The Book of Kings and Elijah

Finally! The book of 1 Kings is interesting again! I feel so bad for saying that. There were some good things to be learned from the kings who ruled after Solomon. I guess I just don't find the account of those rulers as interesting or relevant to my life.

Finally, however, I am into the part of 1 Kings that starts Elijah's story. After him, I'll be reading Elisha's story. I'm so super excited!

I have a few thoughts about Elijah so far, but I want to wait and give Elijah his own post.

I really do love reading my Bible, but there are some books I relate to better, and some stories I find more interesting than others. Maybe I shouldn't think that way...

Still, I am slowly reading my way through the whole Bible. One day, I'll know right where my favorite verses and stories are, and I'll be able to go back and read them all over again. I have no doubt I'll learn something new every time, as often happens.
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"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word" (Psalm 119:11/16

A Strange Question

While reading Rainbow Valley, the 7th book in the Anne of Green Gables series, one of the characters asks a question. He says "Can God make a stone so big He couldn't lift it Himself?"

Now, I think trying to answer this would get into theology, and I am not a theologian. Rather than trying to answer the question, I just wanted to share it. The question made me stop and think.

Honestly, my first response was "Of course He can. God can make anything!" And then I paused. After more thought, my response finished with "But God has command of everything He created, so if He wanted it moved, He could move it."

I don't have an answer for the question. I don't think we're supposed to come up with answers to questions like these. I'm perfectly content knowing there are things I shouldn't know, things I don't need to know. Still, I found the question interesting.

The character in the book who said it had only recently been talked into coming back to church, and was looking forward to asking that question of the minister. (He never does, because it isn't relevant to the story.)

I just wanted to share.
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"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

For Everything, We Give Thanks

Thanksgiving can be a very special holiday for Americans. It is a day we pause our usual routines to spend the day with our families, usually gathered from far and wide. And though it is also a day many families gather to watch sports, it is, above all else, a day to give thanks.

Today, I am thankful for all of my blessings. From food to eat (especially the kinds I like), to a roof over my head, to warm clothes to wear, to dear friends and family (both near and far), to my two adorable cats, to the warm weather that came in today, I am thankful for it all.

God has truly blessed me in so many ways, even though I don't deserve it.

He deserves our thanks and praise every day, but on this day, as many Americans are gathering together with families for this special holiday, especially.

So today, for everything, I give thanks.
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"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name" (Psalm 100:4).

Thankfulness, Day 7

Today, the day before Thanksgiving, as I sit watching old episodes of Army Wives, I find myself thankful for my freedoms. Yesterday I was thankful for the freedom from sin we have through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Today, I am thankful not only for that freedom, but also the ones we have in America. I am thankful for the freedom to worship God, the freedom to gather together, the freedom to get an education, the freedom to use that education, and the many others.

I am also thankful for those who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms and the freedoms of those who live elsewhere. For all those who fight to defend us, both at home and abroad, both military and civilian, I give thanks to God. I pray for their safety, and that they will put their trust in God.
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"I will give thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you" (Psalm 35:18).

Thankfulness, Day 6

Today I am thankful that we don't have to stay the way we were. I am thankful that God gives us a choice, and a way out of the sin that had sucked us in. I am thankful for the change that occurs once we give our lives to God, and the chance to change our lives through Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful that God loves us enough to pull us out of the muck when we sincerely ask, and that even if we slip up, He is willing to forgive us when we're sorry.

That's what I'm thankful for today. I'm thankful that we have a chance, and that we don't have to live the way we did before God found us.
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"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:28).

Thankfulness, Day 5

Today, even as I smile at the changing seasons, and prepare to welcome winter, I am thankful for the essentials. I am thankful for enough food, a warm shelter, plenty of clothes, and extra blankets. Today I am thankful that God always provides what we need, whether it's survival essentials, or something else.

Even when not everything is going exactly the way we want them to, there is always a reason to pause and thank God.

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"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Thankfulness, Day 4

Today is day 4 of the "week before Thanksgiving" thankfulness posts.

Today I am thankful for my church. I am glad that God led me to them just when I really needed them. I am thankful that they are all so nice, and that they were so welcoming, especially since I was terrified that first day.

There are still weeks when I don't want to go for some reason (I'm tired,  I have things to do, etc.) but I'm thankful that I have a church to go to. I'm also thankful that God provides ways for me to get to church, no matter what.

Today, since it's Thanksgiving week, we sang songs of thanksgiving. We sang praises to God this morning, and it was wonderful. The first one we sang was "This is the day the Lord has made." 

It says "I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart..."

Normally, I'd match that song with the verse it's pulled from, but I'm going to save that verse for another post.

It's been really fun finding all these verses about thanksgiving, and I can't wait to find more!
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"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High" (Psalm 7:17).

Thankfulness, Day 3

Today is day 3 of my Thanksgiving week thankfulness posts.

Today I am thankful specifically for my mother. She's always there when I need her, and she loves me unconditionally. She has taught me everything I needed to know to grow into the woman I am today. Though we don't always agree on everything, we agree when it counts, and she would stand with me against anyone. She is always willing to discuss big decisions with me, and though her opinion may differ, she will support my decisions.

So, today I am very thankful for my mother. I love her very much. I am very grateful God made me her daughter.
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"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise you glorious name" (1 Chronicles 29:13).

Thankfulness, Day 2

Today is the second day of my thankfulness posts. I will be doing one every day through Thanksgiving.

Today, I am thankful for my family and friends. They are there when I need them for something, and they are there when I don't need anything at all. They love and accept me just as I am, even with all my faults. I am thankful that God has placed so many amazing people into my life.

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"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 106:1).

Thankfulness, Day 1

Amazing news! I went to the eye doctor earlier this summer, and for the first time ever, I don't need a new prescription! My eyes aren't any worse, and should be leveling off. Praise the Lord!

With Thanksgiving coming up, I wanted to do at least one post about thankfulness. Then I thought: Why only do one? So, for the next 7 days I'll be doing a post about something I'm thankful for. It just seemed right to start with this amazing news.

So, today I am thankful for my sight. I am thankful that even though I have to wear glasses, my eyesight hasn't gotten any worse this year.
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"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:15).

Wednesday Service

I have often wondered if it's necessary to go to church on Wednesdays, or days other than Sunday.

I finally came to this conclusion:

If you have the time and the means to go to church, do it. Any time spent in fellowship with our brothers and sisters learning about God's Word, is time well spent, I think. However, I don't think we have to go to church on days other than Sunday.

In fact, it's our choice. We don't have to do anything. But we should. If we can only go one day, we should probably go on Sunday. We should take full advantage of our rights (speaking as an American) and our freedom to worship God. We should look forward to going. Go to Sunday school. Go to service. Spend a little time talking to the people you may only see once a week. We should enjoy taking the time to learn from the pastors and elders in the church.

If we can't go to Wednesday service for some reason, I personally don't think it's a big deal. We just have to be careful that it doesn't lead to a pattern of slacking off from church, or reading God's Word.

Then again, perhaps it's best to go as often as we possibly can.
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"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Just Visiting

Sometimes I feel out of place among people. The world's ideals are much different than my ideals, and God's ideals. But it's okay that I feel out of place here sometimes. We aren't meant to live permanently on this earth. We are meant to reside in heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 - But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

John 15:19 - "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

John 17:15-16 - "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it."

Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

It's okay if we don't fit in with everyone, and it's okay if we don't conform to the world's standards. In fact, we shouldn't. We aren't meant to fit in here, because we are chosen out of the world, as God's children. We are meant for a heavenly dwelling, and we should act like it, no matter what the world thinks.

Don't Say It Lightly

I once learned that "Amen" means "I believe." It doesn't. Today in church, I learned that it means "It is so," or "Let it be." Either way, it's an agreement. When we say "amen," we agree with whatever is said, especially in the context of God's Word. Dictionary.com says it can also mean "verily," or "truly."

I learned something new today! How exciting! So, now when I use the word "Amen," it takes on new meaning. It doesn't just mean that I believe what is said. It is an agreement with what is said. Does that make sense? It makes complete sense in my head.

Anyway, that's just something cool I learned today.
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"To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Philippians 4:20).
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen" (Philippians 4:23).

Troubled Times and Distressed Days

Psalm 119:143-144 - Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.

Even during distressing days or troubled times, God is always with us. We can find peace, and even delight in the worst of times if we only trust in Him, and follow Him. The peace and wisdom that only God can give us can calm us even in the fiercest of storms, and light even the darkest nights.

Trust Once Broken

Trust. What is it? How do we learn it? How do we lose it? How can we learn it again?

We read this book in Sunday School, and it was great! It has some thought-provoking information, and great exercises to help work through trust issues that inevitably happen over the course of human lives. I highly recommend it.

It is very difficult to trust again once it's been broken, especially if it happens a lot. The key, I've found, is to begin to let it go. Easier said than done. Give it to God. Of course, if our trust in God is broken for some perceived wrong, then this becomes very difficult to do. This book has sections on learning to trust people, and learning to trust God...again.
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"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you" (Psalm 9:10).

Behave!

Ever notice that Peter tells us to watch our behavior a lot?

So, I was absolutely going to try to tackle one of the many topics I have saved as drafts. But when I checked my Bible app, the verse of the day was interesting. So I'm going to do a post about it instead. :)

1 Peter 2:15-17 - For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. Show proper respect for everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

So, basically...behave ourselves. We have to conduct ourselves as God's children, as God's servants. When we behave as we should, when we conduct ourselves properly, as God tells us to do in His Word, His glory can be seen, and others will take notice. We have to believe in what we're doing though. We have to feel strong conviction for obeying God.

In high school, it so wasn't cool to be a virgin. Yet, I was, and still am. I choose to wait until I'm married and share that only with my husband, as God commands. That has always been something I feel very strongly about. I expected to be ridiculed because it was standard high school behavior - to ridicule those who remain virgins. Of course, it was also a small town around the Bible Belt, but still...it's high school! No one ever ridiculed me though. If asked, I would reply honestly, always with conviction. I like to think that the certainty in me, the conviction, that nothing would ever change my mind, stopped the ridicule, at least in part. High school is tough enough without that kind of ridicule.

So, we have to stand firm in our beliefs. We have to believe them, and live them every day, so that others can see God through us.

We must love our fellow believers, and respect others and those in authority.

I think 1 Peter is going to be the next book I read when I finish 1 Kings. I keep finding such interesting verses in it.

Slack

So, I know I've been slacking in my blog posts. I missed a post yesterday because I didn't do it when I was supposed to and time got away from me. I have a lot of posts saved as drafts and they're almost ready to go. I just have to do a little research. That's fun for me! I like doing research, and I love learning about God's Word.

So, why is it so hard for me to sit down for a set time every day and work on my blog? One word: slack.

I'm slacking. I've let my inspiration go slack. I've let everything else I have to do (or want to do) become more important than studying the things I want to learn about God's Word. It's bound to happen that life gets away from me sometimes, but if I know I'm going to be super busy one day, I can do the research early - a day or even a week before - so that I don't miss that lesson.

I still have a lot to learn. Part of that is learning how to combat the procrastination that sneaks up on me. I'm starting to get my drive back, and I think I've almost worked out a better schedule. I hope to do better in future!
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So, I found several Proverbs dealing with slack and laziness, but I didn't like them when applied to this situation (of course) so I'm going to use a different verse.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24).

God's Splendor

If you haven't read the book of Job, I recommend it. Not only does it teach a very good lesson, but it provides amazing descriptions of who God is.

Today's Bible verse of the day was from Job 37:5-6.

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

Later in the chapter it says:

He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lighting through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them. He brings the clouds to punish people, or to water his earth and show his love (Job 37:11-13).

God has control over everything, even if it's as small as a drop of moisture.

Job 37:22-24 - Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness he does not oppress. Therefore, the people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?

Of course, with Jesus loving sacrifice, God is no longer completely beyond our reach. No longer unattainable. But He is still exalted in the heavens, still revered forever.

Talking to God

I don't think talking to God always has to be a formal affair. Sometimes we absolutely need to turn off everything, kneel down, quiet ourselves, and pray humbly and respectfully to The Lord.

Kneeling isn't always possible when we need to talk to God. If something's gone wrong and you have to get out and go for a drive to calm down, and you talk to God while you're driving, that's fine. Fantastic even.

We can talk to God anytime, anywhere and He will always listen. It doesn't have to be super formal. We don't have to get into a "prayer closet" to talk to God. Sometimes we need to find that quiet place to spend a longer amount of time with Him, but not always. He is with us all the time, so we can talk to Him whenever we have a quiet moment, or whenever we need to. It can be a quick prayer inside our hearts, or an hour-long rant.

The thing is, we need to talk to God. We need to talk to God. He loves us and wants to know what's going on. He may not always offer an immediate solution, but talking to Him lifts burdens and brings peace. It's wonderful.

Talking to God deepens our relationship with Him, just as reading His Word does.

Still, we do have to be careful of the way we talk to God. Though it doesn't always have to be formal, it should be loving and respectful. We aren't always though. We're human. We doubt. We slip up. We question. But God forgives.

I also just found this article where the author does a good job of covering the subject of both talking and listening to God. I'm glad I took the time to read it.
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"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3).

You're Worth It

Matthew 10:28-31 - Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

God cherishes us, and loves us. He knows what will happen, and though He would spare us pain, He gives us free will, and sometimes the choices we make lead to pain down the road. There are kinds of pain, of course, that have nothing to do with the choices we make, but everything to do with the progression of life - the death of a family member. Perhaps they died too young in our eyes. But we don't know God's plan. He sees all. Maybe that one incident that caused their death made them look up and see God, and truly believe in Him. Perhaps if they'd lived beyond that point, they would have strayed from God and never found their way back, and so He takes them to be with Him so that when eternity comes, we can see them again.

God cares about each and every one of us. He knows the number of hairs on our heads! Let me repeat that. He cares enough about us to learn the exact number of hairs that grow on our heads. Wow. No matter how much I loved someone, I would get bored far too quickly to learn that! God's love knows no limits.

Following Blindly

When I posted about respecting those in authority, especially those in government, I realized I wanted to do a follow-up post too. Today's post is about not following those in authority blindly.

In God's Word, we learn how those in authority are supposed to act, and how we are meant to respond to those in authority. There are stories of those who act against the will of God, and His people. There are stories of those who try to act for their own gain, but fail. There are stories of those in authority who start out doing God's will, but slip up.

There are many stories of God appointing leaders according to the prayers of His people. And there are stories of how God will turn away from His people when they aren't truly serving Him, especially if it's a whole nation.

Just because someone is in a position of authority in our government, doesn't mean they are always right. Only God is God. When God's people begin to blindly follow those in authority instead of recognizing when something goes against God's laws, I believe God will stop listening. In that way, they are putting the those in authority (this especially applies to government) above God, and thus, treating them as gods, as though their laws were higher than God's. So, we have to pay attention to what goes on in our government, and the laws they want to pass. Above all, we have to pray.
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"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

The Reigning King

Sometimes I need a reminder of exactly who God is. I don't mean the endless adjectives we could use to describe Him either - faithful, all-powerful, loving, good, truth. I mean who He is. God is The King, and He rules a kingdom.

A king has absolute power. Absolute authority. He makes the laws and the people follow them. If they don't, there are consequences. That's how it is with God. A relationship with God isn't a democracy, but it's not exactly a dictatorship either. We have free will. We can do as we please, but there are consequences to actions that go against God's laws.

We are His children. We are His servants. We are His. And what an amazing feeling, to know that we belong to The King of Kings.
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"The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity" (Psalm 9:7-8).

Mocked

Psalm 119:51-52 - The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.

God's people will be mocked by those who do not believe. Some will never understand God's ways, or why we follow Him. Even when we are opposed, we must still follow God's laws.

Matthew 10:22 - You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

There are people who will oppose those who believe in and follow God. We must stand firm, and unwavering. It will be unpleasant, sometimes painful, and sometimes it may seem hopeless. But I know that I serve a God who is above all things, who reigns victorious.

Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

I love this verse. "God cannot be mocked."

The Amplified version says "Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap" (Galatians 6:7).

So, normally I don't like the Amplified version as much, but I really do like the additional information in this verse.

"God will not allow Himself to be sneered at...by His precepts being set aside."

There are those who will try to put aside God's laws. But God cannot be mocked. Those who try to be God in place of God by considering themselves higher than God, and the laws He has put in place, will not succeed. Perhaps He will allow it for a time, because, as I mentioned yesterday, we get what we ask for, but in the end, God is still in charge.

Respect for the Government

So, a lot of people have issues with the decisions of those in authority in their governments. It happens in America all the time.

And today's Bible verse of the day just happens to be:

Romans 13:1 - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

So, we should respect those in authority. Even if we don't agree with them on everything, they deserve our respect. Why? Well, because God put them there. Even if they don't serve God, they can still fulfill a part of God's plan. In the Bible, God gave His people leaders when they asked, often ones they chose. Those leaders didn't always work out, but the people got what they asked for. And when it didn't work out, they called on God to change it. So, we can do that too. One thing we should always do is to pray for the leaders in our government. God can guide them. God can change their hearts. And God can remove them, if need be. Our God is bigger than absolutely anything, or anyone, especially the government.

We get what we ask for. Sometimes it won't really be good for us, but often if it isn't, we'll still learn a valuable lesson. Hopefully that lesson will be: God knows best. When electing officials to positions of authority, we should pray and ask God's guidance.

We don't know everything that goes on, but He does. We have to lean on His wisdom, rather than trying to decide based on our own understanding.

A Heart Full of Worship

In church today the praise & worship team sang this song, and I was super excited! I absolutely love this song!

When we get rid of everything else, and focus solely on God, then we can worship Him truly, with every single part of our hearts. That's what He wants. It's all about our attitudes. Sometimes it's hard to get into the mindset of total worship. Sometimes we just need to make the time. Often, this happens in church on Sundays. Some Sundays it's difficult to get into this mindset too. That happens. But if we truly focus completely on God and His Spirit, we can get into this mindset very easily.

So, today I just wanted to share this song, because when the praise & worship team sang it today it made me super happy.
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"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs" (Psalm 100:2).

Our Hearts' Eyes

Ephesians 1:18 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people...

This is today's verse of the day on my Bible app. I check it every day to see if the verse speaks to me and inspires me to do a post. Today it did.

We need to see not with our eyes, but with our hearts. In order to see God, we can't look with our earthly eyes; we must look with our spiritual eyes. God can open the eyes of our hearts so that we can see what we are meant to see in every situation.

This song is one of my favorites.