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Archive for the ‘Bible Characters’ Category

Reading Between The Lines

Posted in Daniel, Faith, Job, Noah, Protection, tagged , on May 10, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Medieval stained glass depicting Daniel, Job and Noah being crowned by angels.

“If I make wild animals go through the country … or bring war … or visit a deadly disease … pouring out my lethal anger, killing both people and animals, and Noah, Daniel, and Job happened to be alive at the time … not a son, not a daughter, would be rescued. Only these three would be delivered because of their righteousness.” — Ezekiel 14:12-20 (MESSAGE)

A sobering message through Ezekiel (the prophet best known for strange visions of wheels and eyes) — but for those who read between the lines there’s a message of hope!

There is protection from the wrath of God, a promise of deliverance for those who, like Noah, Daniel, and Job, live by faith and follow God’s righteousness.

“God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day. — 2nd Peter 2:6-9 (MESSAGE)

— fritz

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When Jesus Doesn’t Care (Not Fair)

Posted in Bible Characters, Calling, Fairness, tagged on April 29, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself, tell her to come and help me! — Luke 10:40

Three (3) times in the New Testament Jesus was accused of not caring. One was when Jesus visited in the home of friends.

One of the hosts, Mary, just sat there listening to Jesus while her sister, Martha, was doing all the work. Where was Jesus’ sense of fairness? Maybe Jesus liked Mary more than Martha! That just wasn’t right — if everyone did what Mary was doing nothing would get done!

Sometimes we feel burdened with responsibility while others seem to go scot-free.

This story points to the real reason why we do things for Jesus. Is it because someone has to do them and everyone should have to share the burden or is because we feel called to a particular area of service, even if no one else is, and we offer our service as a sacrifice trusting God knows, cares, and will meet my needs at the right time?

Related Post: “What’s My Calling” – June 27, 2010
— fritz

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Conflicting Pictures of God?

Posted in Bible Characters, God, God's Character, tagged on April 20, 2012| Leave a Comment »

There’s a noticeable difference in the Bible’s portrayal of God. In some passages God is seen full of anger while others show him full of tenderness.

As early as 144AD some, like Marcion of Sinope, taught the God of the Old Testament was not the same as one of the New. The Church dealt with that issue long ago but still this pops up from time to time.

Jesus, the Church, and even the Bible itself has always maintained there is only one and the same God — the difference is with with people.

For example: Vandals thinks I’m the grouchy old man who calls the police on them but non-criminals see a different side — I’m the same guy.

Another example: My young children think I’m the smart man who helps them solve their problems, hugs them all the time, and gives them stuff. My teens think I’m the stubborn guy who makes their life difficult and requires them to bring the car home by midnight. Some of my children think I’m the stupid guy who is just out of touch while others think I’m getting smarter as they get older.

I’m the same guy, the difference is the relationship my children have chosen to have with me.

The Bible says God is “Love” (1st John 4:8, 16) and a “consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:219) all at the same time. He offers a tender relationship if we will choose it.

“Jesus said If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” — John 14:23

— fritz

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