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.
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 :)