Isa 10:15-16
15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? {That would be} like a club wielding those who lift it, {or} like a rod lifting {him who} is not wood.16 Therefore the Lord, the GOD of hosts, will send a wasting disease among his stout warriors; and under his glory a fire will be kindled like a burning flame.(NAS)
This verse is an excellent example of God's divine providence. The passage is referring to the Assyrians. The Assyrians conquered Israel, and they thought of themselves rather highly for having done so. Their victory wouldn't last, however. As this verse shows, the Assyrians were just a piece of God's plan to discipline His people and bring glory to himself. The Assyrians would soon receive punishment of their own.
A more modern application of this absolute divine providence can be found in Romans.
Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.(NAS)
For Christians walking with God, or even for those who have temporarily strayed away from the path, everything is done for our good in the end. That includes but is not limited to: trials, tribulations, punishments, consequences, rewards, natural disasters around the world, wars, etc. Somehow in the end, all these things will work for God's glory and our good. That is definitely something to hope in.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Snowed In
We currently have over a foot of snow at our house. Church was actually cancelled because of the snow today. We're snowed in for sure now. Yesterday, it seems we got home from getting our Christmas tree just in time. When we got home, enough snow had accumulated in our driveway for the truck to do a little sledding during the parking job. That was exciting. After we slid sideways 3 or 4 feet, my dad decided he didn't need to park all the way up by the shed. He settled for the other parking space.
We got a Christmas tree yesterday. It was a really nice noble fir. It smelled amazing and it was nice and fluffy (you can tell I'm not used to having a real Christmas tree). We got it into the house and on its stand today (yes, I know that Christmas is this Wednesday. don't worry, it gets better!). It turns out, the tree and my dad's sinuses don't agree too well. Now the tree is out on our front porch.... yeah. Tomorrow, the fake Christmas tree is coming into the house, and we are GOING TO DECORATE IT! I'll be thankful now if Christmas decorations are up by Christmas Eve. Oh well, I suppose the true point of Christmas isn't gonna be hurt if our tree is up a little late. And, even though I'm terribly disappointed about the beautiful noble fir sitting on our front porch, I'd rather have a plastic Christmas tree and have my dad's head NOT explode from sinus pressure than have a real tree and...... you get the point.
There is a bright side! I have miniature Christmas decorations up in my room. There are a couple little figurines, some mice in a shoe wearing santa hats and santa on a tree swing. The best part is my little tree. It's a.... yes, it's fake.... it's about a foot tall, and it comes complete with a little beaded garland and some little tiny ornaments. It even has lights! err, well.... okay. The lights broke. So, there are no longer little red flashing L.E.D.s wrapped around my little tree. At least I have a tree.
We got a Christmas tree yesterday. It was a really nice noble fir. It smelled amazing and it was nice and fluffy (you can tell I'm not used to having a real Christmas tree). We got it into the house and on its stand today (yes, I know that Christmas is this Wednesday. don't worry, it gets better!). It turns out, the tree and my dad's sinuses don't agree too well. Now the tree is out on our front porch.... yeah. Tomorrow, the fake Christmas tree is coming into the house, and we are GOING TO DECORATE IT! I'll be thankful now if Christmas decorations are up by Christmas Eve. Oh well, I suppose the true point of Christmas isn't gonna be hurt if our tree is up a little late. And, even though I'm terribly disappointed about the beautiful noble fir sitting on our front porch, I'd rather have a plastic Christmas tree and have my dad's head NOT explode from sinus pressure than have a real tree and...... you get the point.
There is a bright side! I have miniature Christmas decorations up in my room. There are a couple little figurines, some mice in a shoe wearing santa hats and santa on a tree swing. The best part is my little tree. It's a.... yes, it's fake.... it's about a foot tall, and it comes complete with a little beaded garland and some little tiny ornaments. It even has lights! err, well.... okay. The lights broke. So, there are no longer little red flashing L.E.D.s wrapped around my little tree. At least I have a tree.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Prophecy of Jesus
I think it's pretty cool that with it being the holidays, my Bible reading tonight happened to fall on Isaiah 9, which is a prophecy of Jesus' birth. Part of this may be because I've fallen behind in my reading (I should have read this chapter two weeks ago or more). And not reading means not posting. If I don't post, it's probably because I'm falling behind on my reading, so if you don't mind, hold me accountable.
Anyway....
Isa 9:2-7
2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.3 Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; they will be glad in Thy presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.4 For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the {battle} tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.7 There will be no end to the increase of {His} government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.(NAS)
This chapter holds many promises about the coming of Jesus that have since been fulfilled. Verse four says that He will break the yoke of our burden and the staff on our shoulders, as well as the rod of our oppressor. That means that He will, He HAS, broken the dominion of sin. That doesn't mean we won't sin, it means that it will no longer rule our lives as believers. Verse 6 is the "good part." Obviously, that child is Jesus. Jesus came to fulfill all of this, as verse 7 says, through the "zeal of the Lord of hosts." God has accomplished this, by His power and for His glory.
It is interesting that this passage is within a prophecy of punishment of Israel. Before and after this passage, Isaiah speaks of the inpending judgement of Israel. God was not happy with Israel, and their punishment was coming, but at the same time, there was great hope in the form of the coming Messiah.
Honestly, I'm a little bit scattered right now. The main point here is: during the CHRISTmas season, take hope in the true meaning of Christmas: Christ, God's gift to us. The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace who can free us from the slavery of sin and save us for His glory. He is the one who was prophesied of hundreds of years before His birth and He is what Christmas is all about.
Anyway....
Isa 9:2-7
2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.3 Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; they will be glad in Thy presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.4 For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the {battle} tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.7 There will be no end to the increase of {His} government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.(NAS)
This chapter holds many promises about the coming of Jesus that have since been fulfilled. Verse four says that He will break the yoke of our burden and the staff on our shoulders, as well as the rod of our oppressor. That means that He will, He HAS, broken the dominion of sin. That doesn't mean we won't sin, it means that it will no longer rule our lives as believers. Verse 6 is the "good part." Obviously, that child is Jesus. Jesus came to fulfill all of this, as verse 7 says, through the "zeal of the Lord of hosts." God has accomplished this, by His power and for His glory.
It is interesting that this passage is within a prophecy of punishment of Israel. Before and after this passage, Isaiah speaks of the inpending judgement of Israel. God was not happy with Israel, and their punishment was coming, but at the same time, there was great hope in the form of the coming Messiah.
Honestly, I'm a little bit scattered right now. The main point here is: during the CHRISTmas season, take hope in the true meaning of Christmas: Christ, God's gift to us. The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace who can free us from the slavery of sin and save us for His glory. He is the one who was prophesied of hundreds of years before His birth and He is what Christmas is all about.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Update
I haven't blogged in a while, so here's an update.
After one final next week, I will officially be on Christmas break.
I received my acceptance letter from Master's College, where the plan is to pursue a four year Bible degree and possibly go through seminary as well. Whatever God has planned.
I wish I had more to say, but, I don't. Now that I'm on break, the posts should once again be more frequent.
After one final next week, I will officially be on Christmas break.
I received my acceptance letter from Master's College, where the plan is to pursue a four year Bible degree and possibly go through seminary as well. Whatever God has planned.
I wish I had more to say, but, I don't. Now that I'm on break, the posts should once again be more frequent.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Earthly Authority
1 Pet 2:12-17
12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation.13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.16 {Act} as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but {use it} as bondslaves of God.17 Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.(NAS)
In order to have a good testimony for the Lord, we are to submit to earthly authorities. There is one and only one exception. That is when the government's authority defies God's authority. There are obviously other ways to show a good testimony, and the chapter goes on to explain others, but the focus in verses 13 and 14 is the government.
Even if we don't like those in authority, God still put them there, and we are told to submit to and pray for them (1 Tim. 2:1-2 & Rom 13:1). It can be difficult, but there are no rulers that God has not appointed, and we are commanded to honor them.
12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe {them,} glorify God in the day of visitation.13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.16 {Act} as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but {use it} as bondslaves of God.17 Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.(NAS)
In order to have a good testimony for the Lord, we are to submit to earthly authorities. There is one and only one exception. That is when the government's authority defies God's authority. There are obviously other ways to show a good testimony, and the chapter goes on to explain others, but the focus in verses 13 and 14 is the government.
Even if we don't like those in authority, God still put them there, and we are told to submit to and pray for them (1 Tim. 2:1-2 & Rom 13:1). It can be difficult, but there are no rulers that God has not appointed, and we are commanded to honor them.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Insufficient
Isa 6:3-8
3 And one [seraphim] called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory."4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.5 Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, with a burning coal in his hand which he had taken from the altar with tongs.7 And he touched my mouth {with it} and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is forgiven."8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"(NAS)
This is a great verse to look at when feeling insufficient. From my VERY limited understanding of what the Hebrew words in verse seven mean, the word translated "taken away" could mean "turn off,' and the word translated "forgiven" means "covered."* From the context, I think it would be fair to say this verse shows that our sin is not only covered, but we no longer have to sin. Our sin is "turned off." We are all sinners. We are incapable of doing anything worthy for God. But, the beauty of grace is that God makes us Holy. By the sacrifice of His Son, we can say to Him, "Here am I. Send me!"
*Strong's Greek/Hebrew Dictionary from PC Study Bible © 1993-1996
3 And one [seraphim] called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory."4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.5 Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, with a burning coal in his hand which he had taken from the altar with tongs.7 And he touched my mouth {with it} and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is forgiven."8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"(NAS)
This is a great verse to look at when feeling insufficient. From my VERY limited understanding of what the Hebrew words in verse seven mean, the word translated "taken away" could mean "turn off,' and the word translated "forgiven" means "covered."* From the context, I think it would be fair to say this verse shows that our sin is not only covered, but we no longer have to sin. Our sin is "turned off." We are all sinners. We are incapable of doing anything worthy for God. But, the beauty of grace is that God makes us Holy. By the sacrifice of His Son, we can say to Him, "Here am I. Send me!"
*Strong's Greek/Hebrew Dictionary from PC Study Bible © 1993-1996
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Faster than the speed of light? a slug? something.
Yesterday I got more memory for my computer. Before I was running Vista on my laptop with only 1G of RAM. Things were about as fast as... well, a slug. Now I have 2G, and things actually happen when I click on them, instead of 5 minutes later (slight exaggeration, but you'd be surprised). I have a new battery coming as well, which is great because the current one only has about 20 minutes on a charge now.
In summary, my computer is definitely faster than a slug now (that's how fast it was before), I'm sure it can outrun a few other things, but it will never be a high performance gaming computer, especially since there isn't room for any more RAM. But, it is a laptop. So, I guess you give and take. It plays DVDs much better now, too.
In summary, my computer is definitely faster than a slug now (that's how fast it was before), I'm sure it can outrun a few other things, but it will never be a high performance gaming computer, especially since there isn't room for any more RAM. But, it is a laptop. So, I guess you give and take. It plays DVDs much better now, too.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Better Late than Never........?
Sorry to anyone that is getting irritated with me for not having posted in a while. There are lots of things going on for me right now. This Saturday, I turned 18! and no, I don't feel any different. and no, I still don't have my driver's license and don't have any exact plans on when I will.
But, that obviously isn't what's been keeping me from blogger. I've had homework coming out my ears on some nights, and have just been a little busy. I'm working on planning my future right now, primarily college stuff. There are a couple of other things going on right now. To sum it all up, I need prayer. Prayer for God's plan for me, prayer for stress control, and prayer in general. It would be much appreciated. Thanks.
But, that obviously isn't what's been keeping me from blogger. I've had homework coming out my ears on some nights, and have just been a little busy. I'm working on planning my future right now, primarily college stuff. There are a couple of other things going on right now. To sum it all up, I need prayer. Prayer for God's plan for me, prayer for stress control, and prayer in general. It would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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