OT --1 Kings 3:4-4:34
I first heard the story of the two babies, one alive, one dead and the two mothers as a small child. Mother had a Children's Bible that had pictures and short stories and she read to Alfred, Debbie and me each evening. Of all the stories that she read, this one is the only one I remember.
I even remember the picture, Solomon is sitting sideways on his throne and the two women (I don't think the Children's called them prostitutes....) are at his feet with the baby wrapped in a white blanket. There is a man with a raised sword to the side.
Why this story would stick in my mind and not, say, Jonah, I have no idea.
I do know that even to this day, the story haunts me.
Today, one of my co-workers whose son was at Disney World last week for his one year anniversary said that at dinner at a Disney restaurant, a man with two children overheard their plans. The man said his wife had taken ill and if they would take his children -- 7 & 9 year old boys -- on the ride, he would give them their tickets which were for 3 hours earlier. That way, the man could go back and check on his wife.
My first response was that if Don had ever handed Matthew and Cole over to a perfect stranger, I would have killed him. Okay, this couple looks and acts and really are very, very nice. But they are strangers.
Even as a young child, I knew the dead baby's mother should never have any more children. Her value of that child's life was less than her pride.
Is our time worth less than the safety and wholeness of our children?
It is amazing to me that DAvid would be the O Favored one and not wise, wealthy Solomon.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
June 7
OT -- 1st Kings 2:1-3:3
Well, we could hope for the peaceful transition, now couldn't we?
I think I fail to realize just how infrequently power shifts peacefully in this world. We are indeed fortunate to live here.
David reminds me of Don Corleone in his last moments.
Skip to minute 2:40 to watch Vito instruct Michael the way David instructs Solomon. Click here if your email doesn't display YouTube.
NT -- Acts 5:1-42
Okay, so how do you feel about Ananias and his oh so lovely but greedy wife Sapphira? And what does this tell you about Peter?
Was this a misuse of his power? Or justified? How many second chances did Peter get?
Check out this commentary on that scripture. I am not sure I am in agreement with it but it does provide some context.
What are your feelings?
Proverbs 16:25
This one seems totally appropriate to the above story.
I am assuming that Ananias thought it was the right thing to do but it did lead to his death. And his wife. Frightening.
Well, we could hope for the peaceful transition, now couldn't we?
I think I fail to realize just how infrequently power shifts peacefully in this world. We are indeed fortunate to live here.
David reminds me of Don Corleone in his last moments.
Skip to minute 2:40 to watch Vito instruct Michael the way David instructs Solomon. Click here if your email doesn't display YouTube.
NT -- Acts 5:1-42
Okay, so how do you feel about Ananias and his oh so lovely but greedy wife Sapphira? And what does this tell you about Peter?
Was this a misuse of his power? Or justified? How many second chances did Peter get?
Check out this commentary on that scripture. I am not sure I am in agreement with it but it does provide some context.
What are your feelings?
Proverbs 16:25
This one seems totally appropriate to the above story.
I am assuming that Ananias thought it was the right thing to do but it did lead to his death. And his wife. Frightening.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
June 6
OT -- 1st kings 1:1-53
Today we begin 1st Kings. It is tempting to see 1st Kings as a direct continuation of 2nd Samuel. However, the authors are not the same nor is the aim of the book. 2nd Samuel was written using prophet notes and documents. 1st Kings was written using court documents and records. 2nd Samuel is a much, much earlier book than 1st Kings which was probably written after the Babylonian exile.
My study Bible says to look for prophetic warnings in the book. since the book was at least compiled after the Exile, it is logical to assume that the authors were trying to justify the destruction of the Temple and the captivities.
Our scripture today opens with David in his last moments unable to regulate his body temperature thus the Shunammite girl. The line of succession is briefly interupted by an unworthy heir with Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan taking charge to establish Solomon as the true heir to the throne. Our scriptures today indicate that it was a peaceful transition, whether it will be all the way, is for another day. '
NT -- Acts 4:1-37
Told not to speak or teach about Jesus, Peter and John ignore the High Priests and Sanhendrin Council. P & J continue to proclaim Jesus is the Anointed One, Sovereign Lord, etc.
After Kim's comment about Jesus being the 'author of life', I remembered a blog post from an orthodox Jewish woman. It was about all the names that God is called and why His name is changed so much. Go check it out:
As Americans, we have an immediate gut reaction to the holding of goods in common. How could we not, after so many years of anti-Communistic propaganda and our constant mantra of self-improvement by acquistion. And lest you think I am in favor of the whole goods-in-common, I most definitely am NOT. I have the same reaction. However, I would ask that you read these next few scripture passages with a new eye. The statement should not be 'that will not/would not ever work' and should be the questions 'why did they begin the church that way? and 'what can we learn about being Christian from their examples?'.
Then, let's talk about right and wrong and the implications of the whole goods-in-common.
Today we begin 1st Kings. It is tempting to see 1st Kings as a direct continuation of 2nd Samuel. However, the authors are not the same nor is the aim of the book. 2nd Samuel was written using prophet notes and documents. 1st Kings was written using court documents and records. 2nd Samuel is a much, much earlier book than 1st Kings which was probably written after the Babylonian exile.
My study Bible says to look for prophetic warnings in the book. since the book was at least compiled after the Exile, it is logical to assume that the authors were trying to justify the destruction of the Temple and the captivities.
Our scripture today opens with David in his last moments unable to regulate his body temperature thus the Shunammite girl. The line of succession is briefly interupted by an unworthy heir with Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan taking charge to establish Solomon as the true heir to the throne. Our scriptures today indicate that it was a peaceful transition, whether it will be all the way, is for another day. '
NT -- Acts 4:1-37
Told not to speak or teach about Jesus, Peter and John ignore the High Priests and Sanhendrin Council. P & J continue to proclaim Jesus is the Anointed One, Sovereign Lord, etc.
After Kim's comment about Jesus being the 'author of life', I remembered a blog post from an orthodox Jewish woman. It was about all the names that God is called and why His name is changed so much. Go check it out:
As Americans, we have an immediate gut reaction to the holding of goods in common. How could we not, after so many years of anti-Communistic propaganda and our constant mantra of self-improvement by acquistion. And lest you think I am in favor of the whole goods-in-common, I most definitely am NOT. I have the same reaction. However, I would ask that you read these next few scripture passages with a new eye. The statement should not be 'that will not/would not ever work' and should be the questions 'why did they begin the church that way? and 'what can we learn about being Christian from their examples?'.
Then, let's talk about right and wrong and the implications of the whole goods-in-common.
Monday, June 4, 2012
June 5
OT -- 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Chapter 24 does not make sense unless you remember that it was against God's law to census the Children of Israel. There were 'token' censuses taken -- but always something other than a man was counted. They would bring a piece of silver, a sheaf of wheat, something other than just counting the man himself. David had Joab count the men.
It will also make more sense when we read of the split between Israel and Judah after Solomon's death. Israel became the 'evil one' with Judah more closely aligned with God.
2nd Samuel ends on this totally depressing and awful note.
NT -- Acts 3:1-26
Oh, oh, oh Peter! He is stirring up some trouble right now. About the only thing the Pharisees can say good about this whole sermonette is that at least the healing did not happen on a Sabbath. Peter accuses them of killing Jesus and ignoring the prophets. He is going to be in big, big trouble...
Proverbs 16:21-23
Look at these three proverbs as a set. The wise are: discerning, promoting instruction, have long life, guide their mouths.
Discerning means to be able to tell good from bad. It is one of the key attributes of wisdom. Without it, you definitely are not wise. The promoting instruction is a new one from these sets. If you are wise, you naturally want to teach? Maybe to protect and instruct those you love. But there is a fine line from instruction to blatant meddling and in the immortal words of Ann Landers : MYOB may be the better part of valor more times than it isn't.
Many take the long life as a reward for being wise but I am not sure that is what this says. I think you have a hard time being wise IF YOU HAVEN'T had a long life. I have learned more in the last 3 years about life and living than I think I did in the previous 45. I know there is still so much more to learn and do. And how very precious life is. These are things that I did not know at 20 when I THOUGHT I was so very, very smart.
And the final one in our wisdom set -- guiding the mouth. Well, that is always a problem for me so FAIL on that one. But I will say, the wisest people I know LISTEN a whole lot more than they TALK.
Prayers for each of you as you grow and stretch.
Chapter 24 does not make sense unless you remember that it was against God's law to census the Children of Israel. There were 'token' censuses taken -- but always something other than a man was counted. They would bring a piece of silver, a sheaf of wheat, something other than just counting the man himself. David had Joab count the men.
It will also make more sense when we read of the split between Israel and Judah after Solomon's death. Israel became the 'evil one' with Judah more closely aligned with God.
2nd Samuel ends on this totally depressing and awful note.
NT -- Acts 3:1-26
Oh, oh, oh Peter! He is stirring up some trouble right now. About the only thing the Pharisees can say good about this whole sermonette is that at least the healing did not happen on a Sabbath. Peter accuses them of killing Jesus and ignoring the prophets. He is going to be in big, big trouble...
Proverbs 16:21-23
Look at these three proverbs as a set. The wise are: discerning, promoting instruction, have long life, guide their mouths.
Discerning means to be able to tell good from bad. It is one of the key attributes of wisdom. Without it, you definitely are not wise. The promoting instruction is a new one from these sets. If you are wise, you naturally want to teach? Maybe to protect and instruct those you love. But there is a fine line from instruction to blatant meddling and in the immortal words of Ann Landers : MYOB may be the better part of valor more times than it isn't.
Many take the long life as a reward for being wise but I am not sure that is what this says. I think you have a hard time being wise IF YOU HAVEN'T had a long life. I have learned more in the last 3 years about life and living than I think I did in the previous 45. I know there is still so much more to learn and do. And how very precious life is. These are things that I did not know at 20 when I THOUGHT I was so very, very smart.
And the final one in our wisdom set -- guiding the mouth. Well, that is always a problem for me so FAIL on that one. But I will say, the wisest people I know LISTEN a whole lot more than they TALK.
Prayers for each of you as you grow and stretch.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
June 4
Psalm 122
"I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"
Oh, if evangelism was that easy! Or hauling children or reluctant spouses or boyfriends.
My friend Laura says that getting people to go to church is easy if you are good. I must be very, very bad then. No one is at Mt Vernon because of me. Not even Don.
*HE* drug me there.
Check out this post by Nancy's Noodle and see how you feel about her church's evangelism.
Then, let's look into our own hearts and churches and see where we fit on the scale.
Nancy's Noodle
"I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"
Oh, if evangelism was that easy! Or hauling children or reluctant spouses or boyfriends.
My friend Laura says that getting people to go to church is easy if you are good. I must be very, very bad then. No one is at Mt Vernon because of me. Not even Don.
*HE* drug me there.
Check out this post by Nancy's Noodle and see how you feel about her church's evangelism.
Then, let's look into our own hearts and churches and see where we fit on the scale.
Nancy's Noodle
Saturday, June 2, 2012
June 3
Thank you to everyone who has read or clicked on my blog. Today, I passed 3,500 views. I appreciate all the support, comments, questions, and prayers.
OT -- 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20
Another hard scripture part to deal with. Today, someone asked me what I have learned so far in my Bible in Year. What I have learned is that pastors, Sunday School lessons, Women's Bible studies, even the medieval Rabbis, none of them want to deal with the really hard passages other than to say -- we can't know the mind of God.
No, but we surely know the minds of men and men use religion ALL THE TIME to justify brutality and cruelty to other humans and lifeforms. What David did to Saul's descendants is brutality in barest form. I do not believe that God affirmed that decision.
Reading the Bible this way is messing with a lot of my composure.
Tough.
If you are having the same issues I am, please know that you are not alone. I am, however, pressing on. I encourage you to do the same. There has to be some reason these scriptures have endured for thousands of years.
NT -- Acts 1:1-26
Today, we leave the gospels and venture into the only 1st hand account we have of the early church, Acts.
The actual full title is Acts of The Apostles. The word apostle means 'one who is sent' and that is referring to the ones Jesus sent out into the world to bring people to God.
Acts is the second book of the author of Luke and is a continuation of that story. The author briefly recounts Jesus' last days with his disciples after the resurrection and his ascension. After this,the book recounts the coming of the Holy Spirit, the organization of the early church and Paul's missionary journeys.
It has been postulated that Luke and Acts were actually supposed to have been part of a trilogy. Acts ends abruptly with Paul's arrival in Rome for his trial. The postulation is that either the 3rd book was lost or not completed.
For many of us, there are huge parts of Acts that are not read or studied in Sunday School or church. And unlike the gospels, we do not have other Biblical sources to look back and forth to understand what was going on.
Hopefully, this will be a great time of study for each of us.
Psalm 121
Love this one!
Proverbs 16:18
Nice to know where this one came from!
OT -- 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20
Another hard scripture part to deal with. Today, someone asked me what I have learned so far in my Bible in Year. What I have learned is that pastors, Sunday School lessons, Women's Bible studies, even the medieval Rabbis, none of them want to deal with the really hard passages other than to say -- we can't know the mind of God.
No, but we surely know the minds of men and men use religion ALL THE TIME to justify brutality and cruelty to other humans and lifeforms. What David did to Saul's descendants is brutality in barest form. I do not believe that God affirmed that decision.
Reading the Bible this way is messing with a lot of my composure.
Tough.
If you are having the same issues I am, please know that you are not alone. I am, however, pressing on. I encourage you to do the same. There has to be some reason these scriptures have endured for thousands of years.
NT -- Acts 1:1-26
Today, we leave the gospels and venture into the only 1st hand account we have of the early church, Acts.
The actual full title is Acts of The Apostles. The word apostle means 'one who is sent' and that is referring to the ones Jesus sent out into the world to bring people to God.
Acts is the second book of the author of Luke and is a continuation of that story. The author briefly recounts Jesus' last days with his disciples after the resurrection and his ascension. After this,the book recounts the coming of the Holy Spirit, the organization of the early church and Paul's missionary journeys.
It has been postulated that Luke and Acts were actually supposed to have been part of a trilogy. Acts ends abruptly with Paul's arrival in Rome for his trial. The postulation is that either the 3rd book was lost or not completed.
For many of us, there are huge parts of Acts that are not read or studied in Sunday School or church. And unlike the gospels, we do not have other Biblical sources to look back and forth to understand what was going on.
Hopefully, this will be a great time of study for each of us.
Psalm 121
Love this one!
Proverbs 16:18
Nice to know where this one came from!
Friday, June 1, 2012
june 2
NT -- JOhn 21:1-25
The final chapter in John. What have we learned about Jesus from reading this book? I think my greatest impression that I have come away from John with is that Jesus was a riddler. And I am still not sure why. But he is very, very human in John with needs and wants and desires that seem very natural to me.
Here is a great sermon from Owen Stepp on these passages from John. Skip to minute 26 to get right to sermon although the choir has a SMOKIN' anthem just before it that is uber-worthy!
Click here to see it.
Proverbs 16:16-17
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.
It is the first of the month and bills are due. This proverb is not resonating well with me today.
Long ago, when I had quit work to stay home with the boys and we were on a shoestring budget, I read in Sarah Ban Breathnach's book Simple Abundance, that you should have a routine and ritual for paying bills. Good, bad month, no difference. Soothing music, nice clothes and makeup on so you can pop right on out to the postbox with your completed, a nice cup of chamomile tea to tide you over the bumpy patch.
I laughed then, but now, not so much.
Is wisdom better than gold? Is it better to be smart and savvy rather than filthy rich?
If Solomon wrote this proverb, how on earth did he know? He was never poor.
If I sound down, it is because I paid my bills without my routine, in a hurry, without my tea and in a sweat from mowing a lawn. Then I raced out to the bank, got in an ugly traffic jam and a big argument.
I am thinking I am having bad bill karma.
What is your relationship to money? does it interfere, hinder, or enhance your relationship to God? And when money is tight or non-existent, how does that affect the God-you tightrope? Do you pray about money? Or should you not be crass and just pray for wisdom to know better to earn more?
Matthew is peeping over my shoulder right now and says I should delete this post as you shouldn't talk about money at church. Bad form. But it is a very real factor in my life and I cannot think I am alone.
At the stoplight, just before I crossed Roswell Road, I had my money pep talk. You know, the one that goes "We have enough for today, tomorrow and then some. We know how to be cheap, to conserve. We have always had food on the table and a roof over our head. Be at peace. We are provided for." But part of me wants to be rich and never having to worry about bills ever again. And that part doesn't much care about wisdom, I am afraid. Just shopping.
Grace and Peace to each of you.
The final chapter in John. What have we learned about Jesus from reading this book? I think my greatest impression that I have come away from John with is that Jesus was a riddler. And I am still not sure why. But he is very, very human in John with needs and wants and desires that seem very natural to me.
Here is a great sermon from Owen Stepp on these passages from John. Skip to minute 26 to get right to sermon although the choir has a SMOKIN' anthem just before it that is uber-worthy!
Click here to see it.
Proverbs 16:16-17
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.
It is the first of the month and bills are due. This proverb is not resonating well with me today.
Long ago, when I had quit work to stay home with the boys and we were on a shoestring budget, I read in Sarah Ban Breathnach's book Simple Abundance, that you should have a routine and ritual for paying bills. Good, bad month, no difference. Soothing music, nice clothes and makeup on so you can pop right on out to the postbox with your completed, a nice cup of chamomile tea to tide you over the bumpy patch.
I laughed then, but now, not so much.
Is wisdom better than gold? Is it better to be smart and savvy rather than filthy rich?
If Solomon wrote this proverb, how on earth did he know? He was never poor.
If I sound down, it is because I paid my bills without my routine, in a hurry, without my tea and in a sweat from mowing a lawn. Then I raced out to the bank, got in an ugly traffic jam and a big argument.
I am thinking I am having bad bill karma.
What is your relationship to money? does it interfere, hinder, or enhance your relationship to God? And when money is tight or non-existent, how does that affect the God-you tightrope? Do you pray about money? Or should you not be crass and just pray for wisdom to know better to earn more?
Matthew is peeping over my shoulder right now and says I should delete this post as you shouldn't talk about money at church. Bad form. But it is a very real factor in my life and I cannot think I am alone.
At the stoplight, just before I crossed Roswell Road, I had my money pep talk. You know, the one that goes "We have enough for today, tomorrow and then some. We know how to be cheap, to conserve. We have always had food on the table and a roof over our head. Be at peace. We are provided for." But part of me wants to be rich and never having to worry about bills ever again. And that part doesn't much care about wisdom, I am afraid. Just shopping.
Grace and Peace to each of you.
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