Background
This book was written by Joel, a prophet, who was an eyewitness of the things he writes about. Based on what he writes it would appear that he knew the Judah area personally as well as Jerusalem. He is pleading with the people to repent in their hearts because he thought that the locust plague was a result of God's judgement on them.
Chapter 1:1-4
The plague of locust that was so destructive is what formed the occasion for the word of the Lord to come to Joel. The plague was followed by a drought which inevitably led to a famine. He addresses the elders mainly because they had seen many plagues in their time. They are to warn their sons and the following generations about these plagues. This particular plague was bad because the locust kept coming in waves, eating what the others had left behind.
Chapter1:5-14
In verse 5 Joel urges the drunkards to wake up so that they will know what is going on around them. The plague was big that there wasn't a number to be put on it. They were so destructive the locust were compared to lions teeth and fangs. In verse 7 he describes the outcome of the fig tree and wine branches which can be compared the outcome of Judah. Verse 8 the image of a bride wailing is mentioned. The distress caused by the plague is compared to a virgin bride who has suddenly lost her future husband and now has wrapped herself in a black sackcloth made out of goat's hair. The remainder of the verse speak on the land and the people who work it.Once again Joel urges the people to repent and turn to the Lord.
Chapter 1:15-18
Joel strongly believes that all that has happened with the plague was an omen from the Lord. When he said that the day of the Lord was near he was talking about the judgement that would come upon them. Before their eyes lands were dried up, no food was in the sheds, and animals were dying off. The people had lost their gladness and joy. It should have been obvious the lessons that were in front of them.
Chapter 1:19-20
Joel cries out to the Lord because both man and beast were suffering. In verse 20 it says that even the wild animals of the field pant for God. At that point everything was destroyed by fire and they had nothing else to turn to but God.
* Here in the south, we have had an outbreak of cicadas and now we are going days sometimes weeks without rain. In no way are we suffering like the people of Judah but we are getting a taste of what it might have been like for them during their plague and droughts. I pray that we see what the Lord is trying to teach us so that we may bring Him praise.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Ephesians 6:1-24
Chapter 6:1-4
In the first verse there is so question as to what Paul is implying on his readers when it comes to obeying your parents in the Lord. Does this mean that children should obey their parents only if they are Christians or does it mean that children should obey no matter what their parents say. This is a topic that I can imagine would be hard for some families who are not equally yoked but that is a whole other topic. My personal believe is that a child should obey their parent Christian or not as long as they are within biblical means. A child shouldn't disrespect a parent if they are not being biblical but as Christians we are called to follow Christ and His teachings. The promise God gives us in verse 3 is that if we honor our parents/elders then we will live long on the earth. Our society as a whole would be so much better if people would apply this commandment to their lives. There is a special note to the parents here in verse 4 as well. They do have authority over their children but they should cause their children to be angry with them. As parents we are to instruct and discipline our children not provoke them.
Chapter 6:5-9
These verse speak on how a slave and a master should treat each other. It makes you wonder why Christians back then didn't appose slavery but I think that since it was such a large spread action that they didn't realize it could change. Makes you wonder what we are doing now that down the road will be changed because it is wrong. The slave here was instructed to be devoted to his master and not just do well when his master was looking. The masters were not to overpower his slaves in order to manipulate or intimidate. Even the master has a Master, our heavenly Father.
Chapter 6:10-13
Paul instructs us to put on the whole armor of God so that we can defend ourselves from the enemy not just humans but also divine. Evil powers are something that we shouldn't take lightly. Paul repeats himself over and over again to stand firm.
Chapter 6:14-17
The first step a solider must do is to gird his loins. In ancient times men would wear long robes and this would sometimes hinder them from running properly. They would pull up the fabric and tie it around their waist with a Belt. The belt represents truth because a Christian can not be tripped up by any untruth in his own life. The Breastplate, which protected the heart and lungs, represents righteousness. We defend ourselves from evilness when we are obedient to God. The Shoes of the Gospel of peace was also an important part. A pair of bad shoes would slow down a solider. If we have the Gospel it will not slow us down. The Shield of faith mentioned in this passage was a large one that covered the whole body. Back then they were made of leather and soaked in water to protect the soldier from flaming arrows. When we have faith in the Lord He will protect us from the enemy. The Helmet protects the most vulnerable part of the body, the head. This represents salvation and when a person is saved they can hold their head high knowing that they have eternal life.Finally we have a defense against the enemy and that is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The bible holds all the answer we would ever need to fight off the enemy.
Chapter 6:18-20
We are to be in constant prayer especially when we are putting on the armor. Paul also asks for prayer to be bold when he witnesses. He is committed to the Gospel and doesn't ask to be released from prison but to be empowered t speak.
Chapter 6:21-24
Paul closes the book out by speaking about the messenger Tychicus who would be telling the people the updates about Paul and what he is doing in prison. This man had an important role in Paul's ministry even though we don't hear alot of details about him.
In the first verse there is so question as to what Paul is implying on his readers when it comes to obeying your parents in the Lord. Does this mean that children should obey their parents only if they are Christians or does it mean that children should obey no matter what their parents say. This is a topic that I can imagine would be hard for some families who are not equally yoked but that is a whole other topic. My personal believe is that a child should obey their parent Christian or not as long as they are within biblical means. A child shouldn't disrespect a parent if they are not being biblical but as Christians we are called to follow Christ and His teachings. The promise God gives us in verse 3 is that if we honor our parents/elders then we will live long on the earth. Our society as a whole would be so much better if people would apply this commandment to their lives. There is a special note to the parents here in verse 4 as well. They do have authority over their children but they should cause their children to be angry with them. As parents we are to instruct and discipline our children not provoke them.
Chapter 6:5-9
These verse speak on how a slave and a master should treat each other. It makes you wonder why Christians back then didn't appose slavery but I think that since it was such a large spread action that they didn't realize it could change. Makes you wonder what we are doing now that down the road will be changed because it is wrong. The slave here was instructed to be devoted to his master and not just do well when his master was looking. The masters were not to overpower his slaves in order to manipulate or intimidate. Even the master has a Master, our heavenly Father.
Chapter 6:10-13
Paul instructs us to put on the whole armor of God so that we can defend ourselves from the enemy not just humans but also divine. Evil powers are something that we shouldn't take lightly. Paul repeats himself over and over again to stand firm.
Chapter 6:14-17
The first step a solider must do is to gird his loins. In ancient times men would wear long robes and this would sometimes hinder them from running properly. They would pull up the fabric and tie it around their waist with a Belt. The belt represents truth because a Christian can not be tripped up by any untruth in his own life. The Breastplate, which protected the heart and lungs, represents righteousness. We defend ourselves from evilness when we are obedient to God. The Shoes of the Gospel of peace was also an important part. A pair of bad shoes would slow down a solider. If we have the Gospel it will not slow us down. The Shield of faith mentioned in this passage was a large one that covered the whole body. Back then they were made of leather and soaked in water to protect the soldier from flaming arrows. When we have faith in the Lord He will protect us from the enemy. The Helmet protects the most vulnerable part of the body, the head. This represents salvation and when a person is saved they can hold their head high knowing that they have eternal life.Finally we have a defense against the enemy and that is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The bible holds all the answer we would ever need to fight off the enemy.
Chapter 6:18-20
We are to be in constant prayer especially when we are putting on the armor. Paul also asks for prayer to be bold when he witnesses. He is committed to the Gospel and doesn't ask to be released from prison but to be empowered t speak.
Chapter 6:21-24
Paul closes the book out by speaking about the messenger Tychicus who would be telling the people the updates about Paul and what he is doing in prison. This man had an important role in Paul's ministry even though we don't hear alot of details about him.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Ephesians 5:1-33
Chapter 5:1-2
We are to be imitators of the Lord. If we are to walk in love the only way to come close would be to act like Him. I love verse 2 because it is something that I can picture clearly in my head. The verse ends by saying that "a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma". I think of the times when I have a candle burning in my house and how wonderful it makes the house smell. It is pleasing to me that the candle has a nice smell and changes the atmosphere of my house. "A fragrant aroma here means pleasing to God. Christ was the sacrifice and His actions and obedience was pleasing to God and changed to atmosphere of the world.
Chapter 5: 3-14
In these several verses Paul begins to warn against immorality. He talks about how the very word shouldn't even be named in their presence but they should act like the saints. The basic point that he wanted to get across is that if we are spending our time talking about perverse things or even just foolishness then we are not praising our Lord. In verse 5 when he lists these people who will not inherit the kingdom it isn't because their sin is worse than any other but because they have allowed their sin/lifestyle to control them instead of God. If God isn't in control of your life than you can't have His kingdom. The latter part of these verses speaks on not following the darkness but to stay in the light. If we are in the light then fruit will be seen and this glorifies God.
Chapter 5:15-21
We are to take advantage of the time we have because the end is getting closer and closer and the world is getting worse and worse. We need to use the light that we have to get rid of the darkness in the world. We need to be constantly praising the Father for what He has done and what He will do. When we gather with other Christians it need to be a nice of encouragement and praise. This doesn't mean you have to always sit around singing hymns but it does mean don't act foolishly so as to ruin your name/testimony.
Chapter 5:22-24
When we are married there are several things we need to learn in order to respect our spouse and ultimately bring honor to God. The big one is submissiveness. This isn't an independent act by one but is mutual action. When it comes to the wife's role this submission isn't forced on you but instead it should be your desire. If the husband is the head of the house like Christ over the church then alot of the same principles apply. No one forced you to accept Christ but rather it was a decision that wanted to act on, same is with marriage. As women we are to want to let the husband be in charge of our family because God has hand picked that man out specifically for you. In our house we discuss things together but in the end the decision made is what my husband feels like the Lord is telling him to do.
Chapter 5:25-33
For the husbands they are to love their wives as Christ loves His church. No where in this chapter does it tell the husbands to overpower or show authority over their wives but instead it tells them to love. He is to cherish her and to want to see her pure. When they are married they are to become one flesh with more regard to the other than themselves. They are not to depend on the people around them even the parents but on each other and God. If Christ is the center of the relationship then the two will be closer and work together better as a one with love and respect.
* I feel like we as Christians don't act with readiness for the Lord and let so much time pass before we do anything in His name. What are you doing for His kingdom or even better, how long has it been since you did something for His kingdom?
We are to be imitators of the Lord. If we are to walk in love the only way to come close would be to act like Him. I love verse 2 because it is something that I can picture clearly in my head. The verse ends by saying that "a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma". I think of the times when I have a candle burning in my house and how wonderful it makes the house smell. It is pleasing to me that the candle has a nice smell and changes the atmosphere of my house. "A fragrant aroma here means pleasing to God. Christ was the sacrifice and His actions and obedience was pleasing to God and changed to atmosphere of the world.
Chapter 5: 3-14
In these several verses Paul begins to warn against immorality. He talks about how the very word shouldn't even be named in their presence but they should act like the saints. The basic point that he wanted to get across is that if we are spending our time talking about perverse things or even just foolishness then we are not praising our Lord. In verse 5 when he lists these people who will not inherit the kingdom it isn't because their sin is worse than any other but because they have allowed their sin/lifestyle to control them instead of God. If God isn't in control of your life than you can't have His kingdom. The latter part of these verses speaks on not following the darkness but to stay in the light. If we are in the light then fruit will be seen and this glorifies God.
Chapter 5:15-21
We are to take advantage of the time we have because the end is getting closer and closer and the world is getting worse and worse. We need to use the light that we have to get rid of the darkness in the world. We need to be constantly praising the Father for what He has done and what He will do. When we gather with other Christians it need to be a nice of encouragement and praise. This doesn't mean you have to always sit around singing hymns but it does mean don't act foolishly so as to ruin your name/testimony.
Chapter 5:22-24
When we are married there are several things we need to learn in order to respect our spouse and ultimately bring honor to God. The big one is submissiveness. This isn't an independent act by one but is mutual action. When it comes to the wife's role this submission isn't forced on you but instead it should be your desire. If the husband is the head of the house like Christ over the church then alot of the same principles apply. No one forced you to accept Christ but rather it was a decision that wanted to act on, same is with marriage. As women we are to want to let the husband be in charge of our family because God has hand picked that man out specifically for you. In our house we discuss things together but in the end the decision made is what my husband feels like the Lord is telling him to do.
Chapter 5:25-33
For the husbands they are to love their wives as Christ loves His church. No where in this chapter does it tell the husbands to overpower or show authority over their wives but instead it tells them to love. He is to cherish her and to want to see her pure. When they are married they are to become one flesh with more regard to the other than themselves. They are not to depend on the people around them even the parents but on each other and God. If Christ is the center of the relationship then the two will be closer and work together better as a one with love and respect.
* I feel like we as Christians don't act with readiness for the Lord and let so much time pass before we do anything in His name. What are you doing for His kingdom or even better, how long has it been since you did something for His kingdom?
Ephesians 4:1-32
Chapter 4:1-3
With most of Paul's letters the first half are spent telling us about the truths of redemption and the last half tell us how to apply those truths to our lives. These first few verses start us off on the second half. The Christian faith doesn't just end with God's grace. It is a lifestyle that we must walk daily to reach the goal. We are to love others and to ultimately bring glory to God. Love is the background to all the qualities listed in verse 2 which are supposed to be used toward uniting the church.
Chapter 4:4-6
There are several things that are facts when it comes to the unity of Christians. 1) that we are one body of believers with Christ as the head. 2) is that there is one Spirit at work in each of our lives. The same power throughout all believers. 3) there is one Lord who brings together the believers. If we are united with Christ then we can't be opposed to our "brother." 4) is that there is one faith which equals a unite of hope. 5) there is one baptism that marks the beginning of each believers walk. 6) and finally there is one God. We were all created by one God, saved by one God, protected by one God. Our faith is not divided among many which would lead to hopelessness.He is active in all of us.
Chapter 4:7-16
In these verses Paul speaks on the diversity within the body. He has a gift that He gives to all without holding back but that is personally fitted to each believer. The main gift He gives us is the Holy Spirit but within the Holy Spirit there is a variety of gifts that are to be used within the church. 1)apostles-they were to give true accounts of the gospel and start the missionary movement. 2) Prophets- known as speaking with authority 3)Evangelist (missionaries) are capable of communicating with people outside of the church 4) Pastors- to sheppard over the body. We as a whole are to build up the church and not bring it down by our immaturity in the faith. When we act childish we are not glorifying Him and His kingdom.
Chapter 4: 17-24
Paul with a urgent manner tells us not to walk in the ways of the Gentiles but rather in knowledge and wisdom. Gentiles walked in dark places and with harden hearts. We are to take off our old ways as if it were like a coat that we no longer want to wear or even have. When we do this a new person is revealed, one who want to follow after Him.
Chapter 4:25-32
Each of these last verses represent examples of a new way of life. (vs 25) speaking the truth, (vs 26-27) dealing with anger, (vs 28) honest work, (vs 29) gracious speech, (vs 30) harmony with the Spirit, (vs 31-32) Christlike relationships- not a dating relationship but everyone. Look at each of these categories and if there is one or more that you feel you need to pray about please do so that God can continue His work in you to completion.
With most of Paul's letters the first half are spent telling us about the truths of redemption and the last half tell us how to apply those truths to our lives. These first few verses start us off on the second half. The Christian faith doesn't just end with God's grace. It is a lifestyle that we must walk daily to reach the goal. We are to love others and to ultimately bring glory to God. Love is the background to all the qualities listed in verse 2 which are supposed to be used toward uniting the church.
Chapter 4:4-6
There are several things that are facts when it comes to the unity of Christians. 1) that we are one body of believers with Christ as the head. 2) is that there is one Spirit at work in each of our lives. The same power throughout all believers. 3) there is one Lord who brings together the believers. If we are united with Christ then we can't be opposed to our "brother." 4) is that there is one faith which equals a unite of hope. 5) there is one baptism that marks the beginning of each believers walk. 6) and finally there is one God. We were all created by one God, saved by one God, protected by one God. Our faith is not divided among many which would lead to hopelessness.He is active in all of us.
Chapter 4:7-16
In these verses Paul speaks on the diversity within the body. He has a gift that He gives to all without holding back but that is personally fitted to each believer. The main gift He gives us is the Holy Spirit but within the Holy Spirit there is a variety of gifts that are to be used within the church. 1)apostles-they were to give true accounts of the gospel and start the missionary movement. 2) Prophets- known as speaking with authority 3)Evangelist (missionaries) are capable of communicating with people outside of the church 4) Pastors- to sheppard over the body. We as a whole are to build up the church and not bring it down by our immaturity in the faith. When we act childish we are not glorifying Him and His kingdom.
Chapter 4: 17-24
Paul with a urgent manner tells us not to walk in the ways of the Gentiles but rather in knowledge and wisdom. Gentiles walked in dark places and with harden hearts. We are to take off our old ways as if it were like a coat that we no longer want to wear or even have. When we do this a new person is revealed, one who want to follow after Him.
Chapter 4:25-32
Each of these last verses represent examples of a new way of life. (vs 25) speaking the truth, (vs 26-27) dealing with anger, (vs 28) honest work, (vs 29) gracious speech, (vs 30) harmony with the Spirit, (vs 31-32) Christlike relationships- not a dating relationship but everyone. Look at each of these categories and if there is one or more that you feel you need to pray about please do so that God can continue His work in you to completion.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Ephesians 3:1-21
Chapter 3:1-6
Paul opens up by identifying himself as a prisoner for Christ. He felt so strongly toward the Jews and the Gentiles uniting that he even went to prison. As the verses go on, Paul continues to elaborate the role of God in our lives for the Gentile Christians who may have not known the background. The next few verse are just referring back to what Paul had once said about the Gentiles now knowing the "mystery" because they were apart of the body. In verse 6 the Gentiles Christians are now put in the "line up" alongside other believers. They are heirs, members, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ.
Chapter 3:7-13
Paul speaks on how he was made a minister not because he chose it but because it was a gift from God. He received his strength from God who was not distant but right there with him.God's grace in verse 8 is simply stated as "unfathomable." We can not measure, out reach, or see the end of His grace. If that isn't hope I don't know what is. God has a plan for us and through Jesus Christ we receive it. He uses us as a church body to tell of His wisdom to those who do not know. This plan that He gives us also brings about boldness and faith and because of that we should stay strong when hard times come.
Chapter 3:14-19
These verses are a prayer that Paul had started in verse 1 but decided to wait to finish until now. The main focus on the prayer was about the inner life of a believer and their personal relationship with God. The following are the request that Paul seeks in his prayer; 1) inner strength through God and 2) that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. In verses 18 and 19 the prayer is more focused on the people having spiritual understanding. He wanted them/us to be filled with the fullness of God. As Christian we sometimes know the unknowable because we have God who gives us wisdom.
Chapter 3:20-21
God is going to continue to reveal new things to us through Christ. He has been faithful to do so from the beginning and will continue to do so till the end of time.
* May we seek to find new things through His word daily and let Him use us as a church to glorify His Kingdom.
Paul opens up by identifying himself as a prisoner for Christ. He felt so strongly toward the Jews and the Gentiles uniting that he even went to prison. As the verses go on, Paul continues to elaborate the role of God in our lives for the Gentile Christians who may have not known the background. The next few verse are just referring back to what Paul had once said about the Gentiles now knowing the "mystery" because they were apart of the body. In verse 6 the Gentiles Christians are now put in the "line up" alongside other believers. They are heirs, members, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ.
Chapter 3:7-13
Paul speaks on how he was made a minister not because he chose it but because it was a gift from God. He received his strength from God who was not distant but right there with him.God's grace in verse 8 is simply stated as "unfathomable." We can not measure, out reach, or see the end of His grace. If that isn't hope I don't know what is. God has a plan for us and through Jesus Christ we receive it. He uses us as a church body to tell of His wisdom to those who do not know. This plan that He gives us also brings about boldness and faith and because of that we should stay strong when hard times come.
Chapter 3:14-19
These verses are a prayer that Paul had started in verse 1 but decided to wait to finish until now. The main focus on the prayer was about the inner life of a believer and their personal relationship with God. The following are the request that Paul seeks in his prayer; 1) inner strength through God and 2) that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. In verses 18 and 19 the prayer is more focused on the people having spiritual understanding. He wanted them/us to be filled with the fullness of God. As Christian we sometimes know the unknowable because we have God who gives us wisdom.
Chapter 3:20-21
God is going to continue to reveal new things to us through Christ. He has been faithful to do so from the beginning and will continue to do so till the end of time.
* May we seek to find new things through His word daily and let Him use us as a church to glorify His Kingdom.
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