God is a God of order. He set the family in order when He made a help-meet for Adam. He further set procreation in order with the reproduction system he placed in the male and female. His emphasis on family is evidenced throughout His Word.
In Chronicles, chapters 23 through 27 David gathers the Princes of Israel together and organizes the Levites, dividing them according to their various duties and responsibilities. These were the priesthood, with the office of keeping the sanctuary, offering sacrifices, and doing the work there according to the law of Moses. The musicians--the sons of Asaph who prophesied and played musical instruments were organized--under the direction of their father.
Then there was the gatekeepers. They were assigned to gates and to minister in the house of the Lord. Next were the treasurers who were responsible to oversee the dedicated things. This included spoils won in battle. Sheiomath and his family were in charge of these things.
Chenaniah and his sons (I Chron. 26:29) took care of the business outside of the Temple. They were men of valour and they took care of every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.
There were then twelve captains of Israel. Each had a specific month that they served the king in whatever manner they were required.
In addition to this there were rulers over the twelve tribes, (Princes). David also had royal officers that were over his treasures. Some of these were over the work of the fields, the vineyards, olive trees, the herds, camels and donkeys, sheep, and all things that were the kings.
The king had something like our president's cabinet. They were his counselors. One was his uncle, Jonathan who was very wise and also a scribe. The others were: Jehiel, Ahithophel, Hushal, Jehoiada, Abiathar, Joab (the general of the king's army), and also the king's sons.
My point in studying this is that there was an order to keeping the kingdom working smoothly and a large part of this was those who served in the House of the Lord. The "occupations" as meted out were family oriented. The office held by the fathers was passed down to the sons. It was totally familial. To do the work was not only taught by previous generations, but it seems it was inherent--built into their genes. The sons of Asaph were musical. The men of valour sired sons of courage and strength, and so on.
What are we passing on to our future generations? Are we striving to follow God's "order" for our lives and for future generations by example as well as through inherent traits?
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Day 26: A Father's Godly Direction to His son.
Day 26: David talks to Solomon. I Chronicles 22:11-13 "Now, my son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as He hath said of thee. Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God. Then shalt thou propsper if thou takest heed to fulfill the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: Be strong, and of good courage, dread not, nor be dismayed."
Solomon is lauded as the wisest man who ever lived, (besides the Lord Jesus Christ), and he always gets the credit for asking for wisdom. God is pleased when he asks for wisdom rather than riches and fame. But here we see the seed was planted in Solomon by his father, King David who specifically mentions wisdom and understanding. His prayer for his son was that God would grant him those things, before Solomon asked.
David further gives direction that if Solomon will follow the laws of God as they were delivered to Israel by Moses, that he will prosper. Solomon wasn't just born with everything he needed to reign as one of the greatest kings of Israel. He was schooled in the ways of God and prayed for by his father, David.
David then gives a charge to the princes in verses 17- 19 of this same chapter. I want to focus on verse 19: "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God, arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God to bring the ark of the covenant..."
David, "the man after God's own heart", gives the best advice he has to give--because it was what he lived--even though he had failings--his own heart was "set to seek the Lord God".
A father's responsibility is to live a life of godly example, and to teach his children to do the same. What an impact dad can have on his children.
David was a man of war, but he had a tender and contrite heart before God and he knew how to be a godly father. Of course, he had his failures with Absalom and Amnon. Lessons to us to be steadfast with all of our children, and not to get sidetracked in teaching and praying for each one.
Sorry, can't leave the bad out and just put the good--but remember dads, and moms--to have a heart after God and to instill that within your children--will reap eternal benefits for them even more than for you.
Solomon is lauded as the wisest man who ever lived, (besides the Lord Jesus Christ), and he always gets the credit for asking for wisdom. God is pleased when he asks for wisdom rather than riches and fame. But here we see the seed was planted in Solomon by his father, King David who specifically mentions wisdom and understanding. His prayer for his son was that God would grant him those things, before Solomon asked.
David further gives direction that if Solomon will follow the laws of God as they were delivered to Israel by Moses, that he will prosper. Solomon wasn't just born with everything he needed to reign as one of the greatest kings of Israel. He was schooled in the ways of God and prayed for by his father, David.
David then gives a charge to the princes in verses 17- 19 of this same chapter. I want to focus on verse 19: "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God, arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of the Lord God to bring the ark of the covenant..."
David, "the man after God's own heart", gives the best advice he has to give--because it was what he lived--even though he had failings--his own heart was "set to seek the Lord God".
A father's responsibility is to live a life of godly example, and to teach his children to do the same. What an impact dad can have on his children.
David was a man of war, but he had a tender and contrite heart before God and he knew how to be a godly father. Of course, he had his failures with Absalom and Amnon. Lessons to us to be steadfast with all of our children, and not to get sidetracked in teaching and praying for each one.
Sorry, can't leave the bad out and just put the good--but remember dads, and moms--to have a heart after God and to instill that within your children--will reap eternal benefits for them even more than for you.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Day 25: Geneologies
Day 25: In Chronicles we again see God's focus on families as he traces the geneologies of the children of Israel. Then in the 12th chapter of I Chronicles, He points out something that may seem unimportant. However, here he refers to a physical trait of some of the progeny of Benjamin. They were ambidextrous and mighty men--skilled archers.
The attention to detail in the Word of God speaks of the fact that He takes every part of our lives--talents, abilities, as well as faith and obedience and makes record of it. In the Psalms we're told that even before we are formed in secret, our parts are written down. He has a book for each of each where our special and unique personalities, intelligence, and gifts are noted.
I believe He has a very thorough bookkeeping system of debits and credits--showing what we do with the blessings and gifts we are given. The story of the distributed talents in the New Testament back me up on this.
It is amazing how certain talents are passed through our DNA from one generation to another. This is part of the intricate plan of God for the human race.. These mighty men of Ziklag in the 12th chapter, referenced above, obviously inherited their ability--perhaps from Jonathan, David's friend who was the son of Saul, a Benjamite. Jonathan was an expert marksman. It was how he got messages to David when his father wanted to kill his friend.
Just a physical attributes are passed from one generation to another, living for God, serving Him, having a heart after him--will be passed down.
My grandfather had an amazing musical talent. He, without lessons, could play any instrument. That musical ability is evidenced in so many of the children and grandchildren. It is uncanny how the interest in music and the talent to perform is inherent--even in the fifth generation.
Likewise, we find ministers and missionaries sprouting up in every generation since my grandfather's conversion. Those that embrace this godly heritage have continued to spread the Gospel. Those that have rejected it have unfortunately slipped into alcohol addiction. The good news is--grandmother's prayers have followed them, and the end is not yet, Praise the Lord!
The attention to detail in the Word of God speaks of the fact that He takes every part of our lives--talents, abilities, as well as faith and obedience and makes record of it. In the Psalms we're told that even before we are formed in secret, our parts are written down. He has a book for each of each where our special and unique personalities, intelligence, and gifts are noted.
I believe He has a very thorough bookkeeping system of debits and credits--showing what we do with the blessings and gifts we are given. The story of the distributed talents in the New Testament back me up on this.
It is amazing how certain talents are passed through our DNA from one generation to another. This is part of the intricate plan of God for the human race.. These mighty men of Ziklag in the 12th chapter, referenced above, obviously inherited their ability--perhaps from Jonathan, David's friend who was the son of Saul, a Benjamite. Jonathan was an expert marksman. It was how he got messages to David when his father wanted to kill his friend.
Just a physical attributes are passed from one generation to another, living for God, serving Him, having a heart after him--will be passed down.
My grandfather had an amazing musical talent. He, without lessons, could play any instrument. That musical ability is evidenced in so many of the children and grandchildren. It is uncanny how the interest in music and the talent to perform is inherent--even in the fifth generation.
Likewise, we find ministers and missionaries sprouting up in every generation since my grandfather's conversion. Those that embrace this godly heritage have continued to spread the Gospel. Those that have rejected it have unfortunately slipped into alcohol addiction. The good news is--grandmother's prayers have followed them, and the end is not yet, Praise the Lord!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Day 24: Reiteration of Davidic Covenant
I Kings 9:3-5 "And the Lord said...'I have heard thy prayer...and if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and will keep my statutes and my judgments: then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.'"
The next verses go on to tell what will occur if Solomon does not follow after God, as his father, David did. There are stipulations to the promise every time.
God does not play favorites. Those who have a heart after him, follow him, and keep His commandments--their posterity will be effected and will have the blessings of God if they follow the way they have been taught. It's a generational law that God put into place from the very beginning.
Succeeding kings did evil or right and their plumb line or standard was the king who had a heart after God--David. That is how they were measured.
The next verses go on to tell what will occur if Solomon does not follow after God, as his father, David did. There are stipulations to the promise every time.
God does not play favorites. Those who have a heart after him, follow him, and keep His commandments--their posterity will be effected and will have the blessings of God if they follow the way they have been taught. It's a generational law that God put into place from the very beginning.
Succeeding kings did evil or right and their plumb line or standard was the king who had a heart after God--David. That is how they were measured.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
DAY 23: Great Grandma
DAY 23: Yesterday I blogged about the great King, David. The man after God's own heart. Let's recall that his great grandma was Ruth, the Moabitess--daughter-in-law of Naomi, eventual wife of Boaz.
Most of the time when sermons are given or stories written around the life of Ruth, emphasis is devoted to the fact that she earned a place in the direct line into which Christ was born. That is a wonderful result of her faith and obedience. But, of course, she didn't realize that she was being placed into that line. She was simply a woman of character, devoted to her mother-in-law and with faith in God. That was why she made the decisions she made. Those decisions resulted in a blessed life for her and Naomi.
I want to think a little more about David and his "heart after God". What caused him to yearn after and to seek God, despite his own failings? I believe he was a fourth generation young man with a Godly heritage.
His great grandma's courage and unfailing devotion to leave the culture she had always known, venturing out to the unknown as she followed Naomi back to Bethlehem, (reminiscent of Abraham looking for a city whose maker is God), WOW--that had to impact her child, Obed--and then his child, Jesse--and his child, David. David wrote in the Psalm 145:4 "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."
I believe the young boy, David relished the stories his father told him about his great grandmother's trek to Bethlehem to serve God. Hearing of how she was blessed because of her desire after God--he no doubt cherished his godly heritage. I don't believe it is a stretch to assume his faith was built because of the stories passed down to him. He then was able to grasp hold of the same unfailing faith of his great grandmother.
Lord, let me have faith that will reach beyond the generations--planting a hunger for God in my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren--and to the generations yet to come. Let my heart be after God to the extent that they will yearn after Him as well!
Most of the time when sermons are given or stories written around the life of Ruth, emphasis is devoted to the fact that she earned a place in the direct line into which Christ was born. That is a wonderful result of her faith and obedience. But, of course, she didn't realize that she was being placed into that line. She was simply a woman of character, devoted to her mother-in-law and with faith in God. That was why she made the decisions she made. Those decisions resulted in a blessed life for her and Naomi.
I want to think a little more about David and his "heart after God". What caused him to yearn after and to seek God, despite his own failings? I believe he was a fourth generation young man with a Godly heritage.
His great grandma's courage and unfailing devotion to leave the culture she had always known, venturing out to the unknown as she followed Naomi back to Bethlehem, (reminiscent of Abraham looking for a city whose maker is God), WOW--that had to impact her child, Obed--and then his child, Jesse--and his child, David. David wrote in the Psalm 145:4 "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."
I believe the young boy, David relished the stories his father told him about his great grandmother's trek to Bethlehem to serve God. Hearing of how she was blessed because of her desire after God--he no doubt cherished his godly heritage. I don't believe it is a stretch to assume his faith was built because of the stories passed down to him. He then was able to grasp hold of the same unfailing faith of his great grandmother.
Lord, let me have faith that will reach beyond the generations--planting a hunger for God in my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren--and to the generations yet to come. Let my heart be after God to the extent that they will yearn after Him as well!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Day 22: The Kings
Day 22: When God granted Israel's request for a King, again the throne generally passed on to the son and the Kingdom was kept in the family. This would have been the case for Saul had he not been disobedient and then sought counsel of a witch. The choices he made had a grave effect on his children. The Kingdom was taken from Saul and Samuel anointed David.
David who was called: "A man after God's own heart"--even though he sinned, was repentant and sought forgiveness. Psalm 51 shows his earnest desire to be restored to a right relationship with God. Verses 10 & 11: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not thy Holy Spirit from me."
David acknowledged his sin and recognized that he needed regeneration. He could not bear to be away from the presence of God. He longed for His Holy Spirit and a communion with Him. His "heart after God" was that desire to fellowship with His maker, to live in His favor and have His help. He felt lost and could not exist without a restoration of the relationship he once had with God.
David was then promised that His Kingdom would be forever and he would continually have someone on the throne of Israel. Christ is the final fulfillment of this promise.
As the kings of Israel are recorded in I and II Kings and I and II Chronicles, David is set as the standard of "righteousness". The statement is given over and over again, "they did evil and did not do right as their father, David"; or "they did right, as their father David".
The sins of David, when he repented did not keep God from blessing his reign and the continued reign of his sons and future generations--because David's heart was AFTER God.
Our hunger for God and desire to serve Him produces lasting results. It was the case for David and the righteous kings of Israel. The opposite was true for those who did evil and worshipped idols. We can learn a great deal studying these rulers and how they did or did not serve God.
Our testimony and example will have a lasting result to future generations, just as it did for Saul, David, Ahab, etc. I want my life to leave a legacy of having a "heart after God".
David who was called: "A man after God's own heart"--even though he sinned, was repentant and sought forgiveness. Psalm 51 shows his earnest desire to be restored to a right relationship with God. Verses 10 & 11: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence: and take not thy Holy Spirit from me."
David acknowledged his sin and recognized that he needed regeneration. He could not bear to be away from the presence of God. He longed for His Holy Spirit and a communion with Him. His "heart after God" was that desire to fellowship with His maker, to live in His favor and have His help. He felt lost and could not exist without a restoration of the relationship he once had with God.
David was then promised that His Kingdom would be forever and he would continually have someone on the throne of Israel. Christ is the final fulfillment of this promise.
As the kings of Israel are recorded in I and II Kings and I and II Chronicles, David is set as the standard of "righteousness". The statement is given over and over again, "they did evil and did not do right as their father, David"; or "they did right, as their father David".
The sins of David, when he repented did not keep God from blessing his reign and the continued reign of his sons and future generations--because David's heart was AFTER God.
Our hunger for God and desire to serve Him produces lasting results. It was the case for David and the righteous kings of Israel. The opposite was true for those who did evil and worshipped idols. We can learn a great deal studying these rulers and how they did or did not serve God.
Our testimony and example will have a lasting result to future generations, just as it did for Saul, David, Ahab, etc. I want my life to leave a legacy of having a "heart after God".
Monday, July 9, 2012
Day 21: Collage
DAY 21: Today I'm reviewing some of my thoughts about God's familial pattern throughout Scripture and doing a little backward reflection from Ruth. I may do this for a couple of days--don't want to miss any of the wonderful promises for families and successive generations.
With Naomi, the in-laws were included--just as they were in Noah's day. The question might be asked: "Who is your household?" How big is your faith? Abraham's promises and faith extended to the gentiles. Naomi's extended to Ruth, and Boaz's to his kinsman's widow. Rahab's was to all the relatives she could pack into the house.
If you do not claim them as a right of redemption, who will? Who will pray? Who will claim ALL of the household? "You will be saved, and your house." Acts 16:31
There is a pattern throughout God's Word and God clumps you and your household together. You and your family, you and yours, you and those you consider to be a part of your family. Those you claim as your own. Accepting the promise, believing the promise--is our job. The promises are there, (over and over again), but receiving it as our own is ours.
You see, Esau had a birthright--a right of redemption--he was to be the heir. But he despised that birthright and it went to the one who longed for it--yearned for it so much that he was willing to be deceitful to obtain it.
You don't have to claim this--other things may be more important to you. Seeking fame and fortune and passing them on to your offspring may be your primary goal. But there is a blessing that flows from Heaven itself and it comes to us through the precious and authoritative Word of the Living God.
The right of inheritance....the right of redemption is for us and our children and future generations. When God made a promise he extended it to posterity.
Joshua 14:9 "Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance and thy children's forever because thou hast wholly followed the Lord thy God."
Israel still clings to that promise--and it's just for land. Think of the priceless treasure our Godly heritage is that can belong not only to us, to to our entire household. You decide who that includes, and then stand strong in God's Word!
With Naomi, the in-laws were included--just as they were in Noah's day. The question might be asked: "Who is your household?" How big is your faith? Abraham's promises and faith extended to the gentiles. Naomi's extended to Ruth, and Boaz's to his kinsman's widow. Rahab's was to all the relatives she could pack into the house.
If you do not claim them as a right of redemption, who will? Who will pray? Who will claim ALL of the household? "You will be saved, and your house." Acts 16:31
There is a pattern throughout God's Word and God clumps you and your household together. You and your family, you and yours, you and those you consider to be a part of your family. Those you claim as your own. Accepting the promise, believing the promise--is our job. The promises are there, (over and over again), but receiving it as our own is ours.
You see, Esau had a birthright--a right of redemption--he was to be the heir. But he despised that birthright and it went to the one who longed for it--yearned for it so much that he was willing to be deceitful to obtain it.
You don't have to claim this--other things may be more important to you. Seeking fame and fortune and passing them on to your offspring may be your primary goal. But there is a blessing that flows from Heaven itself and it comes to us through the precious and authoritative Word of the Living God.
The right of inheritance....the right of redemption is for us and our children and future generations. When God made a promise he extended it to posterity.
Joshua 14:9 "Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance and thy children's forever because thou hast wholly followed the Lord thy God."
Israel still clings to that promise--and it's just for land. Think of the priceless treasure our Godly heritage is that can belong not only to us, to to our entire household. You decide who that includes, and then stand strong in God's Word!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Day 20: July 7, my birthday
Day 20: Well, today is my birthday, and so I'll just blog about my life and how bless I have been for these sixty-seven years. WOW, can't believe I'm that old. I have been greatly blessed by a wonderful Godly heritage. I was taught by my parents how to serve God and how important it is to give my life wholly to Him.
I saw their devotion to Christ and it caused me to love Him and desire to please Him. I have not always done so, however. But, God in His mercy had a plan for my life and didn't throw me away when I strayed. He yearned after me and drew me back to fulfill His plan for my life.
He gave me a wonderful husband, Roger Spiegel who is a prince among men. I have grown to love and appreciate him throughout the 44+ years we have been married more than when I became his bride. He is wise, loving, forgiving, and has been a faithful husband and supporter of my ministry. He works side-by-side with me at the school and church and I could do not of the things I do without his love and support.
God has blessed us with three children: Crystal, Elizabeth, and Bradley. It amazes when I see the fine people they have become. They are good mothers and a father to their children. They have chosen and blessed us with two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law that add so much to our lives.
The fourteen grandchildren we have makes growing older acceptable and more. They give us joy and happiness that we never imagine possible. Rachel, our fashionista--what a character--full of talent and love. God has someone very special for her, I know--praying she'll, in wisdom, wait for the right one. I wish the same for all of them.
Jessie May starts college this year. Her beauty and grace are compelling, and again, I'm amazed at the talent God has bestowed on these kids. I love them so much and pray for them every day. Bo, (Bradley), another immense talent and such a good heart.
Then there's Triston and Gabby. Sometimes we call them inchme and pinchme; they are dolls and we are blessed to have them added to our little tribe. We don't get to see Caleb & Bree & Riley much; and hardly ever Kelsie and Brittney--but I love them and pray for them every day.
The three Gris kids, Marissa, Michaela, and Lil' "O". How did we deserve such gorgeous girls, with such tender hearts --and Lil' "O" he is so smart--there's nothing that young man will not be able to do. Look out world--and look out young men that go after my Gris Senoritas--you'll have to get through their Daddy.
Hannah Grace, statuesque and beautiful--we're going to have to build a fort to keep the guys away from our granddaughters. They are all so gorgeous. Hannah, so shy, but multi-talented too & Miles Ezekiel--quite an energetic and forceful young man. He's going to make a mark on the world. Now, Elle Pearl--everyone better watch out for her. She's a step ahead of us all the time. And, she definitely is Meme's girl! But they are all my precious blessings.
Here I am doing what I never dreamed I'd be doing: Pastoring, teaching, writing books, working hard to spoil my grandkids.
Thank you Jesus for working your plan in my life. Thank you for praying parents, praying grandparents. Help me to be all that you want me to be.
My prayer: Psalm 71:18 "Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy poer to every one that is to come."
I saw their devotion to Christ and it caused me to love Him and desire to please Him. I have not always done so, however. But, God in His mercy had a plan for my life and didn't throw me away when I strayed. He yearned after me and drew me back to fulfill His plan for my life.
He gave me a wonderful husband, Roger Spiegel who is a prince among men. I have grown to love and appreciate him throughout the 44+ years we have been married more than when I became his bride. He is wise, loving, forgiving, and has been a faithful husband and supporter of my ministry. He works side-by-side with me at the school and church and I could do not of the things I do without his love and support.
God has blessed us with three children: Crystal, Elizabeth, and Bradley. It amazes when I see the fine people they have become. They are good mothers and a father to their children. They have chosen and blessed us with two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law that add so much to our lives.
The fourteen grandchildren we have makes growing older acceptable and more. They give us joy and happiness that we never imagine possible. Rachel, our fashionista--what a character--full of talent and love. God has someone very special for her, I know--praying she'll, in wisdom, wait for the right one. I wish the same for all of them.
Jessie May starts college this year. Her beauty and grace are compelling, and again, I'm amazed at the talent God has bestowed on these kids. I love them so much and pray for them every day. Bo, (Bradley), another immense talent and such a good heart.
Then there's Triston and Gabby. Sometimes we call them inchme and pinchme; they are dolls and we are blessed to have them added to our little tribe. We don't get to see Caleb & Bree & Riley much; and hardly ever Kelsie and Brittney--but I love them and pray for them every day.
The three Gris kids, Marissa, Michaela, and Lil' "O". How did we deserve such gorgeous girls, with such tender hearts --and Lil' "O" he is so smart--there's nothing that young man will not be able to do. Look out world--and look out young men that go after my Gris Senoritas--you'll have to get through their Daddy.
Hannah Grace, statuesque and beautiful--we're going to have to build a fort to keep the guys away from our granddaughters. They are all so gorgeous. Hannah, so shy, but multi-talented too & Miles Ezekiel--quite an energetic and forceful young man. He's going to make a mark on the world. Now, Elle Pearl--everyone better watch out for her. She's a step ahead of us all the time. And, she definitely is Meme's girl! But they are all my precious blessings.
Here I am doing what I never dreamed I'd be doing: Pastoring, teaching, writing books, working hard to spoil my grandkids.
Thank you Jesus for working your plan in my life. Thank you for praying parents, praying grandparents. Help me to be all that you want me to be.
My prayer: Psalm 71:18 "Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy poer to every one that is to come."
Friday, July 6, 2012
DAY 19: RUTH THE MOABITESS
The story of Ruth, written about, preached on, portrayed in many venues--still blesses me each time I read the account in Scripture. One of the reasons I love this story is because it again reveals the heart of God toward ALL people of ALL races.
His covenant and promises to Abraham were with the purpose to bless ALL nations of the world, to give deliverance and salvation to all people. He is not willing that any should perish. ALL have the privilege and opportunity to serve Him and become part of His family.
Israel was simply the conduit, the avenue God used to reconcile us to himself. When Ruth spoke the words: "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." She was choosing to become a part of God's covenant with Abraham.
Through acceptance of Christ's provision on the cross, we choose to become a part of that same covenant--with yet the glorious added provision of the blood of Jesus cleansing us from sin and restoring us to communion with God the Father.
To me, that is the beauty of this story--the heart of God to include Ruth, or anyone who chooses to have believe on and have faith in Him. It doesn't matter if they are a submissive daughter-in-law like Ruth, or a harlot like Rahab--they become part of the family of God when they surrender to Him!
Then, there is the beauty of the devotion of Ruth to Naomi and her obedience to her as the story unfolds. She rises from the poverty of Naomi's house to become the wife of the wealthy Boaz. More importantly, she--as the great grandmother of King David-- becomes part of the line into which Jesus is born.
Again, with the record of the generations from Ruth and Boaz--we clearly see God's familial theme as the line is traced to the birth of Christ. Ruth's choice had generational consequences for good. Our choices will determine how our children, grandchildren, and succeeding generations will respond to serving or rejecting God's mercy and grace.
What a story! What a stellar character of choosing right, was Ruth! What a God we serve who extends His mercy and grace to any and all who accept it.
His covenant and promises to Abraham were with the purpose to bless ALL nations of the world, to give deliverance and salvation to all people. He is not willing that any should perish. ALL have the privilege and opportunity to serve Him and become part of His family.
Israel was simply the conduit, the avenue God used to reconcile us to himself. When Ruth spoke the words: "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." She was choosing to become a part of God's covenant with Abraham.
Through acceptance of Christ's provision on the cross, we choose to become a part of that same covenant--with yet the glorious added provision of the blood of Jesus cleansing us from sin and restoring us to communion with God the Father.
To me, that is the beauty of this story--the heart of God to include Ruth, or anyone who chooses to have believe on and have faith in Him. It doesn't matter if they are a submissive daughter-in-law like Ruth, or a harlot like Rahab--they become part of the family of God when they surrender to Him!
Then, there is the beauty of the devotion of Ruth to Naomi and her obedience to her as the story unfolds. She rises from the poverty of Naomi's house to become the wife of the wealthy Boaz. More importantly, she--as the great grandmother of King David-- becomes part of the line into which Jesus is born.
Again, with the record of the generations from Ruth and Boaz--we clearly see God's familial theme as the line is traced to the birth of Christ. Ruth's choice had generational consequences for good. Our choices will determine how our children, grandchildren, and succeeding generations will respond to serving or rejecting God's mercy and grace.
What a story! What a stellar character of choosing right, was Ruth! What a God we serve who extends His mercy and grace to any and all who accept it.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
day 18: The Judges
The period of the Judges is a time when God continued to bring deliverance to Israel when they repented of their evil and called up His name. Were he not a God of mercy and grace, Israel would have had no hope. He is also a God that keeps his Word and he had promised Abraham that his posterity would not only be preserved, but they would become a great people that would bless the nations of the earth.
At the end of the time of the judges, there was no ruler: Judges 21:25 "In those days there was no king in Israel. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Sounds sort of like things are today. So thankful though that God continued to have a remnant then and now as well.
Can't wait to write about Ruth tomorrow. What a wonderful story!
At the end of the time of the judges, there was no ruler: Judges 21:25 "In those days there was no king in Israel. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Sounds sort of like things are today. So thankful though that God continued to have a remnant then and now as well.
Can't wait to write about Ruth tomorrow. What a wonderful story!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
DAY 17: This is a day full of history. The signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776--an historic event!
Our families in America have been blessed because of the brave men who risked everything to see the United States come into being as a free nation. The sacrifices since that day--to keep us free to worship and pursue happiness--has been great. Wars have been fought and thousands of lives have been given for that cause. We should be thankful and recognize the cost of our freedom.
This nation was founded on Judeo/Christian ideas and principles. In the name of freedom, we have veered far from those. America has "come a long way baby". Yet, in our journey we have lost a great deal. Rather than revering God, He is mocked. Rather than embracing life and the pursuit of happiness, it is devalued. Rather than honoring the sanctity of marriage, it is shrugged off as unimportant. Rather than being thankful, we are greedy.
We are free to spit at, curse at, and degrade the cross of Christ; but are not free to have an outcry against immorality and ungodliness. We have turned a corner that would alarm our founding fathers--even those who did not profess a belief in our creator.
But, there is hope for America! It is a nation ordained by God to spread the Gospel around the world. It has sent missionaries to the far reaching corners of the globe. We serve a merciful God who longs to embrace this nation and cause it to prosper. There is a remedy:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14
GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I LOVE, STAND BESIDE HER AND GUIDE THROUGH THE NIGHT WITH THE LIGHT FROM ABOVE. FROM THE MOUNTAINS, TO THE PRAIRIES, TO THE OCEAN, WHITE WITH FOAM; GOD BLESS AMERICA, MY HOME, SWEET HOME!
Our families in America have been blessed because of the brave men who risked everything to see the United States come into being as a free nation. The sacrifices since that day--to keep us free to worship and pursue happiness--has been great. Wars have been fought and thousands of lives have been given for that cause. We should be thankful and recognize the cost of our freedom.
This nation was founded on Judeo/Christian ideas and principles. In the name of freedom, we have veered far from those. America has "come a long way baby". Yet, in our journey we have lost a great deal. Rather than revering God, He is mocked. Rather than embracing life and the pursuit of happiness, it is devalued. Rather than honoring the sanctity of marriage, it is shrugged off as unimportant. Rather than being thankful, we are greedy.
We are free to spit at, curse at, and degrade the cross of Christ; but are not free to have an outcry against immorality and ungodliness. We have turned a corner that would alarm our founding fathers--even those who did not profess a belief in our creator.
But, there is hope for America! It is a nation ordained by God to spread the Gospel around the world. It has sent missionaries to the far reaching corners of the globe. We serve a merciful God who longs to embrace this nation and cause it to prosper. There is a remedy:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14
GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I LOVE, STAND BESIDE HER AND GUIDE THROUGH THE NIGHT WITH THE LIGHT FROM ABOVE. FROM THE MOUNTAINS, TO THE PRAIRIES, TO THE OCEAN, WHITE WITH FOAM; GOD BLESS AMERICA, MY HOME, SWEET HOME!
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