Um Numbers 5:12-31 is a bit disturbing. So, even if your husband is jealous because he thinks you slept with someone but didn’t, you are subjected to essentially drink poison in an elaborate test to see if you are lying or not. And even if you did commit adultery, the punishment is literally torture and infertility…
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
“‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’”
Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
love these verses!
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
“Allah! There is no god but He – the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they encompass Aught of his knowledge Except as He willeth. His throne doth extend Over the heavens And on earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory).”
aspire a quiet life. Be independent. God does not want us to rely on anyone or anything here on earth because they will always let us down. God does not aspire us to have all the glory but you give all glory to God
I FOUND THE NEXT AVENGER SUPER HERO!!! Verse 6 of 1 Thessalonians. “that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because THE LORD IS AN AVENGER in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.”
Keep an eye out for the next avenger movie. Staring: Jesus Christ!
At first, I took 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 as meaning that we have nothing to worry about for the end times, because we are informed and know Jesus. We should not fear like the people who do not know Jesus do.
After further reading, I now understand that by “falling asleep,” Paul means death. We don’t have to grieve for those who have passed away as much as those who do not abide in Christ do, because we will meet them again. And when Jesus comes back, those who have “fallen asleep” will go with the Lord first, and then we will meet them in the clouds.
My pastor gave a message on this at my school’s high school retreat last month (I’m in high school) and it brought nearly everyone to tears. We were all filled with such hope and joy while listening to this passage and about how glorious the coming of Christ will be.
We have nothing to worry about for the end times, because we are informed and know Jesus. We should not fear like the people who do not know Jesus do.
After further reading, I now understand that by “falling asleep,” Paul means death. We don’t have to grieve for those who have passed away as much as those who do not abide in Christ do, because we will meet them again. And when Jesus comes back, those who have “fallen asleep” will go with the Lord first, and then we will meet them in the clouds.
24The Lord bless you, and keep you;
25The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;
26The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’
~God’s Word memorized as a teen
v1…excel still more. And v10…to excel still more,
~Press on, don’t be complacent
17Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
~comforting words; come Lord Jesus!
17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
—–
Such great hope!
I was confused about the Old Testament verses today as well but then I thought that maybe this is a type of foreshadowing of the relationship between Christ and his bride (the church) in the New Testament. God is a jealous God and wants his bride (those of us who are believers) to not defile ourselves with worldly things like unbelievers do. In this context it makes sense why God is singling out the married woman and the suspicions of her husband and not the other man the woman may have cheated with. God is concerned about the marriage union of believers because it is a holy union just like the union of Christ and his bride. Our stains from the word don’t mix with the cleansing blood of Christ. It’s still confusing though about how God had those types of judgements for those under the law before Jesus came to fulfill the law offering us total forgiveness. I also agree that this provided a woman to prove her innocence if she was not unfaithful as well as providing the suspecting husband a proper way to handle his jealousy and doubt.
I think it’s important to read this in light of Leviticus 20:10. That verse condemns both the man and the woman guilty of adultery. They receive the same punishment (death). So we know from that verse that it’s not just the woman who is held responsible. With that in mind, I think this law is actually a protection for women against jealous husbands. Without this law, what would happen to a wife whose husband suspected her of adultery? But this way, God is providing a way for the woman to be proven innocent (and safe from her husband’s wrath!).
I am struggling with this first reading from numbers – God excluded people that were suffering from a discharge? Why? And then he seems to place all blame for infidelity the female? I do not agree with being unfaithful but what about the other party? And what if she was raped? Am I overthinking this? God bless Sisters xxx
The OT shows that God is against rape (Deut 22) – the man is to be put to death and the woman is considered innocent. So reading this law in conjunction with that one helps, if a man accused his wife and the woman says she has been raped then I’m sure it would go through a different process. In this passage if the woman hasn’t been unfaithful then the curse won’t harm her … Although I agree the man should be tried too, the people of this age were very misogynistic, there’s no getting around that…
I think it is hard for us to read Numbers bc this doesn’t feel like the God we know. He almost seems evil. But in this time period the diseased as it talks about in chapter five were killed for being sick. Then the women who committed adultery were stoned to death. When God is telling Moses that they will be sent out of town he is really showing them grace and that they should not be killed. In a way he is showing his Love for the sick and for the wrong. This is just the beginning of what we see God to to heal his people.
I Thessalonians 4:13 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope”. Yes, I grieve the death of my friend. But I cannot allow myself to despair. I have to remember what I KNOW to be true of my God. “Do not doubt in the dark what you saw clearly in the light!” I have to believe that He has a reason. A purpose for taking her so soon. And I have to hope in the thought that I will see her again!
Savannah, & sleep is just the dead-Paul was encouraging the people in Thessalonica, who were grieving & uses this image of death as falling asleep and waking up…God is outside of our idea of time…I suggest that try reading in ERV Bible version of you can :)
Savannah, this pertains to the rapture-meaning those who’ve passed away will rise first then the rapture of believers who are alive will rise afterwards…(Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11). The Bible doesn’t use the word rapture-rise, taken away…that’s why Scripture says Jesus can come at anytime (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32) the tribulation has nothing to do with us believers; it’s a last chance for unbelievers to accept the Lord after the rapture…it is a lot deeper but this a quick synopsis.
Theology question…. The way Paul is talking it sounds like we don’t immediately go to heaven when we die, but there’s a sleep period in between??… Anyone have any input?
Savannah, Sorry last post yes our soul is immediately with the Lord not our bodies which will be glorified once we’re with the Lord so you’re correct! But those in the rapture will be changed & immediately with the Lord (2 Cor 5:1-10, 1 Cor 15:50-52)
I am thinking about those judged by the law we read about today in Numbers. Those found guilty. Those same people could be forgiven today under the new covenant. I am having trouble wrapping my head around this. What about those people who were born under the law before Jesus came to fulfill it???
I agree ladies simple and quiet does sound better. Something good to remember in our busy lives that we can walk quietly and let our light shine brightly.
Emmagene, I am praying for your friend and her fiancé. God has a plan, and how brave your friend was to follow her head and heart.
I love how the OT & the NT align in today’s passage. It shows just how true the scripture is that says, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. Thankfully, we have His grace and forgiveness now to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but we still have moral duty to uphold!!
I have to say that the old testament reading today really depressed me, referring to “…or when feelings of jealousy come over a man because he suspects his wife. The priest is to have her stand before the Lord and is to apply this entire law to her. The husband will be innocent of any wrongdoing, but the woman will bear the consequences of her sin ”. It made me sad because I can not comprehend fully why the woman was targeted and not the man, just on a “feeling of jealousy”?! Nevertheless, as I started reading the new testament reading, the contrast difference in the wording was amazing. It went from the “law” to “dear brothers & sisters”, leading to how to love…showing deep love. I am grateful that even just on the old testament reading, the deeper revelation is to constantly check my heart before God, that is what matters. Additionally grateful that God understood that without His son paying the greatest penalty on my behalf, there would be no way for any of us to uphold the depth of the law, entering on the basis of love!! God is Holy! We can never attain such holiness alone…
That portion of the Old Testament reading really rattled me as well, Moni! I know things were different under the old law but sometimes it is really hard to swallow just how different it was. What you wrote helped me to see the contrast better. I so appreciate the grace of the new covenant. It’s truly amazing. ;-)
I’m so thankful that The Lord knows exactly what we need to hear each day. Just reading these verses today has made me feel His presence and His peace. Thank you, Lord for calming my storm!!
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: To mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” — this is so challenging! It seems like in the female Christian culture right now, it’s all about being LOUD and doing BIG things. But that’s not the path for everyone and I love Paul’s reminder to appreciate the daily grind, that a simple quiet life is a GOOD one too! Filling out spreadsheets in an office or soothing babies or washing dishes or being part of a small church; they’re all really quiet and pleasing to God.
These two verses have been my “life verses” while at work. Such grounding and wonderful advice. It’s only recently that I’ve started to see the joy in this outside of work..and you’re so right! Simple and quiet is beautiful!
I so agree. Our culture has dictated nowadays how we need to be and do everything. But the Lord is so simple, and He is drawing is back to our humble roots. We are simply vessels made to contain Him, because all the work we do in this world will not matter in eternity. Rather, it’s the spiritual significance and what we do according to His life.
So true Katie. We really do have a big misconception on how to run our course better. “Simple quiet life” sounds so much better…and probably so much simpler to attain.
I loved your comment Katie. I really struggle with comparing myself to others–especially when I see other ladies accomplishing so much! Your comment brought tears to my eyes and reminded me what a privilege and peace I have when I lead a quiet life minding my own business…not the business of comparing myself to others.
Yes!!! The comparison game is so easy to get sucked into and so very hard on our hearts. I should commit this verse to memory so I don’t forget that my quiet life is good and pleasing to God!!
Yes! Sometimes I feel so isolated being a stay-at-home mom, but I’ve been thinking lately that there is kind of a peace in this kind of life, maybe even a holiness as I spend my day serving others (my children and husband). I liken It to that of monks living in a monastery; sometimes the repetition and isolation are hard to bear, but there is also a simplicity in this life, and I find it so much easier to stay close to God then when I was out in the world everyday.
Lea, I worked full-time, went to night school, while having two babies. In the end, added much frustration, much bitterness and no enjoyment. Being a mom was hard because the repetitive stuff was hard for me. Now that I am close to the empty nester stage, closer walk with my savior, I look back and wished I have been more wise. You are wise! Being a stay at home mom, is a gift! Sure it may not feel like it, but you have so much opportunity to pour into those little lives. Try to create a good circle of friends around you. I didn’t. I was depressed. I didn’t trust. I was told never to share anything…so I kept to myself. This journey is not meant to be alone. Help other stay mom’s, help each other. Give each other breaks for at least an hour from the kids. Just a small perspective from my past.
Thank you Moni :) I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with my boys, there is nothing I’d rather do. Yes, it’s the hardest “job” I’ve ever had, but it’s by far the most rewarding. You are so right about the importance of making a good friends aro
Oops, I wasn’t done and accidentally hit post ;) anyway, yes, good friends and breaks are SO important, they provide the encouragement and renewal mothers need. I have drawn so close to the Lord during this time, I’ve never had more to trust Him with than I do now. Thank you for the reminder that this time with my children is a gift, I always know that deep inside, but sometimes I forget during the trials of each day.
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. This reminds me that as Christians, we are different- set apart- we have HOPE! Praise God for His HOPE!
This verse hit me like a ton of bricks! So thankful for the reminder that we are set apart from the rest of mankind because of our hope and reality of eternal rest with our Creator. It’s an amazing way to start your day with that perception, a daily reminder!
24 “ ‘ “The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” ’
I hope those reading this would feel His face shine on you, his grace and peace
12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…
These words stuck out to me, especially in the context of my workplace. Praying that my life (and for all of you) is an example to others and points them to Christ.
Thanks for pointing that out Erin! I totally missed that; my mind must have been wandering as I was reading. your comment madde me go back and read it, and I even wrote it in my journal as a reminder.
my husband is currently deployed to the Middle East and this verse made me think of him and the witness he is trying to be to the soldiers around him – he gets so overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounds him overseas in the lives of the guys (and gals) that are with him. NO ONE will listen to him when he talks about the Lord, morals, or anything Christian related – YET the same men that tease him for being a believer have a tremendous amount of respect for him! I’m just praying that in the way my husband lives his life overseas will plant seeds in the hearts of the other solders!
Oh, dear Justine. I am keeping you and your family and husband in my prayers…your husband will be fine. There are Many Christians living, working all through the military overseas ( my husband and I just retired from 28 years in the Air Force, we know wonderful Godly Pastors who tout unbelievable baptisms –right in the trenches of these uncertain days!!!). Don’t lose heart. God is still in control–even in another country!!! God bless YOUR service too!!
Thank you for sharing. My brother served 4 years, currently in his 4 years of being on stand by. It is a tough road. They get to experience things we will never comprehend! Praise God for godly men like your husband. My brother will always differentiate advice given by a Christian army person, verses the rest! They stand out… Will be praying for you. It is not an easy road for sure.
Praying for your husband, that he be the aroma of Christ to all he comes in contact with him!!! And for you!! As I cannot even begin to know what it is like to have my husband overseas or away for a day in that matter!!! Thank your husband for his service to our country!!
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
These words painted such a beautiful picture for me. Absolute, pure joy to be brought up into the clouds to Our Father. Wow!
I want to ask for prayer for a friend who recently broke off her engagement. She felt the lord was telling to her to do so because he has work to do individually in their hearts. They are both obviously hurting very deeply right now. So I would just ask you all to lift them up in your prayers. I know the lord is faithful and he is not a God of confusion but of peace and that his ways are better than ours. So I just pray for a renewing fountain of hope in their lives and that they wouldn’t feel alone but would feel more comforted and accompanied by the Holy Spirit and Christ’s love for them than ever before. I ask these things in Jesus Christ our lord in heavens name, amen!
It seems that God has revealed wisdom to your friend, prior to making a life-long commitment. There is no perfect marriage, but one where God might not be the leader, is a very lonely and hard journey. Praying for her to feel God’s peace and be encouraged that she chose God first above all else. Testimony of her strength!
oh Emma, I’m earnestly praying for your friends. my husband called off our wedding three weeks before our wedding for the same reason – we were both we able to go in big ways in that waiting. I know that everyone’s story is different – but I’m so happy we waited! we were able to get married 3 1/2 months later than planned (and we even have a baby now) all because the Lord was so faithful and good to us. I’m praying the Lord would work in big ways in the hearts of your friends.
Um Numbers 5:12-31 is a bit disturbing. So, even if your husband is jealous because he thinks you slept with someone but didn’t, you are subjected to essentially drink poison in an elaborate test to see if you are lying or not. And even if you did commit adultery, the punishment is literally torture and infertility…
I love you so much, Father. Thank you for always having me and covering me in your a presence. Amen!
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
“‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’”
Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
love these verses!
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
“Allah! There is no god but He – the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they encompass Aught of his knowledge Except as He willeth. His throne doth extend Over the heavens And on earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory).”
The Lord bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you
❤️
❤️
Amen!
So we will always be with the Lord.. what a day that will be❤️
❤️
aspire a quiet life. Be independent. God does not want us to rely on anyone or anything here on earth because they will always let us down. God does not aspire us to have all the glory but you give all glory to God
❤
✔️
❤️
✅
I FOUND THE NEXT AVENGER SUPER HERO!!! Verse 6 of 1 Thessalonians. “that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because THE LORD IS AN AVENGER in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.”
Keep an eye out for the next avenger movie. Staring: Jesus Christ!
Encourage one another with these words.
Live a life to please God… sounds simple on paper but is a daily battle. But a battle that’s so worth it
This is the will of God for you – your sanctification.
❤️
At first, I took 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 as meaning that we have nothing to worry about for the end times, because we are informed and know Jesus. We should not fear like the people who do not know Jesus do.
After further reading, I now understand that by “falling asleep,” Paul means death. We don’t have to grieve for those who have passed away as much as those who do not abide in Christ do, because we will meet them again. And when Jesus comes back, those who have “fallen asleep” will go with the Lord first, and then we will meet them in the clouds.
My pastor gave a message on this at my school’s high school retreat last month (I’m in high school) and it brought nearly everyone to tears. We were all filled with such hope and joy while listening to this passage and about how glorious the coming of Christ will be.
♥️
We have nothing to worry about for the end times, because we are informed and know Jesus. We should not fear like the people who do not know Jesus do.
After further reading, I now understand that by “falling asleep,” Paul means death. We don’t have to grieve for those who have passed away as much as those who do not abide in Christ do, because we will meet them again. And when Jesus comes back, those who have “fallen asleep” will go with the Lord first, and then we will meet them in the clouds.
24The Lord bless you, and keep you;
25The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;
26The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’
~God’s Word memorized as a teen
v1…excel still more. And v10…to excel still more,
~Press on, don’t be complacent
17Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
~comforting words; come Lord Jesus!
Our pastor always says this at the benediction. It’s really neat! ❤️
17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
—–
Such great hope!
Oops, typo. Stains from the world*
I was confused about the Old Testament verses today as well but then I thought that maybe this is a type of foreshadowing of the relationship between Christ and his bride (the church) in the New Testament. God is a jealous God and wants his bride (those of us who are believers) to not defile ourselves with worldly things like unbelievers do. In this context it makes sense why God is singling out the married woman and the suspicions of her husband and not the other man the woman may have cheated with. God is concerned about the marriage union of believers because it is a holy union just like the union of Christ and his bride. Our stains from the word don’t mix with the cleansing blood of Christ. It’s still confusing though about how God had those types of judgements for those under the law before Jesus came to fulfill the law offering us total forgiveness. I also agree that this provided a woman to prove her innocence if she was not unfaithful as well as providing the suspecting husband a proper way to handle his jealousy and doubt.
I think it’s important to read this in light of Leviticus 20:10. That verse condemns both the man and the woman guilty of adultery. They receive the same punishment (death). So we know from that verse that it’s not just the woman who is held responsible. With that in mind, I think this law is actually a protection for women against jealous husbands. Without this law, what would happen to a wife whose husband suspected her of adultery? But this way, God is providing a way for the woman to be proven innocent (and safe from her husband’s wrath!).
I am struggling with this first reading from numbers – God excluded people that were suffering from a discharge? Why? And then he seems to place all blame for infidelity the female? I do not agree with being unfaithful but what about the other party? And what if she was raped? Am I overthinking this? God bless Sisters xxx
I don’t think you’re overthinking it; I feel the same.
The OT shows that God is against rape (Deut 22) – the man is to be put to death and the woman is considered innocent. So reading this law in conjunction with that one helps, if a man accused his wife and the woman says she has been raped then I’m sure it would go through a different process. In this passage if the woman hasn’t been unfaithful then the curse won’t harm her … Although I agree the man should be tried too, the people of this age were very misogynistic, there’s no getting around that…
I think it is hard for us to read Numbers bc this doesn’t feel like the God we know. He almost seems evil. But in this time period the diseased as it talks about in chapter five were killed for being sick. Then the women who committed adultery were stoned to death. When God is telling Moses that they will be sent out of town he is really showing them grace and that they should not be killed. In a way he is showing his Love for the sick and for the wrong. This is just the beginning of what we see God to to heal his people.
I’m slightly confused by Numbers 5:22. Does the woman become pregnant? I’m curious about what other people interpreted to me.
Wait never mind I understand it now. I just had to read further.
I Thessalonians 4:13 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope”. Yes, I grieve the death of my friend. But I cannot allow myself to despair. I have to remember what I KNOW to be true of my God. “Do not doubt in the dark what you saw clearly in the light!” I have to believe that He has a reason. A purpose for taking her so soon. And I have to hope in the thought that I will see her again!
I lost my dad recently and this is so comforting! Thanks for sharing!
Andrea-
I am so sorry about your dad. May God bless you and comfort you.
Savannah, & sleep is just the dead-Paul was encouraging the people in Thessalonica, who were grieving & uses this image of death as falling asleep and waking up…God is outside of our idea of time…I suggest that try reading in ERV Bible version of you can :)
Savannah, this pertains to the rapture-meaning those who’ve passed away will rise first then the rapture of believers who are alive will rise afterwards…(Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11). The Bible doesn’t use the word rapture-rise, taken away…that’s why Scripture says Jesus can come at anytime (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32) the tribulation has nothing to do with us believers; it’s a last chance for unbelievers to accept the Lord after the rapture…it is a lot deeper but this a quick synopsis.
Theology question…. The way Paul is talking it sounds like we don’t immediately go to heaven when we die, but there’s a sleep period in between??… Anyone have any input?
Savannah, Sorry last post yes our soul is immediately with the Lord not our bodies which will be glorified once we’re with the Lord so you’re correct! But those in the rapture will be changed & immediately with the Lord (2 Cor 5:1-10, 1 Cor 15:50-52)
I am thinking about those judged by the law we read about today in Numbers. Those found guilty. Those same people could be forgiven today under the new covenant. I am having trouble wrapping my head around this. What about those people who were born under the law before Jesus came to fulfill it???
I was thinking the same thing!
I agree ladies simple and quiet does sound better. Something good to remember in our busy lives that we can walk quietly and let our light shine brightly.
Emmagene, I am praying for your friend and her fiancé. God has a plan, and how brave your friend was to follow her head and heart.
I love how the OT & the NT align in today’s passage. It shows just how true the scripture is that says, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. Thankfully, we have His grace and forgiveness now to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but we still have moral duty to uphold!!
I have to say that the old testament reading today really depressed me, referring to “…or when feelings of jealousy come over a man because he suspects his wife. The priest is to have her stand before the Lord and is to apply this entire law to her. The husband will be innocent of any wrongdoing, but the woman will bear the consequences of her sin ”. It made me sad because I can not comprehend fully why the woman was targeted and not the man, just on a “feeling of jealousy”?! Nevertheless, as I started reading the new testament reading, the contrast difference in the wording was amazing. It went from the “law” to “dear brothers & sisters”, leading to how to love…showing deep love. I am grateful that even just on the old testament reading, the deeper revelation is to constantly check my heart before God, that is what matters. Additionally grateful that God understood that without His son paying the greatest penalty on my behalf, there would be no way for any of us to uphold the depth of the law, entering on the basis of love!! God is Holy! We can never attain such holiness alone…
That portion of the Old Testament reading really rattled me as well, Moni! I know things were different under the old law but sometimes it is really hard to swallow just how different it was. What you wrote helped me to see the contrast better. I so appreciate the grace of the new covenant. It’s truly amazing. ;-)
Well said Moni, as I have really struggled with the OT readings lately. I much prefer the NT readings.
Agree Lisa I am feeling the same
I’m so thankful that The Lord knows exactly what we need to hear each day. Just reading these verses today has made me feel His presence and His peace. Thank you, Lord for calming my storm!!
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: To mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” — this is so challenging! It seems like in the female Christian culture right now, it’s all about being LOUD and doing BIG things. But that’s not the path for everyone and I love Paul’s reminder to appreciate the daily grind, that a simple quiet life is a GOOD one too! Filling out spreadsheets in an office or soothing babies or washing dishes or being part of a small church; they’re all really quiet and pleasing to God.
These two verses have been my “life verses” while at work. Such grounding and wonderful advice. It’s only recently that I’ve started to see the joy in this outside of work..and you’re so right! Simple and quiet is beautiful!
I so agree. Our culture has dictated nowadays how we need to be and do everything. But the Lord is so simple, and He is drawing is back to our humble roots. We are simply vessels made to contain Him, because all the work we do in this world will not matter in eternity. Rather, it’s the spiritual significance and what we do according to His life.
So true Katie. We really do have a big misconception on how to run our course better. “Simple quiet life” sounds so much better…and probably so much simpler to attain.
I loved your comment Katie. I really struggle with comparing myself to others–especially when I see other ladies accomplishing so much! Your comment brought tears to my eyes and reminded me what a privilege and peace I have when I lead a quiet life minding my own business…not the business of comparing myself to others.
Yes!!! The comparison game is so easy to get sucked into and so very hard on our hearts. I should commit this verse to memory so I don’t forget that my quiet life is good and pleasing to God!!
Yes! Sometimes I feel so isolated being a stay-at-home mom, but I’ve been thinking lately that there is kind of a peace in this kind of life, maybe even a holiness as I spend my day serving others (my children and husband). I liken It to that of monks living in a monastery; sometimes the repetition and isolation are hard to bear, but there is also a simplicity in this life, and I find it so much easier to stay close to God then when I was out in the world everyday.
Lea, I worked full-time, went to night school, while having two babies. In the end, added much frustration, much bitterness and no enjoyment. Being a mom was hard because the repetitive stuff was hard for me. Now that I am close to the empty nester stage, closer walk with my savior, I look back and wished I have been more wise. You are wise! Being a stay at home mom, is a gift! Sure it may not feel like it, but you have so much opportunity to pour into those little lives. Try to create a good circle of friends around you. I didn’t. I was depressed. I didn’t trust. I was told never to share anything…so I kept to myself. This journey is not meant to be alone. Help other stay mom’s, help each other. Give each other breaks for at least an hour from the kids. Just a small perspective from my past.
Thank you Moni :) I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with my boys, there is nothing I’d rather do. Yes, it’s the hardest “job” I’ve ever had, but it’s by far the most rewarding. You are so right about the importance of making a good friends aro
Oops, I wasn’t done and accidentally hit post ;) anyway, yes, good friends and breaks are SO important, they provide the encouragement and renewal mothers need. I have drawn so close to the Lord during this time, I’ve never had more to trust Him with than I do now. Thank you for the reminder that this time with my children is a gift, I always know that deep inside, but sometimes I forget during the trials of each day.
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. This reminds me that as Christians, we are different- set apart- we have HOPE! Praise God for His HOPE!
This verse hit me like a ton of bricks! So thankful for the reminder that we are set apart from the rest of mankind because of our hope and reality of eternal rest with our Creator. It’s an amazing way to start your day with that perception, a daily reminder!
24 “ ‘ “The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” ’
I hope those reading this would feel His face shine on you, his grace and peace
I love this blessing. I hear it a lot as it is included in our liturgy. we also use a version of it as a choir anthem occasionally.
12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…
These words stuck out to me, especially in the context of my workplace. Praying that my life (and for all of you) is an example to others and points them to Christ.
Thanks for pointing that out Erin! I totally missed that; my mind must have been wandering as I was reading. your comment madde me go back and read it, and I even wrote it in my journal as a reminder.
my husband is currently deployed to the Middle East and this verse made me think of him and the witness he is trying to be to the soldiers around him – he gets so overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounds him overseas in the lives of the guys (and gals) that are with him. NO ONE will listen to him when he talks about the Lord, morals, or anything Christian related – YET the same men that tease him for being a believer have a tremendous amount of respect for him! I’m just praying that in the way my husband lives his life overseas will plant seeds in the hearts of the other solders!
Oh, dear Justine. I am keeping you and your family and husband in my prayers…your husband will be fine. There are Many Christians living, working all through the military overseas ( my husband and I just retired from 28 years in the Air Force, we know wonderful Godly Pastors who tout unbelievable baptisms –right in the trenches of these uncertain days!!!). Don’t lose heart. God is still in control–even in another country!!! God bless YOUR service too!!
Thank you so much for you & your husbands service!
Thank you for sharing. My brother served 4 years, currently in his 4 years of being on stand by. It is a tough road. They get to experience things we will never comprehend! Praise God for godly men like your husband. My brother will always differentiate advice given by a Christian army person, verses the rest! They stand out… Will be praying for you. It is not an easy road for sure.
thank you SO much for your prayers! we appreciate it more than we could ever express!
Praying for your husband, that he be the aroma of Christ to all he comes in contact with him!!! And for you!! As I cannot even begin to know what it is like to have my husband overseas or away for a day in that matter!!! Thank your husband for his service to our country!!
This is a great passage.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
These words painted such a beautiful picture for me. Absolute, pure joy to be brought up into the clouds to Our Father. Wow!
Yes this struck me as well! Absolutely love it!
I want to ask for prayer for a friend who recently broke off her engagement. She felt the lord was telling to her to do so because he has work to do individually in their hearts. They are both obviously hurting very deeply right now. So I would just ask you all to lift them up in your prayers. I know the lord is faithful and he is not a God of confusion but of peace and that his ways are better than ours. So I just pray for a renewing fountain of hope in their lives and that they wouldn’t feel alone but would feel more comforted and accompanied by the Holy Spirit and Christ’s love for them than ever before. I ask these things in Jesus Christ our lord in heavens name, amen!
Praying!
Lord, I ask that you send comfort and healing to this dear friend of Emma’s.
Praying for your friends. Would they feel the love and comfort of the lord
Praying for lots of wisdom and comfort for them both!!
It seems that God has revealed wisdom to your friend, prior to making a life-long commitment. There is no perfect marriage, but one where God might not be the leader, is a very lonely and hard journey. Praying for her to feel God’s peace and be encouraged that she chose God first above all else. Testimony of her strength!
Yes exactly thank you son much!
Praying for them!
oh Emma, I’m earnestly praying for your friends. my husband called off our wedding three weeks before our wedding for the same reason – we were both we able to go in big ways in that waiting. I know that everyone’s story is different – but I’m so happy we waited! we were able to get married 3 1/2 months later than planned (and we even have a baby now) all because the Lord was so faithful and good to us. I’m praying the Lord would work in big ways in the hearts of your friends.
Thank you for these encouraging words and your prayers :)