"The people of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh lived in their land until they were take into exile."
1 Chronicles 5:22
1 Chronicles 5:22
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Living by sight, desiring what is pleasing to the eye, but not necessarily right for us, leads to destruction, possibly exile. My poor decisions, even if made long ago, will come back to me and I will or my descendants will suffer the consequences.
Something New:
Wendy, don't copy the behavior and customs of this world. Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Something to Do:
Help me Lord to live by faith and trust in you not by the sight and feelings of me. I can't do it alone. I need you.
20 Comments:
Wendy, I love your descriptions of how we renew our mind. I needed that reminder.
I'm really hoping that someone has some grand explanation for all the names again. I looked at each one, but the only thing that stuck out to me was just how big each group had gotten from where they started - and how far off track each individual person had gone. It made me think of Lori's post yesterday about us being the 'watchman' for our families, and how each inch that those Israelites took made them be just miles from God. I hope that my family tree doesn't look like that.
I've been reading along with all of you but have much less computer time than I used to, and by the time I get there, I'm too tired to stay on for long. Lori, my new little guy is fabulous to keep - very happy and flexible. Andi calls him "Smiley Boy" and Luke loves helping with him, but we're working to teach him to sleep on his own, and he doesn't like that. (His mom doesn't like how tired he is when he won't do it, either.) I think he's teething, too. Could you please pray for this little guy, who's really doing well, to finish this last transition to his new school schedule so his mommy won't worry? His parents also are adamantly not Christians, although they like our values, and I'm praying for a change in their attitudes and no conflicts because of our current differences.
His Canadian grandparents are in town this weekend, so I don't have him today or tomorrow. I'm looking forward to some concentrated Luke time! I want to get more Bible verses on cards, too. Does anybody have some specific verses about sleep? I remember talk about that earlier this year ...
Sorry to babble ... have a great Thursday!
Good morning, GIGs,
Wendy, I loved the prayer today. It's my first day back at school and I need to keep reminding myself that I have a new mind and a new life, and to not let any anxiousness creep back into my mind. "The scene of the crime" syndrome, I guess. I may even have to hop on over to Ephesians and grab me some full body armor [smile]. Wishing everyone a blessed, 4:8 day!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Good Morning, Good Morning, All!
Wendy, What a lesson – I really thought about that word, “saw” as you opened it up for us this morning. Thinking about Reuben, and how he sinned and the effects of what that brought on!
Just imagine girls - gathering around your brothers and hearing about your future!
“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength
The child of my vigorous youth.
You are first in rank and first in power. (Reuben was probably feeling pretty haughty at this point)…
“But you are as unruly as a flood,
And you will be first no longer.
For you went to bed with my wife;
You defiled my marriage couch” (Gen. 49: 3-4).
Reuben proceeded to select lands that were “ideally suited” for his flocks (Num. 32:1).
Rather than cross the Jordon – and take the land that God had hand-picked for them, the Reubenites chose to stay on the East side – outside of the Promised Land. AND…the part that hit me, FAR AWAY FROM THEIR FELLOW BELIEVERS! The Tabernacle, was the place where God picked for their people to worship Him (Numbers 32). They did not choose to live close to the Body of Christ, but opted to live in a land that would satisfy their material needs. Self. Eyes of the world. Like Wendy said, our eyes get us in trouble!
If we only with stay in God’s Word, and remain near Believers, we then, are more likely to stay on His path that He has willed for our lives.
Sweet, Bible Study friends, - let’s delight in His precious Word today! Lori
PS Amy, as I read about your new little one, smiley boy, it is not coincidence that he has been place under your watchful eyes! You are going to have a dramatic influence on this unsaved family! Anticipate – miracles that are going to take place! Expect them, sweetie. God is working; I can see it across the miles!!! I will be back with some sleeping verses, my mom has struggled with this in her past, and God delivered her thru His mighty power –His Words, scriptures.
Michelle, you hang tough, for you are not alone! God is walking in before you, and He has your back covered, too! (Isaiah 52:12). You, too have a circle of influence, all around you! Anticipate the miracles! Remember our purpose: to further His Kingdom. Those around you, can not help, but be encouraged and drawn to you!
Amy,
sleeping verses:
Psalms 3: 4,5
Proverbs 3:24
Psalms 4:8
Hugs, Lori
Thank you Wendy the last two minutes are very true for the devotional. Without the Holly Spirit we cannot do it. Lori thank you for the sleeping verses.
Good morning figs. Happy day 245. (Smile I'm on top of it, haha).
Lizzy the job I posted about yesterday I quit last November because things got too stressful for me and I couldn't take it anymore. I told a few people that either I was going to quit or end up hurting myself because of all the frustration. My boss became too disrespectful and in my opinion she wasn't always professional in the way she did things. It was a small private business and she was the owner. I won't go into a whole lot of details but she would tell me I had no reason to feel burnt out because I didn't do anything if I said I was tired or felt burnt out. For a little over a year I was the only employee except for my boss and on occasion her son. I worked 47 hours a week six days a week. I was the supervisor for all the employees and her way of firing someone was to have me tell them we didn't have a schedule for them until they'd finally quit. It was a Christian business but sometimes I wondered about her and I didn't like some of the things she made me tell people especially if I felt like I was lying about something or when a customer got angry at me for something I had no control over.
Lizzy I have gotten help for the things that have happened to me in my past. My spiritual mom has been a big help to me and she has two close friends who have backgrounds in Christian counseling. I got to know them June 2009 and they have also helped me. One of them is a Christian counselor.
I'm off to go do today's reading and then I will be leaving to go to my dad's house. This weekend we are going to my cousin's weeding. This summer has been a busy one but fun. Have a 4:8 day and enjoy your weekend. I'll be back Monday.
Thank you Wendy, for all you do for us. What a blessing everyone is to me. You keep me reading.
Did everyone make it through all the descendants?
The Chronicles were written from a priestly view, while the books of Samuel and Kings were written from a prophetic view.
Three sons of Israel, Jacob, are let out here: Judah, through whom David and Jesus are descendants; Zebulon; Dan, began idol worship, with Jeroboam setting up the golden calf worship. Dan is omitted in Rev.7, also.
Hang in there with reading everyone. Sept. 8 tells orders from God to King Cyrus to build the temple in Jerusalem again.On
Sept. 24 we start reading the New Testament.
What a wonderful rain, with more to come. Don't you enjoy the smell of clean air?
Have a great day.
Linda from Ark.
Good morning everyone,
I have fallen behind a bit, but will try to catch up today. I had my surgery on Monday and it went well. In three weeks I will have to start chemo. Thank you so much to those of you that sent prayers my way.
I am finding that being in God’s word everyday is giving me strength and comfort. I will do everything I need to do to get better and will leave the healing to God.
Linda
Great lesson. Our Bikers For Christ Ministry Riders talked about this last night. If we don't change then we're no good to us or anyone else! AMEN!
Wendy, thank you so much for your teaching today. I have to admit that after reading, I thought, "What will she talk about today?" You blew me away sister! Thank you!
Wendy,
I'm with Cindy in PA - also wondering what you would talk about today. I love what you pulled out of the names. It's so true and so relevant still today. Our eyes get us in trouble. It reminded me of a sermon Pastor Charles Stanley preached based on 1 John 2:16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. He said the devil used these to tempt Eve and he uses it with us today as well.
Lori,
Great insight today. Reuben's decision to settle for less based on what he saw compromised his future. Sobering thought for us, isn't it? Our choices now affect our children and their children.
Amy and Michelle,
Echoing Lori's prayers for you as you transition to your new schedules.
Linda/Must Haves,
So glad to hear from you. We will keep you in prayer, dear sister.
Linda fr Ark,
I'm looking forward to the NT, too. And I love the smell after it rains.
Jennifer Renee,
You have been to a lot of places this summer. God sure blessed you with a loving family. Have fun at the wedding.
Wendy, I was also wondering what your teaching for today would be. It was Holy Spirit inspired! Thank you for bringing this Truth to us today.
Father God, may my eyes be on You and Your desires for me. Keep my focus on the things above.
Prayers for Linda.
Amy, you are such a blessing. Praying for you each day.
Michelle NE, Shine brightly as you enter this school year. His love will be spread around you as you minister to those in your care.
Jacque, have a fun weekend. Praying for Michael.
Blessings to each of you as we journey together in His Word.
Teeny
A big Hello to all:
My husband is doing well so far. On his third week with the carac cream on his face, it is red and burns, but not as bad as we thought it would be. He is done on Sept. 14th.
All his heart tests are inclusive. His gall bladder is OK if he sticks to low fat. He is in the midst of the usual run-around with the physicians. He did the treadmill test on Monday afternoon. In 2008 he had this test and they told him immediately he did fine. This time (a different cardiologist) told him to come back in 8 days (9/7) to get the results. They won't pursue the gb without the results from this. It is just a domino effect and days turn into weeks...He had his orientation on Thursday for his new job, which will probably begin in mid-sept. We do appreciate your prayers. So far, so good, but still some hurdles to jump over. I am sure y'all know how it goes. Feels like socialized medicine already. It is such a journey.
On today's reading, much of my thoughts were similar to yours. I loved Wendy's teaching today.
AND, I do understand the homework dilemma. My girls went to school through the 4th and 6th grade. Then we began our homeschool journey in 1995. I remember many hours of tears and frustration over homework. We moms do not have the infamous "answer key" so
we have limitations on what we can do. Most stuff is not fresh in our minds, the information we don't use all the time. Homeschooling doesn't work for everybody, but I sure do understand what you are going through :)
Also, I loved the parallel between Eve and the apple and the Reubenites - what looks good to the eye. Very good.
Hope none of you are in the latest hurricane path - I check the weather on the computer daily, as we have no cable. So the internet is my connection with the world.
Blessings to all
Rhonda in New York State
Hi Everyone,
Wendy….Thanks. Sending you a (hug) today for the day you had. Thanks for the prayers much needed for me/us…has and had been many of those days. Any how…Your message: How do you renew your mind?
Reviewing the blog much later today…and hearing those words (How do you renew your mind?).
…Like I said it has just been many of those days. Last night Brady had football game…. over a hr. and a half drive away. Game was delayed cause of rain (which was well needed). Anyway so by the time we arrived back home was 11 at night. On the way home he tells me we have practice from 7 to 9.…Up and adam early to get him to practice (Dillon had soccer practice from 9 to 11:30). If only they could of landed at the same time…Dillon my sub driver could of done it. Our attitudes……My renewing of my mind time. (I was frustrated a tad ). Time…Instead of running the roads which running up back and forth 4 times I took my bible with Me…went to a peaceful park along Lake Huron and sat with just Me and my Lord. When done with the reading …Lori and Michelle we walked/ran together on the 5K trail ….Took my shoes off when I was done running…and walked in the water. Refreshing me and my soul. Those two hrs. where I grumbled a bit turned into some well renewing of my mind.
My bible verse:
1 Chronicles 5:18-26
They waged war against the Hagrites, the Jeturites, the Naphishites, and the Nodabites. They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer (why Rhonda)….BECAUSE THEY TRUSTED IN HIM.
….Long story short…..Just feel like I’ve been waging some wars (situations) of my own….and what do I need to do? TRUST IN HIM.
I love genealogy…Also noticed how many descendants had the name Uzzi. Looked up the meaning behind this name Uzzi - is a biblical name meaning “the Lord is my strength”…Why today did he have me notice this name?
…..The meaning to this name topped off the renewing of my soul/mind today…. “the Lord is my strength”
*Aaron’s descendants: Bukki- Uzzi.
*Issachar descendants: Tola - Uzzi
*Benjamin descendants : Bela-Uzzi
Linda...((Hug)) We all have you wrapped in our prayers. I love your posative attitude here...(I will do everything I need to do here to get better and will leave the healing to God). You are an inspiration!! Keep strong.
Cindy PA...Nice seeing you again.
Rhonda NY thanks for the update on your husband. Keep him in our prayer for his heart condition and gallbladder and for his new job orientation.
Ladies the homework issues I have understanding behind you so much...This is a tough one. I did all what you did for sometime (til 3rd grade)...not realizing I was harming the child more than helping them. Making mistake and getting things wrong...it really is how one learns.
Wendy once again great teaching like a lot of others I wondered too what you would talk about. I will be lookig at the word "saw" differently now.
great renewing,
Rhonda
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi just me again...When in those frustrating yrs. of homework while listening to my Christian radio...This pondering thought came on right when I needed to hear it: "Do not handicap your children.... by making their life easy."
Still comes back to me quite often.
Rhonda
Your last words on the closer you get to God, through HIS word your desires change then he gives you the desires of your heart. Lovely.
Last year Wendy you wrote a prayer for us and I wrote it down and placed it in my bible. Wanted to share it:
Thank You Lord Jesus for your Faithfulness in our journey so far. Thank You for helping us to be faithful in our commitment even if we haven't felt like it, missed days, or stopped and started back. We ask you to stay close to us during the reminder of the journey and look forward to learning more from you. Sep 2,09
Thank You Lord ever so much for your unending Faithfulness to us all.
Love, Debra
Good afternoon, GIGs,
I missed you all today, and couldn’t wait to get home and jump on to read your posts and recharge with some "God talk" [smile]
Lori and G&P, thank you for your encouragement as I get back into my school year.
Linda, so wonderful to hear from you and know that the surgery is behind you. Continued prayers for your healing and getting through the chemotherapy.
Rhonda, (our runner)I loved your story of how you turned a minus into a plus and used your time for His glory and the renewing of your mind.
The other Rhonda, praying for your husband’s health and as he gears up to begin his new job. He’s lucky to have you at his side, sister!
Jen Ren, as I read your post today, I was thinking to myself how you really were in an awful situation with that boss. It hasn’t been all that long since you ended that sad chapter of your life, and it sounds like you are still suffering some after effects. Maybe because the time of year is approaching when things got so bad that you left. I will pray that you make progress every day to be able to put all that behind you and move forward with a renewed heart to find what God has planned for you.
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - (Philippians 3:13-14)
Have a blessed evening, all.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hey, GIGs! Wendy, bless your heart! I know that feeling! And I was trying to test myself and see if I could remember those names--only a few popped out at me!
My nugget was 1 Chron. 5:20: "They cried out to God during the batttle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him."
I need to trust Him at all times so that when I cry out to Him, He hears my cry and listens.
Hugs!
Susan
Wendy, your message today was great! August 24th, 2008 I became a christian and my life has changed so much. Your comment about how the Holy Spirit changes our wants is so true. Just like you mentioned... the radio station that I listen to, the TV that I don't really even watch anymore, my thoughts, wants and I could go on. I haven't missed a day of your vlog this year. You have taught me so much and are a blessing! God Bless!
Wendy
Missouri
Post a Comment
Home