And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem. Genesis 46:24.
We saw yesterday in Matthew chapter 4 the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the Messiah, and we are studying the importance of remembering the works of God.
Remembering the works God has done in the past helps us we have said to find faith for situations we might be going through and to believe Him for greater works in the future.
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Hebrews 10:32.
By knowing who it is we fight alongside I believe we will have even more success in our battles. We will go from being survivors to truly being more than conquerors.
For unto you, it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Philippians 1:29.
Remember Naphtali meant, "Wrestling." Naphtali had four sons. I looked up the meaning of each of their names in Hebrew. They are :
Jahzeel - "God Divides"
Guni - "My Defender"
Jezer - "Forming"
Shillem - "Repaid"
Sounds like Naphtali knew wheat Jesus meant when He said, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." St Luke 8:15.
Remember.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Journaling 5
And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephtalim:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaisas the prophet, saying,
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; Matthew 4:13-15.
Because accurate records were kept the people of our day can see that the predictions of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Journaling will help us keep track of prayers that have been answered and promises that have yet to be fulfilled.
Just yesterday I received answers to several prayers that I had been praying. I'll be honest I almost didn't realize it because I have not been keeping a daily journal of my interactions with God. I've been somewhat lacksadaiscal in my relationship with Him. Fortunately it did start to dawn on me and I was probably spared from making a blunder that I would have later regretted.
When I say it dawned on me, it reminds me that sometimes the darkest step we are on comes just before the brightest light we have ever encountered.
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:16.
When Leah gave birth to Zebulun it probably didn't seem like much to very many people. But to her and to Jacob and yes even to Rachel it was a big affair. It was an event worthy of remembrance.
Little did they know it at the time but they were laying a path that would one day be the path that our Savior took when He came to redeem His people.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaisas the prophet, saying,
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; Matthew 4:13-15.
Because accurate records were kept the people of our day can see that the predictions of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Journaling will help us keep track of prayers that have been answered and promises that have yet to be fulfilled.
Just yesterday I received answers to several prayers that I had been praying. I'll be honest I almost didn't realize it because I have not been keeping a daily journal of my interactions with God. I've been somewhat lacksadaiscal in my relationship with Him. Fortunately it did start to dawn on me and I was probably spared from making a blunder that I would have later regretted.
When I say it dawned on me, it reminds me that sometimes the darkest step we are on comes just before the brightest light we have ever encountered.
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:16.
When Leah gave birth to Zebulun it probably didn't seem like much to very many people. But to her and to Jacob and yes even to Rachel it was a big affair. It was an event worthy of remembrance.
Little did they know it at the time but they were laying a path that would one day be the path that our Savior took when He came to redeem His people.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
Journaling 4
In our culture sports are often a way that father's bond with their sons and sons with their fathers.
My father and I didn't go that route. I'm not really sure why. Sports were a big part of community and a big part of our family.
To my dad's credit I don't think it was his fault. My memory of my childhood is pretty clear and I don't ever recall really, really wanting to play sports. There may have been a big part of me that felt like I was missing out by being a spectator, but it didn't translate into a desire for me to put on the uniform and try out.
My dad did not force me to play.
It's hard to believe I've lived all these years and never really appreciated my dad for letting me be what I want to be. I know it must have been hard for him. After all he invested everything into raising a family so I'm sure he must have felt shortchanged on a few occasions.
Still, I'm glad he didn't force his will on me.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Journaling Pt 3
That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. Numbers 15:40.
Charlie Dunn told a story one time in Community Bible Study.
A group of American GIs were exploring a south sea island when they were confronted by some native tribesmen.
One of the tribesmen related a story to them of how some Christian missionaries had been to the island and preached the gospel to them. He proudly displayed his Bible to the GIs as if it were his most prized possession.
"That's great," said the GIs. "But we've gotten beyond that."
"It's a good thing we haven't gotten beyond it," said the tribesman. "If it weren't for this Bible, you'd be a meal."
Charlie Dunn told a story one time in Community Bible Study.
A group of American GIs were exploring a south sea island when they were confronted by some native tribesmen.
One of the tribesmen related a story to them of how some Christian missionaries had been to the island and preached the gospel to them. He proudly displayed his Bible to the GIs as if it were his most prized possession.
"That's great," said the GIs. "But we've gotten beyond that."
"It's a good thing we haven't gotten beyond it," said the tribesman. "If it weren't for this Bible, you'd be a meal."
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Journaling 2 Great Wrestlings
And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. Genesis 30:8.
The dynamic forces working themselves out in the lives of Jacob, Rachel and Leah make for a pretty good drama don't they? I've heard some rather good sermons taught from the standpoint of sibling rivalry and family dysfunction taught from these passages.
But isn't it interesting that while it looks like the situation is out of control from the standpoint of the main characters, God is totally in control. What looks like chaos is actually God's canvas so to speak. Because we see the unfinished work we think everything is a mess.
So perhaps God wants to reveal something more than how to have healthy relationships in a mixed family.
I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all they work, and talk of thy doing.
Naphtali.
I'll say one thing about it. That is one really interesting name when you think about it.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
The dynamic forces working themselves out in the lives of Jacob, Rachel and Leah make for a pretty good drama don't they? I've heard some rather good sermons taught from the standpoint of sibling rivalry and family dysfunction taught from these passages.
But isn't it interesting that while it looks like the situation is out of control from the standpoint of the main characters, God is totally in control. What looks like chaos is actually God's canvas so to speak. Because we see the unfinished work we think everything is a mess.
So perhaps God wants to reveal something more than how to have healthy relationships in a mixed family.
I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all they work, and talk of thy doing.
Naphtali.
I'll say one thing about it. That is one really interesting name when you think about it.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
Journaling 1
And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun. Genesis 30:20.
For Jacob, Rachel and Leah Genesis chapter 30 must not have seemed like a picnic. There were some serious issues being worked out in their lives and the Bible points them out for us. Jealousy, envy, rivalry, etc... If one is not careful one will assume that this is primarily a story about the conflict between Rachel and Leah.
I don't agree with that assessment. It's primarily a story about the birth of the nation of Israel. It's a beautiful picture of how God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)
Keeping a journal will not only help to get through difficult times it will provide a record of God's faithfulness in the wilderness.
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions. Hebrews 10:32.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
For Jacob, Rachel and Leah Genesis chapter 30 must not have seemed like a picnic. There were some serious issues being worked out in their lives and the Bible points them out for us. Jealousy, envy, rivalry, etc... If one is not careful one will assume that this is primarily a story about the conflict between Rachel and Leah.
I don't agree with that assessment. It's primarily a story about the birth of the nation of Israel. It's a beautiful picture of how God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)
Keeping a journal will not only help to get through difficult times it will provide a record of God's faithfulness in the wilderness.
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions. Hebrews 10:32.
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Get a Life Pt 2
But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. Matthew 8:22.
There's plenty of places to go to get psychiatric help. There are plenty of good Christian counselors out there. I'll be happy to pray with you for your specific need. But it has to be out in the open where it can be seen. And the Word of God is excellent at doing that.
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.
We're not talking about a dentist's drill here. That's way crude in comparison. Saying that the Word was sharper than a sword was the best they could come up with back then. If they would have had the language they would have said surgeon's scalpel. But it's even sharper than that. Sharper than a laser beam.
It goes on: And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13.
I remember one time my mom took my brother and I to the Dr's office. We each had to get a shot. There was a Godzilla double feature playing at the movie theater that afternoon and if we were good and didn't cry we'd get to go see Godzilla. Not just any Godzilla. Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla.
When that nurse drove that needle into my arm everything in me wanted to scream. I clenched my teeth and held my breath for a good five minutes it seemed like. My arm hurt so bad I sat through most of the double feature cross eyed. I couldn't even tell you much of what happened.
But I remember that MechaGodzilla had laser beam eyes. That was cool! Lasers hadn't even been invented back then.
To this day I don't know why that needle had to hurt so bad. I sure hope the nurse knew. But the point I'm trying to make here is that when Jesus said to the man, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead (Matthew 8:22) He knew exactly how much pain the guy was in.
He suffered every ounce of pain that you and I suffer when He hung on the cross. That rules out the question of whether He was being insensitive or not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our
transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace
was upon him
and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4,5 NIV
And that's worth celebrating!
http://thekitchykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/movie-night-snacks-from-food-for.html
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
There's plenty of places to go to get psychiatric help. There are plenty of good Christian counselors out there. I'll be happy to pray with you for your specific need. But it has to be out in the open where it can be seen. And the Word of God is excellent at doing that.
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.
We're not talking about a dentist's drill here. That's way crude in comparison. Saying that the Word was sharper than a sword was the best they could come up with back then. If they would have had the language they would have said surgeon's scalpel. But it's even sharper than that. Sharper than a laser beam.
It goes on: And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13.
I remember one time my mom took my brother and I to the Dr's office. We each had to get a shot. There was a Godzilla double feature playing at the movie theater that afternoon and if we were good and didn't cry we'd get to go see Godzilla. Not just any Godzilla. Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla.
When that nurse drove that needle into my arm everything in me wanted to scream. I clenched my teeth and held my breath for a good five minutes it seemed like. My arm hurt so bad I sat through most of the double feature cross eyed. I couldn't even tell you much of what happened.
But I remember that MechaGodzilla had laser beam eyes. That was cool! Lasers hadn't even been invented back then.
To this day I don't know why that needle had to hurt so bad. I sure hope the nurse knew. But the point I'm trying to make here is that when Jesus said to the man, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead (Matthew 8:22) He knew exactly how much pain the guy was in.
He suffered every ounce of pain that you and I suffer when He hung on the cross. That rules out the question of whether He was being insensitive or not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our
transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace
was upon him
and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4,5 NIV
And that's worth celebrating!
http://thekitchykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/movie-night-snacks-from-food-for.html
By Grace,
Travis P. Dickerson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)