Obadiah
Obadiah 1:15 "As you have done, it shall be done to you." People think they are doing things right according to the Bible but...what survives out of that sometimes is not good and right with the LORD. We can think we're right, but are we? "God's principle of Divine retribution is always aimed at a higher goal than getting on with life or making things a little better. He is always moving toward His Plan A to replace the kingdom of self-centered relating with the Kingdom of God-obsessed relating." 66 LL.
What lingers with you as you read the book of Obadiah. It's a story that I think will remain with me. I'm so touched deeply as I read of God's intervention to step in to take sides with Israel and punish Edom for treating Israel so badly. I'm touched because it is our God Who will take care of His church..."My Son has the authority to build His church, and no power, not even the gates of hell, will overcome it (Matthew 16:18)." This verse has so startled me this day that God is caring for me, His church.
There is an Obadiah quote that will linger with me forever, I think. "When your spouse mistreats you, a child hurts you, a friend betrays you, a colleague responds unfairly to you, your sense of justice blinds you to your own relational sin that is equally worthy of judgment." 66 LL. Thank you God for making me into someone whom you love.
Jonah
"No prophet was more successful in his ministry nor more offended by his success... Following My call always requires that you die to your self-interested and self-righteously moralistic understanding of life." 66 LL
Jonah 2:8 - May we not miss the Grace of our God and forfeit our lives for worthless stuff.
"You reduce Me to a God Who is supposed to submit to your understanding of what matters most. You do not discern the lethal self-interest behind the purposes for which you seek Divine Approval. You are wrong to demand My cooperation with your understanding of life. Because I love you and because My plans for you are good, I demand your cooperation with Mine. There is no other way to enjoy My Presence." 66 LL
"When your life hits a bump that I could smooth but don't, will you continue to think I should surrender My Wisdom to yours and do what you think best?" 66 LL.
Wow, Bev, heavy stuff. I can see the work God has done in you through this post. It speaks to me in a powerful way as well.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of my own relational sin being just as worthy of judgement, it makes my skin crawl.
Oh,to be worthy!
Angie, please know my prayers are with you at this time. I went over to your blog and loved the song. Can't you just hear your mom singing praises to the Great I Am? I bet she's dancing too! May the Lord bring you sweet comfort and a calming sense of His presence at this time.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings,
FG
Praying for you tonight Angie as you close this chapter of your life. Never easy. I can't imagine what it must be like for you. How awesome that you had such a mom who would live to sing praises to her God! It's the day she lived for. Came true for her. Will for us one day! Praying for you Ang!!!! Don't know what to say...
ReplyDeleteI am blessed beyond measure... :)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Angie xoxo