You learn something new every day

So, I was reading Luke 2 yesterday. It seems like the most complete account- probably because Luke was written to the Gentiles. Matthew has the story, but not as much of the pre-birth story and focuses more on the fufillment of prophecy- not surprising since it was written to the Jews.

I got stuck on verse 22 where it talked about "time of purification." This was relating to when they took Jesus to the temple. So, I crossed it back to Leviticus 12. This was no walk from the stable to the temple. First, she had to wait the 7 days (unclean) and then circ on the 8th day. Then, they waited another 33 days to be purified from blood flow. And then, they had to have a sacrifice- 2 doves. In Leviticus, it talks about how if they can't afford a lamb, they can bring doves. Just interesting pieces to the puzzle.

Just goes to show that scripture backs scripture backs scripture. :)

I'm going to delve next into the phrase "treasured all these things in her heart" as I'm noticing it's a recurring theme.

It's the little ways...

God met me in the coolest way today. I've been feeling stressed about a few things, that really, I just need to give to Him. But anyway...

On the way home from church today, Mom was hungry. So, it was decided that we'd go to Panera. I'm on a diet. Panera is one of my favorite places. I went in, wasn't thrilled, but didn't want to keep them from enjoying and had a cup of tea. Midway in, Ange suggested that if I wanted, I could take his car home and they'd follow after they finished. Great idea. So, I grabbed a newspaper on the way home. As I went to get out of the car, the business cards in my wallet went flying. As I picked them up, few went farther down. Which, put my hand under the seat of his car. What should I find? The work ID badge that had gone missing (not a good thing to have missing). I felt the Lord remind me that He really does show up for the little things and is quite trustworthy to handle the big things as well.

I was inspired today to get to know the Christmas story better. So, I'm going to compare and contrast the gospels.

Accountability...

I realized (thanks to a friend) something very important. I need the accountability of another person to stay on top of my reading/study. I was chatting with a friend today and she casually asked how my reading was going since our class was over...uhm, well, not as good.

So, needless to say, I have an accountability partner now. So, I should be back to posting more soon. :)

Cool gift

Last night, I did my quiet time in a little different order. I prayed, intercessory, first. Then, I opened my Bible with the intention of reviewing the passage we would go over this morning. I opened straight to 1 Thesalonians 5:24- "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

Yeah, that was encouraging. Especially "funny" in that the passage I was going to review was the parable of the persistent widow.

Then, as we discussed in our study this morning, our leader shared John 15:7- "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."

And, at the very end, she made a profound statement. Perhaps, God doesn't answer our prayers until we're ready to give Him the glory he's due? Something to think about...

bitterness & negativity

Normally, my before bed shower is time for relaxing, sometimes praying, other times thinking. Tonight, it was time for revelation. I've been letting stupid comments, and actions of others bother me. No, eat at me. So, while I was in the shower tonight, I felt compelled to pick up my Bible and word study bitterness. In the process, I came across verses that are applicable to another area in my life right now that I'm sure the Lord wants to speak into.

First, I came to: Proverbs 14:10- "Each heart knows it's own bitterness and no one else can share it's joy."

I read a little more, kept going through the concordance list...then it jumped off the page! Ephesians 4:31-32- "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." I've allowed myself to be consumed with bitterness and anger. It just spills into everywhere. How much easier would it have been to just forgive the little things? Letting it turn big and ugly has had a much worse effect and didn't show Christ in me. Isn't the the purpose of developing intimacy with Christ- to be like Him, to shed His light? I can't be a fair weather Christian. I can't let the little things turn into huge road blocks.

Dear Lord,
Please heal the bitterness in my heart. Enable me to see those that have hurt me through your eyes. Make me kind, compassionate and enable me to forgive. Lord, I confess getting sidetracked. Thank you for 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." I seek You and choose to follow Your ways. Thank you for your mercy and grace.
Amen.

Because He lives...

I spoke with a friend recently. Her mom went home to be with the Lord rather suddenly. She sang the song "Because He Lives" at her funeral. It has resonated within me since our conversation. It is such an awesome reminder. This is how I remember the song, my words might be a little off...still blesses me deep inside.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow...
Because He Lives, all fear is gone....
Because I know who holds the future...
And life is worth living just because He lives....

As I was starting my quiet time tonight, DS woke up, fussy. Didn't know what he wanted. I finally took him back to his bed and prayed over him. God is so faithful. God our protector.

I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to read tonight. I thought I'd start by reviewing the passage we worked on most recently. My Bible opened up to Jeremiah 15. I had marked 15:16 as a verse with impact that I'd like to go back and study more. I went to biblegateway.org to see what different translations did with it.

NIV is:
You understand, O LORD;
remember me and care for me.
Avenge me on my persecutors.
You are long-suffering—do not take me away;
think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.
When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God Almighty.

The Message pulls in the whole section, 15-18:
18You know where I am, God!
Remember what I'm doing here!
Take my side against my detractors.
Don't stand back while they ruin me.
Just look at the abuse I'm taking!
When your words showed up, I ate them—
swallowed them whole.
What a feast!
What delight I took in being yours,
O God, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
I never joined the party crowd in their laughter and their fun.
Led by you, I went off by myself.
You'd filled me with indignation.
Their sin had me seething.
But why, why this chronic pain,
this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight?
You're nothing, God, but a mirage,
a lovely oasis in the distance—and then nothing!

With an ending like that, I had to read on...

19-21This is how God answered me:
"Take back those words, and I'll take you back.
Then you'll stand tall before me.
Use words truly and well.
Don't stoop to cheap whining.
Then, but only then, you'll speak for me.
Let your words change them.
Don't change your words to suit them.
I'll turn you into a steel wall,
a thick steel wall, impregnable.
They'll attack you but won't put a dent in you
because I'm at your side, defending and delivering."
God's Decree."I'll deliver you from the grip of the wicked.
I'll get you out of the clutch of the ruthless."

God is so faithful. I've been in a rough spot. I don't believe in coincidence. God has placed so many things in my path. This message tonight, is an awesome promise.

I'm off to pray...

Expect the unexpected.

I've been praying for some things lately, financial provision being one of them. We've had some medical bills come up, some resurfacing from the past, etc. So, feeling like I was at the end of my rope, we decided I should get some counseling. This meant I had to call the mental health benefits folks to get an auth. I admit, I had a huge chip on my shoulder. The last referral they sent me on was a disaster (which is the bill mentioned above). So, yesterday, my friend gave me a great referral. Typically, when I called, this provider wasn't on their "panel." She offered to transfer me over to the staff psych to pick someone. In my bad attitude, I told her that no, I'd do my own research, their choice had screwed me last time. She called back a few minutes later wanting to know exactly what had happened. Needless to say, the charges from this doctor were incorrect and against the contract. Which means, they are billing me for the wrong amount. I see that as a provision from the Lord.