TAMAR! GOD LONGS TO OPEN OUR EYES TO INJUSTICE
ALL THE WOMEN IN THE GENEALOGY OF CHRIST
WERE RAGAMUFFINS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
TAMAR FASCINATES ME:
A YOUNG WIDOW
A VICTIM OF SOCIAL INJUSTICE
WHO USES SEXUAL ENTRAPMENT
TO GET JUSTICE.
As Tim Keller says, “the story of Judah and Tamar certainly illustrates that the Bible is not a series of moral stories about people that will inspire us to live godly lives.” No, the Bible is not about man but about God. This changes the way we read the Bible.
Up until the 1600′s scientists thought the sun revolved around the earth. That one mistaken belief led to thousands of other mistaken beliefs. When Copernicus discovered that the earth actually revolved around the sun, it righted so many misinterpretations.
In the same way, many misinterpret the Bible, seeing man at the center. They read the Bible as a book of heroic stories, and it leads to a multitude of wrong beliefs. The Bible is not about us, not about a series of heroes, but about God. God does not revolve around us, we revolve around Him. He is a merciful God who sees us as we are — sinful, manipulative, and selfish — and loves us. He wants to refine us and change us, and when we are victims of injustice, even though we are sinful, He fights for us. He is our Hero, our Rescuer, our Wonderful Merciful Savior.
Was Tamar wrong to use sexual entrapment? Absolutely. But it is fascinating when Judah says: “She is more righteous than I.” Perhaps you have heard it said that all sins are the same. While it is true that all sins result in the same guilty pronouncement that leads to death, Scripture confirms that not all sins are the same in God’s eyes. Last week you heard Gary Haugen say that the two worst sins according to Scripture are idolatry and injustice. We need to be most concerned about the sins that break God’s heart and tear us to pieces. It isn’t that we shouldn’t care about all sin, for all sin grieves God and hurts us, but so often we are like the Pharisees, swallowing camels and choking on gnats.
This is a story of how God hates injustice and fights for the widow, the orphan, the abused. This is a story of our merciful God breaking through to a man who was blind. God will bring fire into our lives to refine us, for He cares so much for us.
We’ve already looked at Leah, the girl nobody wanted, and how her heart finally turned from her idol of Jacob’s love to God. When Judah was born she named him Judah because it means “praise,” for she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.”
But Judah, like all of us, had a sin nature. He needed The Potter to put him over the fire.
Martin French: The Potter
It isn’t that God didn’t care about Judah’s unhappiness on earth — but He cared more about making him holy. It isn’t that God didn’t understand how Judah had been hurt — how his father had favored his brother Joseph. God knows that the sin of others often exacerbates sin in ourselves. But He still wanted Judah to become the man he designed him to be. Keller thinks Judah began “to go bad” the day that he and his brothers chose to throw their brother in the pit and deceive their father with a “kid.” They took the blood of a goat, smeared it on the coat of many colors, and brought it to Jacob.
Josephs’ brothers bring his coat to Jacob. Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg.
Many years later, Judah himself would be deceived with a “kid.” This time Tamar would be the one doing the deceiving. Oh — this is a story!
Sunday/Monday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday-Wednesday: Bible Study
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32?
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here?
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
6. Read Genesis 38:1-11
A. What happened to Er and why?
B. What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not? Explain — I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here — not a put down to Catholic theology.)
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why?
D. Blaming others
Two weeks ago our own Elizabeth shared how when things go wrong, she wants to blame someone. (Their car needed expensive repairs and she wanted to blame her husband — which she said, “makes no sense.” :-) Let’s consider this, for I think it is a common default of the soul.
1) Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think?
2) Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons?
3) When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond?
7. Read Genesis 38:12-23 and describe what Tamar did. Why do you think?
8. Read Genesis 38:24-26 (Very important)
A. How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy? What darkness do you see in his soul?
B. How does God break through to Judah’s sin?
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26.
9. God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently.
10. Last week in the free message from Gary Haugen, he challenged us: “What are you doing with your lunch?” (Referring to the story of the feeding of the 5,000 — what came from one little boy’s lunch.) Keep praying and pondering about this and sharing.
Thursday-Friday:
HERE’S THE LINK TO THE SERMON ON TAMAR: LINK
Just listen to the Keller sermon called Tamar. We’ll go into it more next week. It is so rich, I want you to listen more than once. I’ll have questions next week, but post your comments here.
Saturday: What is your take-a-way and why?
(I’m back! Haven’t been on since November. Happy New Year.)
“It isn’t that God didn’t care about Judah’s unhappiness on earth — but He cared more about making him holy.”
This line stands out to me because it answers the big question that so many of us ponder: why does God let bad things happen? God is in the business of refining, shaping, and stretching His people for His purposes. Those processes can be uncomfortable, even painful, but in God’s big picture, they are for our good.
Welcome back Erica! Loved what you picked up on..such a mystery-He does deeply care about us-mourns with us-grieves with us-hurts when we hurt-yet He cares more about making us Holy..and being refined is painful. definitely something to ponder.
Welcome back EricaG — and with such a good opening for us!
welcome back erica! Love too what stood out to you, His pursuit to making us holy rather than just ‘happy’.
Glad your back Erica!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“The Bible is not about us, not about a series of heroes, but about God. God does not revolve around us, we revolve around Him…. He is a merciful God who sees us as we are — sinful, manipulative, and selfish — and loves us. He wants to refine us and change us, and when we are victims of injustice, even though we are sinful, He fights for us. He is our Hero, our Rescuer, our Wonderful Merciful Savior.”
What is resonating with me out of this is that we revolve around Him, not Him around us.
So often I am so bent for life to be about me-even in ministry-and when I sin against God-against others when I trace it back to it’s ugly root it is always idolatry-but He is my Faithful Potter..He shows me mercy EVERY DAY because of the cross..He is my rescuer and hero every day for I am a sheep-frail, I am nothing without Him..Yet He bought me and paid an incredible price..What blows me away is that He uses my natural bend toward stubbornness and self centeredness to refine me and He only gives satan enough rope to hang himself. :) So really if you see any of His Mercy, Grace, Hospitableness and Love in me-it is Him-for my heart can harbor wickedness and can so deceive me.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
That sin is not the same. I have always heard all sin is sin. I didn’t think God distinquished.
So we have spent a bunch of time on idolatry and are we now going to address injustice? Seems that way. This makes me afraid because I just don’t see how I can do anything to help those who are oppressed. Who are they in my backyard? I know my son is being threatened right now with injustice, but it’s not like sex trade or anything like that! His situation is unfortunately one where he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and is being set up by authority. I do feel helpless in this case and he may go to jail. However, mt husband and I paid $1000 to make sure he had a lawyer that could help him. This seems silly in contrast to Gary Haugen’s stories of the sex trade and the man thrown in jail for nothing, but it’s all I have right now.
Laura-dancer
I appreciate your honesty — for I am sure you are articulating what many think but are afraid to say.
You raise a good question: “I have always heard all sin is sin. I didn’t think God distinguished.”
Some people say that to make a point that all sin is grievious and results in death. That is true.
Some people say that because they have been taught incorrectly. Scripture definitely distinguishes. I
would love our participants to find some passages. I will give one.
Look at Isaiah 58. God’s people were coming to temple and they were fasting. Both of these practices are important to God. Hebrews tells us to neglect meeting together is sin. But God looks at their hearts, which are revealed by their lack of justice to others — and THUNDERS at them.
The reason we spent so much time on idolatry, Laura, is because God does — and He knows it is at the root of all our sin.
You yourself and your son have felt injustice. God grieves for that and He is calling to His people. I have so appreciated how you have grown and stayed with us — I think this could be an eye-opening lesson for you, and I pray you will continue. Sometimes when I ask God for something (like I’ve been asking Him to help Amazon put Idol lies back in stock!) it seems so small compared to asking Him to stop the holocaust of the sex trade, but I know He cares about both. But I have also been aaking him, as did Bob Pierce who founded Compassion International, to break my heart with the things that break His heart.
Does any of this make sense?
And I hope others will find passages that show that there are sins that particularly grieve the heart of God — and dialogue about this. Thanks to Laura for making us all think!
Thanks Dee…I am here to learn, and you stretch me more than ever! Sometimes I don’t know how to be “polite” in my thoughts; I spew :( please forgive if I am blunt. I am a straight shooting girl!
So, with that said, I suppose I should remember the Pharisees who were all about the rules but had no heart, right? “‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8 NIV)
I thought the same thing Laura Dancer that sin was sin and we even talked about this in one of my small groups on Friday. Now I will have to dig a little deeper to see what I can come up with.
Love your teachable heart, Laura-dancer. Good point about the Pharisees.
I have generally thought the same, a sin is a sin is a sin. But when Dee mentioned about sins particularly grievous to God it got me thinking about an example. In Matthew 18:5-7 Jesus says that “if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Yet in John 8 where the woman was caught in adultery, in verse 11 Jesus said “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Both are sins yet causing a child to sin results in a huge punishment, but for adultery Jesus simply told her to stop. There are a few places where Jesus pays special attention to children and warns against hurting them as their angels can have a face to face with God himself, yet when just adults are involved He seems to have a slightly different line of response.
Interesting about the idolatry and injustice which got me thinking and when I was searching for the verse about the adulterous woman I stopped and looked at Matthew 22:34-40 where Jesus talks about the great commandment in there he has that the first is that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind…failure to do this is idolatry. The second is to love our neighbours as ourselves…failure to do this is injustice. The Lord went on to say that on these two commandments depend the law, the prophets…simply everything rests on these two. I hadn’t really thought it this way before but that’s what occurred to me when I looked at it this morning.
I also am glad your here, you make me think about things and that sometimes cause me to rethink to make sure I really am seeing things the way God wants me to see them.
I do hope the situation with your son is resolved positively and I will be praying that God will prevail in the situation your son finds himself in right now.
Wow, Mary, that was great! Thanks for helping me remind myself too!
Laura, I’m sorry for the trouble your facing now with your son…I’ll be praying for you and your husband and your son. A friend of mine had her son go to jail for the same reason..wrong place at the wrong time…but a couple years later, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happen to him. He turned his life around. I know that’s not comforting now though. Love you!
Thanks Joyce, it’s “par for the course” for my family…..as I have said before, one day I will write a book!
Will be lifting your family up in prayer Laura Dancer and the judge or whoever will be hearing this case that their eyes and ears are open to the truth.
Thanks Mary, this was good! Interesting about the first and second commandments.
My son has a good heart but for some reason continues to search for anything other than God. He has spent the last 5 years in turmoil. He has made me run to God- a good thing. Whatever happens is the way it should be. It is well with my soul.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“God does not revolve around us, we revolve around Him.” I find such peace in that!
I also love the Martin French “The Potter”–that is beautiful, I don’t remember you showing us it before. I love how He is so careful–His hands are gently shaping, how His left arm is stretched, careful to not damage the structure–and how intently He is watching what He is doing.His hands are on the clay,always touching it.
I read this yesterday from Scotty Smith on Gospel Coalition:
“The messy part of growth comes from your commitment to make me like yourself. You are more committed to getting “heaven” in me than getting me into heaven. Why couldn’t you have just glorified me after justifying me? It would’ve been so much easier. Why couldn’t we have just skipped over the whole sanctification process? Silly questions, indeed. I’m just very thankful to know that one Day I will be as loving and as lovely as you, for the Father will complete his work in each of his children, including me.”
When I looked at this painting, I thought–yes, growth, sanctification, is messy! But to remember that He is making us more and more beautiful–into the “pot” we were created to be, the vessel of His love.
Love your looking at the French drawing carefully. I just saw a heart in it for the first time!
I’m just memorized by it for some reason. I love too that the pot is transparent–did you see that? Reminding me that He SEES me–into my world, my circumstance, my heart. As I have thought so much about dad lately, and still overwhelmed not with pity now but compassion, I was thinking too how I know God gave me a very special blessing of a uniquely close relationship with Himself, at a very young age. I have struggled with how I don’t see one of my own children having that–and then it struck me, He gave it to me because He SAW, He knew I needed it , desperately.
Elizabeth, Praise God that he did give you that blessed closeness with your dad. Reading one of your last comments on last weeks blog…you really have had a full year with all that’s been going on in your life. I pray this year brings much more peace and less pain with your physical and emotional things in your life.
Wow, the pot IS transparent! You are so good at the details Elizabeth! Thanks for pointing that out :) and reminding us of how He sees us.
Okay, so gals..you have sparked me to look at the painting again. :) It looks like He is in a house, do you all see that? It could just be me seeing things..:) I see a house around him and he is in a room with the pot-intently shaping the clay..I can’t help but sense the security and warmth being the pot in His House with Him, under His control/ownership- in his hands..being His while undergoing transformation-letting him have me, and though it is painful his hands permanently set on me, shaping me, are my comfort..
Elizabeth, Thanks for sharing the thought-provoking quote from Scotty Smith: “You are more committed to getting “heaven” in me than getting me into heaven.”
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The following stands out (in the context that the Bible revolves around Him, not us):
“He wants to refine us and change us, and when we are victims of injustice, even though we are sinful, He fights for us. He is our Hero, our Rescuer, our Wonderful Merciful Savior.”
This stands out because I tend to pull out the guns and fight when I experience or see injustice. I feel helpless in the face of injustice and often don’t think that He rescues quickly enough!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The quote:
“God doesn’t revolve around us, but we around Him”
That is the very reason why we see so many distortions of the Bible and the existance of God.
We are becoming such a selfish self- serving society. It’s depressing.
Also, idolatry & social I justice as being the two sins that really hurt God.
I guess until we really grasp that concept of “we exist for God and not He’s exists for us” we will always fall into that sin of idolatry.
Social justice seems to get mistaken as a political liberal cause, but it’s not. It’s what Christians are suppose to championing.
We suppose to visit widows, the orphans, feed the starving, shelter the homeless. Not wait for politics and government to do the very job we should be doing.
Much to think about this morning!
I appreciate your thoughts here, Laura Marie. “We suppose to visit widows, the orphans, feed the starving, shelter the homeless. Not wait for politics and government to do the very job we should be doing.” I am not sure what government does in the US to help the needy, but here in Canada what they do is not really enough for people to manage, if they do not have anyone else to help, though people may think the government is more than generous and that people on “welfare” are just lazy.
It is sad that the church has pretty much abdicated its responsibility to those who are in need and let the government do it and, if the government doesn’t, then nothing is done. Meanwhile we Christians often sit in our cozy homes and go on expensive vacations, and think we are barely scraping by. Thankfully, not all Christians are oblivious, but too many are.
Diane, I do think what you’re describing is happening in the U.S., too — and maybe more extreme. But I also think the issues are SOOO complicated and are embedded in culture, history, and politics. I’ve heard people from very, very poor communities say (to Christians), “We don’t want your money.” (Some do want it!!) And, although they could use money, they’d prefer changes in the systems that lead to injustice and would prefer that people get to know them rather than simply treating them as a “cause.”
One thing I do need to remind myself is that everyone else’s “causes” (the issues that stir their hearts most) are not necessarily the same as mine. My heart CAN/often does go out to just about any injustice, but I can only make a dent (develop relationships, give money to) a few. I wrestle with whether I should give a little to every request or give more $ to a few — and I do get worn out with all the requests. My standard phone question when I get a request is “What percentage goes to overhead expenses?” (This weeks out MOST requests!)
I’m almost hyper-aware of the needs around me, but then I get so overwhelmed that I don’t do much. We have pockets right here (driving distance) where the life-expectancy etc statistics are as bad as any developing country. Because it is cold here, some do have a hard time surviving the winter.
And racism is bad on campus, but it is hidden to most people. Because of my particular job, I don’t see it very overtly most of the time; yet I know it is there. I’ve been blown off when I reported overt written stuff (e.g., bumper stickers); yet, I could have been more persistent and kept on reporting. Dealing with injustice may require a sacrifice.
Your right Renee, dealing with injustice may require a sacrifice on our part. And I like your answer to the calls all the time to give…give…give…more like “what percentage goes to the CEO of the outreach”!
Idolatry is something I work on daily and seems hopeless at times. It also may require a sacrifice on my part.
Good question for sure.
Hi Renee. I’ve found Charity Navigator helpful in determining how monies are being spent…that too is a determining factor for my husband and I.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/
Thanks Nancy…I’ll use this too!
Thanks Nancy for the website.
Renee and Nanci J —
Another wonderful resource to answer Renee’s good question about overhead is The Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability:
http://www.ecfa.org/MemberSearch.aspx
Steve and I only gave to accredited members — and we chose about six so we were not giving everywhere. I know MAP was at the top — IJM has a very good standing with them too.
This is a time to pray hard about this. Because of the new government regulations that limit tax deductible donations from the very wealthy toward charities, charities are going to be hurting so this year.
I agree, ECFA is a wonderful source. They have very strict standards on handling funds, it is also used for churches. If an organization is a member, they will most likely have a blue seal somewhere on their materials/website.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“It isn’t that God didn’t care about Judah’s unhappiness on earth — but He cared more about making him holy.”
When pain brings unhappiness to us, it is our natural bent to ask “why” and be upset. We are naturally self-centered and want only happiness. And it seems that God must not care. But what if He cares so much that he is willing to allow terrible things to happen to us so that we might turn to Him for help when we can’t solve the problem ourselves? God cares more about making us holy because He knows that is what we really need to make us happy – not more stuff, or more security, more control, more self-centered living.
Boy, you are right there, Diane! Love your last paragraph.
So so good Diane.
I want to share this song we just sang at church-”Lord, dissolve my frozen heart” by Red Mountain. The words were so sweet to me and I kept picturing the Martin French painting all morning as I sang. How His tender love, melts me, makes me soft as clay, held tenderly in His care.
The album is free here: http://noisetrade.com/redmountainmusic
Lord, dissolve my frozen heart
By the beams of Love Divine;
This alone can warmth impart
To dissolve a heart like mine.
O that love, how vast it is!
Vast, it seems, though known in part;
Strange indeed, if love like this
Should not melt the frozen heart.
The love of Christ passes knowledge.
The Love of Christ eases fear.
The love of Christ hits a man’s heart;
It pierces him like a spear.
Savior, let thy love be felt,
Let it’s power be felt by me,
Then my frozen heart shall melt,
Melt in love, o Lord to thee.
“Last week you heard Gary Haugen say that the two worst sins according to Scripture are idolatry and injustice.” I haven’t listened to this yet. Does he how/where Scripture says these are the two worst sins? It almost seems as if these are the two only or at least major (global) sins because all sin against God would fall under the category of idolatry and all sin against other people might be considered as injustice ???
I am not sure how he came up with his statement, perhaps as you said.
If you read the prophets, the sheer repetition is constantly idolatry and injustice.
I had a similar thought Renee. I do see that some sins are more grievous than others, but it’s hard for me to think of a sin that doesn’t have either idolatry or injustice at its root. At least for me, I feel that every sin I commit comes back in some way to my control/comfort/approval idols screaming for attention!
“God doesn’t revolve around us, we revolve around Him.” What pops in my mind first, is the Christian who offers up a prayer for a parking place. I have been hurt my persons who announced their blessings…approaching it from the view that God is all about giving them their earthly desires because of His great love. It is harder to find people who praise God for the struggles and trials in their lives.
I believe a lesson God is teaching me is how to be present to Him and my life in the present moment. So often I get caught up in the “bigger plan” for my life and let moments, minutes, hours, days, slip by…not remembering to really SEE others because I am busy with my own agenda. The agenda can be good, it can be a calling for my life from God, but I still need to remember the moment I am in being truly present….it is really all I know I have. I hope I am sensitive to the things “MY Potter” is trying to do. I am I quilter and mainly make quilts for others. I generally invite them to be part of the creation of the quilt by selecting a pattern and fabrics/colors. Sometimes these are patterns or colors I would not select and it is so rewarding to finish one. Generally I have experienced a new technique, color combination or the joy of something I wouldn’t have selected turned into something special and beautiful. I try to use that analogy with my faith walk. Sometimes I find myself doing something I might not have wanted or envisioned but God will give me delight in Him as I am stretched and changed.
Love your quilter analogy, Sarahsal. “the joy of something I wouldn’t have selected turned into something special and beautiful”. That is true of our faith walk too. God is the God of surprises.
oh, I love your quilting analogy too…from one quilter to another…:) it reminds me of another analogy… the many different colored strings, various loops nad knots of a tapestry can look like an absolute mess from the backside, but turn it over and it is a creation of beauty…
“I believe a lesson God is teaching me is how to be present to Him and my life in the present moment. So often I get caught up in the “bigger plan” for my life and let moments, minutes, hours, days, slip by…” This statement is spot-on for me too…how often do I miss blessings of the present moment because I am focused on rehashing the past or thinking about what needs to be done in future moments…I am trying to take in all the blessing of each and every moment rather than unnoticed…how lovely hoarfrost is on weeds, trees, and the long needles of the pine trees…snowflakes cascading from the sky…my Kelli girl’s wagging tail at my smile…my husband’s kiss welcoming me home…an incredible movie (Les Mis) enjoyed with my daughter… God IS good, and I am blessed.
darn, missed that spelling error: different colored strings, various loops AND knots of a tapestry…
Ladies these posts are really good and paint a very good picture and when I read them I thought of this song by one our local Praise & Worship leaders Daniel Doss who filled in while ours was on tour. Here is the link to Stained Glass Windows. http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7j3khfNQ9isA5MHBGOd_;_ylu=X3oDMTE0NjRjYmV2BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA01PVVM0Nl83MQ–/SIG=120kci6ai/EXP=1358165604/**http%3a//www.youtube.com/watch%3fv=piWcIRtsnhU
Sarahsal “Being present for him in the present moment” — so huge.
Sarahsal, I read this the other night and oh my…it is so so rich-I don’t know where to begin. “The moment I am in being truly present-it is really all I know I have. I hope I am sensitive to the things MY Potter is trying to do.”.. Your quilt story is a great analogy..you experienced the joy of something you wouldn’t have selected for it turned into something special and beautiful..as you are stretched and changed in the things you wouldn’t have chosen in life-God will give you delight in him…really encouraging for me today..
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
God does not revolve around us, we revolve around Him. I like the analogy of the earth and the sun as it is so appropriate to this comment. I think I may have known that, but didn’t really sink in previously. I know that when I am frustrated or something is happening, sometimes my brain tells me “it’s not about you” and I know that this is something that God is trying to change my focus on…and I am making progress, but this makes me look at it from a different perspective, one that opened my eyes a little bit more than they were previously.
I also really liked the picture of the Potter. In it I see the Lord with his sleeves rolled up, bare feet, with an apron on, getting his hands dirty but carefully and gently forming the pot. He is not just sitting, he is working, his hands are just barely touching, he is carefully feeling the edges for imperfections, smoothing them over with such great care. It is as it this pot holds such a great value to him that he needs to be careful and gentle with it so as to form it the way he wants, but not destroy it or its value.
“Getting hands dirty” — He certainly did that for us all of His life — beginning at the manger! And still does.
This was Scotty Smith’s devotion today, I found it fitting with our lesson: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/2013/01/13/a-prayer-for-waiting-on-the-lord-and-not-fretting-evil/
here’s a quote:
“Today, Father, my anger is piqued over the apparent success of those who bring harm to others and even get rewarded for their madness. Whether it’s the thriving trade of human trafficking, the ongoing threat of global terrorism, the exploitation and darkness of the pornography industry, the corruptions in national government—including ours, violations of beauty and goodness are everywhere.”
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The Potter by Martin French is what stood out to me most from above.
Jesus is molding us each and every moment…He works circumstances, experiences, lessons, hardships, joys, etc., into my clay transforming me into HIS work of art. HE is the potter and I am the clay (the clay does not tell the potter what to create); the potter is completely and utterly in charge, the clay is HIS creation. May I humbly hold this truth in my mind and heart and accept with thanksgiving all that is provided from HIS hand, joys and hard things too, knowing that they are what is needed for my transformation.
I listened to Tim Keller’s sermon, Personal Prayer…he said,
“God will always give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He knows”…a good reminder of my limited comprehension and God’s goodness.
Hello ladies. I am here, reading. Though had a rough day in terms of the way my husband speaks down to me about my motherhood, and tries to keep denying my rights to be with my boys.
Anyway, I look forward to this week.
Krista
Krista, you have every right in the world to be with your boys and don’t let him tell you any different. Do you have a good lawyer? Praying for you!
Also praying for you Dawn and Chris…you both were so down in the last blog…towards the end.
Nancy, I love to sew…could you give me the place to sew to the girls overseas? Thanks
I know, Joyce. I don’t have a lawyer right now…
Hi Joyce. Here are a couple of websites for the “Dress a Girl Around the World” effort:
http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com/
http://www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=creative&intcmp=FFCK
(Nancy’s Notions pays all international shipping/handling for the dresses if you can get them to Beaver Dam, WI)
Both sites have dress instructions and patterns. I purchased Simplicity 2391 pattern (pillowcase fashions) to make a variety of sizes; I’m better with a set pattern…:). happy sewing!
Thank you, Joyce. You’re such a blessing.
Praying Krista! I am so glad you are with us.
Sunday/Monday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – I’m sensing that Injustice is something God is trying to get me to see is a HUGE problem. Not only injustice to women but to children also. All last week as I did this study, listened to the link and then again on Moody with Janet Parshall, everyone was talking about injustice. Moody is even having commercials on a book written called the White Umbrella and has a campaign going on how to help and then today our Pastor is in the book of Mark 6:14-29 and again was referring to how people all around can see injustice being done but they doing nothing about it and ignore it all. He also gave us a quote from Edmund Burke that I think says it all and goes along with what we will tell our grandkids. It is “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” I truly hope I can and would step up and stop injustice when I see it. This week’s study before I even looked at any other questions is all so good and is a very important area I feel needs to be looked at.
I think of the plight of the unborn children… their vulnerability, their voicelessness. That is right in our back door…right here in America. The 40th Anniv of Roe v Wade is next Tuesday, 01/22… That is Injustice to me. February will offer opportunities to stand for their rights to live.
Here is an excellent article addressing: “Are all sins equal in God’s eyes?”
http://www.gracecentered.com/are_all_sins_equal.htm
Loved this
Loved this.. I learned growing up in the Catholic church there were “mortal and venial sins”. But then when my husband & I married we attended an Evangelical Church where we were taught all sins the same. Learning a lot from discussion & links. How can I add more hours to my week? :)
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
They were cruel. They plotted to kill him but due to the urging of Rueben they didn’t-then Judah came up with the idea of selling him to the Ishmaelites as they approached them, so they sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites and the Ishmaelites sold him to Potiphar in Egypt.
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32?
Jacob had to ‘identify’ Joseph’s robe which was covered in blood.
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here?
Evidently they were still desiring to kill him after they put him in the cistern until they saw the Ishmaelites. Judah was so twisted he thought killing Joseph wouldn’t benefit them like selling him would-If they sold him they could have it both ways-he would be out of their life-faux dead- and they could make money in the process. He didn’t care about Joseph’s life, nor God’s heartbreak, or Jacob’s heartbreak.
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
I think it is easy to struggle with this in marriage because our spouse is the closest to us. I think for me it is my husband.
6. Read Genesis 38:1-11
A. What happened to Er and why?
Er was wicked and I am sure wicked toward Tamar so God put him to death.
B. What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not? Explain — I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here — not a put down to Catholic theology.)
Onan was given Tamar after Er died and out of selfishness every time he went into Tamar he spilled his semen on the ground because he didn’t want to give offspring to his brother, so God put him to death.
The context of what happened is centered around Onan’s heart and why he spilled his semen on the ground. God didn’t kill him because he spilled his semen it was because of why he did-his attitude was self centered he was cruel to Tamar.
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why?
He told her to remain a widow and stay in her father’s house until his last son Shelah grew up so she could have him and have children but his intention was to keep her a widow forever-which would deny her of ever having children. He was afraid his last son would die if he gave him to her.
I am seeing this passage in a whole new light and I don’t like the way Tamar was treated. Tamar was treated like a sex slave-and denied dignity and the joy of having children. I don’t see where anyone loved her-they just used her. I can see why she tricked Judah now, she was suffering injustice!
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
They ripped off his coat and threw him into a cistern. Then they sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt.
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32?
They ask Jacob to recognize Joseph’s coat–it was their way of covering their tracks, making it look as though Joseph had been killed.
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here?
He had devised the scheme to sell Joseph, and then allowed his father to believe he was dead–having no care for how this destroyed Jacob, the torment it caused his heart.
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
I think all my relationships, but especially family. Sometimes the ‘short account’ is a misunderstanding, and can easily snowball into hurt feelings and twisted thoughts about another…I’ve learned it’s best to ‘nip it in the bud’ before my mind gets the chance to run with twisted thoughts.
This is so good:
I’ve learned it’s best to ‘nip it in the bud’ before my mind gets the chance to run with twisted thoughts.
Like that last comment Elizabeth
unday/Monday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? I agree with Judah going bad after the incident of the pit throwing of Joseph. Pondered this alot (wrote a Bible study on this family line, think I mentioned that before you can get it on kindle and the proceeds go toward our adoption costs. http://www.amazon.com/Abundant-Grace-Lessons-Family-ebook/dp/B0052NCSMI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358169788&sr=8-2&keywords=abundant+grace+kindle) Anyway so it is near and dear to my heart this study of this family…All pointing to Christ.
Also I liked how the kid deceived twice. Did not pick up on that. Pretty eye opening.
Wow Angela, I didn’t realize you wrote that I guess! Did you write girl power also? I’ll be ordering them!
Yes Joyce!
That’s great, Angela! Thanks for telling us.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
That while God cared about Judah, the hurts and wrongs he had suffered, He cared most about making him holy…setting him apart.
The sermon at church yesterday was about failure, we looked at Peter and how his sin was not failure because he truly repented, came to the end of himself. It is a lack of real repentance that brings about real failure.
It also stood out to me that I need wisdom from the Holy Spirit that I may not be one who strains out gnats and swallows camels.
What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
First they planned to kill him, Rueben suggested leaving him in a pit, planning to rescue him later, while Rueben was gone they decided to sell him to traders who were passing by for 20 shekels of silver
In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32?
The brothers ask Joseph to see the coat and identify it as the one he had given to Joseph
When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here?
Judah was jealous of Joseph, it was Judah who suggested selling him to the traders.
Having now lost a son I read this with new emotion, I know Jacob’s type of grief, I can’t imagine his sons seeing his anguish and not revealing to him that Joseph was still alive, perhaps his grief made them all the more jealous.
I wonder if that is why Judah left, trying to flee from his fathers grief and the reminder of his sin
Really good insight from your broken heart…
Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
I feel convicted that the roots of my life need to stay firmly in my gospel identity, not in self reliance or pride, which is my natural bent.
I feel convicted that much of my spiritual ambition has been about my glory and not Gods. Awhile back when I was struggling, someone here encouraged me with a Rich Mullins quote, perhaps it was Rebecca or Anne? I am sorry I can’t recall, but the gist of it was that we all want to be used by God, we want to have significance, and that many sinful people were ‘used’ by God,it is better that we can rest in the truth that we are loved by God.
I am sure I am missing a lot of the quote, but that has stuck with me and I have been pondering it lately.
So I guess I am saying that I don’t want my heart to be twisted with pride, selfish ambition or stiving to do things on my own, I want to be humble, ready to do whatever God has for me. I think of this passage from the Message:
Romans 8:15-17
The Message (MSG)
15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!
Chris, I remember this too. Rich Mullins was so full of nitty gritty wisdom. I was surprised and delighted completely Sunday when we sang Step By Step at church.
Yes — there are a few that stand out — Rich Mullins, Keith Green — both seemed so sold out — how interesting they each died what we would think is before their time…
It seems tragic to us for someone to die young, I feel that when we get home we will understand this hard thing differently.
Yes. I know we will — but so hard now!
A. What happened to Er and why? The Lord ‘put him to death’ because he was wicked
B.What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not? Explain — I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here — not a put down to Catholic theology.)
The idea that Onan didn’t want to give his brother children was I think what God deemed as wicked, I think because Er was the eldest of Judah’s sons any child of Tamar’s would have had a greater claim to the families wealth than Onan’s child would have had.
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart?
Judah told her to go back to her fathers house and live as a widow until his youngest son was old enough to marry her. He actually never meant for this to happen because he was afraid that if his youngest son married Tamar he would die as his brothers had.
Had to share with you all..I was asked to solo on this song during worship time in a couple of weeks..It is very simple-no deep theology, but to me it is a beautiful simple love song to Him. Our w.t. leader said he thinks I might connect with this song..and oh..:-)
http://youtu.be/1SDfxmgM2JQ
Here are the words:
Author of the world, walk with me
Ruler of the Earth, walk with me
Calmer of the Storm, walk with me
Healer of my heart, walk with me
How I need you, how I need you-oh Jesus walk with me
Light for every step, walk with me
Giver of each breath, walk with me
How I need you, how I need you-oh Jesus walk with me
How I love you, how I love you, oh Jesus walk with me
In your presence Lord, there is peace, there is rest
In your presence Lord, there is life that never ends
In your presence Lord there is joy, there is joy
In your presence Lord, there is life that never ends..
beautiful words, Rebecca…would LOVE to hear you sing it!
Elizabeth, you are such a sweet fragrance in my life-thanks so much sister!
Rebecca, that brought tears to my eyes. I needed that. Thank you!
Krista, you are in a place of opportunity to draw so close to Him and I think of you when I hear this song-I so love how you are moving toward him. :)
Thank you. I am truly moving close to Him, though there are days that I still very much a struggle. I keep holding tight to Him, though. He is my Hope.
So beautiful, God-blessed. No words.
Beautiful song, beautiful words, thanks for sharing
Loved this song…you’ll do wonderful!!
Joyce, you are such a gem-love you.. :)
6. Read Genesis 38:1-11
A. What happened to Er and why?
Er was notoriously wicked, he offended GOD and GOD took his life.
B. What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not? Explain — I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here — not a put down to Catholic theology.)
He slept with Tamar, as instructed by Judah, but did not want to impregnate her with a child he would not call his own, so he kept his semen from entering Tamar.
I was raised Catholic, and I’ve never heard this before. What I see is that Onan was using Tamar only for sex. He was not committed to her in any way, he was not even fulfilling the law. He was abusing sex, tainting it. I do not believe that having sex when procreation is not possible, or not the purpose, is wrong. However, I do believe that sex outside of a committed, loving marriage is sin. I think it’s a stretch to say this is the naming of birth control as sin. Onan was killed not simply because he would not impregnate Tamar, but his heart’s condition was selfish and abusing the intention, the gift of sex, he was also disobedient to God’s law, and this is what offended God.
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why?
Judah told Tamar to go live with her father as a widow until his son Shelah grows up. But his plan was to keep Shelah away from her, fearful that he could also end up dead, like Er and Onan.
Interesting thoughts on using Tamar only for sex.
I agree with you and those who have concluded the sin was disobedience to God: not carrying on his brother’s line as commanded by God. Reading some Catholic articles has been interesting, however. I can see how they develop their conviction about birth control — and “wasting seed,” yet I still don’t feel birth control is sin. A whole big topic!
And certainly it isn’t wrong to have sexual relations with your spouse when there is no possibility of children (and of course — with God nothing is impossible) because oneo f the primary purposes of sex is a renewal of covenant.
I am so excited because I am going to see Screwtape Letters Saturday. I missed it last time. Only 2 showings and nearly sold out.
Have fun! It’s great!
Who is playing the lead?
Let us know how you like it!
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
Definitely in my dealings with my co-workers. I fear that I’m already beginning to twist.
Praying for you Dawn, hold fast to who you are in Christ!
Ephesians 3
“14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Thanks, Chris. I need this today!
That picture of the woman with her face covered, that you put at the beginning Dee…that is suppose to be Tamar, is intriding to me. She is very beautiful but you can see her skeeming to get justice, in her eyes. She is no dumby.
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
Lately when I’m being tempted and know that I am…I’ve been asking God to help me to resist the temtation, where as in the past I am too tempted to do anything but give in. God has been stopping the tempation right away for me if I only ask.
I got the Liam Nelson Les Miserables from netflex and got to watch it tonight. It was a very good movie, so I’m very excited to see the one at the theater now…hoping to tomarrow!
Monday-Wednesday: Bible Study
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
They bullied him, threw him in a pit, and sold him into slavery.
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32?
Jacob recognized the coat of his son Joseph. He thought Joseph was hurt or dead because it had blood all over it.
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here?
Well, it was Judahs idea to not have “blood on their hands.” he thought they should sell him to the ismaelites instead. They whole thing is appalling to me! How they could do this to their brother? They were jealous of him.
Yes — Laura — I see your compassion for Joseph. And wasn’t it moving what Chris wrote above about Jacob?
Oh yes….
D. Blaming others
Two weeks ago our own Elizabeth shared how when things go wrong, she wants to blame someone. (Their car needed expensive repairs and she wanted to blame her husband — which she said, “makes no sense.” :-) Let’s consider this, for I think it is a common default of the soul.
1) Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think?
I was thinking through this because I couldn’t think of anything and then bam…God brought something to mind-duh- right out front too. The issue we had with not finding deeper fellowship at church. I was blaming others-blaming the state of the church today in general-literally whining inside about it-poor me..no one ever really makes an effort to talk to us before service starts and no one has invited us over for dinner..I whined so bad it was to the point where I was blind to the fact that I forgot the cross again. I forgot the cross and ran to my idol of comfort and that is why I blamed others. I forgot about who He is and that He gave His life, became undone on the cross so I can be Holy, transformed into His Image-to grow more in loving others-to reach out to others-to care for the poor-the needy-to serve others even if I don’t get served back-think about Jesus and His loving sacrifice on the cross! I forgot to trust Him to bring about deeper fellowship in community-that is what He desires for that is part of having intimacy with Him and He will bring it…IS HE NOT GOD?
Forgot to add-I have 4 minutes to add this so I will hurry! :-) Things have changed since God awoke me by the way..I am inviting people over from church and am reaching out more-All by His Grace-His awakening in me to remember the cross, and so I must die to myself again and trust Him..I even told my oldest God will bring him friends at church we just need to pray and trust.
Wow, Rebecca — that is so good and so penetrating — for all of us. Thank you for sharing the blaming thing. Wow. So like you to be so vulnerable.
After listening to Keller’s sermon on Tamar, I think I have a little bit of an extension to this awakening..Regardless of anyone elses sin or neglect or selfishness toward me I need to remember my state before Him-I am a selfish, neglectful and thoughtless sinner too-I don’t think about others all the time or extend myself to others all the time yet I am accepted by HIM. When He sees me he says, “righteous”, because of the cross. How can I be critical of anyone else!
What stands out to you from the above and why? Dee posting the Haugen quote about answering to our grandchildren for our action or lack thereof in regards to the oppression that surrounds us. This hit me hard. As a grandmother I see how I would give anything for the health and safety of my own children and grandchildren. I want my legacy to be one of love. Is this pride driving me?
It reminded me how much more I must seek to please God! I should act in preparation for answering His question on my commitment to His children.
You don’t look old enough to be a grandmother, Becca!
What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
They attempted to eliminate him and his specialness to their father. It makes me ponder how I have fallen to insecurities and attacked or desired to attack someone to remove their specialness. It’s difficult to admit and I am just realizing this as I write with all honesty -the worship team has a participant with a great voice, beautiful and skinny. Sometimes I feel her behavior/appearance is drawing attention to herself rather than to the act of worship and I let it distract me. I want to take her specialness away and I have to repent of this right now. It is my own insecurity that causes me to feel like Judah and desire her to be tucked away in a Sunday school classroom with a mob of runny nosed children. Oh how one passage read a million times can teach me a new lesson!
Becca I absolutely love your honesty. I have found this in my own life with my friend. For a long time I was her best friend, and now I see someone else at work taking that place. I know from the way that I’ve been in the past that this could grow into situation where I’m trying to show what a better friend I am than this person by pointing out all of her flaws or being catty and treating her poorly (it all seems so JR high I know). This person is a wonderful friend to both our friend and me so I have been praying since the onset for peace in this matter and love for both of these special women. It has taken a few months, but I am seeing more and more that Jesus always has been and always will be my best friend and no one can take his place.
Becca, Rebecca and Dawn you all touched me so with your comments above. Wow
Dawn- thank you for the honest revealing of this struggle in your life. What wisdom you share in ” Jesus always has been and always will be my best friend”. I think feeing inadequate in friendships is a tool that distracts us from God’s purpose of friendship. As my wise friend Chris stated – “Satan wants us alone and afraid”. 30+ years ago I gave up having close girlfriends because the pain and dissapointment it caused. I am quite good at keeping everyone at arms length. I was just given Dee’s book “The friendships of women” and am praying and preparing to read it during spring break. I pray for strength and peace for you in this situation.
So good — Satan does want to separate the sheep!
I read The Friendships of Women right when I was beginning to see that I really cared for my friend (before then I didn’t bother because I was done trying to be friends with anyone) and was “letting her in”. It helped me to understand what is normal and what is “over the top” and dangerous.
2) Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons?
Because he refused to face the truth about himself and his sons-he was blind to the truth and he didn’t go to God to ask or to lament.
3) When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond?
Well..I am STILL learning this! I think God wants us to go to Him first-to cry out and to pay attention to how we respond-trust Him with our grief and our pain and trust him-allow him to put his hands around our pot of clay.
7. Read Genesis 38:12-23 and describe what Tamar did. Why do you think?
She knew where Judah was going so she took off her widows clothes, veiled herself and acted as a prostitute and then Judah asked if he could sleep with her and he would give her a goat in return later-so she took his seal, cord and staff until he could come back and bring her a goat.
I think she wanted justice also I am sure it was a bigger injustice if the son that was promised was never given-that was how they did things so the blood line of the first son that died wouldn’t be lost. She saw an opportunity and seized it and she even took his seal, cord and staff so that he would be the one identified if she got pregnant because if she was found pregnant they would kill her..that is interesting because how did she know she would for sure get pregnant? God is sovereign.
8. Read Genesis 38:24-26 (Very important)
A. How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy? What darkness do you see in his soul?
He said to bring her out and burn her-put her to death-he was blind to his own sin. I see that He treated her like a tree walking-like she wasn’t human, as if this didn’t hurt her to be put away without a concern for her dignity. He didn’t stop and think, I bet she was desperate because she was denied the son I promised her.
B. How does God break through to Judah’s sin?
Through Tamar keeping his seal, cord and staff. At that moment when she handed it to him, Judah’s eyes were opened.
I also noticed had she slept with any man perhaps he wouldn’t have gotten the message-she chose to sleep with him which sent out a strong message-she was in line with continuing the blood line of her first husband.
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26.
I could totally be wrong but she could have slept with anyone to get pregnant-but she chose to sleep with Judah and I think it was both justice for she was wronged but it is also in line with staying in the bloodline and she was being faithful in that even though deceiving him wasn’t the right thing to do.
Wow, God used her sin to expose Judah’s sin and wake him up.
See you percolating and I love it — it helps us percolate too.
Rebecca, I loved all your comments, but especially this… “I think God wants us to go to Him first-to cry out and to pay attention to how we respond-trust Him with our grief and our pain and trust him-allow him to put his hands around our pot of clay.”
Feeling a little caught up – I want to thank all of you for your birthday blessings. And especially Chris for sharing- Girlfriend I am thanking God for putting me on your heart as I have been struggling. The days up to and actually on my birthday I was getting more rejection letters for jobs than usual, had an empty bank account and a broken down auto. I was feeling quite miserable and I cried out to God. I was shown a few areas I was out of alignment with His will. I felt like a chastised child who had the written chore list and chose to ignore it. The consequences for my inaction I know express God’s love for me. I felt like I was sitting next to Jonah in the hot seat and hearing – I told you to go so why are you wondering why things are not working out. I immediately felt peace and I know that your prayers had much to do with opening my eyes. I wasn’t aware Chris had even posted my birthday until after I felt more overwhelming love and hope than I had in some time.
I have to add my husband read Psalm 91 to me and placed my name into the scripture which was so healing to me and I suggest if you have a favorite scripture passage to rewrite it and make it personal.
Krista if you hold onto me for dear life – I will get you out of any trouble. Chris I will give you the best of care if you only get to know and trust me . Elizabeth Call me and I will answer. Diane I will be by your side in bad times. Rebecca I will rescue you. Dee I will throw you a party. Laura I will give you a long life. Joyce I give you a long drink of salvation. The Becca version of Psalm 91 14-16. Mmmm isn’t our God amazing! I can’t get enough of His love letters and guidelines!
The Bible is a light to me in my darkness
Wow. I needed to see my name in that passage today. Thank you for sharing what God has been doing in your heart!
Thank you Becca, I never thought of adding our name to a favorite verse!
1. “so often we are like the Pharisees, swallowing camels and choking on gnats.”
“He is a merciful God who sees us as we are — sinful, manipulative, and selfish — and loves us. He wants to refine us and change us, and when we are victims of injustice, even though we are sinful, He fights for us. He is our Hero, our Rescuer, our Wonderful Merciful Savior”
the two worst sins according to Scripture are idolatry and injustice
These words stand out the most because they are the ones that have become more and more real to me over the years. I have swallowed way to many camels and overlooked way to many gnats! Im so glad that HE wants to refine me and change me, to replace the idols that have stolen my joy and HIS praise.
please pray for Ellie (my 14 yr old) she is sick and had a bad asthma attack yesterday. today is my first day of school and she will be home helping Emma (9) and Lily (12) with thier school work as well as trying to get hers done. this is a new adventure for our family “mom at work” has never happened before for any of them and the younger 2 are having a hard time with it. Poor Ellie will have to deal with the temper tantrums of emma and the poutyness of lily. Abby homeschools another familys preschoolers on tuesdays and Luke has class all day so its all up to Ellie today.
hi ho hi ho its off to work i go :-) Im so nervous!!!!!!!! Im working for a very nice christian woman, I just hope I can learn all she needs me to learn in order to be a blessing to her!
Cyndi — I was just thinking of you in the night — how you are living out, in your adoptions, caring about what God cares about.
And prayers for Ellie!
I missed something. Mom at work? Where, how — and how can you add this to your plate?
We have felt God call us to send the little 3 to a small christian school….I need to work to pay the tuition, also need to help the older two with college tuition. So I am working 24 hours a week. 12 at a dance school and 12 at as a personal assistant. after the rest of the year it will not be so hard, they will be in school while i work and I will not work the dance studio at night. But God is very good and giving strength for this season. the girls had a great day and I loved my Job. I am helping a wonderful christian woman to manage 68 units of a shopping center and office building.
thanks for your prayers! it was a good day :-)
So glad you loved your job and that girls had a great day. I’m sure you are a wonderful help.
I’m wondering this also Cyndi! Five kids at home..bless you and your new endeavor, and bless Ellie.
sorry, today was my first day of WORK not school :-)
Krista you have been on my heart since the first time I heard your mother write your name. Not sure why but I don’t need to since I am sure it is a God thing After I read your beautiful poem last week I was reminded of something shared to me while I was dealing with an end to my first marriage and the beginning of raising three children( two boys) as a single parent. It is rather long but so powerful I couldn’t find anything to cut. I posted it and read it/prayed it often.
God of history and of my heart,
so much has happened to me during these whirlwind days:
I’ve known death and birth;
I’ve been brave and scared;
I’ve hurt, I’ve helped;
I’ve been honest, I’ve lied;
I’ve destroyed, I’ve created;
I’ve been with people, I’ve been lonely;
I’ve been loyal, I’ve betrayed;
I’ve decided, I’ve waffled;
I’ve laughed and I’ve cried.
You know my frail heart and my frayed history -
and now another day begins.
O God, help me to believe in beginnings
and in my beginning again,
no matter how often I’ve failed before.
Help me to make beginnings:
to begin going out of my weary mind
into fresh dreams,
daring to make my own bold tracks
in the land of now;
to begin forgiving
that I may experience mercy;
to begin questioning the unquestionable
that I may know truth
to begin disciplining
that I may create beauty;
to begin sacrificing
that I may make peace;
to begin loving
that I may realize joy.
Help me to be a beginning to others,
to be a singer to the songless,
a storyteller to the aimless,
a befriender of the friendless;
to become a beginning of hope for the despairing,
of assurance for the doubting,
of reconciliation for the divided;
to become a beginning of freedom for the oppressed,
of comfort for the sorrowing,
of friendship for the forgotten;
to become a beginning of beauty for the forlorn,
of sweetness for the soured,
of gentleness for the angry,
of wholeness for the broken,
of peace for the frightened and violent of the earth.
Help me to believe in beginnings,
to make a beginning,
to be a beginning,
so that I may not just grow old,
but grow new
each day of this wild, amazing life
you call me to live
with the passion of Jesus Christ.
Taken from Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder
Wow, Becca! Thanks for sharing this. I appreciate it and I’m sure Krista will as well. I find myself having a hard time to write these days – to articulate on here what I am thinking and what is going on. Some days are more of a struggle then others. Things are still hard here for Krista, but we know that God is here too. Krista is doing amazingly well considering all she is going through.
With my weary mind, heart and body I especially appreciate this part:
O God, help me to believe in beginnings
and in my beginning again,
no matter how often I’ve failed before.
Help me to make beginnings:
to begin going out of my weary mind
into fresh dreams,
daring to make my own bold tracks
in the land of now;
to begin forgiving
that I may experience mercy;
Thank you Becca, a thousand times, thank you! I did TRULY need that today. I read it with tears in my eyes. Thank you for letting God use you, He truly wanted me to read that. I am going to save that to my computer, and very likely write it down in my journal as well. And keep reading it over and over.
God bless you!
Krista
love this becca–”Help me to believe in beginnings, to make a beginning, to be a beginning, so that I may not just grow old, but grow new each day of this wild, amazing life you call me to live with the passion of Jesus Christ.”
elizabeth- reading just this snipet you pulled out makes me think how the enemy desires us to live in the past and have our witness and passion buried under mistakes and regrets. “Grow new each day” is a to me how God wipes the slate and provides an opportunity today for me to walk in His light without condemnation.
There is therefore no condemnation to those in Yeshua The Messiah who do not walk in the flesh Romans 8:1
That is beautiful, Becca
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26. He saw her as more righteous than he. It was her right under Jewish law to have a child from her deceased husband’s lineage. Judah refused to give her to Shelah to marry so she found her own way to get a child from her husband’s family. Judah finally recognized that he was the one to blame.
9. God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently.
I have been praying for a man who committed a brutal murder when he was a teenager 20+ years ago. He has accepted Christ, apologized and seems to be on the right track. However, because of backlash from the community where this murder took place he has been denied parole every 2 years since he became eligible on his 21st birthday. I have been unable to understand why these people aren’t willing to see that he’s a different person and praying that they will forgive him (for the last 4 years or so).
All of a sudden it hit me. I have been unwilling to write a letter to my Uncle before he passes away and share the good news of God’s grace. What I suffered was nothing close to the suffering of the murdered child’s family and yet I wanted to see them forgive while I am still holding onto unforgiveness. How depraved and blind of me.
Dawn–your honesty always ministers to me, praying for you with the letter, and the pain
That’s so insightful Dawn — thanks for being so vulnerable. I can identify!
I’m going to my first DivorceCare this evening. I would appreciate prayers. I’m kind of nervous about it.
Thanks,
Krista
praying right now for you Krista–that you will feel at ease, pease, a connection with the group…for healing.
Thank you, Elizabeth. <3
praying for you and all the participants who are seeking healing at the meeting tonight. you are giving yourself a wonderful gift by going!
Thank you, Becca! <3
so proud of you for going — we’ll be praying, Krista.
Thank you Dee, appreciate your encouraging words. <3
How did it go, Krista?
Wonderful. :) It is definitely going to be just what I need. What encouraged me the most, though, was definitely a “God thing.” Just a few minutes before it started a young woman came in. Instantly I realized I knew her, though it had been years since I had seen her. She sat at the other side of the room during the video, though during group time we sat fairly close. After it was over I got the courage to approach her, and so glad I did. Her name is Virginia. We had a mutual friend from high school, are the same age, and graduated the same year. :) We are going through a very similar experience with our separations. It was very nice to talk with her, even under the circumstances, and I can definitely see a friendship blooming between us. It was so nice to see a familiar face there and be able to connect! God is soo good!
oh so glad to hear this krista–that is an answered prayer
Krista, That was definitely a God thing! Wonderful!! When I went through a divorce with 3 little kids, there was nothing like that available. It’s not easy doing things on your own now, but I’m soooo proud of you!!
Krista- I am so glad it was a positive experience. Finding a kindred spirit is an added blessing. I know once I connected with someone it helped me think more logically when emotions were out of control. For example when i would beat myself up for something I had done or thought I would make myself logically think of how I would react or look at another if that other person did/thought the same thing. I learned I needed to be compassionate to myself as I would another. New beginnings for you! God is so Good!
I was able to locate a recovery program for my children as well called “mended rainbow”", we loved the support we gained there. In the future I pray there will be an opportunity for you to find a similar one.
Thanks Becca. :) There is actually a DivorceCare for Kids at the same church, but they only run in the Fall. It’s for kids ages 5-12.
What a great answer to prayer! Thanks for sharing.
So glad that it went well.
Thank you ladies. :) I am so thankful for all your encouragement!
I only have a second but wanted to share this–I have a dear, dear friend named Laura, I work with–she’s a little older, grown kids, so wise–just a treasure to me. She has been through much, much suffering and is a godly woman. Anyway, today we were talking about Idol Lies, and another friend came up and said how much she was enjoying it too & couldn’t put it down…and how she was a little surprised at first by some of the things Dee said about (our idols and ) adultery towards God…but how yes, when you look at the Scripture it is so true. We said how Dee likes to “push the envelope” and my dear friend said but you have to–to really get to healing, and so few are willing to push the envelope…I just beamed inside, overflowing with thankfulness that God brought (us) His teaching through the vessel of Dee, that she is willing to “push the envelope” and boldly speak truth. Truth that brings healing, and freedom.
This blesses me, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth, just read this-I feel like I am there listening to this conversation between you and these women..so encouraging..Dee reminds me of Mullins and others who pushed the envelope-like Jesus.wow did He push the envelope! :) I bet you were beaming! :)
Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think?
This is not my tendency, I suppose my error is the other side of the same coin. I tend to blame myself.
I have thought a lot about this bent and have decided that at it is a form of control, if everything is my fault, then I don’t need anyone else to participate in changing things, I can do it myself. There is a line in Pride and Prejudice where one of Bingleys sisters accuses Lizzy of displaying an ‘an abominable sort of conceited independence’, I have thought that line sort of describes my internal workings at times.
Spiritually I think I have at times resisted the idea that I am helpless to change without the gospel, without the Holy Spirit. I am now pouring contempt on all my pride, it is remarkable how long and how deep this thinking has gone for me.
Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons?
I wonder if he is unable to come under the condemnation that admitting his sons were wicked men would bring to him as their father. I wonder if he felt justified in what he and his brothers had done to Joseph, like Josephs arrogance had been deserving of their actions.
When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond?
By turning to Him, believing He is in control, asking for wisdom to see if there is wickedness in us, with concern for others too, not just looking to our own interests.
Not desperately clinging to our blessings, but realizing that the Earth is the Lords and everything in it (me included), and that the only real hope we have is in Him.
8. Read Genesis 38:24-26 (Very important)
How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy?
He ordered that she be burned to death
What darkness do you see in his soul?
He was probably still angry that his sons were dead, blaming her.
He also seems to think it is okay for him to have sex, but she should die for having done so
How does God break through to Judah’s sin
He sees that he had not treated her fairly, he must have been shocked when he realized what had happened and that she was pregnant with his child
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26. He realizes the weight of his own sin, how wrong he had been, how unfair
1) Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think?
It’s not usually others I tend to blame–I typically blame myself, or God–I’ll explain! I guess in the example of the car break down—it was more a deflection from blaming God in some way. Basically, I was just mad and my instinct was to project it somewhere (maybe because it was too obviously not really my fault this time ;)
But I hear it my husband or even my kids in my kids too–if both are playing and one gets hit with the ball—there’s a tendency towards “you made me…(get hurt)”
A Bible study I loved, called Gospel Transformation, opened my eyes to how just about every time I am frustrated/angry/blaming—it’s that someone/thing has come between me and my “ideal” (or idol!) Rebecca gave a great example of being discontent at church and then turning somewhere to blame.
I think we know in our core there is a cause behind everything that happens, and when things do not go as we wish they had—whether it’s a stubbed toe or a death—we want to ask WHY? I think that’s where blame comes in for me, at least. It’s as if after asking “why this?”—we get twisted in our response and look anywhere but to Him. If we look to Him, even with the “why this, why now?…” we will find not always the answer, but a peace, ultimately. When I banged my head on the bathroom drawer, while getting ready for church, ON mother’s day—I did look in the mirror and asked God “did this really need to happen?!”—but you know, I was able to relax, smile—and thank Him for Susan’s wisdom about Arnica a few weeks prior!
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)threw him a cistern. Pondered about killing him. Sold him as a slave to traders. Faked his death.
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32? Identify this if it is your sons or not, the tunic.
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here? Well, he was wanting to spare his brother from death so justified selling him instead. Twisted because death and selling a human being are both wrong!
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted? in how we use money, parent, minister, relationships, adoption trying to be honest and open with people so we stay accountable. And example in adoption is we could say well maybe if we paid them off knowing this is not right and I think illegal, they will just leave us with our child.
I remember how I struggled with bribing the authorities to get Beth sooner — it is so hard! But you are right, we need to stay in the light and trust Him.
2) Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons?
He didn’t want it to be anything his son’s responsibility, because that might reflect on him, having failed as a father.
3) When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond?
Turn to Him, pour out our heart, our lament. Remember His past faithfulness, His promises. Trust that He is faithful, good, in control…He is who He says He is.
7. Read Genesis 38:12-23 and describe what Tamar did. Why do you think?
Revenge? Justice? Is this why many of us are so prone to blame—a deep craving for justice? Justice that the Cross already took care of?
8. Read Genesis 38:24-26 (Very important)
A. How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy? What darkness do you see in his soul?
He wanted her killed—burned to death. He judged her for being a prostitute after having slept with a prostitute himself (her). His soul was judgmental, harsh, without grace.
B. How does God break through to Judah’s sin?
When he recognized the staff , cord, and seal, he was stopped in his tracks. He saw his own sin…remembering having forced his father to recognize Joseph’s blood-stricken coat, he was now forced to recognize the evidence of his own sinful behavior.
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
Hmmmmmmm, I don’t understand this? Does this mean how do I sin? Do I really want to admit this?
Please say alittle prayer for Kendra as she has the flu, with coughing, sneezing, itchy throat…no fever yet, but will take her to the Dr. tomarrow. We had the flu shot, but she seems to catch everything:( poor sweety. I can’t give her alot of over the counter med’s for colds, just tyenal, because of her seizure med’s and she won’t suck on a cough drop. Hubby is getting it too:( Thank you
Oh no Joyce! I’m so sorry :(
Father, thank you for being a loving God who is comforting in times of need. Many in our communities are suffering with this horrible sickness this year. Thank you for medical break throughs that help us know what type of flu to expect and to be able to get a shot to help us avoid the sickness as much as possible. Help Kendra, your daughter, be comfortable through the illness. Please allow the sickness to run it’s course quickly. Lord please also help Maurice, her father, who is also suffering. I pray in your sons name, Amen.
Lord, I agree with Laura’s prayer–please heal them quickly and please protect dear Joyce from getting sick too!
Amen..
Praying Joyce right now for compassion, wisdom and speed in the medical staff who treat her and that Kendra’s health be restored.
Oh Joyce, hate that Kendra and your husband are going through this-these times with the flu are harder on you I am sure because of your back and with Kendra’s disability it makes it tougher-and your husband getting it, then he can’t help-oh my. I pray God will strengthen you Joyce and will protect you from getting it.
Oh Lord, please have mercy on this family.
Praying too, I hope you don’t get it too Joyce.
I loved the pictures on Facebook of Kendra with Elvis!
Just saw this, Joyce. Praying as well. Hope you do not get sick. Do you have anyone who can help you?
Laura- I love how you responded to this! Exactly my thoughts too. “Do I really want to admit this?” made me smile this cold dark morning. I took the question as where am I likely to fall and fail and how can I set up systems to ensure accountability to avoid it getting out of control. Maybe your question was rhetorical. I know one of my most common “suck me under” sins is pride. I know sharing daily with my best friend (husband) an accounting of my day allows me to see red flags almost immedietly. I know if I intentionally skip over a tiny detail or adjust the story just a tweek to make him think better of me -I better get on my knees.
Becca, I’m going to remember this “I know if I intentionally skip over a tiny detail or adjust the story just a tweek to make him think better of me -I better get on my knees.” I find myself often doing this, but I never thought about what it meant. Now I will recognize it as a red flag. Thanks!
By short accounts I mean being willing to recognize and confess sin right away instead of putting it off…
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Being reminded yet again that the Bible is not about man (me) but about God. I constantly need to have my focus reset; off of me, and onto Him. I also need to hear these words, that “God sees us as we are – sinful, manipulative, and selfish – and loves us.” Often when I see myself in this way, I want to run and hide from God. I find it hard to believe that He can love me when He SEES the “real me”.
(“Amazing love – how can it be, that Thou my God wouldst die for me?”)
In the Martin French painting, I see a Jesus portrayed with very powerful, muscular arms, hands, and fingers. His hands seem almost as large as the pot. Those hands could be capable of causing incredible pressure and even crushing the pot – yet they are so carefully positioned and their strength is a gentle pressure – I see the thumb of His right hand working on a particular spot of imperfection. It makes me think of my children -how they sometimes became frustrated with a drawing or some other project and in anger and frustration, crumpled and smashed and ripped things up and threw them away. How thankful I am that God is not like a frustrated child or that He responds to my sin, stubborness, rebellion, and failure with an anger bent on destroying His work.
Susan, had to jump on here-loved your observation in the French painting. “How thankful I am that God is not like a frustrated child or that He responds to my sin, stubborness, rebellion, and failure with an anger bent on destroying His work.” This really ministered to me this morning-reminding me of Who He is again..His patience and long suffering..Yes, Amazing Grace!
love this too, Susan “Those hands could be capable of causing incredible pressure and even crushing the pot – yet they are so carefully positioned and their strength is a gentle pressure”
Good to ‘see’ you Susan, you have been quiet lately and I missed you!
9. God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently.
I have many..oh my..my comfort idol is one..
I haven’t been the most patient and kind mother going through this season of life where my husband works so many hours. I have wonderful moments with my boys but when they test me and fight over ridiculous things as well as make homework and chores a battle and I am hormonal and tired- my patience goes out the window. I don’t yell which is totally God changing me these past three years, but I do something that is just as bad, I can come in and make sideways comments, roll my eyes and say stuff like, “I can’t believe it, you must enjoy being grounded.” or I complain-”that is it, one more fight and I am selling the xbox on ebay!” or this one is the best, “I can’t believe you are upset because he touched you.. just get over it!” -so I don’t get best Christian mom of the year award that is for sure. :)
My sin is that I go to my comfort idol during the day in dealing with my boys when they fight or not do their chores when I ask them..and at night because I get tired early and I blow off anything that keeps me from going to bed by a certain time at night-God has broken through lately..I haven’t read to my youngest two at night for quite a while. I have just been putting them down for bed and saying good night..God broke through the other night and compelled me to go in and read scripture to them before bed. We read Jonah..it was wonderful and they were eager to hear..I asked my youngest why he thought Jonah ran from God-he said because he was scared to preach the Gospel..I said oh you are so close and I am sure that is what you have heard from your teachers but let’s read on and find the real reason Jonah ran..His interest was REALLY sparked. :) Recently, because of Elizabeth and Dee’s recommendation of Sally Lloyd Jones, I bought both her books “The Jesus Storybook Bible” and “Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing.” So we have been reading the Storybook Bible every night-It is AMAZING and my boys love it. We are going to do “thoughts that make your heart sing” as a devotional at dinner time with all four of our boys.
Sorry I haven’t edited this to make it shorter-it is scattered but I need to wake my boys up!
Eager to hear how that goes with the boys!
SO far I can’t get Jake to put it down..he doesn’t want to read just one story a night-he wants to keep going..
This is great, Rebecca–love picturing you and those boys, snuggled & reading! The devotional one has really become a favorite now-just short enough for us to read at breakfast-and her thoughts always lead to more thoughts…love picturing you reading the same thing ;)
I encourage you Rebecca in your conviction to read scripture to your boys, that is one thing from my boys early years I can look back on with satisfaction. I would read then they took turns praying. They would sometimes really open emotionally up when they were in bed with the lights off.
I read the Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe to them too.
Adventures in Odyssey tapes are a good option when you might be finished reading but they are still in need of unwinding.
You won’t regret the time you spend reading to them after they are grown. It all goes by so quickly.
2-4 It seem that Judah was rubbing it in his dads face when he showed him the robe, he wanted his dad to suffer the way he felt he had suffered all those years not being loved the way he wanted to be by his dad. so much pain added onto pain. makes me want ot make sure that i NEVER play favorites with my kids.
5. Always in my marriage. its easy to do with my kids because i dont expect as much from them, im not as selfish with my emotional “needs” with them as i am with Paul. I have wanted him to fill me up when only God can to that. sooooo having a short memory with the bad and a long with the good is very important.
Cyndi, You are so refreshing and honest-I love that about you..I so missed when you were gone!
You are so right-a great lesson from this passage..it is so important not to play favorites..I have learned the hard way. I did that with my youngest, Jacob–I love them all the same but I did tend to extend more Grace and Mercy to Jacob..It is ironic because his name is Jacob and Rebecca favored Jacob over Esau. ;-) His brothers have said to me-you spoil Jacob, he gets away with so much that is why we send him to you to ask for stuff because we know you will say yes to him..I feel awful because they are right SO, God is helping me change that! Yikes!
I remember many years ago, reading this account of Judah and Tamar as as new believer…..being so confused and troubled by this passage. How I love that you , Dee, put this passage in it’s context…..so beautifully reminding us that the Word is about GOD – not all about US!!It’s certainly not about primarily about how heroic we are…but rather how incredibly MERCIFUL HE is!! Really, this reminds me as well of David and Nathan……David’s righteous wrath against one who would steal and kill a little lamb….and Nathan saying “You are the man!” (re/Bathsheba and Uriah). This seems to have daily, multiple implications for me…..in my life with my family of blessed unbelievers, there is always opportunity to fret about their lives rather than quietly examining my own life before the Lord!
On a personal note, I could really use your prayers this day…..my daughter Jes was involved in a car accident last night…..her car (not very valuable to begin with…..just had a new motor put in 4 weeks ago though!!) was totalled, but she is fine and the other person is fine – other car only has slight dent in the fender! Well, at any rate, she was to go back to classes in two weeks, but we will not be able to afford both classes and a used car (???). She works for her dad and already this a.m. she has walked off the job, Casey tracked her down and scooped her up……anyway, she’s more than a little “touchy” this a.m……..this accident has surfaced some VERY DEEP issues that she’s been dealing with for many, many years…….I KNOW this one didn’t “slip by” the Lord! I just need to be His instrument of righteousness to my family as the emotions run high…..and of course, only by His Spirit and His Grace will this unfold!
Thanks for listening……I’ve been deeply moved by so many of your stories as I try to piece together “who you are”…..so many of you are dealing with such intense storms in your personal and family lives….already I’ve learned from you and been humbled by your perserverance in your walks with the Lord. May HE receive ALL the glory!
Thank you, Jackie. And I do lift up Jes, asking the Lord to work in her heart and that good may come from it — may He give you patience and wisdom as a mother.
Thankful that your daughter and the other person involved in the car accident are both fine and I will be praying for Jes, for whatever this issue is that has surfaced; praying that she can take it all to Jesus and receive His help.
Amen to Dee and Susan’s prayers!
Amen to prayers offered above.
I saw this quote recently…”Sometimes in our biggest storms we find our direction”…may it be so for your Jes, Jackie.
Jackie, any update? So sorry and praying for you all.
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26.
“She is more righteous than I” He admits his own sin, he is repentant, and he turns away from going back to her ever again.
It’s interesting that by sleeping with Judah, Tamar was carrying on the lineage—what she had been kept from being able to do by Er’s death, Onan’s deceit, and Judah keeping Shelah hidden.
9. God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently.
I feel like He shows me things daily. One example is a pattern I tend towards with one of my children—seeing the hard part only, easily being critical. He continually softens me with this though, and recently another breakthrough. I am thankful that, at least at my kids’ young age, they are so gracious. I apologized for my nagging, and was met with a strong embrace…followed by a very colorful invitation for more time together. But this is one of my areas to keep a “short account”—it can so quickly snowball and become tense, repeating patterns of my past. There is a verse I love to cling to in this relationship, He says “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” I feel like He is saying-‘no, you do not have to repeat the patterns you lived, I am doing something new, beginning here, with you’! It’s funny–if this relationship didn’t have its struggles–I wouldn’t see how He is so powerfully with me in it, breaking old patterns–doing something NEW!
I’ve really been enjoying Scotty Smith’s daily prayers–this is part of today’s prayer, ‘A Prayer for seeing all things through the Lens of Grace’ (http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/2013/01/16/a-prayer-for-seeing-all-things-through-the-lens-of-grace/):
“Help me to see people with gospel eyes. Father, help me to see people’s dignity, brokenness and your image in them—not just the things that irritate or inconvenience me. When I’m tempted to view people primarily in terms of how they might harm or help me, expand my vision beyond my experience to your larger story of redemption and restoration. Help me to see what you see in my spouse, children, friends, even in total strangers.”
Oh yes — grace, grace. We can pray for one another to give more!
Wow, thank you Elizabeth, this dovetailed so well with my thoughts, I love it when things feel so certain, that you know He is speaking.
I hope you are still experiencing decreased pain?
Chris–thank you, yes, I have been doing much better, praise for that! I do ask prayer for my husband–this is notoriously the worst time of year for his bipolar and the depression has been fairly strong for him since after Christmas(he is pretty maxed on his meds). I think it helped me finally pull out of my fog and get perspective. It’ll be OK, I’ve stopped fearing the worst, but prayer is always appreciated in getting through these months until sunshine! :)
Praying for your husband, Elizabeth…love you
Elizabeth-so so love this prayer..and I need Him to help me see what He sees in other people..
This is excellent, Elizabeth…thanks much for sharing the link.
6. Read Genesis 38:1-11
A. What happened to Er and why? Died, wicked so The Lord took him.
B. What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not? Explain — I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here — not a put down to Catholic theology.) he spilled his semen instead of giving her an heir in the brothers name. I say this is so wicked because he was not looking out for the widow, his family, her honor. He intentionally avoided this honorable responsibility. So The Lord killed him too. I think this sin has all to do with the heart.
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why? Go to her fathers house and wait for his youngest son to grow….any gage on his age here? Curious of the time frame.
D. Blaming others
Two weeks ago our own Elizabeth shared how when things go wrong, she wants to blame someone. (Their car needed expensive repairs and she wanted to blame her husband — which she said, “makes no sense.” :-) Let’s consider this, for I think it is a common default of the soul.
1) Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think? Yes for sure at times, probably most susceptible is my husband…guess not wanting to feel guilt and stem from pride.
2) Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons? Sometimes I have observed it hard for parents to see their children’s sin.
3) When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond? Go to Him.
7. Read Genesis 38:12-23 and describe what Tamar did. Why do you think? She took matters in her own hands. She dressed as a prostitute and tricked Judah. Probably because he refused what he promised in giving his son to her.
8. Read Genesis 38:24-26 (Very important)
A. How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy? What darkness do you see in his soul? At first he was angry and wanted her burned yet did not see any problem with his own secret sin of promiscuity. Mentioned he did not want to be laughed at to his friend who tried to deliver the goat.
B. How does God break through to Judah’s sin? He has to identify who she slept with by seeing his signet and cloak, when he realizes it was him he softens.
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26. He sees she is more righteous because she took matters in her own hands because he would not do what is right. Though both are clearly sinners.
9. God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently. Again, I speak of this so often but just my attitudes about thinking I am better than little mans mom yet I could be in that position is things were different. God shows me depths of my heart in this and is changing it.
10. Last week in the free message from Gary Haugen, he challenged us: “What are you doing with your lunch?” (Referring to the story of the feeding of the 5,000 — what came from one little boy’s lunch.) Keep praying and pondering about this and sharing. I have been pondering this. I think one way is opening our home and taking in little man. In my heart I now can see us doing it again. Also just stepping in as I observe those who may need help. I can do many small things that seem huge to a person in need.
Small things? Taking in little man? I don’t think so, Sweetheart. That’s huge!!!!
But I do remember when my pastor (Greg Scharf) said that taking someone in was an easy way to make sure we are always practicing hospitality. It’s true.
Angela, your obedience with your “lunch”–truly inspires me, to see what God has been able to do through you because you were willing. And your answer to 9–your heart is beautiful.
What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph?
They sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver.
How is “Haker Na” used in Genesis 37:32?
They asked Jacob to identify the tunic he gave Joseph.
When we sin our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it untwists. How was Judahs soul twisted here?
He decided to make a profit selling Joseph, meanwhile, he was deceiving his father. He was driven by jealousy.
Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in light so that your soul does not become twisted?
I so struggle with having family living too close and have to really work to not let my heart harden, and become judgmental or critical. At times we feel suffocated. I’m sure for those of you that don’t have family living by, this would appear to be a blessing. I’m not saying I don’t appreciate them, I would just like to have more space. In the past I have confided in a friend, but with wanting to abide in Christ, I have recently been able to keep a lid on it. The good LORD knows I need help with that. To quote Joyce Meyer, “I have been going around that mountain way too long.”
What happened to Er and why?
He was wicked in the sight of the LORD and the LORD killed him.
What happened to Onan & why?
He emitted his semen on the ground so as to not impregnate Tamar. He didn’t want to give an heir to his brother, so the LORD killed him also.
What did Judah tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why?
He asked her to live as a widow in her fathers house till his youngest son, Shelah grew up. He intended to let her stay a widow because he feared losing Shelah as well.
Blaming others.
Do you have a tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why do you think?
Blaming is the automatic easy way out. We all want to justify our thoughts and actions, and in our own minds we feel that we are right. God can only show us the truth once we get over the blame game. My mother used to tell us, when you’re pointing your finger at someone else, you are pointing three back at yourself.
Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons?
He was feeling the guilt from his past when he deceived his father, therefore he didn’t want to admit that his sons were wicked also.
When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond?
He would want us to reach out to Him.
Read Genesis 38:12-23 and describe what Tamar did. Why do you think?
Tamar saw that Judah had deceived her by not giving Shelah to her to carry on the family lineage. She felt cheated and deceived. Perhaps she wanted to bring shame upon Judah for not keeping his word.
Read Genesis 38:24-26
How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy? What darkness do you see in his soul?
“Bring her out and let her be burned.” Absolutely no compassion or mercy. It was fine for him to use a harlot, but she shouldn’t be one. They both were wrong.
But does God break through to Judah’s sin?
Yes, he acknowledged that the signet and card, and staff were his.
Comment on his statement in verse 26.
He took responsibility for his sin by admitting that he did not keep his word.
Your mother was wise!
“My mother used to tell us, when you’re pointing your finger at someone else, you are pointing three back at yourself.”
VJ, I understand about family too close…my mother “smothered” me for years and years, from living too close. I was the only girl and the baby, so that made it worse. Mom is gone now and I miss her, but she never untied the apron strings:(
I will pray for you.
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
Initially the boys planned to kill Joseph, but ended up selling him to traders for 20 pieces of silver.
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32?
The boys had Joseph’s coat which was clearly reconizeable as his…they presented the coat to Jacob, stained with goat’s blood, to indicate Joseph’s probable death by a wild animal.
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here?
Judah was really only worried about himself…no guilty conscience for selling his brother, he foolishly allowed himself to think that he (they…the brothers minus Reuben) wasn’t (weren’t) “hurting” Joseph in selling him and condemning him to a life of slavery; he justified it all with the thought that at least they weren’t killing him. Judah’s comment that “after all, he (Joseph) is our brother” is foolishness…if this is how “a brother” treats another, all of the brothers should be looking over their shoulders for siblings prone to malicious acts done out of jealousy.
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
To be forthright and not get caught in the middle of anything in a manner that could be construed as improper, deceptive, or gossipy.
So wise Nancy “To be forthright and not get caught in the middle of anything in a manner that could be construed as improper, deceptive, or gossipy.”–so easy to get “sucked in” and then regret it!
“Getting caught in the middle” has happened before and in hindsight is much more apparent than when it is occurring…I’m trying to vigilant and not allow myself to get “sucked in”.
Monday-Wednesday: Bible Study
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28) – They plotted to kill him, stripped him of his ornate robe, thru him in a cistern and then ended up selling him for 20 shekels of silver.
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na,” which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32? – When they took Joseph’s robe back to their father they asked him to “examine” it and see if it was Joseph’s
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here? – He was first going to go along with this brothers and kill Joseph, but then had a change of heart because he realized they would gain nothing from killing him and because Joseph was their brother, “their own flesh & blood”. I think here he was hearing from God and realized what they were doing was very wrong and did not want to have God’s judgement on him.
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted? – I think right now it is at work. Since Christmas while I was off on vacation a position was posted that I was not aware of and was somewhat what I was already doing for my boss but they approached a friend of mine to apply and was granted the position. Since then it has been very hard to come to work and do my job as unto The Lord and hold a grudge against anyone. I’m very happy for my friend and just keep telling myself God has something more in line for me. Something that He wants me to do over this position.
Will pray for your heart in this Julie — what you are telling your soul is good.
God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently.
I feel convicted and have for some time that I don’t love my neighbor as myself. I long for this to be so in me, I want to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. I pray for my heart to be made soft, to see others not as threats to my comfort or as something I need to feed my self image with approval.
I long to be more of a ‘here am I send me’ sort of Christ follower.
Last week in the free message from Gary Haugen, he challenged us: “What are you doing with your lunch?” (Referring to the story of the feeding of the 5,000 — what came from one little boy’s lunch.) Keep praying and pondering about this and sharing.
I keep thinking about his desire to life a fearless life, it is sticking with me as it did when Dee asked us what does it mean that if we fear God, we don’t need to fear anything else. What would it look like for me to leave my ‘nets’ the things I know and trust in, and be ready to really risk for Christ, believing that He knows what I need, that He has prepared work for me to do and that I can serve and leave the results up to him.
I want to be ready to give up my lunch and trust that God will provide, I am not sure what this would look like but I am pondering.
Chris–I like the way you worded this “I want to be ready to give up my lunch and trust that God will provide”–for some reason it opened my mind to broader thinking on this question…where am I holding back because I fear I can’t do it…or there won’t be provision…takes me back to Angela’s example–I can’t imagine doing it on my own…but trusting in His provision anything is possible!
Laura dancer how is your Mom doing?
Oh how I miss reading all your comments, but I’m trying to help Maurice and Kendra. It is influenza B, Dr said. It’s not as bad as A, but they could tell by a swab of the inside of her nose. He put her on Tamaflu, 75mg twice a day, so we gave her one capsule right away with her noon seizure pills with some choc. malt (for her throat) and got home and she vomited the malt for 2 hours on and off:( I feel so sorry for her. She crys and I just hold her…breaks my heart. You do have to take that with food, but she had breakfast and then the malt, so we thought she would be fine. By the way, it is very contagious Dr. said….hope I can stay well to take care of them and I pray no one else gets this nasty stuff out your way. Dr. gave me a scrip. for some too, cause he said I would probly get it. She threw up her seizure med’s also then, so I’m watching for seizures. Thank you all for your prayers…love you all.
Joyce,
I’m so sorry Maurice and Kendra are so sick, and I know it is hard on you, too, to be the caregiver. I may suggest what my kids’ doctor called the “BRAT” diet if Kendra continues to be sick to her stomach – bananas, rice, applesauce, toast – things that are easy to digest. Sometimes milk and other dairy products can be harder to digest. My mom always gave us gingerale and saltine crackers when we couldn’t eat much.
Lord, please help Kendra and Maurice to get well – help them to rest, and keep their food and medicine down, please watch over them and comfort them. I pray also that You will help Joyce to care for them and get rest herself, and please protect her from getting the flu.
Oh I agree with Susan’s prayer!
Oh sweet Joyce, how I wish I could help you. I will continue prayers for all of you–that they would recover quickly, that the tamiflu would work, that you would not get sick. So glad he gave you a scrip to–I will pray you don’t get it, but it’s good to have it in case!
Joyce, I am praying for you, Maurice and Kendra! (((hugs)))
Oh Joyce I’m so sorry to see this post. How is everyone doing? And how are you? Will be praying for all of you.
As I layed in bed, I relized I forggot Rebecca and Anne and Nancy and I prayed for all our new ladies too.
6. Read Genesis 38:1-11
A. What happened to Er and why?
God put Er to death because he was “wicked in the Lord’s sight.”
curious about this…..what does it mean Er was wicked? Aren’t we all wicked in the Lord’s sight every time we sin? We aren’t all put to death immediately. Does it mean he was out of control? Was he killing men everyday? Was his wickedness an idol or some injustice to others since those two sins are the worst? Do we know anything else about him from other accounts? Was he not physically put to death, but not seen in Gods eyes anymore as one of His children?
B. What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not? Explain — I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here — not a put down to Catholic theology.)
He was told to sleep with his brothers wife (?!) to have children and he did. I must be missing the historical nature of these verses. Did women HAVE to have children? I think it’s creepy that Judah would tell Onan to sleep with her! He must have thought so too because he protected her each time. God didn’t like this and put him to death too! Again, was fhis rhetorical or real death? I don’t get this either. I should have been put to death several times over then. I have never really taken man made birth control pills for a few reasons, and never liked the physical ways to prevent birth either. We DID prevent birth however, because we knew having a gazillion children would not be something we could handle in various ways; financially, physically, etc. We saw it as being responsible.
Regarding the CC, as stated above, I do think it is a form of birth control. I suppose if you don’t agree then you could leave that church? I admire Catholics for their stances on the death penalty and abortion; both are wrong according to Catholic doctrine. However, I know many Catholics who believe abortion is okay. I don’t get this at all. I left the Methodist church after 40+ years because I didn’t agree with their doctrine which was beginning to change with the modern society. They were changing it to fit what society was saying was ok. It didn’t make sense to me, so I left and found a church that actually followed the Bible! We do have free will, right?
I don’t understand why God would want me to be irresponsible by having child after child after child. Where in the bible does it say to NOT prevent births? Also, does this mean you would only make love to your spouse a couple of times as to not become pregnant? I believe God did tell us to enjoy each other in that way, right? Some would argue the earth can’t handle more people either, to sustain itself.
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why?
He told her to live with him. For some reason he thought she could marry the youngest brother but then also seemed to wish death on him as well? As if he was ok that his sons were dying? Don’t get that at all. I don’t know what he planned to do other than make her leave after the young son died? Not given much info here. Did HE want to marry her? That’s totally GROSS if so…..
Oh Laura-dancer — You keep a teacher on her toes. How about you listen to the free sermon and see if any of this seems to make more sense — and then come back. How does that sound?
Hi Laura-dancer–you REALLY ask good questions! I love how you make me look twice (or 3 x…) and dig, dig–SO good. I haven’t listened to the sermon yet either, but it did help when I read that it was God’s law for the brother in law to help the childless widowed sister in law continue the lineage–so that is why it was disobedient of Onan to refuse. This is from Matthew Henry’s commentary:
“The next son, Onan, was, according to the ancient usage, married to the widow, to preserve the name of his deceased brother that died childless. Though God had taken away his life for his wickedness, yet they were solicitous to preserve his memory; and their disappointment therein, through Onan’s sin, was a further punishment of his wickedness. The custom of marrying the brother’s widow was afterwards made one of the laws of Moses, Deut. 25:5.”
Then, after Onan died. Joseph told Tamar she could later have Shelah, but he didn’t mean it–he was afraid he’d lose a 3rd son to her. You’re right-it doesn’t tell us (that I could find) what Er did against God–just “grievous”. I think it’s all pretty ick until the end when Joseph is softened!
Ha Elizabeth! You are funny…”…it was ick…!” thanks for explaining the brother thing..that helps. I don’t know anything about this story, sad to say. I listened to the sermon once, but need to again. I keep getting hung up on the passing the girl from one brother to the next as well as the whole death thing. They really DIED?
Laura Dancer, I just listened to the Tamar sermon this morning and it is so cool how God works this out-most if not all of your questions are addressed-and you have great questions!
you did it again….my answer for 6….a-c dito Elizabeth.
2. What did Judah and his brothers do to Joseph? (Genesis 37:18-28)
I noticed first that when they saw Joseph from a distance, they began to plot to put him to death. Their hatred must’ve been so intense that the very sight of him stirred these feelings up. They stripped him of his varicolored tunic – one symbol of their father’s favoritism. They threw him into a pit and their callousness is shown in that they sat down and ate a meal. Judah decided that they might as well profit from this – he suggested that they sell him to the Ishmaelites instead of killing him. So Joseph is sold into slavery.
3. In the Keller sermon he will trace a pattern with a Hebrew phrase “Haker Na”, which can be translated recognize, identify, or know. How is it used in Genesis 37:32?
Judah and his brothers dip Joseph’s tunic in the blood of a goat, take it to their father Jacob, and ask him if he recognizes the tunic as belonging to Joseph.
4. When we sin, our soul becomes twisted. If we repent, it is untwisted. How was Judah’s soul twisted here?
Judah’s hatred, jealousy, and resentment of Joseph led to murderous thoughts and actions; then it led to lying and deceit and wilfully breaking the heart of his father.
5. Where is God asking you to keep short accounts and stay in the light so that your soul does not become twisted?
I think in my marriage and particularly what goes on in my mind, for the battleground is in my mind – feelings of resentment, anger, and unforgiveness start to percolate, and it always leads to a downward spiral (twisting). A good example even is what Dee posted a couple weeks ago about the Christmas gift for my daughter involving my husband, his parents, and myself. I very much believe that if I let those inner thoughts and feelings take over, it will always come out in harsh words, criticism, or actions such as giving the “cold shoulder”.
Another area that I have felt a very heavy conviction in lately is telling a lie or deception. For example, to avoid an angry response (my rationalizing) I tell a lie. Or it could be to make it appear I’ve done what I’m supposed to have done. I know I have felt all twisted inside, because Jesus said that Satan is the father of lies, and I don’t want to be like him, a liar. I have asked God for forgiveness, yet I’ve still been very burdened by feelings of guilt and shame and it is hard to forgive myself.
oh Susan–your answer to 5 is so honest, and I relate. I will pray you feel His peace wash you of the feelings of guilt and shame.
Feeling myself sliding downward in spirit today as I realized the sermon has a fee. I am struggling with the fact that I can no longer make “unneccessary” purchases. With no income/no job I feel so much more responsible about every dime I spend. I am trying to focus on being in this moment and how grateful I am to have the necessities. If you have a moment to pray for me today I would be grateful -I am praying that once I do have income flowing again I truly remember how I can live without careless spending and devote more to serving those in need. I am trying to soak up this lesson and find joy in less. I know I could work as a server as I have 10+ years experience in that from my younger days but I have a strong conviction about not serving alcohol and it is almost impossible to work somewhere that is not necessary. I have an interview tomorrow for an office position (prn) and although I believe it’s not the right placement for me I am praying God opens and shuts doors so I may see clearly and follow His will for me.
oh Becca, praying for you now and for God to lead you, open doors…did want to tell you though that this week’s sermon is free. Go to http://sermons.redeemer.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=18041&ParentCat=6,
the drop down menu that says “choose one”…the MP3 version is free–hope that helps!
sorry if I confused anyone-this IS dee’s same link, I was just trying to make sure you got the right one Becca!
Becca,
It looks like it costs but if you pick the mp3 it will say “0.00″ so it is free. :-) Hope this works for you!
Will be praying for your job interview tomorrow..I so feel for you sister- I love how you are clinging to Him..
Lord thank you for Becca, for her heart you are molding and making new. Thank you that you love her and that you care so for her and about her needs that you went to the cross so you could carry her and walk with her. We ask that you would continue to give her wisdom as she makes choices and that you would direct her to your source of provision and would make it so clear that this is you moving in the middle of her circumstances to love her-to be her great provider and protector. To you be the glory God, in Jesus name, amen.
Elizabeth and Rebecca, Thank you for the help. I was able to download and listen for free. I think it was good for me to think it cost $ because it made me think deeply. I need to think & feel more! So often i just get in a routine and don’t absorb the things I need to process. God gives me so many gifts constantly to help me wake up and grow in Him! I loved when someone wrote earlier that their word for 2013 was “rest”. I see I need to rest and observe more and “do” less. If I hadn’t been disappointed about the sermon cost I would not have opened up asking for prayer.
Right now I feel so attacked and weary. All of my classes this semester are unappealing especially the biology class that is pushing darwin and evolution in every chapter. I love you ladies, the wisdom and faithfulness you share is inspiring to me.
Becca, I can relate to being weary and the Darwin thing-as my kids are public schooled..It can be heartbreaking indeed..Thanks for reminding me about the comment on “rest” in 2013..so encouraging to be reminded to rest, trust and wait on Him with every decision and the events of the day today-my encouragement from Him for today-thanks!
Becca, so sorry to hear of your troubles. I do know how that feels (being down about something you can’t control). I will pray for work for you. I applaud you standing on your principles also. Could you try an ihop or Denny’s or some breakfast place?
I feel so badly I didn’t know or make it clear that the sermon was free — but it is. As Rebecca said, it looks like you have to pay, but you don’t when you check out — if you choose the mp-3 version.
Also — above, Laura=dancer has many good questions and I’ve a full plate this morning — if any of you have time to help her, that would be great!
Dee – not a big deal at all- I am not technologicaly gifted and obviously not observant! I don’t even know what MP-3 means but it worked!
Becca,
I read your posts above and though you are in a difficult time right now, financially and with job searching, I do love your heart. I see you are thinking deeply about things and I see you having a thankful heart! Praying for your job situation…
6. Read Genesis 38:1-11
A. What happened to Er and why? The Lord put him to death because he was wicked in the Lords sight.
B. What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not? Explain — I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here — not a put down to Catholic theology.) – The Lord put him to death also because the act he did was wicked in God’s sight. I’m not sure that I see this as a sin overall, but I can see a form of birth control here. It would be like todays time of a man putting on a condom, (hope I can say that here). I hope I have not offended anyone. If the custom in those days was for a brother to sleep with his sister-in-law if her husband died then he was ignoring an order of the custom and from his farther. With all the talk about contraceptives being a form of killing unborn babies, this why of protecting the life of an unborn baby would not be killing in my eyes. I grew up Catholic and had to go to pre-canna classes and could never understand then how the couple instructing us could tell me not to use birth control in any form as they were not the ones going to have to pay for taking care of my child. There are so many unwanted pregnancies today that it saddens me so many to not think twice of what they are doing until it’s too late.
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why? – He told Tamar to live as a widow in her father’s house until Shelah was old enough to be given to her as her husband. These verses don’t say how much time was in between the brothers births so its hard to know how old he was at the time this was all going on. I think that Judah was not planning to fulfill his promise to Tamar in fear that his only son left would also be put to death. I think he thought Tamar was not blessed by God because everyone that came near to her or touched her was put to death. Judah was afraid of the outcome.
D. Blaming others
Two weeks ago our own Elizabeth shared how when things go wrong, she wants to blame someone. (Their car needed expensive repairs and she wanted to blame her husband — which she said, “makes no sense.” :-) Let’s consider this, for I think it is a common default of the soul.
1) Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think? – I will really have to pay close attention to my heart and mind now when something goes wrong to see if deep down I am blaming others. I know I do hold back and start looking for a way to explain what I did that caused the problem before approaching the person. I plan out my response in a way to defend what I did. I eventually suck it up and go and say what happened and say I’m sorry for the error. Will be searching myself now to see what I do and work on correcting it.
2) Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons? – I think it’s so hard to admit that your children are not “angels” that you will find whoever you can to blame them for their faults. It’s so much easier to blame others then to correct our own faults. I remember how hard it was when Kyle did not learn his lesson on stealing and when got caught again was put in juvenile detention and how hard it was to see him come out in hand cuffs to come to court. Oh how I just wanted to hide and blame myself for not seeing the signs of his crying out. I really don’t think he blames me for what happened but it was so hard to think what others thought of me as a mother when they found out.
I appreciate what you’ve written about Tamar. I read Francine River’s book on Tamar and I realized that what I had learned about her during my growing up years was mistaken and truly she was a victim of grave injustices. Knowing she is part of Jesus’ genealogy makes me more and more appreciative of God’s grace in my life.
I thought Francine Rivers did her homework well for that series. Thanks for coming on the blog!
So glad you joined us Alice.
Kendra has kept everything down today and no seizures:) Maurice had his worst day today probly. I’m still not sick! It’s all your prayers! Thank you!
I’m praying for your husband, Elizabeth
And for a very good job for you Becca
Jackie, so glad jes is okay and praying for her schooling and car.
Chris, how is sweet little cosmo doing? Praying for you and her.
Chris already asked Laura Dancer, but how is your mom doing? ….Praying for much better care for her.
Susan, please forgive yourself…God has already forgived and forgotten…your heart is sweet play-doe:)
VJ praying about your problem of family too close..of how I identify
Julie…our new grandmother!…I’m sorry a friend took that position at work…praying it’s because something bigger and better will open up for you!
Angela, praying for funds to come in for little guy’s adoption.
Dawn, praying about your job and the problems there.
Cyndi, praying for your jobs and that your kids will really pitch in and help you.
Diane and Krista…your always in my prayers.
Dee, praying for you to be able to answer all of laura dancer’s questions!!!
How did I do? I’m starting to see a glimer of light from all this sickness here…Praise God! It’s because of your prayers.
Miss and love you all!
JOYCE YOU AMAZE ME (yes I meant to use all caps:) I so wish I could come and help you–SO thankful you have not gotten sick, I have really prayed you could be spared. Thankful Kendra hasn’t had seizures and has kept the meds down…poor Maurice–will continue to pray for you all. Update us as you can–I’ve heard this year’s flu is really wide-spread. Praying you’re able to rest and stay healthy! You are so loved Joyce!!
Oh the prayer for me made me smile. I hope it made Laura Dancer smile too!
You’re funny Dee! Really, it’s okay if you don’t. Sorry to be so slow, but I told you I have a alot to learn in a short time :) listening to the sermon again today with all my questions in my head!
I came across this today from Martyn Lloyd-Jones and found it so good, I wanted to share:
“Avoid the mistake of concentrating overmuch on your feelings…Above all, avoid the terrible error of making them central. If you put them there you are of necessity doomed to be unhappy because you are not following the order that God himself has ordained…After all, what we have in the Bible is Truth; it is not an emotional stimulus, it is not something primarily concerned to give us a joyful experience. It is primarily Truth, and Truth is addressed to the mind, God’s supreme gift to man; and it is as we apprehend and submit ourselves to truth that the feelings follow…Put at the center the only One who has a right to be there, the Lord of Glory, Who so loved you that He went to the Cross and bore the punishment and the shame of your sins and died for you. Seek Him, seek His face, and all other things that be added unto you.”
That is so true, Elizabeth! I love the last part, especially; “Seek Him, seek His face, and all others things that be added unto you.”
6. A. What happened to Er and why?
Er was struck down by the Lord because of Er’s wickedness.
B. What happened to Onan and why?
Onan did not want to produce an heir in his brother’s name…he did not allow for Tamar to get pregnant with his method of withdrawing prior to ejaculation.
The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control — do you see any validity to this or not?
I can see some validity and invalidity, dependent upon the form of birth control. Birth control that does not allow for conception I don’t see validity for sin; birth control that forces a spontaneous abortion of a zygote I would consider valid in being considered sin. Additionally, when one uses birth control without the knowledge of their spouse, I think this is sinful, but a different type of sin…not necessarily the “sin of birth control” but deception and dishonesty…birth control and pregnancy/children are decisions that should be mutually consented to by both spouses.
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why?
Judah told Tamar that when Shelah was grown, Shelah would be her husband in keeping with his obligation as the father-in-law of a widow. Judah had no intention of Shelah marrying Tamar. In Judah having Tamar go to live at her father’s home after the death of her husbands, she was out of sight and out of mind.
D. 1) Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think?
I don’t think so…I really hate the “blame game”…it is much easier to admit when you make a mistake and move forward from there. People have much more understanding and grace for someone who admits their mistake rather one that tries to displace the blame from him/herself onto another.
2) Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons?
It was easier to blame Tamar as the common factor than to admit the shortcomings of his sons…blaming Tamar made it easier to deny the reality of the situation.
3) When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond?
God wants me to trust Him…He wants me to be a woman of love, faith, and integrity trusting that He is in control despite appearances that might suggest otherwise. God wants me to trust Him and not doubt His goodness, omnipresence, and omnipotence. He wants me to come to Him first with all my feelings, fears, and woes seeking His guidance, comfort, and direction.
1) Do you have this tendency to want to blame others when things go wrong? If so, why, do you think?
It is easier to blame others than to take it ourselves. It seems like we have to live up to some standard and if we mess up, we have failed to meet the bar as we like. So, blaming someone else takes it off our shoulders and we don’t fail.
2) Why do you think Judah wanted to blame Tamar for the deaths of his sons?
It was easy? He didn’t understand the situation and she was the link?
3) When trouble comes into our lives, how do you think God would have us respond?
We should ask Him first what to do and then wait for an answer.
7. Read Genesis 38:12-23 and describe what Tamar did. Why do you think?
Tamar tricked Judah by disguising herself as a prostitute. I guess she wanted to “pay him back” since he never sent for her to marry the youngest son.
I didn’t answer the first part of the first question. I used to blame others when things went wrong because I found it necessary to find a solution to the “problem.” this was even for small things. I would blame my husband or a child. I needed to find someone to blame so I could be off the hook if it was really my fault. It made me feel relieved. I try very hard to not do that anymore. It usually happens when I feel out of control of a situation. Now I try harder to talk to God. It’s hard to admit you made a mistake.
6D. this is what i feel like is on of by biggest faults. I love blaming anyone/anything but myself! This is one thing that came very clear in the idol study. my perfection and control issues make it so in order to protect myself from feeling “less then perfect” or out of control I blame anything but myself for my faults.
I have often prayed for my kids that if they lie it will feel like rocks in their mouths, that is they do something wrong they will be so tormented that a confession will be a relief, and also that they get caught.
this has been my prayer for myself over the last few years with this issue, that God will make it VERY clear to me when I am using blame to protect myself from having to run to God with my hurts and fears.
It has been a very long week and I feel my old protections coming up strong, I long to sit at the feet of my FATHER and have him fill me up, but everytime i try someone wants/needs me. the quietest most peaceful time of my week was filing at my new job :-) with still being a little sick I just cant get out of bed early enough. But God is here in the crazy too! while im writing this and trying to focus (6:30am) paul is trying to get my attention and I really just want to do this! so I will come back if i get a chance…..
Praying for you, cyndi. Keep running to Christ, even when you have a few seconds only.
God is here in the crazy too. :-)
i edited this but it did not change it????
Interesting program yesterday on Chris Fabry Live:
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramArchive.aspx?id=100727
Gospel Conversations: Luke and Human Trafficking // Gospel Conversations: Human Trafficking – Now What?
January 17, 2013
We have a gospel conversation in the Book of Luke. Michael Card helps us grapple with human trafficking. From a biblical perspective, why should a person get involved in an issue like this? Join us for the conversation. Then, we talk about the practical implications of getting involved, the how of the equation with Michael Card, Moody Bible Institute professor Pam MacRae, author and activist Mary Frances Bowley, licensed professional counselor Tracy Busse and singer/songwriter Sara Groves.
Nanci – I happened to hear the show while driving and there were so many great points Michael Card made about finding the ministry God has designed us for. I have to listen to it again and take notes! Thank you for posting.
Michael Card was on three different Moody radio shows yesterday…I listened to the Chris Fabry Live show this morning and will listen to the other podcasts (In the Market and Midday Connection) sometime today or tomorrow. I really enjoyed listening to his explanations of gospel texts from Luke…I’m thinking that he must be releasing his book on Matthew (his books on Luke and Mark were released in January 2011 and 2012)…oh, I hope so…I’ve added his books to my wish list…:)
Yes — loved this program! Thanks!
6. Read Genesis 38:1-11
A. What happened to Er and why?
Er was “evil in the sight of the Lord”, so God took his life.
B. What happened to Onan and why? (The Catholic church calls this the sin of birth control – do you see any validity to this or not? – Explain, I’m looking for honest and thoughtful discussion here – not a put down to Catholic theology.)
After Er died, Onan was to perform his duty as Tamar’s brother-in-law and sleep with her so that through Onan, Er would have offspring. But Onan knew that the children would not be considered his, so he spilled his seed on the ground, in order not to give offspring to his brother. This displeased the Lord, so He took Onan’s life.
I see this more as an act of disobedience to God by failing to give offspring – continue the family line of Judah’s firstborn son, than an issue of birth control.
I’ve pondered why God took the lives of Er and Onan. I see that Judah married a Caananite woman. I know that foreign women were grafted in to the lineage of Christ (Rahab, Tamar, Ruth) but what about men? Perhaps that’s why it worked out in the end that Tamar had a son through Judah, and not by men who were half Caananite?
C. What did Judah then tell Tamar to do, but what did he actually plan to do in his heart? Why?
Judah told Tamar to remain a widow until Shelah was old enough to marry her, but he really was afraid that Shelah would meet the same fate as his brothers, so he never intended to give Shelah to Tamar. He must’ve thought it was somehow Tamar’s fault that his other two sons had died.
That is a very interesting observation you made, Susan, that Judah married a Canaanite woman who most likely was not a believer in the Israelite God, and “Perhaps that’s why it worked out in the end that Tamar had a son through Judah, and not by men who were half Caananite”.
I also find it an indication of Judah’s sinfulness that he sent Tamar back to live with her own father rather than taking care of her himself. The husband’s responsibility is to protect and care for the wife and, by inference, the husband’s family should have cared for the widow, I think.
By the way — does anyone have a comment about the new banners on my homepage?
As my youngest would say: Be Brutal. Did you like the old ones better?
Dee I love them, honestly! I actually was just admiring them yesterday. :)
I forgot Rebecca, Anne and Nancy…but I prayed for you along with all our new ladies…your all very important to me.
Dee I do love the new front page, with the crocus coming up through the snow. That happens here in NE around March or so and it always makes me smile to think spring is coming. It’s very pretty…much better than the last one!
Thanks, Joyce…with all you have going on in your home…thank you. Please know that you and yours are in my prayers too.
The lavender is brighter, more eye catching in the ribbon…I love the crocuses and the Isaiah verse…very nice.
LOVE it–very “spring” …hope poking through…love the colors too
Dee, I really love the new banners with the lavender and crocuses. Very cheery!
Loved the new banner. Spring is on it’s way.
Thank you all for your thoughts and encouragement!
7. Read Genesis 38:12-23 and describe what Tamar did. Why do you think?
Tamar had sexual relations with Judah through deceptiveness…she posed as a prostitute. Why??…I think she had such a desire for a child from the family line of her husbands that she became desperate. She was aware that Judah had no intention in providing Shelah as her husband; she must have known of Judah’s penchant for prostitutes for sex…this was a possible scheme to accomplish her desire.
8. Read Genesis 38:24-26 (Very important)
A. How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy?
Judah sentence Tamar to death for her indiscretion resulting in pregnancy.
What darkness do you see in his soul?
Judah was SO certain of Tamar’s sin and the need for HER punishment, yet he overlooked his own sins.
B. How does God break through to Judah’s sin?
Judah comes face-to-face with his sin through the evidence of his seal, cord, and walking stick…these items were evidence that he was in fact the man responsible for impregnating Tamar. He was as guilty as Tamar and even more so since he was the one that put Tamar in this predicament by withholding Shelah from marriage with her as he had promised.
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26.
Judah came to the full realization that this was the consequence of HIS actions…had he not withheld Shelah from Tamar, Tamar would not have had to go to such crazy lengths.
9. God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently.
God has shown me that I still harbor doubt…despite saying “all is possible with God”, marveling at His creation, my heart warming when thinking of Jesus’ love and compassion, truth and mercy, being so very thankful for His redeeming me, etc., do I go to the Lord FIRST in times of frustration, fear, or discontent, OR do I think about WHO I can go to for feedback, guidance, and direction?…all too often it seems to be the latter…do I doubt the Lord’s willingness to help me, doubt His ability to help me, doubt His love for me?…why else wouldn’t I go to Him FIRST…the creator of heaven and earth, my redeemer…I think I have unmasked some doubt in my heart and it really bums me out.
Don’t worry, Nancy. your not the only one bummed out at this…I sure am.
I plan to listen, finally, to the sermon tomorrow—but am giving this take-away now because tomorrow may get harried—husband wants to re-organize our closets (getting my chaos-relief-fix in a good way ;)
I think the story of Tamar is a very strong argument for the Bible being about GOD and not man. This isn’t a story of a role model for good character to me. But it IS a reminder of the incredible power of our God to take sinful people like us and fulfill His plans. That gives me more hope and peace than a story about seemingly perfect heroes. There is a calmness that comes to my soul when I remember that nothing can thwart God’s plans. He is bigger—than anyone or any sin.
I liked too re-reading this passage a few times—seeing this great climax, and then, finally, Judah is stopped in his tracks, his eyes are opened, he “recognizes” who he really is and it seems to me, he turns away from his sin. God doesn’t let him go-He pursues him and breaks him, humbles him.
Today was the best day I’ve had in a long time. My husband took off at lunch and just the 2 of us spent the day together—a way to rare treat. I had read this morning Prov 3. Verse 27 says “Don’t hold back good from those who are worthy of it. Don’t hold it back when you can help.” At first I was like, wow-how fitting for today because we were taking some things to the homeless shelter downtown. But then I felt God push it further, deeper. I thought of my children, times when I’m ‘too busy’ or ‘too tired’—do I withhold good? I thought of other relationships. It was really a breakthrough for me. I was ready to give loads of clothes and more to the needy, enjoying the ‘high’ of giving—but am I that generous, really, with my love, my ears, my hugs? I am with those it’s ‘easy’, but what about when it’s hard… “don’t hold back good…” It changed the way I acted the rest of the day-I pray it continues to transform my habits and reactions.
I’ve also been lingering on the ‘keeping short accounts’ question. I thought about today how I know, very well, what it feels like to keep LONG accounts—like waiting for the person to just apologize…I spent 15 years with that and all that it creates is a frozen area in my heart. I was thinking how keeping short accounts ties into what Keller says, that “it’s always your move”. It motivated me in some brave actions today, a bit scary, really, but trusting the outcome to Him ;)
This post encourages the socks off me.
Elizabeth, You brought out a great point about God pursuing Judah..He pursued him in order to break him-to humble him..This is the potter and the clay-yet He cares for our pain at the same time-He isn’t aloof. I think of being a mom and how I know I have to set boundaries-to jolt my boys awake but it is because I love them and I don’t want to see them eaten up by sin. I am learning to really hate sin in me and my kids and that is deepening my love for them because I see their issues as sin related rather than them trying to frustrate me. I think God is this way toward us.
love this Elizabeth :-) it is so easy to give more to those outside my home then in it. I struggle more with holding back from Paul then my kids but I get it!
Saturday takeaway:
The Sermon: There is so much here-I particularly liked the end, but I will comment on this part. Keller said that when Judah found out Tamar was guilty of prostitution, Judah said literally, “Take, burn”. No one was executed by burning. It was saved for the most heinous crimes. It was a horrible torturous way to die-so why was he so adamant and desiring not only to kill her but to have her tortured as well? Keller said: “He needed to believe bad things about her to hide his own failure as a father-to shield himself from the reality of his own sins. Now look what happens-murderous hatred spews out. He needs to believe something bad about her and now he has it-this is confirmation.”
This might be an extreme example but it is the same heart problem we all have. We need to justify what is in our hearts-laziness, stupidness, whatever it is.
God had to jolt Judah out of his blind slumber using Tamar’s sin. The weird part is that Judah was worse than Tamar in regard to his sin-as he said, ‘she is more righteous than me.’ -yet he behaved as if he were righteous and oh that horrible prostitute Tamar who killed my sons!
My takeaway:
There was so much this week-so rich. To put it short-Judah and Tamar are me..My takeaway is #1. I am thankful I am His and I have the Holy Spirit in me so that He can convict me when I am in denial like Judah-I am thankful for that unsettling feeling inside that I didn’t have before I knew Him for that comes from Him. 2. My part is to listen to Him-to heed the red flags inside and the jolts from the outside he brings, and to replace the lies with His Word and be willing to go through the pain of Him shaping me-but this is daily, weekly and when I ignore Him or don’t listen it grieves Him but it doesn’t change that I am His that He is still passionate for me and loves me-this makes me want to turn.
It is hard to look down on Judah or Tamar, or any messed up person in scripture-well in the world really-especially when I see how messed up I am yet He gave His life for me so He can have me in my mess-yet at the same time look at me and say, “righteous”.
I so see the gospel transforming your life, Rebecca.
Rebecca i really appreciate these words. What joy to know in our hearts that our Father is passionate for us regardless of our failures and mess ups! One thing I think this reading/sermon made me realize/ponder is that man will always dissapoint and judge. I must be patient and God will fulfill my desires if they are alligned in Him. I also love that because of Perez’s placement in the lineage and the meaning of his name we can witness God’s promise to us within this story.
8. Read Genesis 38:24-26 (Very important)
A. How did Judah respond to the news of Tamar’s pregnancy? What darkness do you see in his soul?
He said she should be put to death. He thought she had broken the widow/family pact? I guess that was a no-no? Yet, he really didn’t care about her because he would have sent for her for Selah if he really wanted her to be cared for. I suppose the darkness is looking after himself only.
B. How does God break through to Judah’s sin?
He uses Tamar to “entrap” him?
C. Comment on his statement in verse 26.
I guess he knows he didn’t fulfill his promise and she took care to remind him of what he was obligated to do regardless? I don’t get how being a prostitute makes you better than a liar!!!! They are both sins, right? To me, being a prostitute is WAY worse than lying. I suppose she wasn’t really a prostitute though, she was just deceiving him to get her way. That seems worse to me as well. It’s trickery, which is NOT NICE. This story is “wearing me out!” I don’t get how it has anything to do with anything especially Jesus!!! (except that Zerah her son wears the scarlet ribbon which, I think is a sign that represents Jesus). I don’t ever remember reading anything about him later in thr bible though, but that doesn’t mean anything :)
I guess his sin is really a sin of injustice which (now I learn) is worse than other sins? Seems weird to me.
I understand your confusion. Yes, prostitution is wrong. Tamar should not have used sexual entrapment even though Judah was wrong to keep her from having a son from their family.
But what gives me heart, Laura-dancer, is to see how deeply God cares about the widow — and about the woman who is treated like she is nothing. Judah’s sin was not only neglecting her and breaking his word to her — but blaming her for the wickedness of his sons and asking the men to bring her out and burn her to death. God was outraged at this injustice.
It is not that sexual entrapment is wrong. It was.
But doesn’t it give you heart that God cares so much about those who are so terribly abused?
Yes, it does Dee, it breaks God’s heart to see the abused and widowed and divorced and the fatherless and it breaks my heart too.
9. I kinda liked it better when i was blind to my sin, it was a lot easier! He slaps me in the face with my sin on a daily/hourly basis :-( I will be doing something kind for someone and this stupid little voice in my head will start in “you’re so good, your so nice, not many people would do what you do or give up what you have or put up with what you put up with” BLLAAAAAKKKK. I HATE that voice. it’s as if every time I am selfish or unkind im sinning and every time i do something “good” Im sinning.
My new mantra….GO AWAY STUPID PRIDE. the only voice I want to hear is “well done good and faithful servant, well done” and until then I want the voices in my head to be those of humility and confidence and joy and peace. the ones only HOLY SPIRIT brings and He is a gentleman and only comes if asked.
It is ALL HIM, I know that!!!! I mean, come on, I live in my flesh often enough to know I could never do half the things I do in my own strength, but boy does satan like to ruin even the moments that I am working in the Spirit by tainting them with his poisonous lies of pride….
Love you girl.
9. God is continually finding ways to break through to us and show us our sin. Name a way He has broken through to you recently.
Well, since I now know that there are sins and then there are SINS, I suppose I should focus on the ones that really count? I get idolatry, however the injustice one is one I don’t know if I can ever understand. I don’t feel (italicized) compelled to search out those to whom injustice is being imposed. I don’t feel (italicized) like moving to India or Mexico or any other place where the people are beaten down. It makes me sad for them, but there is nothing I can realistically do. Not trying to be a “Debbie downer” or anything, and probably shouldn’t admit it “outloud.” oh well, I AM LAURA THE SINNER :( bums me out.
So then, if I can’t move to another country because the desire is not there, what should I do? Is there injustice in America? Interestingly enough, the first thing that comes to mind is my moms plight. Healthcare in our country is awful for the elderly who have nothing. Since someone asked, she is out of the terribly awful place and now in a sort of awful place. For example, the new place insists she is on a diabetic diet however I don’t see how mashed potatoes, a roll, and tangerines with cherries is a diabetic diet? So all the “normal” hospitally things that should help make you well are killing her. There is no real doctor at this facility so we want her to see a wounnd care doctor that she normally sees. Well the facility gets upset and takes offense that we want a real doctor to oversee this awful wound that the longterm facility let get out of hand. It’s that kind of “stuff” that is infuriating. Mom has trouble with talking on the phone and seems less “with it” when i call, so I don’t know how accurate the info is. The other problem is since she has been in bed for 2.5 months, she is weak and really struggling to bounce back to walking. I feel sad and hopeless. There’s nothing I can do but call her and pray.
So, injustice to the elderly is right now on my heart. But what do I do? How can I help? When is there time? I also feel mad that people in our country who aren’t even citizens get anything they want but my poor mom gets nearly killed in the hospital! It’s not right.
The Lord cares so much about the injustice committed toward your mother. His heart is for the elderly, the oppressed, the forgotten. When you pray for her, when you love her, when you visit her, when you ask diplomatically for better care, you are His voice, His hands, His heart. You are doing that Laura-dancer.
And you don’t have to move to India. God will put people in your path, as He has your mother.
And again — it isn’t that we shouldn’t be concerned about sins like going over the speed limit, it’s just that He longs for our hearts to be broken with the things that break His heart.
Laura-dancer–wow, the Lord really uses you here. As I read this I thought how personal He is with each of us. Yes, some feel led to go to other countries…Dee has been led to go into prisons…and then you, a heart for the elderly who are mistreated is HUGE. I know He brought you to this through your own mom’s suffering which has been terrible. But I love that you are allowing Him to use your anger at her injustice to ignite a desire to help others in similar situations. When you said ‘what can I do?’-I thought-you are doing so much.Your heart has been broken for your mom’s pain, for others like her–you are caring about the things Jesus cares about, like Dee has led us to pray. When you ask here for prayer for your mom-and we all do pray–that is big. You have SUCH strength, Laura–I hear it in you all through your posts. You are a powerful teacher with strong convictions. Sorry I spieled–just got excited by your “spark”–I am going to pray He will show what He wants you to do and how to find the time, the way…
Laura, when my sister-in-law (my age)died a year ago now of dementia (the worst kind…like forgetting how to swallow)…she was in the nursing home a year and my brother (his wife) and I fought all the time for better care! I reported the nursing home and they even had to get rid of the director and some nurses, but they needed to go, because they just didn’t care! They are there to put the time in and to do as little as possible. Not all where like that…some really did care and you can tell, but most don’t care.
Finally we put her on Hospice and she started getting better care and attention because of Hospice. Hospice works with the patient right there in the nursing home and oversee’s her care and needs. And even if you don’t think she needs Hospice yet…she probly does, if she is going down hill. I’m sorry to tell you this because Hospice usually means they are dying and that is a very hard one to swallow. It devistated my brother and he ended up bringing her home to their home and she died there. But your mom can have Hospice right there in the nursing home. And when they (Hospice) come in to see how the patient is doing every day, those people taking care of her will straighten right up and do what they are suppose to be doing anyway. So I would suggest talking to someone about it, if you haven’t already. It doesn’t cost any extra, and they will get extra care, from them like doing her nail, a back rub, helping her with her meals, getting extra bath’s a week, making sure they get her up for exercise or therapy, going to the Doctor with her and making sure things get done that the Doctor orders, reading to her or looking at photos of family to refresh her memory, if that is a problem, putting music on for her, having a weekly visit from a pastor…whatever! It is wonderful.
I didn’t mean to go on and on about this, but I guess it is a real real concern of mine too, since we had to go through all your going through, Laura. Praying for your mom!
doing her nail? nails I mean!!
That’s great advice, JOyce. Thanks so much for sharing.
Saturday: What is your take-a-way and why?
Just as Laura dancer has been given a heart for the elderly who are suffering neglect in the health care system, my daughter’s marriage breakup and her separation from her children has given me new eyes for women who suffer from abusive or abandoning husbands. Although the situation might not be as dire as Tamar’s was in her culture, still unless a woman has a job outside the home or family to support them, it is very hard for them to get the help they need get justice and to be rescued from their situation. I remember Joyce talking about how hard a time she had it when her first husband abandoned her. I don’t know how God will use my new knowledge and empathy, but I am sure he has a purpose.
As I ponder about God’s heart for those suffering because of injustice, I discovered a verse that shows God’s “DELIGHTS” in those who practice justice, steadfast love and righteousness. Thought it was a neat verse. I want to “delight” God.
Jeremiah 9:24
English Standard Version (ESV)
24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Diane–love your faith “I don’t know how God will use my new knowledge and empathy, but I am sure he has a purpose.” And the verse from Jeremiah just spoke to me with something I am facing right now-thank you.To remember that He DELIGHTS in steadfast love, justice and righteousness…I love how in this verse, He says those things define Him, it is Who He is. So good.
Diane, thank you for that verse. Don’t get me started in that too! I hate that women get less pay than a man and get abused by them and left holding the bag, to start from scratch without them and must raise the kids to their best ability and then get put down by society and the church sometimes too! That is why I am so concerned about Krista and her three little boys. INJUSTICE!!
Thanks everyone for your sympathy,Joyce. You speak from the voice of experience. I have so many fears for Krista and the boys. It’s hard to trust God, to keep my eyes fully on Him and not fear all the potential pain in their future. So hard!
Diane — that’s great. Often our hearts are enlarged when our own suffer. I know my nephew being in prison was huge for me.
My take-a-way is although I have not taken the time to post or truly participate this week, I was reading the posts throughout the week and pondering many things.
For me it has been a busy and hectic week, but Elizabeth’s unprocessed words of last week still resonated with me and one day I was wondering how to “properly” praise God and the Doxology came to mind and for the past few days I have been singing (in my head, cause I have such a great voice that I got kicked out of the choir as a child for singing too loud) Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above yee heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost (and I was singing loud in my head, but I could sense a smile on God’s face).
Even from a distance, the honesty, openness, questions of everyone made me think, ponder, see myself doing the same things: Elizabeth…It’s not usually others I tend to blame–I typically blame myself and Becca.. if I intentionally skip over a tiny detail or adjust the story just a tweek to make him think better of me. If I look at myself honestly then I have to confess that I agree with Laura-dancer…Do I really want to admit this? and the answer is no I don’t want to admit it, but in order to truly break through those barriers that are between me and God that I really do need to admit to them, yes I do these things myself.
I really appreciated Becca placing peoples names in Psalm 91, it made it more personal and it was like God speaking and sharing with me.
Elizabeth…and so few are willing to push the envelope. This was something I needed to hear, as it made me realize that I can get complacent and just continue on in the day to day and think I am okay moving slowly but still moving…but this made me think that even in the here and now that I need to do more pushing.
Tamar took a huge risk doing what she did, she did go about it the wrong way, but it was the only way she felt at that time to get the attention to her plight from Judah that was needed. She had to step outside her comfort zone…big time. It is really hard for me to step outside of my comfort zone as I usually get knocked down when I do…but now I wonder if in those times, it wasn’t God showing me that it’s okay to get knocked down, cause He helps me back up. I suspect I will be stepping outside of my comfort zone again as I kinda feel Him subtly preparing me for it. So far, I really haven’t “enjoyed” it when I take that step as it generally involves something painful, but I have gotten to the point where I wince, tilt my head to the side, bring my shoulder up, look up and say I guess I am ready…am I? and then sigh and step out gingerly. One of these days He will get me to the point where I can eliminate the wincing and sighing part and just step out and say okay here we go.
I pondered this week on many of the questions and thoughts and then it occurred to me that when God was putting together His human family tree the “big names” in that list were women who had been treated poorly, abused, abandon, unloved, rejected, used,…Leah, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba. I am sure there were other women in Christ’s genealogy that weren’t treated as well as they should have been, but it stood out to me that God took great care to point out how unjustly these women were treated by men but were so acceptable and loved by God that Christ deliberately and lovingly placed them His family tree. From mankind’s point of view they were damaged goods, from God’s point of view they were treasured goods.
That was my long distance take-a-way this week. Oh and Dee thanks for the “God is here in the crazy too. :-)” I was in the crazy at the moment I read that and totally made me laugh…thanks, and I also like the new banner too.
Mary I love how you have taken notes on the comments and used them to help you in your own way and how you praise God now! And I laughed when you said you were kicked out of choir?! I can’t sing very well either, but never kicked out! I love your heart!
Thanks…I sing very quietly in church, but when I am singing in my head, I am that little girl singing loudly and off key to my Lord. Actually that incident as a child recently allowed me some compassion for another little girl who was probably about 4-5 and was dancing in the isle at church during worship. Her mom was trying to quiet her and at then end of the service I turned around and told the little girl that I thought that Jesus loves dancing for Him just as much as He likes singing to Him…and is she was dancing for Jesus, He would love that. Well the mom looked at me a little odd, but that little girl’s face beamed. Mom said thanks and the little girl skipped out of the church very content. If I hadn’t had my singing crushed when I was small, I probably would have been annoyed at the “disruption” around me and crushed another little girl. It was an example to me that God uses our experiences, even from when we were small to mold and shape who He wants us to be.
Great ponderings, Mary.
Thanks for participating with your takeaway, Mary. You have obviously been pondering and I appreciate it. Loved your last sentence, “From mankind’s point of view they were damaged goods, from God’s point of view they were treasured goods.” May we always see ourselves as treasured goods.
Now that I have come down from my podium, I would like prayers for my husband, as Kendra is getting better everyday and I am fine yet…but, Maurice (pronounced Morris)is bad and I’m worried if he gets any worse, he will be in the hospital. He always has had worse colds than we would for some reason (maybe it’s because he is diabetic?), plus he didn’t get the flu shot, like we did. He coughs so much his head and chest hurts and can hardly talk (which isn’t all bad…sorry!) But seriously, I am worried about him. His son and I are keeping tabs on him very closly. His son says that some people get phemonia or broncitis or have even died from this influenza. So it’s no picnic! Thank you so much for your prayers!
Will pray for Maurice! I hope it doesn’t get that bad!
Father, we lift up Maurice to you and ask for your mercy.
In Jesus Name I pray
Good morning, Joyce…glad to hear that Kendra is getting better. Regarding Maurice…my brother has had “the cold” for a bit; yesterday he finally went to urgent care…he was coughing so badly that his ribs hurt and he couldn’t control the coughing. The doctors gave him some antibiotics…apparently he didn’t have bronchitis, but some bacterial infection that his immune system needed help in combating. Has Maurice gone to the doctor yet?…might be a good idea, especially with the complication of diabetes.
Amen to Dee’s prayer.
Joyce,
When my son gets sick, he also gets it worse, but that is because he has Asthma. I wonder if having a condition like being diabetic, asthma,etc means the immune system is already weakened and that they have to pay extra attention. I have recently been told (the flu is going around our office) that extra Vitamin D will help boost the immune system greatly. Apparently its up to 4-5000 IU of Vitamin D3 while one is sick. Both my parents were very ill in the last couple of weeks (we almost took both to the hospital) and my dad (also diabetic) said the extra D3 really helped him get over it faster. Although they are still tired, they are both better now.
I will be praying that Maurice gets better and not have to go to the hospital, and I also Amen to Dee’s prayer.
Let us know how he is doing.
Praying for Maurice, Joyce. This is such a serious flu for many!