Jan 15
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hoopmeh added a text contribution The Proud DoerVerses like this have tripped me up in the past, because when looking at the last part of 31:23 - "And fully recompenses the proud doer" - it sounds like the emphasis is on works! In isolation, it sounds like I have to do things in order to be rewarded. Of course, the action required in verse 23 is to "regift," in essence, the blessing God has given to us (which is emphasized all through Ps. 31, His lovingkindness and salvation.) My pride is in Him; I am privileged to be able… Read more »
Jan 13
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hoopmeh added a text contribution Faith like that of the Syrophoenician WomanFaith like that of the Syrophoenician woman is to be admired. She was of a race that was given little dignity, no respect and no love. She was referred to as a dog by Jews. And yet - even though Jesus was sent for the lost sheep of Israel, for the Jews - he heals her daughter. By the same measure, He has adopted us as sons and daughters into the family of Abraham. Is my faith like that of the Syrophoenician woman - confident and believing, while utterly humble? Read more »
Jan 9
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hoopmeh added a text contribution His SalvationI love the psalmist's tangible joy as he describes what seems like a king's mere physical success - life, a crown of fine gold, triumphs over his enemies. But we see the reason the psalmist has so much joy over these mere physical things in verse 5. The king's glory is great...but only through the Lord's salvation. The Lord placed this splendor and majesty on the king. Father, thank you for the blessings you pour out on us - may they always reflect and point back to the sourc… Read more »
Jan 8
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hoopmeh added a text contribution Do our words make an impact?When I first read these verses in sequece, it caught my eye. In one verse, Jesus comforts us by saying that His Spirit is going to speak through us; that we can rely and trust on Him for our witness. In the next verse, He portrays a crumbling family - not as encouraging a picture as verse 20 was. But I think Jesus is communicating that the Spirit will speak through us in spite of situations like verse 21. The words spoken through us will not always make a visible impact - sometimes, our brother… Read more »
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I love the simplicity of this verse - Jesus said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up and followed Him. That simple. Jesus commanded, and Matthew did. Though there are so many ways to get tripped up in our lives - and surely in Matthew's life as well - I love knowing that at the end of the day, I am called to follow Christ. It all boils down to that. Read more »
Jan 5
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hoopmeh added a text contribution Blessed to be a blessingI love the relationship between verses 13 and 14 in Psalm 9...and it's one that appears repeatedly in Scripture. The pslamist asks that God would be gracious to him - "See my affliction from those who hate me" - but he does not ask for this mercy for his own benefit. Rather, the psalmist follows up in verse 14 - "That I may tell of all Your praises." The psalmist asks for blessing so that as a result, he may "rejoice in [the Lord's] salvation." It is a pat… Read more »
Jan 3
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hoopmeh added a text contribution God with usI love the image of interaction with the Father that chapter 3 of Genesis gives. The Lord comes to Adam and Eve while He is walking through the garden, and asks "Where are you?" As if he doesn't know! He continues to draw forth information from Adam and Eve - Who told you that you were naked? What is this you have done? All the while, he has the answers. I can only imagine that Adam and Eve felt so childish and bewildered in answering the questions from the King. I am amazing by… Read more »