Julie
They are still going through struggles, but God does reiterate his promise to save them. Although it will happen in his time and not theirs.
The Lord is the King of Glory.
Michelle
That seems the gist of this reading. It reads like a repeat of what we have already read, they just keep saying it over and over.
That is the theme of this psalm, the Lord is the King of Glory.
Julie
My mind is in 20 places today. I read through this twice so we will see if I got the gist. God is telling the descendants of Jacob and the people of Israel that he will be saving them. He is forming a new covenant with them and promising to change their mourning to joy.
Psalm 23 is always a good reminder that we should not fear no matter what we are going through. God is always with us and will provide in times of need and will protect when evil is upon us.
Michelle
This seemed a long reading, however, I have a massive headache today so that is probably why it feels that way. I believe you are correct, that God is establishing a new covenant with the people. There is a devotional with chapter 31 that I found quite eye opening. It is focused on the verses 33-34 and speaks of how we tend to struggle "fitting" God into our lives or finding the "desire" to spend time with God after a long day. But it reminds us that God wants to be with us and to know him. HE wants us to live a life full of freedom and abundance. In the verses it says he will put his law on our minds and write it on our hearts. We will no longer say "Know the Lord" because we will already know God. This devotional reminds us that in the midst of our working, pushing or hurrying, that God is isn't waiting for an opening in our schedule, but he has already come to us. All we need to do is acknowledge his presence and recognize that he is already in our hearts.
This is a popular Psalm and has been made into songs even. It is a reminder that we should not fear as God is with us always.
Michelle
Jeremiah 29:11 is a popular verse. It reads, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". This one is used often. This reading is a letter to the exiled people. In it God says for them to build houses and settle down in the towns they are in, plant gardens and eat from them, give their sons and daughters in marriage and increase in number. Seek peace and prosperity for the towns and cities in which they live and pray to the Lord for these things. Do not let prophets and diviners persuade them with their lies as God did not send them. He tells them to find joy in their current circumstances. The devotional with this chapter talks about how God owns time and things happen in his time and not ours. But that God promises when we search for him with every ounce of energy, we will find him and in his time he will bring us back from the dark and hostile places.
I got lost reading this psalm today. My mind kept going to other things. But it sounds like he is surrounded by enemies as he keeps likening them to ferocious animals. He is asking God to deliver him from all the terrible things being done to him. I think at times we have all felt this way and this is a reminder that we just need to seek God in every situation, continually if needed, in order to get through it.
Julie
I can't really find anything more to say than what you have said. I was focusing on the same verse.
I agree. I think that we do sometimes feel like we are asking and receiving no answers, but we must power on and continue to be faithful.
Michelle
In this reading it sounds like God is telling the people if they do not serve the king of Babylon, then he will destroy them with plague, sword, and famine. It sounds like the prophets are still prophesying lies to all the people. God also says he will bring back all the things back to his house. I am a little confused about the yoke though. It says Hananiah broke the yoke from Jeremiah and then is told because of that he will be given an iron yoke. But I am not understanding this.
The psalm seems to be talking about how the king exalts in the Lord and due to that God has given him the desires of his heart. It made me think that if our leaders throughout time focused more on God than on themselves and earthly things, that the people would follow and have a good example to follow. But when people come into power they are overcome with greed instead.
Julie
If I am understanding this correctly the breaking of the yoke was just Hananiah prophesying contradictions to Jeremiah's prophecies. So God puts Hananiah to death.
The Lord will handle all of our enemies.
Julie
Jeremiah tells the people what God has said and they accuse him of false prophesy because he has telling them that the Lord will destroy them for what they have been doing. Because they believe that he is prophesying against them they want to put him to death. He tells them that they are free to do what they want, but that God sent him to them with this prophesy and if they kill him they will be spilling innocent blood.
Trust in the name of the Lord and he will answer you in the day of trouble.
Michelle
Jeremiah is being threatened by the people and then some of the Elders came to his defense. Jeremiah tells them to do as they see fit and God will determine what happens to them.
This psalm sounds like he is giving blessings on someone or a group of people. He is asking that the Lord bless them with their needs and desires of their heart.
Julie
The Lord is explaining exactly what he is going to put them through for the sins they have committed.
The Law of the Lord is perfect. If we follow the law we will be blessed.
Michelle
That is what I got out of it too. I did find that I was basically skimming this reading as it was the same types of things that have been done before. The people disobey and the Lord punishes them and it just goes into what is going to happen to them.
There were alot of metaphors in this reading stating how great the Lord and the Law of the Lord are.
Julie
My concentration is a little off today. I think the gist is that God is telling Jeremiah that he will save the exiles from Judah and they will have a heart and desire for God. He will destroy those who remain in the land that are remnants of Jerusalem because while they speak as if they are talking to God they are misleading and speaking untruths.
The Lord will be our salvation and if we ask for his protection he will give it to us. He is our rock, our savior, our fortress our deliverer. If we faithfully follow him he will lead us in the right direction.
Michelle
I think you are right. That's basically what I got as well. Those that are prophesying are actually lying and just saying they had dreams or talked to God, when they really didn't. But those that made the choice to go to Babylon from the last readings, will be made great and brought back to the land.
The second verse of this psalm is well known: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God is my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I think this is what stood out the most. I got distracted the further I read.
Julie
The Lord tells the House of Judah that if they don't do justice and righteousness, deliver the oppressed from the hands of the oppressor then the house will become a desolation. A lot of this seems like a reminder that they need to be doing things a certain way if they want to continue the line of David.
A prayer asking God to protect from evil and wrongdoing.
Michelle
It sounds like God is giving the people a choice. It say he is showing them the way of life or the way of death and they can choose. It then goes on to talk about judgement against the kings and who will continue.
The psalm does sound like he is asking God to protect him from evil. It also asks for God to search his heart and see him.
Michelle
This chapter starts with Jeremiah being beaten and arrested by Pashhur for prophesying. But when he is released, he tells Pashhur what God is planning for him. It then goes into Jeremiah's complaint, to God I think. He says how God deceived him and how those all around him are waiting for him to slip up so that they can take revenge on him. He seems to be struggling with sharing God's word and keeping it to himself so as to live in peace with those around him. But at one point he says, "his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot". He then goes on to say how God is with him like a mighty warrior, but then later on curses the day he is born. Jeremiah really seems to be struggling in this chapter. His heart burns for God, but he is struggling to live in the place he has been put in. That is relatable in some ways. Especially when you are around those that don't share the same beliefs as you or have the same views on things in the world or life in general. It seems God is leading him in one direction, which is not necessarily a fun one, and he is fighting against it and just trying to live in peace, keeping his beliefs to himself.
The psalm seems to be a praise to God. David goes on about how he delights in the Lord, how he keeps his eyes on God, and how his heart rejoices. He says his body rests secure. I like how he says God makes known to him the path of life. That feels encouraging to me for some reason.
Julie
I think your point is just and that yes, we do tend to take it hard when we are persecuted by others for sharing the Word of God. The confusing thing here for me is that he starts his statement complaining about God deceiving him, but then later talks about how God is there to protect him.
Reminder that the Lord is there for us always.
Michelle
In this reading we are told about the potter. It also goes on with more of what and why God will do what he is saying he will do. What stands out is the potter's story. The devotional also focuses on this part in Jeremiah 18:4, "But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him". This is read as an analogy of what God does with us. "It is often painful to be the clay. At times we are pressed, pushed, molded and remolded. Our Potter may crush us from time to time when he encounters residual clumps that need smoothing over." This is an interesting analogy in that we already know he is molding us into the people he sees us to be, however, it also talks about how we have to be crushed from time to time to get us there. With clay this is very accurate, with people, I don't think we think or want to be taught this way, but considering how often we stray, I understand why God feels the need to work us this way.
The psalm is telling us who will be welcome in God's tent, or the behaviors and heart that will be needed to enter. And if we are these things, we will never be shaken.
Julie
Thank you for sharing that. It really helps to understand when he says, "I am the potter and you are the clay," and the difficulty that he faces in shaping us as well as us being shaped.
I can't really add more than that.
Julie
God continues to explain how he is going to punish these people with famine, sword and death. From the perspective that I saw he plans to completely wipe them out. He then explains how he will restore Israel and Jeremiah prays for his own deliverance. The Lord then reminds him that they need to keep the sabbath.
He seems to be questioning why fools that say there is no God continue to do so once they see what happens to others.
Michelle
I think you nailed that one. There is a section that stands out when God tells Jeremiah not to have children or a wife as he will wipe them out as well. It seems as if he is going to keep Jeremiah and get rid of literally everyone else. Not sure if I am reading this correctly. It also sounds like God will send hunters to find all his people, no matter their location, to bring them back or destroy them as well. The devotional focuses on verse 9-10, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
This psalm seems to coincide with the reading. I know it's not the same time but it reads as though it is. David is saying that all have turned away from God and become corrupt and that God looks down to see if there are any who seek him.
Julie
God is still telling Jeremiah that he will not be saving these people and that there is nothing he can do to change that. In previous chapters we have seen where someone was able to ask repentance for all and God would listen and give them grace, but this time he is saying that will not happen. Jeremiah also tells God that there are prophets telling everyone the exact opposite and that they will be saved from everything happening. God calls the prophets liars and says they are not prophesying in His name.
David is asking God how long it will be before he answers his prayers. I think that we all tend to do this because we get nervous about things we cannot see. David also says that even through the wait he is still trusting in God.
Michelle
I was thinking the same. That in the past God has allowed them to go through difficulty and then saved them from themselves, but this time he says he will not do that. It's like he is tired of the BS. It's interesting this comes at this time because we were just having a conversation about one of our kids that keeps making terrible decisions and lies to us all the time. I can understand how God could be tired of all the nonsense and is done bailing out his people. Especially when he has done it over and over and maybe that is why the prophets are telling people that, because it's been the story in the past. I am not sure where this is going, but again, God is there, even when we are making poor decisions, whether he pulls us out or not. There must be a purpose for it but we never understand it in the moment. And I don't see where God is going with this.
I think you are right. We all do this from time to time. Feeling like God has abandoned us. Feeling like he is not listening. And yes we do get nervous about the things we cannot see. Putting our trust in God is such a hard thing to do when we are going through trials. When we just want it all to work out and quickly. We just need to remain focused on God and continue in prayer.
Michelle
God continues to tell Jeremiah what will happen to the people. The last section is titled "Threat of Captivity" and goes into more detailed explanation. Again, it seems to just be repeating itself.
David is talking about how no one is faithful anymore and how everyone lies. He asks God to silence those lying and says God will protect them from the wicked who are honored by the human race.
Julie
Agreed. Not so sure there is much more to say than that.
Not sure I can add much more than that either.
Julie
Jeremiah asks the Lord why the people are behaving poorly and God responds with ways they have been evil and that regardless of what Jeremiah does he will be plucking all the evil from the world. He also says that at this point no one can ask for forgiveness as he will not listen and that if they want saving they can ask their idols who will not come to their rescue.
Take refuge in the Lord and he will destroy the evil in the world.
Michelle
I have the same thoughts as you. Also, it sounds like Jeremiah asks God why he is letting the people continue in their bad behaviors and why he hasn't done anything about it already. I don't feel like God really answered that question, but that could just be me overlooking the answer. It does sound like God give chance after chance after chance to his chosen people. He destroys and scatters them and then calls them back hoping this time will be the time they maintain focus on him. Like we have said before this is a revolving theme. Even the devotional talks about why the wicked prosper and that we continually are asking why God allows this to continue. They don't really give a good answer or one that satisfies me and maybe that is the point. We are wanting and expecting a specific answer to those types of questions and the answer is beyond our understanding.
The psalm seems to be saying that only the righteous will ever see the face of God. And the wicked will be dealt with accordingly. I don't think we normally see this in our daily lives but maybe this is meant at the end of their lives.
Michelle
This reading is more of the same. It is God telling what he will do to those that are not following his commands and that have turned from him. At the end Jeremiah prays for discipline, but asks for it not to be out of anger.
This psalm seems to be asking God to hold the wicked to account for all they have done to their victims. At the beginning he is asking why God has been distant and hidden in times of trouble.
Julie
This book seems redundant. Maybe I am not reading it right, but it does seem to be repeating the same things just in different ways.
One of the things that comes to mind when reading this is that it's as if the psalm is conveying the thoughts people have when they are talking to God and they don't feel that he is answering them in their time. So, they question whether or not he is listening. As you said, that they are asking to be saved from the wicked.
Michelle
This reading continues to share how God is angry with the people and gives reasons why. It also goes into what he has said he is going to do to them and why. There is a part titled "Valley of Slaughter". Sounds extremely ominous. But in reading this passage and thinking about all we have read about the past, this has a tone of God being fed up with the people as they continue to disobey him. It speaks of how they have defiled his temple and worshipped other gods in it. It talks of who and what they worship along with supposedly worshipping God. Alot of what is said reminds me of things we know today. There is a part that speaks of worshipping the stars, which made me think of the astrological charts and newspaper columns of today. I never really thought about that but it does make some sense that it is something that is "worshipped". It just never occurred to me before that it is a form of worship.
This psalm talks about worshipping the Lord and goes on about how his enemies are treating him and how the Lord responds. Verses 8-10 stand out to me today. "He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." This seems a reminder that if you trust in God, he will always be there, that he is where we should turn when in need.
Julie
I know that we have mentioned this before, but this seems to be a common theme throughout what we have read, where people remember God for a short time and then they return to their old ways. I think that we are living in a time like this right now where people have forgotten and there are so many things that they are worshipping instead of turning to God. Maybe we are in a moment like this where God is planning to purge again those that are sinning.
He will see those of us that are trying to remain trusting and faithful to the Lord regardless of what is happening in the world.
Michelle
God seems to still be speaking about what he will be or is doing to his people. They are being told to flee in the beginning. Or some of them are I think. Being told to take up arms and prepare for battle against Jerusalem. But then in verse 8 he is telling the people to take warning or he will turn from them. He says their ears are closed and they find no pleasure in the word of the Lord. He goes on to say what he is going to do to them and their cities.
This sounds wrong when I think it in my head, but, I like the short psalms. I tend to get lost in the longer ones and then my mind wanders. In this one it sounds like David is saying how majestic God and his creations are, but is asking why he cares for humans. Because after considering all the things he created, the heavens, the moon and stars, why are we so important to God. David says we were made a little lower than angels, crowned with glory and honor, and made to rule over all the creatures of the earth. It sounds like we should be thankful to God to be considered so important and worthy of his love, knowing all that God created.
Julie
My focus is not good this morning. I really don't see much more than what you have already mentioned.
It's as if David does not see man as majestic as everything else that God created.
Michelle
This reading sounds like God is telling of the upcoming disaster of Judah and his people. It sounds like he is searching for someone who is worthy of saving, but cannot find anyone. God speaks of all the terrible things they are doing and the reasons why he is bringing destruction.
The psalm sounds like David is seeking refuge in God. He asks that if he has done any bad thing, that he be punished for it. He speaks of God being his shield and a righteous judge. In the end he gives thanks to the Lord.
Julie
Part way through it seemed like Judah might be telling God that he could bring the people back to him. I am not sure if I understood that correctly though.
He also talks about what might happen if one does not repent.
Julie
The Lord is telling Israel that they need to repent for the sins they have been committing and once they do he will save them. He is trying to show his patience and grace for us here, but I don't know how well people are listening.
David is asking the Lord for his saving grace.
Michelle
I agree. God is telling the people they have been unfaithful, but if they return to him, all will be forgiven. He likens it to adultery, which I find interesting. But God is graceful and wants them to repent. I also agree that they may not be listening well. As in the past readings they have not listened well then either.
The writer is asking for God's mercy and to be delivered from his enemies. It sounds kind of like he is being drained of his energy and is fearing death at this point. In the middle of the reading I got the sense that he was whining about his situation. Not sure why that came about. Yesterday I went back and read the previous things I got from these and it was interesting how different things are taken from the reading as we have gone along. I will do the same today.
Julie
God seems to be talking to the people of Israel and is telling them how they have not followed God's commands. This is basically a list of all the ways in which they have been living sinful lives and explains why he has not been happy with them.
God protects those that are righteous, faithful and trusting and he will punish those that are evil and doing wicked things.
Michelle
This does read to be God listing all the ways in which his people have forgotten him and lived in sin. In verse 27 it says, "their backs were turned to me, ... yet when they are in trouble, they say, 'Come and save us!'." It's interesting and reminds me of children, they reach out only when they need something and I think majority of people even now treat God in that way. The devotional talks about spending time with God every day and how we should start our day with God and spend time throughout, even giving thanks as we go about our days. There is a great short prayer listed, "Help me, God, to slow down, to be silent, so I can hear You and do Your will and not mine".
I agree with your summary of the psalm. What stood out to me is the beginning of verse 8, "Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness...make your way straight before me." It then made me think this was more of a prayer asking God to lead him and asking God to deliver him from the evil that is around him.
Michelle
The intro to this book makes it sound like we are going back to the beginning of the people being exiled. It says it is from their Babylonian exile and restoration during the reign of their last 5 kings. As I read this chapter, it made me think of those we call mediums, psychics, clairvoyants, etc. I only say that because it goes into what Jeremiah sees when God is talking to him, for example, he says I see a pot that is boiling, it is tilting toward us from the north, and then God explains what that means. So how do we know who God is speaking through? The other thing I got from this reading is that God tells him that he will be with him and rescue him even though he is going to pronounce judgements on his people.
This psalm sounds like he is speaking to others about God even though at the beginning it sounds like a prayer for God to be with him. In verse 4 it says to lie down, search your hearts and be silent. Like this is when you will hear from God and that God brings calm and safety.
Julie
That's an interesting thought as those comments did seem about out of left field. God seems to have given Jeremiah wisdom, although he seems a bit hesitant to accept what God is giving him.
I agree it seems to begin with him asking God to answer his prayers, but then moves into him telling others how they need to place their faith and trust in God.
Julie
The Lord is our shield. He will save us and protect us.
Michelle
There is alot of delivering going on in this psalm. Also do not fear as God is with us always.
Michelle
This psalm sounds like the kings of earth want to break the connection people have to God. Yet God warns them, "Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction...Blessed are those who take refuge in him". Seem a reminder to stay connected to God.
Julie
So if we try to put this in the context of today, would we be seeing this happening. So then for us this is a reminder to stay connected if as we are watching those in charge try and oppress us.
Julie
So I wonder if this is God telling them at that time that this is what his coming would look like or is this the coming of Christ that we can expect for ourselves? God explains what he plans to do to those that continue to condemn his name or that give themselves to their idols. He explains how he will save Jerusalem and how people can be a part of that. He talks about how he will come down to take care of all of this. It was that part that has me wondering if we should expect that same thing...
The righteous will prosper and the wicked will suffer. The analogies in this psalm show how prosperous the righteous can be.
Michelle
I think you bring up some good questions and points about this reading. It does sound like God is telling them what is coming, but is that what is still to come or what they already experienced? It's titled New Heavens and a New Earth, like he is making it all new. This also seems to be the time we have gotten away from sacrifices as in chapter 66, under Judgment and Hope, it speaks of those he will look upon with favor verses those with contempt and gives examples of those that sacrifice bulls and lambs and that present grain offerings, and it seems that God is unhappy with these people, which kind of makes sense as we previously read about how he felt that they were just going thru the motions and their heart wasn't in the sacrifices the were making to him and it all had no meaning anymore. Maybe this is the turning point for the sacrifices. Toward the end it also speaks of how the Lord will gather those of all languages, from distant lands, and they will also proclaim his glory and he will choose from among them to be priests and Levites.
I feel like I should go back and see what I took from this psalm previously. But what stood out today is verse 1-3 that basically says blessed is the one whose delight is in the law/word of the Lord and who meditates on it day and night, as that person is like a tree planted by water that is prosperous. This is a reminder that we should be meditating on God's word day and night, that we should delight in it.
Michelle
This reading is titled Judgment and Salvation. It goes on throughout about those that do not seek God and what will happen to them. In the last verse God says all past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from his eyes for those that seek him.
I have often heard and read women talk about being a Proverbs 31 woman. Reading this passage it feels like we all strive to be this woman but it can get exhausting. I say that because it comes with little to no recognition of your efforts and that can cause you to feel unappreciated. I know we shouldn't be looking for recognition in this respect, but I can't deny that even I wish those around me saw the work I put in to maintain what we have, even though it's not up to their high standards. I am not perfect but the woman in this reading sure seems to be. I guess though, the point being made here is that she serves God and therefore serves her family and those she comes into contact with which is honoring God. There is a devotional attached to this passage and one of the thought questions is, How many different types of people did her daily life and ministry touch, and How might you underestimate the many lives you touch each day. This made me think of mom. When we had her memorial, there were so many people there. I know some were there to support Dad as well, but some of the ones that I talked to or that spoke, talked about how she impacted their lives. I don't think she knew that she had touched or impacted that many people's lives. I don't know if she wanted or needed the recognition or acknowledgement for it, but I personally find that I seek that from my boys and don't get it. I need to stop focusing on that though is what I am getting at. It's not the point of all of it, but the point is to serve God with our whole selves and serving our families is one way we do that. Striving to be this kind of woman is hard for me in some ways, but is something I will add to my goals anyway.
Julie
I can't think of much more to say than what you did about that part of the reading.
I will agree that it is hard to be this kind of woman. We do have a desire to be noticed and not maybe necessarily for what we have done, but really just to be noticed. I don't do the things I do for recognition and most of the time don't want it, but there are occasions where I too wish someone would notice the work I put in.
Julie
God's vengeance is explained and then he tells how he remembers that he saved these people once and he had promised to do so always. Then they ask for mercy and forgiveness.
Words from a mother to a son about how to treat others.
Michelle
The heading says praise and prayer, and to some extent I can see that but, like you, it seems that they are remembering how the people have been saved and God promises to always be with them. There is a point where God is questioned and then they ask for forgiveness.
This proverb is a mother teaching her son how to act toward those who cannot fight for themselves and advising him to stay away from alcohol. This is also advises him to stay away from women who ruin kings.
Julie
Let's see if I am understanding this one correctly. The first chapter talks about the salvation that is coming for the people. Then it ends with God's wrath coming down on the people. Is this before he saves them? Is this a historical account of how he has handled them in the past? I am unsure of the context here.
This proverb was interesting because it talks about the things on earth that are considered wise, the ones considered small, the ones considered stately. I liked the way that some of these were worded and they can all be very thought provoking when you consider where we fit into that bigger picture.
Michelle
I am having the same uncertainty as you. And I appreciate your interpretation as I was not sure about the whole thing while reading it. But based on your words that makes sense, but it does seem historical, however, it could be prophetic as he's been talking about the coming of Jesus and in 62 vs 11 it says, "...'See your Savior comes!'". So I am uncertain of the timeframe.
I agree with your thoughts on the proverb. Very thought provoking. Alot of analogy here. What stood out to me most were vs 7-9. It talks about giving us only what we need and nothing more nor less so we do not disown God or dishonor God. This really struck a chord with me for some reason.
Julie
This is moving into God saving them. It explains how Israel will be the place that people will flock to looking for the light and righteousness. God will bless those that come, confess and do those things that are considered right in his eyes.
More instruction for searching out wisdom and knowing the difference between that and folly.
Michelle
I am not sure why but I don't really know what this reading was about. What stood out to me was at the beginning of chapter 61 that says, "...He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives...". I am not sure why this stands out but it really does. The devotional made me think of you. It focuses on verse 3, "He will provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor".
Verse 25 stands out, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe". Aside from this verse, it seems to be repeating some of what we have already read. But this verse seems to be calling us back to God and putting our trust in him.
Michelle
Chapter 58 seems to be talking about how people are doing what is asked but then "doing as they please", which sounds like not following God's commands. It sounds like they are fasting and sacrificing, but their hearts aren't in it. They are just going thru the motions. I think at times we do this. Or alot of people do. We go to church, but then act opposite of what God would want. Our actions should reflect what is in our hearts, that is what I get from this first chapter. The second chapter is titled, "Sin, Confession, and Redemption". As I read, it seems there was alot about Sin and less about the other 2. Halfway thru it does say, "Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities", which I take to mean we admit to our transgressions and failure to keep our eyes on God. At the end it says the Redeemer will come to those who repent their sins. It does go on to say that God is always with us. "My spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants - from this time on and forever." It seems we need only call out to God.
This proverb seems to be speaking of heeding instruction and what happens when we don't. It also speaks of greediness, saying that if we trust in the Lord we will prosper. That we are not to try concealing our sins, as we will not prosper unless we confess in order to find mercy. We must open our hearts to God in order to be blessed.
Julie
The first chapter talks about salvation for foreigners and the importance of keeping the Sabbath. The second chapter focuses on the ways in which the Israelites are focused on idolatry and how that is the wrong way to Christ. Chapter 58 verses 11-13, really stood out the most to me. "Whom did you dread and fear so that you lied and did not remember me, did not lay it to heart?" This is an important question because I believe that we tend to do this and justify it through our fear, and God is telling us that we need to fear him more and to trust that he will take care of things, we just need to stay righteous. "When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you!" Again, he is pointing out that in those moments of fear and uncertainty we turn to show many other things instead of Him in order to try and calm our minds, "But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain." Words we should definitely live by.
This proverb is showing us how to have prudence and integrity to avoid retribution. This one talks about a quarrelsome wife as well, but the explanation for this one was really helpful. It mentions that the husband needs to realize that the way he treats his wife will affect their marriage and if he tries to restrain her then they will not be living in harmony and will be working against each other, and that is not the way it is supposed to be in a marriage. It also mentions a persons heart reflects the person just has a face is reflected in water.
Michelle
It does read that God is giving salvation to those outside of his chosen people if they chose good over evil and keep the sabbath and follow God as he has commanded all to do. It seems to be saying he will take care of the foreigners along with his chosen. I agree that it really goes into the idolatry that has been and continues to be going on. It seems a reminder that God sees all you do even behind closed doors. That you cannot hide your sins from him. It also goes on to talk about comfort for the contrite. I had to look up that word, but it reads "expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt". So it seems he is reminding us that if we repent and confess our sins, that we will be forgiven, but that it comes from the guilt of doing wrong.
There are alot of verses that stood out in this one today. I appreciate the explanation for the quarrelsome wife. It's interesting that this verse included additional information about restraining her. And the explanation makes sense. I will probably share that with the husband as we were talking about how I have seen this verse alot lately. Some of the ones that stood out to me are verse 2, which seems to be saying don't boast about yourself or be conceited. Verse 10, "Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family...", I feel like this was speaking to me as I was talking with the husband about the interaction with my friend the other night. It was not necessarily a positive comment. Verse 17 is a well-known one, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another". This one I think is really about helping one another grow. That we can't do it alone. Verse 20 is a reminder that as humans we are never satisfied, which is true. We are always seeking more or something new and seem to never be satisfied with where we are in life. Verse 23 seems to be saying keep your eyes on your own stuff.
Michelle
I do not know why but I have been stressed lately. I didn't realize it till just now when the husband was talking to me asking me why I am stressed and I said, "I have no idea, I don't feel like I have been stressing and I don't think I have anything to be stressed about." But I have had nighttime anxiety and have been clenching my teeth which is causing me pain and headaches. As I read this passage today, I am taken to the picture I sent you last night as we are reading the verse that goes along with it. Chapter 54 verse 17, "No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you". This reading today starts with God calling to the barren and desolate woman and he tells them not to be afraid or fear disgrace as God is the redeemer. This could be talking to alot of people that feel they are not worthy of redemption. And the second chapter is a call to all those who are thirsty and to listen, "Give ear and come to me; listen that you may live". It seems to be a call to return to God as it says, "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near .... Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."
The proverb seems to be mostly talking about fools and foolishness we should be trying to stay away from. Toward the end it talks about speech and deception. That we should watch out for what we say and getting involved in other's business, we need to stay out of the drama is what is sounds like to me. Which is interesting as I met with my friend the other night and she shared with me all the drama going on in her neighborhood with all her neighbors and I just kept thinking, I am thankful I don't live in the same neighborhood and also that we do not have that close of connections with people that we are informed of all their drama. I don't know if it's a good thing that we don't have that close of connections with people but I feel like I tend to take on other people's stress when I am that close with people. I can't handle that at this point in life.
Julie
With that God is promising that if they turn to him he will not forsake them. He promises that he will not react in anger as he had done before but is planning a new way for them to receive salvation instead of clearing the earth through flooding.
I believe that you are correct in that it is continuing with right and wrong. Even the explanations for these proverbs don't really explain them. I wonder if it's because they can be interpreted differently depending on our state of minds or life situation at the time of reading them.
