Monthly Archives: May 2012

05/24/12

Romans 9 We Are Called To Be His Children

We Are All Called To Be His Children

 
 

In a time when we all struggle to maintain our faith in a doubting world–we read in Romans 9 of the adoption of Gentiles and Jews alike. This adoption is based on faith, not works, therefore it is for everyone who believes on The Son of GOD as their Savior and Redeemer. Paul speaks of his grief at the plight of the Jews–brought about by their stubbornness and disobedience. Their guaranteed inheritance was forfeited by their unbelief, so only those who believed in the promise of the Savior entered into adoption in Christ. It is not by birth or inheritance only that we become children of the Living GOD-it is through the Cross and the path of redemption that we can enter into the Kingdom. GOD showed His plan of Grace and Mercy through the adoption of the harlot Rahab, and the adoption of the Moabitess Ruth into His Son’s earthly bloodline. When Christ shed blood on the Cross this blood was spilled for the redemption of all and purified through the essence of who Jesus is. I Am made a way for all to eat and partake of the inheritance.Let us all rejoice and be glad that we have a right to become Sons and Daughters of the Most High GOD.

 

Romans 9 NIV

 

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

 

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised![a]Amen.

 

God’s Sovereign Choice

 

6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[b] 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”[c]

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad —in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”[d] 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”[e]

14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”[f]

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”[g] 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[h] 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
    and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”[i]

26 and,

“In the very place where it was said to them,
    ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”[j]

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
    only the remnant will be saved.
28 For the Lord will carry out
    his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”[k]

29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty
    had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
    we would have been like Gomorrah.”[l]

 

Israel’s Unbelief

 

30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall,
    and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[m]

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Romans 9:5 Or Messiah, who is over all. God be forever praised! Or Messiah. God who is over all be forever praised!

  2. Romans 9:7 Gen. 21:12

  3. Romans 9:9 Gen. 18:10,14

  4. Romans 9:12 Gen. 25:23

  5. Romans 9:13 Mal. 1:2,3

  6. Romans 9:15 Exodus 33:19

  7. Romans 9:17 Exodus 9:16

  8. Romans 9:20 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9

  9. Romans 9:25 Hosea 2:23

  10. Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10

  11. Romans 9:28 Isaiah 10:22,23 (see Septuagint)

  12. Romans 9:29 Isaiah 1:9

  13. Romans 9:33 Isaiah 8:14; 28:16

 

Cross References:

 

  1. Romans 9:1 : Ps 15:2; 2Co 11:10; Gal 1:20; 1Ti 2:7

  2. Romans 9:1 : S Ro 1:9

  3. Romans 9:3 : Ex 32:32

  4. Romans 9:3 : 1Co 12:3; 16:22

  5. Romans 9:3 : S Ac 22:5

  6. Romans 9:3 : Ro 11:14

  7. Romans 9:4 : ver 6

  8. Romans 9:4 : Ex 4:22; 6:7; Dt 7:6

  9. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:5

  10. Romans 9:4 : Ge 17:2; Dt 4:13; Ac 3:25; Eph 2:12

  11. Romans 9:4 : Ps 147:19

  12. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:1

  13. Romans 9:4 : S Ac 13:32; S Gal 3:16

  14. Romans 9:5 : Ro 11:28

  15. Romans 9:5 : Mt 1:1-16; Ro 1:3

  16. Romans 9:5 : Jn 1:1; Col 2:9

  17. Romans 9:5 : Ro 1:25; 2Co 11:31

  18. Romans 9:6 : S Heb 4:12

  19. Romans 9:6 : Ro 2:28, 29; Gal 6:16

  20. Romans 9:7 : Ge 21:12; Heb 11:18

  21. Romans 9:8 : S Ro 8:14

  22. Romans 9:8 : S Gal 3:16

  23. Romans 9:9 : Ge 18:10, 14

  24. Romans 9:10 : Ge 25:21

  25. Romans 9:11 : ver 16

  26. Romans 9:11 : Ro 8:28

  27. Romans 9:12 : Ge 25:23

  28. Romans 9:13 : Mal 1:2, 3

  29. Romans 9:14 : S Ro 8:31

  30. Romans 9:14 : 2Ch 19:7

  31. Romans 9:15 : Ex 33:19

  32. Romans 9:16 : Eph 2:8; Tit 3:5

  33. Romans 9:17 : Ex 9:16; 14:4; Ps 76:10

  34. Romans 9:18 : Ex 4:21; 7:3; 14:4, 17; Dt 2:30; Jos 11:20; Ro 11:25

  35. Romans 9:19 : Ro 11:19; 1Co 15:35; Jas 2:18

  36. Romans 9:19 : Ro 3:7

  37. Romans 9:19 : 2Sa 16:10; 2Ch 20:6; Da 4:35

  38. Romans 9:20 : Job 1:22; 9:12; 40:2

  39. Romans 9:20 : Isa 64:8; Jer 18:6

  40. Romans 9:20 : Isa 29:16; 45:9; 10:15

  41. Romans 9:21 : 2Ti 2:20

  42. Romans 9:22 : S Ro 2:4

  43. Romans 9:22 : Pr 16:4

  44. Romans 9:23 : S Ro 2:4

  45. Romans 9:23 : Ro 8:30

  46. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 8:28

  47. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 3:29

  48. Romans 9:25 : Hos 2:23; 1Pe 2:10

  49. Romans 9:26 : Hos 1:10; S Mt 16:16; S Ro 8:14

  50. Romans 9:27 : Ge 22:17; Hos 1:10

  51. Romans 9:27 : 2Ki 19:4; Jer 44:14; 50:20; Joel 2:32; Ro 11:5

  52. Romans 9:28 : Isa 10:22, 23

  53. Romans 9:29 : Jas 5:4

  54. Romans 9:29 : Isa 1:9; Ge 19:24-29; Dt 29:23; Isa 13:19; Jer 50:40

  55. Romans 9:30 : S Ro 8:31

  56. Romans 9:30 : Ro 1:17; 3:22; 4:5, 13; 10:6; Gal 2:16; Php 3:9; Heb 11:7

  57. Romans 9:31 : Dt 6:25; Isa 51:1; Ro 10:2, 3; 11:7

  58. Romans 9:31 : Gal 5:4

  59. Romans 9:32 : 1Pe 2:8

  60. Romans 9:33 : Isa 8:14; 28:16; Ro 10:11; 1Pe 2:6, 8

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®

Charlene’s Source: biblegateway.com

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05/18/12

Circles of Trust: Essential Elements of Conduct

Whenever you are dealing with people there are certain absolutes that apply to the exchanges between you and them. When you are leading intimate study and relational groups these absolutes are vital.
Unquestionably, there must be trust. What is said in the meeting(s) to one another must be guarded from exposure to others outside of the group. Why is this important? It is important because there are situations and scenarios happening in people’s lives that they feel comfortable relating to a small intimate group of friends–but not necessarily to the entire community. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the moderator of the group to create an atmosphere of order and trust so that everyone feels welcome and relaxed.

While attending graduate school I had a text written by Parker J. Palmer entitled, “A Hidden Wholeness”. In Chapter Five, ‘Preparing For The Journey–Creating a Circle of Trust’ Mr. Palmer states the following, ” …community–a kaleidoscope word that assumes new meanings at every turn–can evoke utopian images of a bygone era, a slower, simpler time when people lived side-by-side in villages and small towns. If community is to become an option for more than a fortunate few, we must shake off these romantic fantacies and create forms of life together that respect contemporary realities. Circles of Trust do exactly that because they have boundaries that traditional communities lack. Such circles, for example, do not depend on a critical mass of people the way a traditional community does–two people who know how to ‘protect and border and salute’ each other’s solitude can form a circle of trust” (73) The average Circle of Trust contains five to eight participants.

There are rules in a Circle of Trust. These are:

a.Respect one another

b. Do not blurt

c. Do not interrupt one another. Everyone gets their say.

d. Turn off cell-phones

e. Never argue with another circle member

f. Allow the moderator to moderate.

g. Greet one another and always pray

If everyone can agree to adhere to the rules of the Circle of Trust you can avoid chaos and misunderstandings, and the planned events can take place.

Women Under His Wings is a Circle of Trust. Feel free to unburden your heart with the knowledge that your sisters in Christ will listen, pray, intercede, and keep the things that are close to your heart in their trust.

Rev. Charlene W. Kirst

Reference: ” A Hidden Wholeness’ by Parker J. Palmer. Copyright 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  Jossey-Bass Publishers.

05/8/12

Man Walks All Day to Create Spectacular Snow Patterns

 I love to occasionally post something that appeals to my artistic senses. This is a beautiful example of what the human mind inspired by natural bounty can do. Momma Cha

Artist Simon Beck must really love the cold weather! Along the frozen lakes of Savoie, France, he spends days plodding through the snow in raquettes (snowshoes), creating these sensational patterns of snow art. Working for 5-9 hours a day, each final piece is typically the size of three soccer fields! The geometric forms range in mathematical patterns and shapes that create stunning, sometimes 3D, designs when viewed from higher levels.

How long these magnificent geometric forms survive is completely dependent on the weather. Beck designs and redesigns the patterns as new snow falls, sometimes unable to finish a piece due to significant overnight accumulations. Interestingly enough, he said, ‘The main reason for making them was because I can no longer run properly due to problems with my feet, so plodding about on level snow is the least painful way of getting exercise. Gradually, the reason has become photographing them, and I am considering buying a better camera. Spectacular art for the sake of exercise!

 

 

Picture credits/artist: Simon Beck

 Momma’s Source: mymodernmet.com

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Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
05/5/12

Psalm 57 When David Fled From Saul Into the Cave

Psalms as Songs. I believe that we sometimes forget that Psalms were the original hymns of the Old Testament. They still apply today, but are mostly used as Biblical poetry endowed with wisdom. David, especially, wrote Psalms as praise of God’s deliverance and as inspiration for others. That is why in this present age we can personally relate to the Psalms and hold them dear to our hearts. Psalms are an expression of the inner workings and intentions of the heart, therefore they still stand the test of time.  Psalm 57, which we have here, is a Psalm which expresses David’s gratitude for the shelter of God’s wings. Saul was in pursuit of David, which placed David and his followers in a defensive position. Through the grace of GOD, David was able to turn the tables and to become a victor. We all have that ability in Christ today. We are truly loved.

 

PSALM 57

 

Psalm 57[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c]
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet —
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.

  2. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

  3. Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.

 

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 57:1 : 57:7-11pp — Ps 108:1-5
  2. Psalm 57:1 : 1Sa 22:1; 24:3; Ps 142 Title
  3. Psalm 57:1 : Ps 2:12; 9:9; 34:22
  4. Psalm 57:1 : S Ru 2:12; S Mt 23:37
  5. Psalm 57:1 : Isa 26:20
  6. Psalm 57:2 : Ps 138:8
  7. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 18:9, 16; 69:14; 142:6; 144:5, 7
  8. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 56:1
  9. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 25:10; 40:11; 115:1
  10. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 35:17
  11. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 55:21; Pr 30:14
  12. Psalm 57:5 : ver 11; Ps 108:5
  13. Psalm 57:6 : Ps 10:9; 31:4; 140:5
  14. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 38:6; 145:14
  15. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 9:15
  16. Psalm 57:6 : S Est 6:13; Ps 7:15; Pr 28:10; Ecc 10:8
  17. Psalm 57:7 : Ps 112:7
  18. Psalm 57:8 : Ps 33:2; 149:3; 150:3
  19. Psalm 57:10 : S Ps 36:5
  20. Psalm 57:11 : S Ps 8:1; 113:4
  21. Psalm 57:11 : S ver 5

 

 New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Charlene’s Source: www.biblegateway.com

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05/3/12

Twilight by Chaelwest

 

 Exactly what is Twilight?

 It is that time of day to night that brings a sudden calm to the sky, a feeling of cessation to the busy day, moments of flame, azure purple, and crimson gold. It is a time of feeling confused as my eyes try to adjust to the fading natural light and headlights seem to pierce my very soul. Half-blind; half-sighted–climbing Nathan’s hill in a mad juggle with everyone else going home from work or errands. Sometimes it seems as if I will not survive this time of evening’s emergence. Tired, older eyes begin to play tricks upon the brain–scattering the rays of traffic lights in many directions, causing straight to appear curved, and curved to appear straight. I avoid driving at this time, especially in winter, preferring to be a passenger while warmth seeps out of the vents and curls itself in tendrils around my ankles.

 Then, eyes closed, I talk to God about many things–the beautiful day and its accomplishments, its many treasures, about love so real that it is tangible. As He speaks to my spirit I feel a gentle peace wash over me as dreams and goals become closer to fruition–as impossibilities seem possible. I am made of a different thread–spun into a garment of wonder and naive joy. No politician’s inclination here–this heart embraces everyone. I often wonder if what I see in me is what others see. Am I viewing a different person than other’s view? It is hard to discern the hearts and minds of others as I journey far and wide, oftentimes without taking a step. As I lie abed thousands of miles away from those I love–while other loved ones are so close they can be touched. Does this make the love less real? The distance?  Spirit knows no distance–love knows no boundaries. Twilight is where I now live. I am no longer in the sunshine of youth, nor am I approaching the dark of midnight. I live in that in-between place that is sacred and sure. I have seen many things as my journey has progressed. I dwell at the mountain’s top, starting to descend on the other side–a full day’s journey still ahead of me.

 

 credit: chaelwest@charlene’sattic.com

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
05/3/12

Acts 2: The Coming of The Holy Spirit

Acts 2 NIV

 

[The Day of Pentecost marked an Epiphany moment for the Christian Church as it was the day that the promise of Christ to send his Holy Spirit to mankind was fulfilled. This was the beginning of the Early Church, so the Book of Acts bears great significance in the Canon of Holy Scripture. Take note of Peter’s impassioned speech to the people gathered to witness this marvelous miracle.]

 

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

 

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

 

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

 

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

 

Peter Addresses the Crowd

 

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

 

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]

 

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:

 

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[e]

 

29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

 

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’[f]

 

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

 

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

 

The Fellowship of the Believers

 

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

 

Footnotes:
a.Acts 2:4 Or languages; also in verse 11
b.Acts 2:9 That is, the Roman province by that name
c.Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
d.Acts 2:23 Or of those not having the law (that is, Gentiles)
e.Acts 2:28 Psalm 16:8-11 (see Septuagint)
f.Acts 2:35 Psalm 110:1

 

Charlene’s Source: retrieved May 3, 2012 from www.biblegateway.com on the World-wide Web

 

All Scripture Quotes are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible