5/13/18

From blessed to wonderful to shalom peace in the joy of the Lord

I'm reading a book by Jo Bailey called, Fearproof Your Life: How to Thrive in a World Addicted to Fear. I'm reading this with my sister and brother in law and she asked, "Is he a Christian?" - He doesn't focus on history (Joel 2:18-27) but the present reality that the Holy Spirit has been given, poured out on all men (Joel 2:28). He makes no mention of the Bible (that I've seen so far) but makes Biblical allusions that are helpful to understand. He has a deep trust in God's power to lead, and bring about as he calls it, "a change of heart". This is the type of simple Biblical allusion I'm talking about.

I love Biblical words that have historically only been used to represent God:
 - Creator: Only God creates in the Old Testament, we build - rule and subdue within God's creation
 - Wonderful: Judges 13:18, Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Do you listen in on God’s council? Do you have a monopoly on wisdom? Job 15:8
All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. Isaiah 28:29

Here's Matthew Henry's commentary on Judges 13:15-23
What Manoah asked for instruction in his duty, he was readily told; but what he asked to gratify his curiosity, was denied. God has in his word given full directions concerning our duty, but never designed to answer other questionings. There are secret things which belong not to us, of which we must be quite contented to be ignorant, while in this world. The name of our Lord is wonderful and secret; but by his wonderful works he makes himself known as far as is needful for us. Prayer is the ascent of the soul to God. But without Christ in the heart by faith, our services are offensive smoke; in him, acceptable flame. We may apply this to Christ's sacrifice of himself for us; he ascended in the flame of his own offering, for by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, Heb 9:12. In Manoah's reflections there is great fear; We shall surely die. In his wife's reflection there is great faith. As a help meet for him, she encouraged him. Let believers who have had communion with God in the word and prayer, to whom he has graciously manifested himself, and who have had reason to think God has accepted their works, take encouragement from thence in a cloudy and dark day. God would not have done what he has done for my soul, if he had designed to forsake me, and leave me to perish at last; for his work is perfect. Learn to reason as Manoah's wife; If God designed me to perish under his wrath, he would not give me tokens of his favour.

In the commentary above I see me sister and her husband and encouragement I needed to be an encourager. Thank you God for your wonderful Way. You have blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. You are wonderful and my delight is in you. Thank you for your mercies are made new every day. Like dew on the grasss and like the sun rising, you brighten my heart and give me shalom peace. A peace that transcends understanding. Your wisdom is magnificent and your word is truth and life for all whole live by it. Thank you for Joy and communion with you. Amen.

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