So I thought I might try giving some time to reading my quarterly for this week. This quarter is about the book of Numbers, which chronicles the journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. This week's study is on Numbers 11 - 14. Numbers 11 had some interesting happenings which I will try and summarize and think about below.
1. THE PEOPLE COMPLAIN TO GOD
-We do that often now. Rather than rehearsing our blessings, and realizing how God has blessed us in the past, we focus on now and the things we don't have, the situations we need God to work in, and forget that He is all-knowing and is working all things out for our good.
2. GOD SENDS A FIRE.
The complain so much that God sends a fire and destroys a part of their camp, and Moses has to plead with God on there behalf. All this happens in verses 1-3. By verse 4, the people are complaining AGAIN! Again, no different from us today. Time after time, God tries to change us, and transform us, and we face our punishment and still don't learn. So, they are complaining again, and their specific complaint is for meat. All this time, God had blessed them with manna from heaven, but their appetites have increased and they've set their hearts on meat. But not only do they start to complain. They begin to recount the food they enjoyed during their time in Egypt!!! How audacious! Can you imagine God, who had delivered them from the evils of slavery, who now has to hear them complain about how good the food was, and how much they wished they could have meat like they had back in Egypt?!? I can only imagine what my response would have been, being an all powerful being.
3. MANNA FROM HEAVEN
-They had a food supply that was certain. It fell every morning after the dew, and yet they were not satisfied.
-Greed, and the yearning for more, and still more is something that is rampant in our society and the church. I need to search my heart and my life and see if this text can any way be applied to me.
4. MOSES COMPLAINS TO GOD TOO
Verses 10 - 15 show us, that the children of Israel aren't the only ones with problems. Moses, isn't feeling that peachy either. As he listens to the complaints of the people, his frustration builds and he begins to complain to God too! He also begins to look down on the gift that God has given him; to lead His people. He starts to say Lord, why are you treating your servant so bad, haven't I found grace in your sight, why have you given me the load of all these people to be in charge of." He goes on to say "Did I conceive all of these people, that you've told me that I should carry them in my bosom, like a mother does her baby. Where am I supposed to get meat to feed all these people. I can't deal with this by myself. I mean, if you're gonna do me like this, please take my life"
-All I can say is wow. What a tirade right? But again, its no different with us today. We lose faith, complain, and get dramatic and familiar with God; forgetting that we are dealing with the sovereign God of the universe who could turn off our oxygen with a lifting of his finger.
- First thing I see, is that Moses forget his place. He was talking to God, like they were equals, and they weren't.
-Moses looked to himself and not to God...."where am I supposed to find meat to feed all these people?". That's not your problem Moses, trust God. God didn't appoint him to be provider of meat, God appointed him to lead the people to the promised land (as he (Moses) was led by God himself). When we look to ourselves, we will always get frustrated, and feel hopeless, because in ourselves and of ourselves, we can do nothing. Moses had a right to get frustrated, as he thought about how he was going to get meat for all those people. Of himself, it wasn't possible.
5. DESPITE MOSES' TANTRUM, GOD COMES TO HIS RESCUE
-What a merciful God. As Moses complains that he cannot lead all these people on his own, the Lord appoints 70 elders to help carry the load.
6. GOD HEARS THE CHLDREN OF ISREAL
-He provides meat, but this time I think his intentions are a bit different than when he responded to Moses cry for help. This time, he essentially says to the people "Fine, is meat yuh want, then meat yuh going get". He promises them meat for 30 days, and said they would eat it till it came from their noses, and until they hated it. Why did God do this? "....because you didn't value / despised Jehova that was en the midst of you". I think this goes back to what I touched on earlier. They had the Lord in the midst of them as a pillar by night and a cloud by day. God haad triumphantly led them out of Egypt and they had forgotten all that.
7. MOSES DOUBTS GOD
-So, God just helps Moses, by providing 70 elders to share the leadership role, and still Moses doubts. The same Moses who had seen the Red Sea rolled up, and had walked through on dry land! When God says He will provide meat for 30 days, Moses tells God how many people there are (as if He doesn't know) and questions where that much meat will come from!?! Again, quite audacious!!! This is the God of the universe here, I think He can handle meat for 600,000 people. And it is then that God utters one of my favorite texts , verse 23 "Is God's hand shortened, Now you will see if My word will come to pass or not".
-So often we do the same thing Moses did, he looked at the situation rather than looking at God. In his mind, there were so many people that would need meat, he just couldn't see how God could provide that much meat. If he had looked at God rather than at the situation, had he rehearsed God's track record, and saw that He specializes in things impossible, then it would have been clear to him, that providing meat for 600,000 people was a simple thing for God to do.
Summary
1. Don't complain.
2. Before you think to complain, think of the things God has done for you in the past.
3. Don't doubt God's ability. He specializes in things impossible
4. If you need help with a situation just ask Him. Moses asked for help with leadership, and God gave it to him. No drama necessary.
5. Be satisfied with what you have. When the Lord sees fit, He will bless you with more. The children of Israel had manna everyday, and instead of being thankful for their manna, they were lusting after meat.
Ten Blessings
My home....My mom.....That God knows best in all situations....Friends and their prayers :)....Infinite Praise, that God got the message across without me...A few more days to study...My roommate just in the nick of time...Safety and protection on the roads, and for my family....My family, that we're relatively close and can help each other out when we need it....CC
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Salt and light
So I've set my phone to alarm at midnight, as a way to not forget to have worship, until it becomes such an integral part of my life that I will look forward to taking up my Bible to see what words of life God has for me.
I made it to prayer meeting this evening, to be honest, I"m not sure how much I got from it. We read from a book about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and how he appeared to his disciples etc. I thnk in order for me to truly get the message, I may need to read and meditate on my own, but I"m still glad I went. I like the people at the church I went to (its not the church I normally worship at on Sabbath) and they are always very encouraging. So I think on Friday night I may read about the resurrection and crucifixion myself.
For tonight, I read Matthew 5. Another familiar passage, the Sermon on the Mount. What principles for life are hidden in these words and what do they tell me about God's/ Jesus's character?
1. I think the Beatitudes are words of hope. They offer a promise to a class of people who aren't often seen as being blesse, who have attributes that aren't always applauded in society. The peacemakers, the meek, the poor in spirit, merciful, the persecuted....its God's way of saying "hold on, I see your situation, and your reward is on the way".
2. V. 13 - 16 talk about being light, and being salt. Essentially as Christians, we are called to make a positive difference on our immediate surrounding. When you add salt to food, it tastes better, the flavor is enhanced. Salt is used to preserve food, extend life, accentuate, enhance. That's our role as God's people. We are to improve the lives of those around us. Our presence is to be felt. Once you put salt on something that's bland, its obvious that salt has been added. Same with light. There's no way, light and dark can coexist. Same way, if we are to be lights, set on a hill, then our presence is to be noted by those near and far.
The chapter talked about several other things and gave specific principles, but i think I"m gonna stop on the light and salt for tonight, because interestingly enough, today I felt like I had no purpose....like I was just living, and consuming, and not really contributing to my surroundings. Hopefully this word is an impetus, and a daily reminder for me to be salt and light in a tangible, real way. I know for sure I need to start working with my young people again, on a more consistent basis, and I know for sure I need to be hitting the streets on Sabbath to minister to the community around our church. These are all things I've thought about and God has placed a desire in my heart to do, but I just can't seem to get them done, in a consistent way. With the prospect of having only a limited amount of time in this city. I really really need to get going on these things. Who knows whether God has brought me to Cincinnati, for such a time as this, to do something no one else can in my church and my surroundings.
My prayer is that God will give me strength, patience to wait on His time. patience with myself because I kind of get stressed when I feel so pregnant with ideas and things I wanna do, but just can't find the time or discipline to get accomplished, that the desires to serve He has placed in me, will not die, and that in His strength I will get them done. I know that my life right now is lacking service, and I know that once I start, I will feel complete, knowing I have a purpose, and am doing something for someone other than myself.
10 Blessings (maybe 8 :)
Prayers of my friends...I talked to my BFF today....Good friends who I can really share my thoughts and flaws with....My sissy....The word and that I can freely read it without fear or persecution....Another day to ask forgiveness....Spiritual friends and company on this journey....Prayer meeting today....
I made it to prayer meeting this evening, to be honest, I"m not sure how much I got from it. We read from a book about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and how he appeared to his disciples etc. I thnk in order for me to truly get the message, I may need to read and meditate on my own, but I"m still glad I went. I like the people at the church I went to (its not the church I normally worship at on Sabbath) and they are always very encouraging. So I think on Friday night I may read about the resurrection and crucifixion myself.
For tonight, I read Matthew 5. Another familiar passage, the Sermon on the Mount. What principles for life are hidden in these words and what do they tell me about God's/ Jesus's character?
1. I think the Beatitudes are words of hope. They offer a promise to a class of people who aren't often seen as being blesse, who have attributes that aren't always applauded in society. The peacemakers, the meek, the poor in spirit, merciful, the persecuted....its God's way of saying "hold on, I see your situation, and your reward is on the way".
2. V. 13 - 16 talk about being light, and being salt. Essentially as Christians, we are called to make a positive difference on our immediate surrounding. When you add salt to food, it tastes better, the flavor is enhanced. Salt is used to preserve food, extend life, accentuate, enhance. That's our role as God's people. We are to improve the lives of those around us. Our presence is to be felt. Once you put salt on something that's bland, its obvious that salt has been added. Same with light. There's no way, light and dark can coexist. Same way, if we are to be lights, set on a hill, then our presence is to be noted by those near and far.
The chapter talked about several other things and gave specific principles, but i think I"m gonna stop on the light and salt for tonight, because interestingly enough, today I felt like I had no purpose....like I was just living, and consuming, and not really contributing to my surroundings. Hopefully this word is an impetus, and a daily reminder for me to be salt and light in a tangible, real way. I know for sure I need to start working with my young people again, on a more consistent basis, and I know for sure I need to be hitting the streets on Sabbath to minister to the community around our church. These are all things I've thought about and God has placed a desire in my heart to do, but I just can't seem to get them done, in a consistent way. With the prospect of having only a limited amount of time in this city. I really really need to get going on these things. Who knows whether God has brought me to Cincinnati, for such a time as this, to do something no one else can in my church and my surroundings.
My prayer is that God will give me strength, patience to wait on His time. patience with myself because I kind of get stressed when I feel so pregnant with ideas and things I wanna do, but just can't find the time or discipline to get accomplished, that the desires to serve He has placed in me, will not die, and that in His strength I will get them done. I know that my life right now is lacking service, and I know that once I start, I will feel complete, knowing I have a purpose, and am doing something for someone other than myself.
10 Blessings (maybe 8 :)
Prayers of my friends...I talked to my BFF today....Good friends who I can really share my thoughts and flaws with....My sissy....The word and that I can freely read it without fear or persecution....Another day to ask forgiveness....Spiritual friends and company on this journey....Prayer meeting today....
Monday, October 19, 2009
And Jesus was led by the Spirit, to be tempted...
So, I'm still falling short of my mission to spend time with God daily, all in an effort to know him, but I will keep plugging along. . I went to prayer meeting last week and will try and go again this week. I figure, the more I expose myself to places, people, and activities that have Jesus at the center of them, that will help me to develop a better relationship.
Prayer meeting interestingly enough was about sin, the origin of it, and what it means for us today. From what I gathered, the central point was that sin started in heaven, and because of sin, Christ had to come. What was stressed, was not so much sin itself, but the result of it, the death of Christ, but thankfully, for us, the opportunity to have eternal life. Tonight, I continue my journey through Matthew, now on Matthew 4, 5.
Matthew 4 talks about the tempation of Jesus, the beginning of His ministry, choosing His disciples . Interesting points
1. Jesus was "carried by the Spirit to the desert, to be tempted of the devil".
-Jesus was carried, or led to be tempted. So it seems like the entire process was planned, ordained, and orchestrated before. Whether, the Spirit carried Him, or merely impressed upon Him and led Him, it appears as though Jesus'went to the wildnerness, not totally on His own volition. Some higher being was involved, and that suggests that there was some great purpose for the temptation process. I think the purpose was to be an example for us on earth.
2. Jesus was tempted after having fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.
-After fasting He was probably physically weak, with little tolerance and patience.
-After fasting He was probably spiritually stronger. It had to take a supernatural strength to refuse bread, after not eating for 40 days. The flesh wanted to take the devil's bread, but the spirit that had been fortified in Him over those 40 days of fasting overcame.
3. What specific things was Jesus tempted with?
-Food: The flesh, desire. After not eating for 40 days, it was an easy thing for the devil to offer him.
-Questioning of His identity: I think today, when the devil questions our identity its in a way opposite of how he did to Jesus. Then, he said, "If you're really the Son of God, cast yourself down and God will send angels to keep you". Now, I think he flips it, and after we have done something that is not in tune with a Christian lifestyle, he says "I thought you were a Christian", he makes us feel guilty and unworthy.
-Power: He offered him kingdoms, if Jesus would only worship him.
4. Jesus started his ministry after this period of fasting and temptation. I believe the fasting had fortified His mind, and given Him strength, purpose to go out and do God's work. I can only imagine the communion that He had had with God during those 40 days, and so after that, He was ready to go to work.
5. How did Jesus choose His disciples?
- There was no selection committee, no stringent criteria. The common thread between the first 4 men Jesus chose as His disciples was their willingness to leave what they were doing and follow Him. The verses say straightway they left their job, their family and went with Him. They didn't waver. They didn't ask how they were going to take care of their families, and whether they would see their father again....they just went. I wonder what would make them just go, and I wonder whether I would just go. I'm almost sure I wouldn't. I definitely would have had some questions :) I guess that's on the goals I hope to accomplish as I get to know God....a willingness, and total trust to let Him lead my life, to just go with Him, even if I don't know where it is, or how things will work out.
6. What work did Jesus do when he started his ministry?
-"teaching in the synagogues", "preaching the gospel", "healing all disease and pain in the town"
-If Christ came to earth to be out ultimate example, then the work He did, is the work we're supposed to be doinng. Healing, preaching and teaching.
10 Blessings
My sister....My spain girls....Another opportunity to ask for forgiveness of sins...that I'm sort of staying on track with my worship...My progress thus far with studying....My mom....God's providence....God's blessing on Infinite Praise over the weekend....That I didn't hit that pedestrian....Clothes, food, shelter, health.
Prayer meeting interestingly enough was about sin, the origin of it, and what it means for us today. From what I gathered, the central point was that sin started in heaven, and because of sin, Christ had to come. What was stressed, was not so much sin itself, but the result of it, the death of Christ, but thankfully, for us, the opportunity to have eternal life. Tonight, I continue my journey through Matthew, now on Matthew 4, 5.
Matthew 4 talks about the tempation of Jesus, the beginning of His ministry, choosing His disciples . Interesting points
1. Jesus was "carried by the Spirit to the desert, to be tempted of the devil".
-Jesus was carried, or led to be tempted. So it seems like the entire process was planned, ordained, and orchestrated before. Whether, the Spirit carried Him, or merely impressed upon Him and led Him, it appears as though Jesus'went to the wildnerness, not totally on His own volition. Some higher being was involved, and that suggests that there was some great purpose for the temptation process. I think the purpose was to be an example for us on earth.
2. Jesus was tempted after having fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.
-After fasting He was probably physically weak, with little tolerance and patience.
-After fasting He was probably spiritually stronger. It had to take a supernatural strength to refuse bread, after not eating for 40 days. The flesh wanted to take the devil's bread, but the spirit that had been fortified in Him over those 40 days of fasting overcame.
3. What specific things was Jesus tempted with?
-Food: The flesh, desire. After not eating for 40 days, it was an easy thing for the devil to offer him.
-Questioning of His identity: I think today, when the devil questions our identity its in a way opposite of how he did to Jesus. Then, he said, "If you're really the Son of God, cast yourself down and God will send angels to keep you". Now, I think he flips it, and after we have done something that is not in tune with a Christian lifestyle, he says "I thought you were a Christian", he makes us feel guilty and unworthy.
-Power: He offered him kingdoms, if Jesus would only worship him.
4. Jesus started his ministry after this period of fasting and temptation. I believe the fasting had fortified His mind, and given Him strength, purpose to go out and do God's work. I can only imagine the communion that He had had with God during those 40 days, and so after that, He was ready to go to work.
5. How did Jesus choose His disciples?
- There was no selection committee, no stringent criteria. The common thread between the first 4 men Jesus chose as His disciples was their willingness to leave what they were doing and follow Him. The verses say straightway they left their job, their family and went with Him. They didn't waver. They didn't ask how they were going to take care of their families, and whether they would see their father again....they just went. I wonder what would make them just go, and I wonder whether I would just go. I'm almost sure I wouldn't. I definitely would have had some questions :) I guess that's on the goals I hope to accomplish as I get to know God....a willingness, and total trust to let Him lead my life, to just go with Him, even if I don't know where it is, or how things will work out.
6. What work did Jesus do when he started his ministry?
-"teaching in the synagogues", "preaching the gospel", "healing all disease and pain in the town"
-If Christ came to earth to be out ultimate example, then the work He did, is the work we're supposed to be doinng. Healing, preaching and teaching.
10 Blessings
My sister....My spain girls....Another opportunity to ask for forgiveness of sins...that I'm sort of staying on track with my worship...My progress thus far with studying....My mom....God's providence....God's blessing on Infinite Praise over the weekend....That I didn't hit that pedestrian....Clothes, food, shelter, health.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Emanuel...God with us
Already, I"m slacking in my effort to spend time with God daily. :( I will keep on my journey though. I plan to go to somebody's prayer meeting tomorrow, all in an effort to know Him. So, on my journey to know God and more specifically, who Christ was (in an effort to become like him) , I'm working on the Gospels. I started with the birth of Christ and re-read that whole account, and I got stuck on, " And you shall call his name Emanuel , which is translated God with us".
What impact does "God with us" have for my everyday life?
-The thought that God is with me is comforting. There is nothing that I go through that he doen't experience with me. There is no situation I can't handle, because God is with me.
-God has lived on this earth, dealt with temptation, felt far from God, felt desperate, felt like giving up, plugged on despite adversity, and eventually went to be with His father, this means, through Christ, I can do the same thing.
-If I am constantly aware of "God with us", then my behaviour should exhibit that. At all times I should be doing, saying, thinking only those things that I would do, if there was a visible, tangible God walking beside me. Oh, oh, oh how life would be if we were constantly aware of this very fact. No cursing people out on the drive to work, no hateful thoughts as so and so passes by. So many places we wouldn't venture into. So many things we wouldn't find ourselves doing.
-Remembering the sacrifice of "God with us", reminds us that this earth isn't our final home. If we stay reminded that God came, then it follows that we will remember, where he came from.
What was the purpose of sending God to dwell with us?
-To save mankind. Someone had to die to pay the price for sin.
-To serve as an example that living a life consecrated to God is possible.
-As justification, evidence that the claims Satan had made about God were incorrect, as a manifestation of God's character. (I have declared unto them Thy name- "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth...)
- As a demonstration of God's extreme love. How can we not believe that God loves us, if we remember that he sent His ONLY ONLY (one dehgeh dehgeh) Son to save just me.
Ten Blessings
1. Life, health and strength
2. That I'm getting closer to finishing my questions.
3. My percentages are going up.
4. A light rotation
5. My sister lived to see another birthday, and that our relationship is improving over the years.
6. Hope (for I would have fainted, had I not hoped to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living).
7. My Cincinnati family
8. Alex, that we're still in the game, plugging along together.
9. That God is in charge, and that in His wisdom, mercy, and might, He manages to hold ALL things together, even when it seems like all chaos is threatening to break loose.
10. An opportunity to worship God really at prayer meeting tomorrow.
What impact does "God with us" have for my everyday life?
-The thought that God is with me is comforting. There is nothing that I go through that he doen't experience with me. There is no situation I can't handle, because God is with me.
-God has lived on this earth, dealt with temptation, felt far from God, felt desperate, felt like giving up, plugged on despite adversity, and eventually went to be with His father, this means, through Christ, I can do the same thing.
-If I am constantly aware of "God with us", then my behaviour should exhibit that. At all times I should be doing, saying, thinking only those things that I would do, if there was a visible, tangible God walking beside me. Oh, oh, oh how life would be if we were constantly aware of this very fact. No cursing people out on the drive to work, no hateful thoughts as so and so passes by. So many places we wouldn't venture into. So many things we wouldn't find ourselves doing.
-Remembering the sacrifice of "God with us", reminds us that this earth isn't our final home. If we stay reminded that God came, then it follows that we will remember, where he came from.
What was the purpose of sending God to dwell with us?
-To save mankind. Someone had to die to pay the price for sin.
-To serve as an example that living a life consecrated to God is possible.
-As justification, evidence that the claims Satan had made about God were incorrect, as a manifestation of God's character. (I have declared unto them Thy name- "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth...)
- As a demonstration of God's extreme love. How can we not believe that God loves us, if we remember that he sent His ONLY ONLY (one dehgeh dehgeh) Son to save just me.
Ten Blessings
1. Life, health and strength
2. That I'm getting closer to finishing my questions.
3. My percentages are going up.
4. A light rotation
5. My sister lived to see another birthday, and that our relationship is improving over the years.
6. Hope (for I would have fainted, had I not hoped to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living).
7. My Cincinnati family
8. Alex, that we're still in the game, plugging along together.
9. That God is in charge, and that in His wisdom, mercy, and might, He manages to hold ALL things together, even when it seems like all chaos is threatening to break loose.
10. An opportunity to worship God really at prayer meeting tomorrow.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
...and those who were prepared
So, I guess today I will actually start reading something in my journey to get to know God. So my worship for today was Matthew 25: 1 - 13, the familiar story of the ten virgins. Because this is a text I've read before, I really want to explore it and grab the essence of the text and more importantly try to apply the principle to my everyday.
The Wise Virgins
-Took their lamps
-Took oil
-Slept
The Foolish Virgins
-Took their lamps
-Didn't take oil
-Slept
The story starts out by saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like...." and ends with the admonition to "Watch, because we do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man shall come". To me that suggests that the content in between those two statements is a lesson, a pearl, a way to get me to understand something; which is just what parables were. They were Jesus' way of delivering a heavy message in way the people would understand. So I guess I can try and extract some principles.
1. I think the 10 virgins represent Christians in general. We all are waiting for Christ's return.
2. Within the group of believers there are some who have the "oil" and some who don't. I'm not sure what the oil represents, I've heard it described as the Holy Spirit. I think it may represent a relationship with God, a true genuine connection. I say that because of verse 12 where it says "...of a truth I tell you, that I do not know you". So the bridegroom says, I don't know you, and the only thing that differed between the foolish virgins and the wise virgins was their lack of oil, so I guess I kind of deduced that knowing him, is what the oil is.
3. I think the lamps represent our "banner" of Christianity. However, without oil, the lamps were useless. Without a relationship with God, our religions are useful.
4. The bridegroom, left, and tarried long, but he came back. Jesus left, he has tarried long, but just like he said he would, He's coming back. And because he's coming back, we need to be ready to meet him when he comes. I would hate to have lived me whole life believing in something, having the opportunity to partake in something and yet still miss out; when there was nothing to prevent me, other than myself.
5. All the virgins slept, both wise and foolish. In our Christian walk, we will get tired, discouraged but if we have oil, we'll always be prepared for when the bridegroom comes.
6. "Velad pues, porque no sabeis el dia ni la hora en que el Hijo del Hombre ha de venir". We have to Watch. How does a person keep watch, they're aware of the times, they're vigilant, and they're PREPARED for anything that might happen. If I'm keeping watch for something at night, I"m gonna make sure I have some light, make sure my lamp works. Its no use to have a lamp with no oil, how am I supposed to keep watch in the dark.
Over the course of my life and especially now as I try to reacquaint myself with God, I want to "keep my lamps all trimmed and burning, ready for the Lord's returning" and bear in mind the principles from this text.
Be blessed
The Wise Virgins
-Took their lamps
-Took oil
-Slept
The Foolish Virgins
-Took their lamps
-Didn't take oil
-Slept
The story starts out by saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like...." and ends with the admonition to "Watch, because we do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man shall come". To me that suggests that the content in between those two statements is a lesson, a pearl, a way to get me to understand something; which is just what parables were. They were Jesus' way of delivering a heavy message in way the people would understand. So I guess I can try and extract some principles.
1. I think the 10 virgins represent Christians in general. We all are waiting for Christ's return.
2. Within the group of believers there are some who have the "oil" and some who don't. I'm not sure what the oil represents, I've heard it described as the Holy Spirit. I think it may represent a relationship with God, a true genuine connection. I say that because of verse 12 where it says "...of a truth I tell you, that I do not know you". So the bridegroom says, I don't know you, and the only thing that differed between the foolish virgins and the wise virgins was their lack of oil, so I guess I kind of deduced that knowing him, is what the oil is.
3. I think the lamps represent our "banner" of Christianity. However, without oil, the lamps were useless. Without a relationship with God, our religions are useful.
4. The bridegroom, left, and tarried long, but he came back. Jesus left, he has tarried long, but just like he said he would, He's coming back. And because he's coming back, we need to be ready to meet him when he comes. I would hate to have lived me whole life believing in something, having the opportunity to partake in something and yet still miss out; when there was nothing to prevent me, other than myself.
5. All the virgins slept, both wise and foolish. In our Christian walk, we will get tired, discouraged but if we have oil, we'll always be prepared for when the bridegroom comes.
6. "Velad pues, porque no sabeis el dia ni la hora en que el Hijo del Hombre ha de venir". We have to Watch. How does a person keep watch, they're aware of the times, they're vigilant, and they're PREPARED for anything that might happen. If I'm keeping watch for something at night, I"m gonna make sure I have some light, make sure my lamp works. Its no use to have a lamp with no oil, how am I supposed to keep watch in the dark.
Over the course of my life and especially now as I try to reacquaint myself with God, I want to "keep my lamps all trimmed and burning, ready for the Lord's returning" and bear in mind the principles from this text.
Be blessed
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Running on fumes.
Today as I got in my car to drive home, I noticed that the needle on the gas gauge was on E :( It was about 11, and I don't usually like stopping late at night to get gas so I thought I'd try and make it home. All the while as I drove those 20 minutes, I was praying, "Lord, please help me get home, please help me get home." Thankfully I did. As I was driving though, "Ellie" (my car) just sounded horrible, thirsty. The brakes were acting funny, and the car just wasn't running her best, which is usually how it is whenever I need to fill up my tank, and then as soon as I do, everything seems to be back to normal.
That whole experience today, although so simple seemed very timely and appropriate. My car isn't the only thing running on empty right now; my spiritual life is too. :( Right now I am spiritually surviving on the fumes that remain from last Sabbath's sermon (and that's for the times when I do make it out to church). Despite the fact that I've been a Christian for most of my life, I seem to struggle with having a CONSISTENT and close relationship with God. I not only struggle with it, but it bothers me and at times I'll try to change it, but after while, I just slip back into not reading and studying like I should all over again. Well last Friday, I thought I'd try again and I thought maybe starting a blog may give me some degree of accountability. I usually scribble stuff down inn my prayer journal, but I type way faster than I write :) So this blog is just an attempt at developing a relationship with God. As I thought about all of this on the way home, I wasn't sure where to start, but then I figured I'd try the Gospels. I've read them before, but I plan to read them again to gain a deeper sense of who Jesus and the Godhead truly are. I guess, if I'm trying to develop a relationship with someone, I should start by getting to know them. So I'm committing too learning who God is, learning of his character, and what I can do to be like Him, because in the end, (just like tonight), I just wanna get home, to heaven, and there's no guarantee that I'll make it there if I'm just running on fumes.
That whole experience today, although so simple seemed very timely and appropriate. My car isn't the only thing running on empty right now; my spiritual life is too. :( Right now I am spiritually surviving on the fumes that remain from last Sabbath's sermon (and that's for the times when I do make it out to church). Despite the fact that I've been a Christian for most of my life, I seem to struggle with having a CONSISTENT and close relationship with God. I not only struggle with it, but it bothers me and at times I'll try to change it, but after while, I just slip back into not reading and studying like I should all over again. Well last Friday, I thought I'd try again and I thought maybe starting a blog may give me some degree of accountability. I usually scribble stuff down inn my prayer journal, but I type way faster than I write :) So this blog is just an attempt at developing a relationship with God. As I thought about all of this on the way home, I wasn't sure where to start, but then I figured I'd try the Gospels. I've read them before, but I plan to read them again to gain a deeper sense of who Jesus and the Godhead truly are. I guess, if I'm trying to develop a relationship with someone, I should start by getting to know them. So I'm committing too learning who God is, learning of his character, and what I can do to be like Him, because in the end, (just like tonight), I just wanna get home, to heaven, and there's no guarantee that I'll make it there if I'm just running on fumes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)