Greetings to everyone on this beautiful day!!! We have had rain and sunshine....it's been an amazing day!!! I love this time of year. God is so evident in everything around us. Do you ever wonder how people get through life without acknowledging him? I had lunch with three of my dear, dear friends today. I have to thank Denise, Gina and Sue for brightening my day in such a huge way!!!!
This morning was a wonderful time with God...I loved today's study. (As if I wouldn't)
Two things I made note of in the introduction that came directly from Beth are the following:
She says,
"Submission to God is the best preparation for an assignment from Him."
"God allowed David to face many difficult trials, but He taught David volumes about himself."
Does that hit home, or what? You know, have you ever gotten through a difficult time in your life, and you were even taken back that you had the strength to get through it? Where do you think that character trait came from? Our strength comes from the Lord Himself. He fills us with it and renews us with it!!! Isn't it amazing to know that when these times come in our life that the strength is there for the taking!!!!
We had to read 1 Samuel 18: 1 -4
I don't know about you guys, but I just love Jonathan!!! Both days that we have focused on him, he has just captured me. Doesn't he seem like he would have made a great king, too? He is so focused on doing what is right that he is willing to stand up to his own father, who happens to be king!!! Yet, he is so humble that he steps aside for David in submission to him as the choice God has made. I sense no jealousy in him, only love....can we say we would be the same? I can assure you that if I were heir to the throne, a twinge of jealousy would be residing in my heart (unless it was snuffed out by the Holy Spirit)!!!
Jonathan loved David as himself
In 1 Samuel 18: 1 -4
David's feeling toward Jonathan are not mentioned in the covenant
Jonathan gave David his bow, tunic, robe, sword and belt as a sign of his covenant to David
Have you ever felt an almost instant bond to a new friend?
This actually just happened to me....I have known this person for several years, but we have been more acquaintances than friends. Her name is Stephanie Bowman, and she is a breast cancer survivor!!! She was diagnosed and treated over a year ago. When she found out about my cancer, she immediately reached out to me. She began supporting me and showering me with her love. She didn't say any cliche' to make me feel better. She just said, "I am here"!!! Being in her presence, the presence of a survivor, makes my spirits soar. The concern she has for is so sincere, and the other day when we hung up the phone we shared "I love you's". It seemed so natural to say it to her. When I hung up the phone, I remember thinking that people must think I am crazy. I have only really known this girl for a few weeks, but I know that God sent her into my life to share this with me. I love her for being obedient to the Holy Sp irit and reaching out!!!
According to the preceding definition, what three elements accompanied the making of a covenant?
1. Sign
2. Solemn Oath
3. Sacrifice
Ladies, I had to look for this one...it did not jump out at me...just being honest!!!!
Read Genesis 15. Look for the three elements.
1. Sign - Blazing fire
2. Sacrifice - heifer, goat, ram, dove and young pigeon
3. Solemn Oath - The promise of the land
Which of the following was the demonstration of the covenant Jonathan made with David?
Jonathan gave David his robe, tunic and weapons
This next section is huge to me!!! I was so touched when I realized that Jonathan was being all that I really think I could not be in this situation!!! When he handed over his "things" to David, I just thought he was being a pretty cool dude. Oh, my!!! He was being to much more. To be heir to the throne and hand your things over as a sign of submission to what God really wanted. Can you imagine the depth of this. I think we have to take a moment to realize how big symbolism was during this time in history. When a man gave his word...it meant something. When a man handed over these things....it must have been HUGE!!! Would you have done this? Does your heart long to be this person as much as mine does?
One thing that has happened to me that reminds me of this relationship is....all of you!!! Do you know what it symbolizes to me that we are all doing this Bible study together, and you are willing to go through this with me. I am sure many of you will get sick and tired of hearing about this cancer and all of my struggles, but you have committed to listening anyway. Do you know how it feels every morning to wake up knowing I have you guys to look forward to. I have you, and I feel you right by my side. I wish I could return that feeling to you. One night my husband and I went out to eat together, and I wanted to discuss with him why he felt that so many people were responding to my illness this way. It truly floors me. Honestly, as I told him, there is nothing amazing about me. I am about as average as they come when it comes to just about everything. I am that stay at home mom you see buying groceries at wal-mar t. I am the woman you see walking the dog through the neighborhood. I am the mom that goes into the class to read. Why me? Then, it dawned on me that I truly believe each of us that has committed to this journey is looking for something much bigger. Your response to me is much bigger than me. Your covenant with me is of the Holy Spirit. I feel that we are starving for the opportunity to experience the Holy Spirit. We are reaching out to each other because we are longing to be unified in Him. The media of this country has us convinced that we are alone in our quest to obtain the truth. Because of that, our feeling of being alone, we have been allowing ourselves to back down for years. Now, we are so thirsty that we seek out everything we can to quench our thirst for Him. Now, we are unified and the feeling is amazing. We are standing in the gap and standing strong in our faith in Jesus Christ. Have yo u ever felt so wonderful? Is there a word to describe what it feels like to stand by a sister in Christ and know that the Lord's work is being down through all of you? No, this isn't about me. It's about all of us. It's about a renewal that we are all seeking. Thank you to all of you for seeking this with me. I want us to all stand as He showers us in his love. We must keep this going and show the world that Jesus Christ is alive and well in this world. He is not only alive and well....He is in control!!! As mentioned in the study, He made a covenant with us. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. That was our sign. The sacrifice was the blood of His own child (does that take your breath away), and the solemn oath is that we believe. I know all of you believe that Jesus Christ died on the on the cross FOR US!!! It is time that we live our day as the partner in this covenant. I know that David felt so overwhelmed by Jonathan's love. Is there a comparison to how we should feel basking in the love of our Lord. He has given us all of Him. Please don't let this thirst go away. Feed it, nurture it and love it!!! To me, it will make every bit of this cancer worth it!!!!
I love you all so very much
In Him
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