, the notable, the chosen few. How could they possibly understand any of the thwarted hopes and aspirations that one experiences when faced with a past seemingly devoid of accomplishments?
While the Kohathites indeed had a most rewarding position what isn’t readily apparent is that accompanying this privilege were certain protocols that had to be followed that the other brothers did not have. Firstly, transportation was more laborious.
“So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.” Numbers 7:6-9
Did you notice that the brothers were allowed to have carts and oxen to help them carry their burden but the Kohathites had to bear the weight on their own shoulders? Have you ever felt like others seem to have it easier then you do? It seems that they get all the help they need to make their burden light but the weight of what you carry is on only you. Do you feel privileged?
Secondly, transportation was specific.
“and when the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites are to come to do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy things or they will die.” (Numbers 4:15b)
This was very serious level of obedience that they were called to. They were required to carry the holy things as they were mounted on poles by the priests. They were not to touch them. One slight of hand could lead to death. Have you ever felt that you are called to a higher level of accountability and obedience then others? Does it seem that some people you know get away with things that God won’t allow for you? I mean the other brothers had carts and oxen to help and if they even touched their cargo they were done for. Can you relate? Do you feel privileged?
Lastly, transportation was veiled.
“After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites are to come to do the carrying”. (Numbers 4:15)
While the Kohathites were fully responsible for the care of the holy things every single one of them had to be covered by the priests before they were to be transported. The Kohathites were never given the blessing of seeing what they were carrying. It would always be a mystery to them. They knew what they were carrying was of vital importance to God and the work of the priests but they never saw it with there own eyes nor touched it with their own hands. Do you ever feel like what you are doing for the Lord is covered? That you don’t see it or have tangible evidence that it even exists? Do you feel privileged?
Have you ever felt like you never see the fruit from your labor in the Lord? Have you ever wondered if your life held any importance as you served Him? Are you throwing up your hands in frustration wondering “what is the use?” Perhaps you are a Kohathite. All of what they did was a testimony of “walking by faith and not by sight”. Habakkuk 2:4 tells us that “the righteous will live by faith.” This is the only verse from an Old Testament prophet that is repeated three times in the New Testament. This one verse describes the full exposure of their ministry in the Lord and as New Testament Christians it comprises the nature of our walk with God to its fullest measure. If we truly desire to live the righteous life God desires for us, we are going to have to do it by faith.
Are you walking by faith trusting God? Are you being faithful to what He has asked you to do even though it seems like a waste of time? Are you thinking that the burden is too much for you to bear alone? Are you frustrated because you can’t perceive anything productive from your labor? Let me encourage you to walk by faith and not by sight. God has entrusted you with a privileged position that wasn’t meant for any one else. Some are meant to have the aid of carts and oxen and readily see the rewards of their work in the Lord and some aren’t. Don’t be discouraged by that but press on. Consider today that perhaps you haven’t seen any tangible blessing in your labor for the Lord is because maybe, it’s just a Kohathite kind of thing.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
In the Bible there was just such a brother, or rather a whole family line of brothers who could have felt this way. They were the Kohathites. They were one of three male siblings of the sons of Levi. All three sons and their clans were given the responsibility of taking care of the tabernacle while the Israelites traveled in the desert. First we have Gershon, he and his clan were given the task “for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes – and everything related to their use.” (Numbers 3:25-26) You might say they were in charge of the soft goods.
Then we have another brother and his clan, Merari, they were in charge of the care of “the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes.” (Numbers 3:36-37) Let’s say these brothers were in the charge of the hard goods.
This brings us to our brother, Kohath, and his clan in question today. Their responsibilities were far greater. They were in charge of “the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use.” (Numbers 3:31) Now it would seem that they definitely had the more prestigious position. While the Gershonite’s and the Merarite’s had important duties in their care of the tabernacle, the Kohathite’s sole focus was the care of the furnishings that would be contained in the Holy of Holies.
You might be wondering, how could the Kohathites feel frustrated? It would seem they had the most rewarding not to mention impressive position among the brothers. They are like the CEO of tabernacle transportation. They were among the elite, the notable, the chosen few. How could they possibly understand any of the thwarted hopes and aspirations that one experiences when faced with a past seemingly devoid of accomplishments?
While the Kohathites indeed had a most rewarding position what isn’t readily apparent is that accompanying this privilege were certain protocols that had to be followed that the other brothers did not have. Firstly, transportation was more laborious.
“So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.” Numbers 7:6-9
Did you notice that the brothers were allowed to have carts and oxen to help them carry their burden but the Kohathites had to bear the weight on their own shoulders? Have you ever felt like others seem to have it easier then you do? It seems that they get all the help they need to make their burden light but the weight of what you carry is on only you. Do you feel privileged?
Secondly, transportation was specific.
“and when the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites are to come to do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy things or they will die.” (Numbers 4:15b)
This was very serious level of obedience that they were called to. They were required to carry the holy things as they were mounted on poles by the priests. They were not to touch them. One slight of hand could lead to death. Have you ever felt that you are called to a higher level of accountability and obedience then others? Does it seem that some people you know get away with things that God won’t allow for you? I mean the other brothers had carts and oxen to help and if they even touched their cargo they were done for. Can you relate? Do you feel privileged?
Lastly, transportation was veiled.
“After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites are to come to do the carrying”. (Numbers 4:15)
While the Kohathites were fully responsible for the care of the holy things every single one of them had to be covered by the priests before they were to be transported. The Kohathites were never given the blessing of seeing what they were carrying. It would always be a mystery to them. They knew what they were carrying was of vital importance to God and the work of the priests but they never saw it with there own eyes nor touched it with their own hands. Do you ever feel like what you are doing for the Lord is covered? That you don’t see it or have tangible evidence that it even exists? Do you feel privileged?
Have you ever felt like you never see the fruit from your labor in the Lord? Have you ever wondered if your life held any importance as you served Him? Are you throwing up your hands in frustration wondering “what is the use?” Perhaps you are a Kohathite. All of what they did was a testimony of “walking by faith and not by sight”. Habakkuk 2:4 tells us that “the righteous will live by faith.” This is the only verse from an Old Testament prophet that is repeated three times in the New Testament. This one verse describes the full exposure of their ministry in the Lord and as New Testament Christians it comprises the nature of our walk with God to its fullest measure. If we truly desire to live the righteous life God desires for us, we are going to have to do it by faith.
Are you walking by faith trusting God? Are you being faithful to what He has asked you to do even though it seems like a waste of time? Are you thinking that the burden is too much for you to bear alone? Are you frustrated because you can’t perceive anything productive from your labor? Let me encourage you to walk by faith and not by sight. God has entrusted you with a privileged position that wasn’t meant for any one else. Some are meant to have the aid of carts and oxen and readily see the rewards of their work in the Lord and some aren’t. Don’t be discouraged by that but press on. Consider today that perhaps you haven’t seen any tangible blessing in your labor for the Lord is because maybe, it’s just a Kohathite kind of thing.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Psalm 139
Taught by Janet
Notes by Linda
Last week we concluded our study on the book of Nehemiah. This week we started a new series that will continue through the month of May. Each week we will have teaching on a specific psalm. Today Janet taught on a psalm that was special to her – Psalm 139.
Janet first spoke on the overall theme of this psalm. It is that God is omniscient. This means that God is all knowing. God is also omnipresent. This means that God is present everywhere; His presence has no limits. Finally, God is omnipotent. This means that God is all powerful. Janet emphasized that this psalm embraces all these characteristics of God.
Janet explained that Psalm 139 can be divided into four distinct poetic paragraphs. Each of the poetic paragraphs contains six verses. Each of the paragraphs begins and ends with a couplet which elaborates the central theme of that paragraph. This is an example of Hebrew parallelism. The first and last lines of each section are rhyming or parallel thoughts.
Psalm 139:1-6
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
The main theme of this section is that God knows each of us intimately. He knows our thoughts. He knows them even before we do. God’s hand is upon us. An important point Janet made was that we need to diligently guard our thoughts. Out of the hear the mouth speaks. What is going on in our thoughts will eventually come out of our mouths.
Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
The main theme in this section is that there is not a place we can go that is outside the presence of God. Janet explained that even when we think we are going our own way and not glorifying Him in our lives, He is still there. God loves us that much. This does not mean that we can live anyway we want. Janet quoted from Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows”.
Psalm 139: 13-18
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
God knew us even before we were a thought in our parents minds. In verse 14 God says we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’. Janet pointed out that although we are all very different God has created us all. The question Janet asked us all…do we really believe what God’s word says, that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’??
Psalm 139: 19-24
If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Janet pointed out that the enemy uses people against us, even other believers. We are not called to hate these people. Someone mentioned that God shows His kindness to both the believer and the unbeliever. Kindness is God’s character. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Janet asked us to imagine what it would be like if God didn’t have patience with us. It was brought up that in the Old Testament the people were not commanded to love with God’s love or to forgive. As New Testament believers the Lord commands us to do both. We do have the power to love and forgive because we now have the Holy Spirit within us. He gives us the power.
Janet taught us that in verse 23, King David, the author, gets his eyes back on himself. He asks the Lord to show him his own thoughts. It is a lot easier for us to see the faults of others then to see them ourselves. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? (Matt. 7:3-4). When we ask the Lord to reveal to us our own sins, He will.
Janet admonished us against being judgmental about our own sisters in Christ. Satan will use us against each other. (In a prior study we learned about how Satan can use offenses to create division and disunity. ) That being said, there is a place for constructive criticism. In order to grow, we do need to know when we are going in a wrong direction (as well as plenty of encouragement when we are going in the right direction). When we give constructive criticism it needs to be done in love and in humility. It has often been quoted ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’.
Notes by Linda
Last week we concluded our study on the book of Nehemiah. This week we started a new series that will continue through the month of May. Each week we will have teaching on a specific psalm. Today Janet taught on a psalm that was special to her – Psalm 139.
Janet first spoke on the overall theme of this psalm. It is that God is omniscient. This means that God is all knowing. God is also omnipresent. This means that God is present everywhere; His presence has no limits. Finally, God is omnipotent. This means that God is all powerful. Janet emphasized that this psalm embraces all these characteristics of God.
Janet explained that Psalm 139 can be divided into four distinct poetic paragraphs. Each of the poetic paragraphs contains six verses. Each of the paragraphs begins and ends with a couplet which elaborates the central theme of that paragraph. This is an example of Hebrew parallelism. The first and last lines of each section are rhyming or parallel thoughts.
Psalm 139:1-6
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
The main theme of this section is that God knows each of us intimately. He knows our thoughts. He knows them even before we do. God’s hand is upon us. An important point Janet made was that we need to diligently guard our thoughts. Out of the hear the mouth speaks. What is going on in our thoughts will eventually come out of our mouths.
Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
The main theme in this section is that there is not a place we can go that is outside the presence of God. Janet explained that even when we think we are going our own way and not glorifying Him in our lives, He is still there. God loves us that much. This does not mean that we can live anyway we want. Janet quoted from Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows”.
Psalm 139: 13-18
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
God knew us even before we were a thought in our parents minds. In verse 14 God says we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’. Janet pointed out that although we are all very different God has created us all. The question Janet asked us all…do we really believe what God’s word says, that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’??
Psalm 139: 19-24
If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Janet pointed out that the enemy uses people against us, even other believers. We are not called to hate these people. Someone mentioned that God shows His kindness to both the believer and the unbeliever. Kindness is God’s character. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Janet asked us to imagine what it would be like if God didn’t have patience with us. It was brought up that in the Old Testament the people were not commanded to love with God’s love or to forgive. As New Testament believers the Lord commands us to do both. We do have the power to love and forgive because we now have the Holy Spirit within us. He gives us the power.
Janet taught us that in verse 23, King David, the author, gets his eyes back on himself. He asks the Lord to show him his own thoughts. It is a lot easier for us to see the faults of others then to see them ourselves. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? (Matt. 7:3-4). When we ask the Lord to reveal to us our own sins, He will.
Janet admonished us against being judgmental about our own sisters in Christ. Satan will use us against each other. (In a prior study we learned about how Satan can use offenses to create division and disunity. ) That being said, there is a place for constructive criticism. In order to grow, we do need to know when we are going in a wrong direction (as well as plenty of encouragement when we are going in the right direction). When we give constructive criticism it needs to be done in love and in humility. It has often been quoted ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Bible Memorization Project - Week Seven
Hello my blogging buddies!
Can you believe it? Here we are paused on the brink of our seventh verse which would make us almost 70% done. If you have made it thus far take a moment to stop and give yourself a spiritual pat on the back. If you never memorized scripture before now maybe a round of applause would be more appropriate. We are so proud of you and we want to encourage you to keep at it. You are almost there.
This week someone mentioned in class that they were having trouble keeping all the verses that they had memorized in the past fresh. I thought I should broach the topic here for anyone who is struggling with that same kind of thing. I would suggest, and it is what I do, is to recite all your prior verses each day before you set out to work on your current verse. For instance, before I would work on my seventh verse, I would rehearse verse one through six. Then I would proceed onto my new verse. If you make this your practice I can tell you that it will become a breeze in no time. Make it part of your morning routine and very soon it will become to you a holy habit.
Ok so this is the part of the post where I lead out with my verse and you all follow through in the comments with yours.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3
Can you believe it? Here we are paused on the brink of our seventh verse which would make us almost 70% done. If you have made it thus far take a moment to stop and give yourself a spiritual pat on the back. If you never memorized scripture before now maybe a round of applause would be more appropriate. We are so proud of you and we want to encourage you to keep at it. You are almost there.
This week someone mentioned in class that they were having trouble keeping all the verses that they had memorized in the past fresh. I thought I should broach the topic here for anyone who is struggling with that same kind of thing. I would suggest, and it is what I do, is to recite all your prior verses each day before you set out to work on your current verse. For instance, before I would work on my seventh verse, I would rehearse verse one through six. Then I would proceed onto my new verse. If you make this your practice I can tell you that it will become a breeze in no time. Make it part of your morning routine and very soon it will become to you a holy habit.
Ok so this is the part of the post where I lead out with my verse and you all follow through in the comments with yours.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3
Saturday, April 2, 2011
What are your emotions costing you?
By Cinda Adams Gaskin
Emotions. We all have them. They show up as one of the very first signs of life when we’re born. We cry. Then, as babies we teeter between tears and grins for months. Soon, we discover feelings of love—the love of our parents and grandparents. And eventually, we learn to laugh, to pout, to scream in anger, and to throw tantrums. Inevitably, we learn feelings of fear, insecurity, envy, pride, depression, and even—dare I say—hatred. A recent Gallup poll asked American adults whether certain qualities applied more to men or to women. Ninety percent of respondents said that the characteristic "emotional" applied more to women. While the survey didn't ask about particular emotions, the results indicate that most Americans believe that women experience broader and more intense emotions than men.
As Christian women, how can we effectively manage our emotions so that we reflect Christ-likeness in good times and in bad? Even when the trials of life come crashing down around us, is it possible to still be Christ’s ambassadors in our homes, in our workplaces, in our communities, and in the church? As full-time witnesses for Him, how can we attract others to Christ if we don’t first gain control over our emotions?
When our emotions are out of sync with the Holy Spirit
Remember, it was Moses’ emotions that prevented him from entering into the Promised Land in Numbers 20. He grew frustrated with the children of Israel’s complaints about life in the desert, and he struck the rock God promised provide water from rather than speaking to it. That outburst cost him the task of bringing God’s people into the Promised Land.
“So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them" Numbers 20:9-12
Remember, it was David’s emotions that caused him to murder Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. David had impregnated Bathsheba and wanted to hide his shameful, adulterous behavior by calling Uriah home for a respite with his wife. When Uriah refused to spend time with Bathsheba while his men were out fighting a war, David sent him to the front lines and instructed the army to fall back—allowing Uriah to die. David’s uncheck emotions cost him one of his best soldiers and the life of the newborn child he had with Bathsheba.
When our emotions are submitted to the Lord
Esther submitted her emotions to the Lord when faced with the fear of being killed for approaching the king on behalf of her people uninvited. She called the whole nation to a fast, gained the favor of God to meet with the king, foiled the plan of the enemy, Haman, and saved her nation from annihilation.
“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:15-16
Ruth was woman who lost her father-in-law, her brother-in-law, and her husband. And, yet, she overcame her devastating grief by moving away from her hometown in Moab to Bethlehem, Judah, the land of her mother-in-law’s people—the children of Israel. There she met Boaz, who became her husband and put her in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
What are your emotions costing you?
Like Moses, will leaving your emotions unchecked keep you from taking hold of what God has promised you? Or, like Esther, will submitting your emotions to the Lord gain you an audience with someone of great influence? Will allowing your emotions to run amuck cost you great loss and shame, like David? Or, like Ruth, will submitting your emotions to the Lord put you in line for a rich, world-changing blessing?
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