Something cool about the book of Isaiah

I cannot express how much I love our church!  The people.  The teaching.  The different ministries.  The worship.  I've grown and learned so much in our experience here.  

We're working through Isaiah right now, and on Sunday Pastor Rob explained how the book of Isaiah can be likened to a miniature bible.  The book of Isaiah has 66 chapters, like the bible has 66 books.  The book of Isaiah can be broken into two sections, much like the bible is broken into two sections- the Old and New Testaments.  There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.  Interestingly, the change of sections of the book of Isaiah happens after the first 39 chapters.  The first 39 chapters are dealing with, for the most part, judgement and condemnation of sin, just like the first 39 books of the bible which leave the world condemned.  Then, the last 27 chapters of Isaiah present pardon, deliverance and redemption from captivity in Babylon.  So too, the NT is all about pardon, redemption, and deliverance from captivity.  The second half of Isaiah begins with a voice crying out in the wilderness... sound familiar?  Much like John the Baptist is said to be a voice crying out in the wilderness, as described in the first four gospels in the NT.  Then, Isaiah ends talking about a new heaven and a new earth, just like the very last book of the bible- Revelation.  Rob explained that the second half of the book of Isaiah can be broken into three 9 chapter divisions- the greatness of God, the graciousness of the Son, and the future glorious work of the Kingdom that will be established on earth, with a special emphasis on the work of the Spirit.  Hello!?  NT!!  Lastly, he pointed out that at the heart of those last 27 chapters of Isaiah is Isaiah 53.  (If you haven't read it, READ it!  I know most of us have at least part of it memorized.)  It's the NT!  Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  More specifically, it speaks of the sacrifice of the Son who was wounded for our transgressions.  He was bruised for our iniquities.  The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

I just think that is SO COOL!  I love learning things like that!

Philippians Chapter 2

Okay, okay... I know its Dec. 6th and not Dec. 1st.  Sadly, I failed at having Ch. 2 memorized by the 1st.  I've memorized about half of it.  Its really, really good and I want to finish what I started!  I just keep getting caught up in the "To Do's" in my life- guilty of being a Martha instead of a Mary.  Anyway, here's the chapter:  

Philippians 2  

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me." 

 On another note, Noah is 3 1/2 today!  Its funny to think that I'm about to have Baby #4 now when I was originally thinking of having #3 around the time Noah was this age.  Ha!  But I'll be the first to admit that God's ways are always better than my own.  I'm getting excited to see what this new little one will be like!  And I'm so thankful for the three He's already entrusted into my care. 

I did it ... almost

One of my New Year Resolutions this year was to memorize all of Philippians.  Yeah... umm.... I've been slacking, majorly!  But thanks to this crazy nesting adrenaline running through my body, I'm determined to follow through with memorizing it, even if I don't make the Dec. 31st deadline.  A month ago I challenged myself to have the first chapter memorized by today, and I DO!  ... almost... I need to nail down the last four verses.  So seeing as how it is 10:15pm, I better stop blogging and get a move on.  Anyone want to memorize Ch. 2 by Dec. 1st with me?  Its also 30 verses, but the first half I'm sure lots of you already are familiar with.  :)
Here is Ch. 1

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops^[a] and deacons:

² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  
³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, ⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; ⁷⁸ For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness which just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,  to the glory and praise of God.

 
¹² But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, ¹³ so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; ¹⁴ and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: ¹⁶ The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;  ¹⁷ but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.  

¹⁹ For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 
²² But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³ For^[c] I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. ²⁴ Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.  ²⁵ And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, ²⁶ that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. 

²⁷ Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation,^[d] and that from God. ²⁹ For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, ³⁰ having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

i messed up with my words... again...

I'm still stuck on the Proverbs.  I just love the wisdom in every chapter, and I feel like its a great way to start the day, so I'm still reading one every morning.  (Its not the only thing I ever read though- I'm working through the NT, too!)  This morning I read - Ch.'s 16-18.  I felt deeply convicted over these few verses or words from a verse: 
""From a wise mind comes wise speech..."
"Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends."
"....... drop the matter........"
"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered."

Oh, I am SO SO far from being wise!  I seem to go through strong seasons where I feel like I'm really making progress and improving in areas where I tend to struggle... only to fall flat on my face and mess up!  Ugh!  Goodness, just like my kiddos making the same bad choice over and over even when they know its not okay.  (Which makes me think I should have a little more grace toward them...) Issues of the mind are a little trickier though.  I get caught up in those snares so easily that once I realize I've given the enemy a foothold, I've created all kinds of personal damage and am drenched in mental agony.

After reading and feeling SO DUMB, I started thinking about my dear friend, Julia.  I like to call her JuJu- that's what we called her when we were toddlers.  She seems to be so great at this stuff.  I know she has opinions, I know she's intelligent, and I know she must have struggles,  but she is definitely a woman of few words.  She seems to be a pro at turning off the flow!  JuJu very rarely airs her own opinions, makes interjections about what she knows, or speaks negatively about people or situations.  All of those verses I read don't seem to be a difficult thing for her to master.  She seems to be a wise person who has wise speech.  She seems to disregard others' faults.  She drops matters before a big dispute breaks out.  And she is definitely an understanding, even-tempered woman who uses few words.  She's got her eyes on THE PRIZE!  Interesting little fact- JuJu is about to get her Master's degree in speech pathology!  Oh, thank you dear friend, for setting such a good example for me!

Song of Solomon

I'm really enjoying Rob's teachings through this book!  In case you're unfamiliar The Song of Solomon (or The Song of Songs) it's an Old Testament love story between Solomon and his bride.  Their story includes all the aspects of a relationship:  attraction & falling in love, struggles to stay pure, waiting for love, proposal, engagement, marriage, physical intimacy, struggles in love, and growing in love as a married couple.  The book teaches a practical example of how love between a man and woman should be and how physical intimacy in marriage is a beautiful gift from God.  As awesome as all of that is, the thing that touches my soul is the deeper picture within the text.  There is another love relationship being demonstrated.  The ultimate love story- that is of Christ and His bride... the church... us... me!

I am love how God desires a deep, rich love relationship with His people.  Rob shared that "the prince of preachers", Charles Spurgeon, wrote 59 sermons on this book; the majority of which were on the love relationship between Christ and His church.  There are even 10 volume commentaries on this stuff!  Wow!

Look at these descriptions of the Shulamite bride and King Solomon, but think of it in context to the church and of Christ:

The Shulamite bride:
Ch. 1
She's beautiful to him.
She's drawn, chosen and loved by him.
She is unashamedly in love with her groom to be.
She's a virgin.
She's aware of her darkness when in his presence.
She unnecessarily makes excuses for being dark and un-kept.
She comes from harsh and angry past.
She is extremely valuable &
She is desirable to him.
She is allowed to dine at his banqueting table, and when she's at his table a lovely fragrance rises to him.
In a relationship with him, she is flourishing and strong.

ch.2
She sees herself as common, but he sees her as priceless.
She is protected by him.
She is greatly delighted in him.
She is a partaker in the sweetness of his tree.
She is publicly loved by him.
She is sustained and refreshed by him.
She is captivated by him.
She struggled with passion yet she's pure with him.
She charges others to be pure.
She's a dove, and hides in the cleft of the rock.
Her voice is sweet to the beloved.
She is warned of little foxes that spoil fruit.
She belongs to shepherd and he belongs to her.
She awaits for her king, her lover.

The GROOM- the beloved, the shepherd, the king.
Ch. 1
He's the king of kings in his day.
He's a son of David.
He has great wealth.
He is known for wisdom.
He is artistic and creative.
He sings over his bride.
He's the beloved.
His love is better than wine- deep and lasting.
He is fragrant perfumed with myrrh- a burial spice.
His name is ointment.
He is a shepherd that feeds his flock.
His table is an abundant table.
He repeatedly comments on her beauty.
He only has good things to say to her who is so aware of her flaws.
He is like a cluster of henna blooms- white flower when crushed becomes red like blood.
He is beautiful.
He is pleasant.

Ch.2
He is an apple tree among other trees in the woods- rare.
He persistently calls her to come to him.
He only sees her beauty.
He is delighted to have her at his table.
He displays a banner of love over her.
He returned home and will come again for her.

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I do!

Turn off the flow

There are so, so many Proverbs about our speech.  There are verses on being slow to speak, having kind words, not arguing, not rambling, not using foul words, and also when to speak up.  One verse in particular came to mind this morning.   

"Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin.  Be sensible and turn off the flow!"  -Proverbs 10:19

You see, I lost my voice today.  I didn't have a choice to turn off the flow; God just cut it off!  My voice became weak yesterday afternoon, by bedtime I sounded pretty horse, by morning I sounded like a raspy old man, and after Sunday School (with 29 kids!!!) there was no sound- my voice is gone.  I'm left with a very quiet whisper.

It's interesting not having a voice because it really makes me think before I speak.  It's so difficult to strain my voice to get a message across that I'm finding myself thinking whether whatever I want to say is really that important.  Most of the time, its not.  I stay to the point because its difficult to have a conversation, and I'm a lot better of a listener.  I'm only a few hours into not having a voice, but so far God is teaching me something in this.  If you thought being a mom was a hard job with a voice, try it without a voice!

Today I taught the four and five year olds the story of God calling Samuel.  You know how it goes- God called Samuel three different times, but Samuel didn't know it was God speaking.  He thought it was Eli the priest.  Finally, once Eli clued Samuel in that the voice must be God, Eli told Samuel to respond by saying, "Yes, Lord.  I am listening."  Maybe that story was for me today- He's got my attention.  The flow is shut off.  I'm quiet.  I'm listening.  I want to respond with an obedient heart that says, "Yes Lord."  :)

Good stuff

Church was sooo good today.  Jon Hwang was visiting and taught from Philippians chapter 2.  Jon Hwang is a missionary who was sent out from our church and has planted a couple churches in South Brazil.  We love to hear him teach- he's Jonny's favorite bible teacher.  Anyway, it was one of those days when things that have already been on your mind are brought up.  For starters, I LOVE the book of Philippians.  The section he taught was verses 2-11, which, like so many people, I have memorized.  For over a year now, I've felt like I should memorize the whole book.  I have memorized several chucks of the book over the past 7 years, so the whole four chapters shouldn't be that difficult, right??  In the Fall a friend shared this cite that has a bible memorization method.  I almost posted about this when I talked about my New Year's Resolutions but then decided not to.

Have you ever heard people say that their strengths can also be their weakness or vice versa?  Well, I feel like a strength of mine is self discipline.  If I decide I really want to do something, I'll make a list or somehow make an organized plan and then (usually) stick to it.  If I forget or slack, I get so mad and disappointed in myself.  This can be a good thing for getting things done, but it can be a bad thing when it comes to things like studying/reading God's Word.  Another New Year's Resolution I almost made was doing the bible in a year plan.  Although I think its an awesome idea and think its so cool that lots of people do this, I decided not to do that because for me I'm afraid it might become a dry, legalistic, checklist sort of thing.  I don't want bible reading to be on my To Do List.  I don't want it to become a chore.  If I got behind, I'd probably panic, feel like I wasn't doing a good job... I know myself.  Another thing is if I did it this year, I'd feel like I'd have to keep doing it... every year.  That's not to say I won't try it some year; I'm just not mature enough in 2011.  :)

Anyway, back to Philippians 2... He talked about Jesus' Deity, Jesus' incarnation, and Jesus' exaltation.  It was edifying to my soul!!!  He spent some time talking about Jesus' humility, and referenced what I happened to be reading yesterday in Luke.  It was the passage right before Jesus and His disciples left to the garden of Gethsemane.  It was the last supper, and Jesus washed the disciples feet.  The Highest of highs became the lowest of lows and showed His followers an act of kindness (foot washing) that was the role of a slave.

He humbled himself.  Over and over and over.  He left the holy place with the Father.  Fully God, He became a man.  He served sinners.  He was betrayed.  He was publicly punished as if a criminal.  He was blind-folded and beaten.  His beard was ripped from His face.  A crown of thorns was shoved on His head.  He was stripped naked.  He carried His own cross.  His hands and feet were nailed to the cross.  He died a gruesome death of a literal broken heart when His heart burst open from the weight of his body trying to catch a breath.   Intense!

Today I learned that we get the English word excruciating from the word crucifixion.  Here's what Guzik's commentary had to say about crucifixion:
"Beyond the severe pain, the major effect of crucifixion inhibited normal breathing. The weight of the body, pulling down on the arms and shoulders, tended to lock the respiratory muscles in an inhalation state, thus hindering exhalation. The lack of adequate respiration resulted in severe muscle cramps, which hindered breathing even further. To get a good breath, one had to push against the feet and flex the elbows, pulling from the shoulders. Putting the weight of the body on the feet produced more pain, and flexing the elbows twisted the hands hanging on the nails. Lifting the body for a breath also painfully scraped the back against the rough wooden post. Each effort to get a proper breath was agonizing, exhausting, and lead to a sooner death."

And how does that section in verse 5 of Philippians ch. 2 start out?  That we are to have that same attitude or mindset?  MIND BLOWING!  So I think I'm going to try this memorization thing out.  I know I can't be as humble as Jesus, but maybe writing His word in my heart will do me some good.  :)

Eli's verses

We've been doing a Proverb verse every day, and its turning out to be SO cool!  (For me & Eli!)  One of the awesome things about it is that some of these things are pieces of wisdom that everyone teaches their kids, but now Eli knows where it comes from and Who it comes from.  I don't expect him to memorize these; (although with repitition he probably will memorize at least the context of the verses) for now he's just repeating them after me, and we talk about what it means. I'm so excited about him hiding scripture in his heart (& mine)... so excited that I want to share with you the verses I picked for each day.  Here is how I translate some, but not all, to Eli's understanding...m

1)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
2)  The LORD gives wisdom.
3)  Trust the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
4)  Guard your heart, because it affects everything you do.
5)  The LORD sees every path a man takes.
6)  My son, obey your father's commands, and don't forget your mother's teaching.
7)  Remember and treasure God's word.
8)  You will be happy if you follow God's ways.
9)  Stop being foolish, learn how to be wise.
10)  A wise child makes his dad glad, a foolish child makes his mom sad.
11)  It is foolish to be proud; it is wise to be humble.
12)  You learn from discipline, so it is foolish to ignore correction.
13)  Wise people think before they act.
14)  Don't hang out with foolish people.
15)  A kind word turns away anger, but harsh words bring anger.
16)  Violent people go down a harmful path.
17)  It is love to forgive someones offense, but if you keep talking about it you may loose your friend.
18)  The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe! (we sing this one)
19)  Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life.
20)  Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
21)  Lazy people are headed down the wrong path.
22)  Teach your children to choose the right path and when they are older, they will remain on it.
23)  The father of godly children has joy; its wonderful to have wise children.
24)  For God knows all hearts, and he sees you.  (He sees you all the time... even when Mommy doesn't.)
25)  It is good to be patient.
26)  A lying tongue is hateful.
27)  Don't praise yourself; let others do it.
28)  People who hide their sins will be in trouble, but people who are honest and confess and turn from their sins will receive mercy.
29)  A fool gets very angry, but a wise person stays calm.
30)  Every word of God proves true.  
31)  Help the poor and the sick and the helpless.

Its funny because now the words 'wise' and 'foolish' and 'path' have become parts of Eli's vocabulary.  We've always talked with him about good and bad choices, now he just adds to that... foolishness lead to bad choices/bad behavior and then your headed down the wrong path.  OR wisdom leads to good choices/good behavior and then your headed down the right path.  The interesting thing is verse #2- the LORD gives wisdom.  My prayer is that the LORD would give me wisdom to teach my kids His ways and that they, too, would become wise. 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."  James 1:5

Glowing for God

In the past couple months I've been listening to Jon Courson while I clean the house at night when Jonny is gone at Young Life.  I really learn a lot and enjoy his teachings.  The other night I listened to a teaching that was sooo good for my soul.

He was teaching on the Transfiguration from Matthew 17.  The topic is a very big topic, and he has other teachings on what was going on here, but the message I listened to was a simple, practical lesson for believers.  Here is what the text reads:

"Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light."  Matthew 17:1-2.  

Pastor Jon brought attention to the word "transfigured" or "transformed".  The Greek word rendered “transformed” is metamorphoo. (μεταμόρφωση)  It is closely related in meaning to our English word "metamorphosis," which has several definitions in dictionary.com.  We would think first of its biological meaning of transformation like when a caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly.  "A profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, as from the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly."  Another definition, more fitting for our text is, "any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc."   

Pastor Jon said that this word "metamorphoo" is found only three places in the bible- Matt. 17, Rom. 12, & 2 Corin. 3

" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  -Romans 12:1-2   

""Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.'  -2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Once we are Christians, followers of Jesus, there is a metamorphosis that takes place.  We are filled with the Spirit and there is a complete change- change of attitude, change of thoughts, change of interests, change of heart, change of mind, and on and on and on depending on where each individual was in their old condition.  The thing that I thought that was really cool was after looking at these verses about being transformed and renewed into something better was the next two passages Jon referenced.

Look at Ephes. 5:18-6:9 and Col. 316-25.  They are chunks of scripture that look almost identical.  I only included the first part, the rest of it lays out godly living for wives, husbands, children and workers. 

"And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"- Ephes. 5:18-20

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  -Col. 3:16-17

The thing I took away from this message is that when we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and His innocent, perfect blood makes atonement for our sins, permitting us to have an eternal relationship with God, a metamorphosis takes place.  The Holy Spirit comes inside of us and we are forever changed.  We glow with His light.  There is something different about us.  There is a new song in our heart.  Our behavior in our roles as wives, husbands, children, employers are to glorify God.  And how does this happen?  The highlighted part in Ephes. says its by the Spirit.  The highlighted part in Col. says its God's Word.  Could it be that the two are intricately & intimately connected?  I never caught that before.  

It is by the Spirit that we glow with His light.  But as Jon pointed out, our glow can dim from time to time if we are not being washed in the Word.  He used the example of a glowing watch.  When it is held up to the light for awhile, it is recharged to glow in the darkness.... only for awhile, then it starts to dim and needs to be under the light again.  Similarly, when we continue to let the Word of God dwell in us richly, we glow!

God's Word is so good because He is so good.  It reminded me of this verse:  

"For you have magnified Your word above all Your name."  -Ps. 138:2

If you want to listen to the message yourself, you can find it here.

Nehemiah Study

I joined another bible study, initially for Homeschooling mom's (our church has such a big & great support group for the homeschooling families) but is really for any woman who wants to come.  In fact, at last Friday's study I was so encouraged to parent my two year old with more grace & patience for him and myself by a woman who doesn't even have children.  So neat!  Anyway, I really enjoyed last week's study.  It was over Nehemiah 3 & 4. The study is one where we actually have a little homework to do.  Its been cool to read the text and then dig deeper by reflecting on questions relating to the reading and then relating to our personal experiences.  

Here are a few interesting things I gleaned from last time... 

• Types of people involved in the project of rebuilding the wall & similarities to God's people today?  People from all walks of life!
• Where is it that God's people (then & now) should begin working? v.10  Near our homes & in our homes. 
• thought- Think of the benefit to God's people if everyone acknowledged HOME as their first priority of service.  My first priority & ministry is my husband and children!

• What is the most ambitious remodeling project you have ever  undertaken?  What lesson did you learn about yourself through the process?  No real physical remodeling projects for me, but personal remodeling that is prompted by the Spirit is a life-long project.  It can be so painful at times, but yields great fruit.  I'm in the middle of one of those right now!  Those 'projects' are just a reminder of how sinful and utterly useless I am without the Lord's gracious hand upon my life.
• thought-  Remember that the purpose behind all work undertaken for the Lord must be the glory of God- not the organization behind it or the people involved.  Jesus Christ fulfilled His purpose and left His followers motivating words to do the same:  "I have glorified You on the earth.  I have finished the work You have given Me to do."  -John 17:4
• Do you have a work to do for God?  -Ephes. 2:10  Right next to that verse in my bible I have the date 09.12.09 and the words "be a mommy".  My building project is to build a christian foundation for my children as I raise them in the Lord.  I can't do that without the 'building plan' of God's Word.  He is the architect. 
• The words built & repair are used often in the text.  What do these words mean?  Cause it to continue- rebuild.  Restore to a good or sound condition after decay or damage.  To make good.  We are made good by the lumber of the cross (JuRita shared that one with us!)
• Why were the gates of such great importance?  They are the instrument that either allows or prohibits the flow of traffic.  They are used a lot.  They are noticeable.  They spoke of the character of the character of the town?  They led to the center of the town?  Vulnerable?  Who & what am I allowing to enter my home?  Are we being good stewards with the home He has provided?  Are we locking and opening the 'gate' at appropriate times for the well-being of our family and glory of the Lord?
• thought-  Locks and bars are mentioned five times, indicating not only the importance of doing God's work but of protecting it.  
• thought-  Locks and bars are used to protect from what is outside, and also to keep safe what is inside.  

• Anyone working on a building site is required to wear a hard hat on the job.  What 'hard hats' do you wear? The armor of God- Ephes. 6
• thought-  Consider (search the scriptures for) the enemy's tactic's to enter and the believer's counter tactics to lock him out. 
• Memory verse:  "So we built the wall... for the people had a mind to work."  Nehemiah 4:6

thankful

I am thankful for Women's Bible Study.

This year we are studying through 1 Corinthians, and yesterday we were in Ch. 3 vs. 1-15.  Josiah was asleep for half of it, and played quietly with the Ergo strap for the last half, so I was able to pay attention.   The first few verses were about being mature in the Lord and not compromising the teachings of the Word for the empty cares of the world.  Cindy pointed out how it can be easy to do that in small ways- notice W-O-R-L-D is just one letter different than W-O-R-D.  It was such a good check for me.  Cindy used the phrase, "garbage in- garbage out" which I've heard before, but something about the context yesterday caught my attention.  If we're watching, reading, listening to or hanging out with garbage then that is what we'll be meditating on, and that is what will most likely come out.  In contrast, if we're immersed in the Word, taking of our daily bread, then we will be cleaned, strengthened, renewed, refreshed, and by the grace of the Spirit fruitful speech and attitudes will come from it.  It made me ask myself what I crave- godly things or trash?  It also made me think about what things or people bring out the carnal in me- I need to be bringing those things to the Lord and asking Him to put me through His refining fire.  Paul said to the Corinthians that because of their immature behavior, he had to speak to them like worldly, carnal people or like they were babies in their faith.  Can I handle solid food like a mature christian or can I only digest milk like an infant christian?
In the second half of the study, the part that stood out to me was about how believers do not belong to or follow man but God.  The people of Corinth were putting far too much emphasis and glory on their leaders.  I like how vs. 6-7 reads in my NLT, "My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow.  The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow."  I love this reminder because God certainly uses leaders to teach and equip us, but it is He who is pulling at our heart strings.  It is He who deserves the praise and glory!  AND... it is He who does the tilling (which can sometimes be painful) to make us into a beautiful field ready to produce good fruit for Him.  

Ahh, I love the Word!  :) 

**Speaking of maturing from milk to eating solid food- look who's been trying rice cereal!

He's not too sure about it.  :)

Proverbs Ch. 31 (NKJV)

Proverbs 31

The Words of King Lemuel’s Mother

 ¹ The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
       ² What, my son?
      And what, son of my womb?
      And what, son of my vows?
       ³ Do not give your strength to women,
      Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
       ⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
      It is not for kings to drink wine,
      Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
       ⁵ Lest they drink and forget the law,
      And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
       ⁶ Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
      And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
       ⁷ Let him drink and forget his poverty,
      And remember his misery no more.
       ⁸ Open your mouth for the speechless,
      In the cause of all who are appointed to die.^{[a]
       9} Open your mouth, judge righteously,
      And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtuous Wife

    ¹⁰ Who^[b] can find a virtuous^[c] wife?
      For her worth is far above rubies.
       ¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
      So he will have no lack of gain.
       ¹² She does him good and not evil
      All the days of her life.
       ¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
      And willingly works with her hands.
       ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
      She brings her food from afar.
       ¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night,
      And provides food for her household,
      And a portion for her maidservants.
       ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
      From her profits she plants a vineyard.
       ¹⁷ She girds herself with strength,
      And strengthens her arms.
       ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good,
      And her lamp does not go out by night.
       ¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
      And her hand holds the spindle.
       ²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor,
      Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
       ²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
      For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
       ²² She makes tapestry for herself;
      Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
       ²³ Her husband is known in the gates,
      When he sits among the elders of the land.
       ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
      And supplies sashes for the merchants.
       ²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing;
      She shall rejoice in time to come.
       ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
      And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
       ²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household,
      And does not eat the bread of idleness.
       ²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
      Her husband also, and he praises her:
       ²⁹ “ Many daughters have done well,
      But you excel them all.”
       ³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
      But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
       ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands,
      And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs Ch. 30 (NKJV)

Proverbs 30

The Wisdom of Agur

 ¹ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:

  
       ² Surely I am more stupid than any man,
      And do not have the understanding of a man.
       ³ I neither learned wisdom
      Nor have knowledge of the Holy One.
       ⁴ Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
      Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
      Who has bound the waters in a garment?
      Who has established all the ends of the earth?
      What is His name, and what is His Son’s name,
      If you know?
       ⁵ Every word of God is pure;
      He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
       ⁶ Do not add to His words,
      Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
       ⁷ Two things I request of You
      (Deprive me not before I die):
       ⁸ Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
      Give me neither poverty nor riches—
      Feed me with the food allotted to me;
       ⁹ Lest I be full and deny You,
      And say, “Who is the LORD?”
      Or lest I be poor and steal,
      And profane the name of my God.
       ¹⁰ Do not malign a servant to his master,
      Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.
       ¹¹ There is a generation that curses its father,
      And does not bless its mother.
       ¹² There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
      Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
       ¹³ There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
      And their eyelids are lifted up.
       ¹⁴ There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
      And whose fangs are like knives,
      To devour the poor from off the earth,
      And the needy from among men.
       ¹⁵ The leech has two daughters—
      Give and Give!

      There are three things that are never satisfied,
      Four never say, “Enough!”:
       ¹⁶ The grave,^[a]
      The barren womb,
      The earth that is not satisfied with water—
      And the fire never says, “Enough!”
       ¹⁷ The eye that mocks his father,
      And scorns obedience to his mother,
      The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
      And the young eagles will eat it.
       ¹⁸ There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
      Yes, four which I do not understand:
       ¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the air,
      The way of a serpent on a rock,
      The way of a ship in the midst of the sea,
      And the way of a man with a virgin.
       ²⁰ This is the way of an adulterous woman:
      She eats and wipes her mouth,
      And says, “I have done no wickedness.”
       ²¹ For three things the earth is perturbed,
      Yes, for four it cannot bear up:
       ²² For a servant when he reigns,
      A fool when he is filled with food,
       ²³ A hateful woman when she is married,
      And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.
       ²⁴ There are four things which are little on the earth,
      But they are exceedingly wise:
       ²⁵ The ants are a people not strong,
      Yet they prepare their food in the summer;
       ²⁶ The rock badgers^[b] are a feeble folk,
      Yet they make their homes in the crags;
       ²⁷ The locusts have no king,
      Yet they all advance in ranks;
       ²⁸ The spider^[c] skillfully grasps with its hands,
      And it is in kings’ palaces.
       ²⁹ There are three things which are majestic in pace,
      Yes, four which are stately in walk:
       ³⁰ A lion, which is mighty among beasts
      And does not turn away from any;
       ³¹ A greyhound,^[d]
      A male goat also,
      And a king whose troops are with him.^{[e]
       32} If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
      Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.
       ³³ For as the churning of milk produces butter,
      And wringing the nose produces blood,
      So the forcing of wrath produces strife.

Proverbs Ch. 29 (NKJV)

Proverbs 29

 ¹ He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
      Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
       ² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
      But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
       ³ Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
      But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
       ⁴ The king establishes the land by justice,
      But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
       ⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor
      Spreads a net for his feet.
       ⁶ By transgression an evil man is snared,
      But the righteous sings and rejoices.
       ⁷ The righteous considers the cause of the poor,
      But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
       ⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame,
      But wise men turn away wrath.
       ⁹ If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
      Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
       ¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
      But the upright seek his well-being.^{[a]
       11} A fool vents all his feelings,^[b]
      But a wise man holds them back.
       ¹² If a ruler pays attention to lies,
      All his servants become wicked.
       ¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
      The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
       ¹⁴ The king who judges the poor with truth,
      His throne will be established forever.
       ¹⁵ The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
      But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
       ¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
      But the righteous will see their fall.
       ¹⁷ Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
      Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
       ¹⁸ Where there is no revelation,^[c] the people cast off restraint;
      But happy is he who keeps the law.
       ¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by mere words;
      For though he understands, he will not respond.
       ²⁰ Do you see a man hasty in his words?
      There ismore hope for a fool than for him.
       ²¹ He who pampers his servant from childhood
      Will have him as a son in the end.
       ²² An angry man stirs up strife,
      And a furious man abounds in transgression.
       ²³ A man’s pride will bring him low,
      But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
       ²⁴ Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
      He swears to tell the truth,^[d] but reveals nothing.
       ²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare,
      But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.
       ²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor,
      But justice for man comes from the LORD.
       ²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
      And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs Ch. 28 (NKJV)

Proverbs 28

 ¹ The wicked flee when no one pursues,
      But the righteous are bold as a lion.
       ² Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
      But by a man of understanding and knowledge
      Right will be prolonged.
       ³ A poor man who oppresses the poor
      Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
       ⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
      But such as keep the law contend with them.
       ⁵ Evil men do not understand justice,
      But those who seek the LORD understand all.
       ⁶ Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
      Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
       ⁷ Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
      But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
       ⁸ One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion
      Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
       ⁹ One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
      Even his prayer is an abomination.
       ¹⁰ Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
      He himself will fall into his own pit;
      But the blameless will inherit good.
       ¹¹ The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
      But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
       ¹² When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory;
      But when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.
       ¹³ He who covers his sins will not prosper,
      But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
       ¹⁴ Happy is the man who is always reverent,
      But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
       ¹⁵ Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
      Is a wicked ruler over poor people.
       ¹⁶ A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor,
      But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
       ¹⁷ A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit;
      Let no one help him.
       ¹⁸ Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved,
      But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
       ¹⁹ He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
      But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
       ²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings,
      But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
       ²¹ To show partiality is not good,
      Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
       ²² A man with an evil eye hastens after riches,
      And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
       ²³ He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward
      Than he who flatters with the tongue.
       ²⁴ Whoever robs his father or his mother,
      And says, “It is no transgression,”
      The same is companion to a destroyer.
       ²⁵ He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife,
      But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered.
       ²⁶ He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
      But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
       ²⁷ He who gives to the poor will not lack,
      But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
       ²⁸ When the wicked arise, men hide themselves;
      But when they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs Ch. 27 (NKJV)

Proverbs 27

 ¹ Do not boast about tomorrow,
      For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
       ² Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth;
      A stranger, and not your own lips.
       ³ A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,
      But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.
       ⁴ Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,
      But who is able to stand before jealousy?
       ⁵ Open rebuke is better
      Than love carefully concealed.
       ⁶ Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
      But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
       ⁷ A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb,
      But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
       ⁸ Like a bird that wanders from its nest
      Is a man who wanders from his place.
       ⁹ Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
      And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.
       ¹⁰ Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
      Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
      Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
       ¹¹ My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
      That I may answer him who reproaches me.
       ¹² A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself;
      The simple pass on and are punished.
       ¹³ Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger,
      And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.
       ¹⁴ He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
      It will be counted a curse to him.
       ¹⁵ A continual dripping on a very rainy day
      And a contentious woman are alike;
       ¹⁶ Whoever restrains her restrains the wind,
      And grasps oil with his right hand.
       ¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
      So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
       ¹⁸ Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;
      So he who waits on his master will be honored.
       ¹⁹ As in water face reflects face,
      So a man’s heart reveals the man.
       ²⁰ Hell^[a] and Destruction^[b] are never full;
      So the eyes of man are never satisfied.
       ²¹ The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
      And a man is valued by what others say of him.
       ²² Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
      Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
       ²³ Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,
      And attend to your herds;
       ²⁴ For riches are not forever,
      Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
       ²⁵ When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself,
      And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
       ²⁶ The lambs will provide your clothing,
      And the goats the price of a field;
       ²⁷ You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food,
      For the food of your household,
      And the nourishment of your maidservants.

Proverbs Ch. 26 (NKJV)

Proverbs 26

 ¹ As snow in summer and rain in harvest,
      So honor is not fitting for a fool.
       ² Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow,
      So a curse without cause shall not alight.
       ³ A whip for the horse,
      A bridle for the donkey,
      And a rod for the fool’s back.
       ⁴ Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
      Lest you also be like him.
       ⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly,
      Lest he be wise in his own eyes.
       ⁶ He who sends a message by the hand of a fool
      Cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
       ⁷ Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
      Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
       ⁸ Like one who binds a stone in a sling
      Is he who gives honor to a fool.
       ⁹ Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
      Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
       ¹⁰ The great God who formed everything
      Gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages.^{[a]
       11} As a dog returns to his own vomit,
      So a fool repeats his folly.
       ¹² Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
      There is more hope for a fool than for him.
       ¹³ The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road!
      A fierce lion is in the streets!”
       ¹⁴ As a door turns on its hinges,
      So does the lazy man on his bed.
       ¹⁵ The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl;^[b]
      It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
       ¹⁶ The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes
      Than seven men who can answer sensibly.
       ¹⁷ He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
      Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
       ¹⁸ Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death,
       ¹⁹ Is the man who deceives his neighbor,
      And says, “I was only joking!”
       ²⁰ Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
      And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
       ²¹ As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire,
      So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
       ²² The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
      And they go down into the inmost body.
       ²³ Fervent lips with a wicked heart
      Are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
       ²⁴ He who hates, disguises it with his lips,
      And lays up deceit within himself;
       ²⁵ When he speaks kindly, do not believe him,
      For there are seven abominations in his heart;
       ²⁶ Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
      His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.
       ²⁷ Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
      And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
       ²⁸ A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,
      And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs Ch. 25 (NJKV)

Further Wise Sayings of Solomon

    These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
    ² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
      But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
       ³ As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
      So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
       ⁴ Take away the dross from silver,
      And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
       ⁵ Take away the wicked from before the king,
      And his throne will be established in righteousness.
       ⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
      And do not stand in the place of the great;
       ⁷ For it is better that he say to you,

      “ Come up here,”
      Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
      Whom your eyes have seen.
       ⁸ Do not go hastily to court;
      For what will you do in the end,
      When your neighbor has put you to shame?
       ⁹ Debate your case with your neighbor,
      And do not disclose the secret to another;
       ¹⁰ Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
      And your reputation be ruined.
       ¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
      In settings of silver.
       ¹² Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
      Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
       ¹³ Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
      Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
      For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
       ¹⁴ Whoever falsely boasts of giving
      Is like clouds and wind without rain.
       ¹⁵ By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
      And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
       ¹⁶ Have you found honey?
      Eat only as much as you need,
      Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
       ¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
      Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
       ¹⁸ A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
      Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
       ¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
      Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
       ²⁰ Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
      And like vinegar on soda,
      Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
       ²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
      And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
       ²² For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
      And the LORD will reward you.
       ²³ The north wind brings forth rain,
      And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
       ²⁴ It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
      Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
       ²⁵ As cold water to a weary soul,
      So is good news from a far country.
       ²⁶ A righteous man who falters before the wicked
      Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.
       ²⁷ It is not good to eat much honey;
      So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.
       ²⁸ Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
      Is like a city broken down, without walls.