October 30, 2008 9:18 AM
rik wrote:
Hey brothers, Sorry I have not been here for a couple of days, I have been sleeping quite a bit, (the meds make me sleepy) mixed with lack of ambition and determination has = no reading or posting. I self rebuke me!! I honestly do not 'feel' like doing today, but I will because I know I need to eat. This happens to me with food also, I get to a point where no food even sounds good, but I force myself to eat because I need to nourish my body. same for my soul it need nourishment. Reply to this
October 30, 2008 9:35 AM
rik wrote:
vs 3 and 4 amaze me. It is as if the writer is tortured because he wants to know the Holy one, and he understands it is His son. Imagine if you knew more about Jesus' return then is in the Bible, and it was so close to complete understanding, but you could not completely put it together and you could not stop thinking about it. I see this man like that, he knows yet he does not know.
His prayer is similar to the one Jesus tells us to pray, give us this day our daily bread. I think God have blesses all of us in this manner. how often do we thank God to have a middle income, not rich, and not pour. I often think it would be nice to have a little more income, but I do not thank God enough for being in a blessed place like this man did. Reply to this
October 30, 2008 10:43 AM
Sam wrote:
"Wise as an owl." I am sure you have heard this idiom before. What makes an owl wise? Is it because a group of them together is called a parliament? Nah, don't think so? Is it because they are normally an animal of solitude? Nope, don't believe so. So, what makes an owl wise?
I don't think they are any wiser than any other normal animal, mammal or bird. Maybe because of the big eyes (which don't move in their sockets), they appear to be wise (people wearing glasses are sometimes thought to 'look' wise). An owl has natural features which allow it to hunt and hide effectively, but I don't think they make it 'wise.
Verses 24-28 describe 4 'wise' creatures: Ants, coneys, locusts and lizards. Each are described WHY they are wise. They do smart things, even though it appears they shouldn't be able to accomplish those things.
Is that what makes us old 'owls' wise? Is it because we learn to do 'smart things' even though, as imperfect beings, we shouldn't be able to do them? Probably. I think we 'become' more wise when we learn to do MORE 'smart things'. We get a lot of that wisdom from parents, teachers and friends; but the primary sources I believe, are the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
We become wiser when the HS enables us to 'see' how dumb we act, so that we can change. We become wiser when we learn something from the Bible. Solomon ASKED for wisdom and it was granted him. We can do the same. Ask the HS next time for more wisdom. Seek NEW things in the Bible---don't always talk about the same verses, or come up with the same ideas as last time; but, using the HS as a teacher, think about something NEW, something DIFFERENT.
Wisdom learned about brushing teeth will most certainly prevent cavities and other oral issues in the future, but it is of no value concerning, say, tying a shoe. We have become 'wise' in lots and lots of things we have learned to do in our lives, and each one is unique. Take time today (or the next few days) and think of something NEW to become wise about. Look a Scripture DIFFERENTLY than you did before. I'll bet you'll become wiser still.
A wise old 'owl' once said....We fear what we don't understand. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC). It is best to not fear the book of God...it is so much better to understand it. Reply to this
October 30, 2008 9:46 PM
Johnbob wrote:
I always learn something from your posts. So a bunch of owls are called a parliament. It is embarassing to be told to look at an ant and be told to learn from them. We may think we know quite a bit, but we can even learn from an ant. Also, 1st Corinthian says "Knowledge puffs up but love builds up". It's not about how much I know. I know certain things are wrong or that I shouldn't go down that path I have been down a hundred times before, but why do I still do it? Why do I sin and struggle with impurity or gluttony? I need discipline (like, say, an ant...) Reply to this
October 31, 2008 4:14 PM
joe wrote:
Talk about the Holy Spirit working through somebody! I bet you can go back and re-read what you wrote here days later and be convicted about the way Father is working through you SAM. When you preach to us isn't it true that you are also preaching to yourself. Faith comes by hearing, even if it is through your tongue right? I am glad to know you SAM. Reply to this
October 30, 2008 12:47 PM
Rich wrote:
Mac - interesting thoughts about wisdom and owls. I also wonder why an owl is said to have wisdom? I went to ask.com and typed in "why is an owl wise?" and I found some interesting stuff.
One sight said that it is because owls are nocturnal birds and function extremely well at night. It is their ability to see in the dark that makes them "seem" to be wise.
I also found that the earliest known link between owls and wisdom is their association with Athena. The Greek goddess of wisdom is often depicted holding an owl.
Another site said that the the owl has been called a wise bird for the same reason that some men are thought to be wise — he looks wise. An owl always appears to be looking intently at objects. However the reason given for this action is not wisdom but instead poor eyesight during the day (when you can see them) that makes them look like they are carefully studying an object when in fact all they are doing is trying to see the object!
Bottom line is now I am just as confused as before. What makes an owl wise? Nothing really, other than perhaps looks. So an owl cannot really gain wisdom. But we can. As Mac says, we gain wisdom by studying and applying God's words. Just look at some of the amazing morsels of wisdom in Prov 30.
Need a shield against the world or a refuge? Read God's word!
Too much wealth and we may disown God. Too little money and we may steal and dishonor the name of God. What do you pray for?
An unloved woman who is married is so horrible, so unthinkable to God that it can make the very foundations of the earth tremble. Imagine that! Ask your wife if she feels loved by you. If not, is it any wonder your household is in trouble? For many years, my wife did not feel loved by me. I blamed my lack of affection (actually my lack of love) on her illnesses. Actually, it was my selfishness and my lack of spirituality. Lately I have been trying hard to MAKE my wife feel loved. Interestingly, the "foundation" of our household now seems much more stable. A few minutes ago I texted my wife with the words: "I love you." She immediately replied "ditto." A few months ago she would now have done that. Her response brought a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my bones.
God's word really does work. It holds the key to wisdom for us. We can ponder the owl and try to come up with some reason for why man calls the owl wise (waste time like I did searching the topic) or we can learn true wisdom by focusing on God's word. Put that way, the choice is simple. Reply to this
October 30, 2008 10:25 PM
Johnbob wrote:
Thanks for sharing this. This was the scripture that struck me as well when I read this chapter. I know it is figurative language, but it says in verse 21 "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up" --- well, 2 of the 4 things mentioned have to do with marriage - a more literal translation could even allude to good marriages leading to a more stable society (i.e., one that doesn't tremble because it has a solid foundation --- not to get off topic, but what will happen when gay marriage is legalized everywhere?). But on a more personal note, I need to ensure that my wife feels loved - I think she does, but there is a lot more I can do in that area. So Rich, I agree - it is horrible. But maybe more than that, this verse rings with sadness - not that it is always because the husband is a bad person - but if your marriage is in trouble, then we need to seek help! In some ways I hate to keep bringing up the past, but I feel that I was a better husband when other men knew my 'business' and could help me and Beda. So what if they were 'assigned' to me - it was almost always helpful. Now I know that in some places there was abuse and stupid advice that was damaging and detrimental on many levels. And there were young couples discipling parents with teens and there were people with terrible marriages discipling other couples. That being said, most of my experiences were positive and I would give anything for someone to ask me "How is your marriage? How is Beda doing? What are some areas you need help with?, etc." Don't get me wrong. I am absolutely smitten in love with my wife and I tell her and we go out on dates, but there are certain areas where we are weak, and having 2 teens and a wannabe teen is extremely overwhelming for me emotionally. Anyway, I ramble. I might repost some of this stuff because tomorrow is Proverbs 31. Reply to this
October 31, 2008 8:53 AM
Johnbob wrote:
Why, thanks for asking. I would say we are doing well in certain areas, but we have some glaring issues that I just think that need attention. So really I don't know where to begin in terms of this forum. I should probably just choose one thing to work on. Like praying with her more often - to be honest, we rarely do that together, and it is embarassing - we both love to pray, but there is a hangup there of some sort. I suppose like I feel it is always me who must force the issue, and it is tiresome. So we need to work through that. Anyway, that is all I have time for now. Again, thanks for asking. Reply to this
October 31, 2008 4:23 PM
joe wrote:
Man you guys where just rock and rolling yesterday. Rich this is some really good food! In my past I haven't been much of a reader like my wife and children - but I can see that changing with these great words from you and SAM. thanx Reply to this
Hey brothers, Sorry I have not been here for a couple of days, I have been sleeping quite a bit, (the meds make me sleepy) mixed with lack of ambition and determination has = no reading or posting. I self rebuke me!! I honestly do not 'feel' like doing today, but I will because I know I need to eat. This happens to me with food also, I get to a point where no food even sounds good, but I force myself to eat because I need to nourish my body. same for my soul it need nourishment.
Reply to this
Well put - I feel the same way today.
Reply to this
vs 3 and 4 amaze me. It is as if the writer is tortured because he wants to know the Holy one, and he understands it is His son. Imagine if you knew more about Jesus' return then is in the Bible, and it was so close to complete understanding, but you could not completely put it together and you could not stop thinking about it. I see this man like that, he knows yet he does not know.
His prayer is similar to the one Jesus tells us to pray, give us this day our daily bread. I think God have blesses all of us in this manner. how often do we thank God to have a middle income, not rich, and not pour. I often think it would be nice to have a little more income, but I do not thank God enough for being in a blessed place like this man did.
Reply to this
"Wise as an owl." I am sure you have heard this idiom before. What makes an owl wise? Is it because a group of them together is called a parliament? Nah, don't think so? Is it because they are normally an animal of solitude? Nope, don't believe so. So, what makes an owl wise?
I don't think they are any wiser than any other normal animal, mammal or bird. Maybe because of the big eyes (which don't move in their sockets), they appear to be wise (people wearing glasses are sometimes thought to 'look' wise). An owl has natural features which allow it to hunt and hide effectively, but I don't think they make it 'wise.
Verses 24-28 describe 4 'wise' creatures: Ants, coneys, locusts and lizards. Each are described WHY they are wise. They do smart things, even though it appears they shouldn't be able to accomplish those things.
Is that what makes us old 'owls' wise? Is it because we learn to do 'smart things' even though, as imperfect beings, we shouldn't be able to do them?
Probably. I think we 'become' more wise when we learn to do MORE 'smart things'. We get a lot of that wisdom from parents, teachers and friends; but the primary sources I believe, are the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
We become wiser when the HS enables us to 'see' how dumb we act, so that we can change. We become wiser when we learn something from the Bible. Solomon ASKED for wisdom and it was granted him. We can do the same. Ask the HS next time for more wisdom. Seek NEW things in the Bible---don't always talk about the same verses, or come up with the same ideas as last time; but, using the HS as a teacher, think about something NEW, something DIFFERENT.
Wisdom learned about brushing teeth will most certainly prevent cavities and other oral issues in the future, but it is of no value concerning, say, tying a shoe. We have become 'wise' in lots and lots of things we have learned to do in our lives, and each one is unique. Take time today (or the next few days) and think of something NEW to become wise about. Look a Scripture DIFFERENTLY than you did before. I'll bet you'll become wiser still.
A wise old 'owl' once said....We fear what we don't understand. - Aesop (c.620-560 BC). It is best to not fear the book of God...it is so much better to understand it.
Reply to this
I always learn something from your posts. So a bunch of owls are called a parliament. It is embarassing to be told to look at an ant and be told to learn from them. We may think we know quite a bit, but we can even learn from an ant. Also, 1st Corinthian says "Knowledge puffs up but love builds up". It's not about how much I know. I know certain things are wrong or that I shouldn't go down that path I have been down a hundred times before, but why do I still do it? Why do I sin and struggle with impurity or gluttony? I need discipline (like, say, an ant...)
Reply to this
Talk about the Holy Spirit working through somebody! I bet you can go back and re-read what you wrote here days later and be convicted about the way Father is working through you SAM. When you preach to us isn't it true that you are also preaching to yourself. Faith comes by hearing, even if it is through your tongue right? I am glad to know you SAM.
Reply to this
Mac - interesting thoughts about wisdom and owls. I also wonder why an owl is said to have wisdom? I went to ask.com and typed in "why is an owl wise?" and I found some interesting stuff.
One sight said that it is because owls are nocturnal birds and function extremely well at night. It is their ability to see in the dark that makes them "seem" to be wise.
I also found that the earliest known link between owls and wisdom is their association with Athena. The Greek goddess of wisdom is often depicted holding an owl.
Another site said that the the owl has been called a wise bird for the same reason that some men are thought to be wise — he looks wise. An owl always appears to be looking intently at objects. However the reason given for this action is not wisdom but instead poor eyesight during the day (when you can see them) that makes them look like they are carefully studying an object when in fact all they are doing is trying to see the object!
Bottom line is now I am just as confused as before. What makes an owl wise? Nothing really, other than perhaps looks. So an owl cannot really gain wisdom. But we can. As Mac says, we gain wisdom by studying and applying God's words. Just look at some of the amazing morsels of wisdom in Prov 30.
Need a shield against the world or a refuge? Read God's word!
Too much wealth and we may disown God. Too little money and we may steal and dishonor the name of God. What do you pray for?
An unloved woman who is married is so horrible, so unthinkable to God that it can make the very foundations of the earth tremble. Imagine that! Ask your wife if she feels loved by you. If not, is it any wonder your household is in trouble? For many years, my wife did not feel loved by me. I blamed my lack of affection (actually my lack of love) on her illnesses. Actually, it was my selfishness and my lack of spirituality. Lately I have been trying hard to MAKE my wife feel loved. Interestingly, the "foundation" of our household now seems much more stable. A few minutes ago I texted my wife with the words: "I love you." She immediately replied "ditto." A few months ago she would now have done that. Her response brought a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my bones.
God's word really does work. It holds the key to wisdom for us. We can ponder the owl and try to come up with some reason for why man calls the owl wise (waste time like I did searching the topic) or we can learn true wisdom by focusing on God's word. Put that way, the choice is simple.
Reply to this
Thanks for sharing this. This was the scripture that struck me as well when I read this chapter. I know it is figurative language, but it says in verse 21 "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up" --- well, 2 of the 4 things mentioned have to do with marriage - a more literal translation could even allude to good marriages leading to a more stable society (i.e., one that doesn't tremble because it has a solid foundation --- not to get off topic, but what will happen when gay marriage is legalized everywhere?). But on a more personal note, I need to ensure that my wife feels loved - I think she does, but there is a lot more I can do in that area. So Rich, I agree - it is horrible. But maybe more than that, this verse rings with sadness - not that it is always because the husband is a bad person - but if your marriage is in trouble, then we need to seek help! In some ways I hate to keep bringing up the past, but I feel that I was a better husband when other men knew my 'business' and could help me and Beda. So what if they were 'assigned' to me - it was almost always helpful. Now I know that in some places there was abuse and stupid advice that was damaging and detrimental on many levels. And there were young couples discipling parents with teens and there were people with terrible marriages discipling other couples. That being said, most of my experiences were positive and I would give anything for someone to ask me "How is your marriage? How is Beda doing? What are some areas you need help with?, etc." Don't get me wrong. I am absolutely smitten in love with my wife and I tell her and we go out on dates, but there are certain areas where we are weak, and having 2 teens and a wannabe teen is extremely overwhelming for me emotionally. Anyway, I ramble. I might repost some of this stuff because tomorrow is Proverbs 31.
Reply to this
How IS your marriage?
How IS Beda doing?
Reply to this
Why, thanks for asking. I would say we are doing well in certain areas, but we have some glaring issues that I just think that need attention. So really I don't know where to begin in terms of this forum. I should probably just choose one thing to work on. Like praying with her more often - to be honest, we rarely do that together, and it is embarassing - we both love to pray, but there is a hangup there of some sort. I suppose like I feel it is always me who must force the issue, and it is tiresome. So we need to work through that. Anyway, that is all I have time for now. Again, thanks for asking.
Reply to this
Man you guys where just rock and rolling yesterday. Rich this is some really good food! In my past I haven't been much of a reader like my wife and children - but I can see that changing with these great words from you and SAM. thanx
Reply to this