From one law—don’t work on the Sabbath—Jewish scholars created hundreds of laws to define work, so people would know what not to do on the “Sabbath day of complete rest,” (Exodus 32:15 NLT). No cooking, great for the ladies (cold meals planned ahead, like a picnic). No lighting a fire, bad news for a winter’s day when the pilot light goes out. Understanding Jesus, p. 145.
The post How to rest appeared first on Stephen M. Miller.
Did God tell Samuel to fib? for Monday, 16 February 2015
A READER SURPRISED ME with a Bible question a few days ago.
Here’s the question. It comes from a gent I’ll identify only as Larry, since I don’t have his permission to use his name:
I’d love to hear any of your comments on I Samuel 16….Samuel was instructed by God to anoint a son of Jesse as the new king. He balks in fear. God gets the result he needs by constructing a half-truth.
I didn’t know what Larry was talking about at first. I couldn’t imagine God telling a lie of any kind. People tell lies, generally, because they’re afraid of someone finding out the truth. It’s hard for me to imagine God being afraid.
As it turns out, God is not the one who is afraid in this story. The prophet Samuel is afraid.
God has decided to no longer back Saul as king of Israel. God has his eye on a young boy who isn’t grown-up yet. The boy is David, son of a Bethlehem shepherd named Jesse.
God tells Samuel to go down to Bethlehem and essentially pre-anoint David as Israel’s future king.
In other words, commit treason.
“I can’t do that,” said Samuel. “Saul will hear about it and kill me” (1 Samuel 16:2).
God, like an operative of the CIA, develops a cover story:
“Take a calf with you,” the Lord replied. “Tell everyone that you’ve come to offer it as a sacrifice to me, then invite Jesse to the sacrifice” (1 Samuel 16:2-3).
But we all know why Samuel is really going to Bethlehem. He’s not going there to kill a cow. He’s going there to crown a king.
Did God lie? Some Bible experts call it subterfuge, which is pretty much the same thing as a lie, with more syllables. It is certainly deception. Perhaps Larry described it best when he called it a half-truth. It was only half the truth. Samuel was going to kill a cow in Bethlehem, alright. But killing a cow in Bethlehem is not the reason he was going there.
There are Bible questions that sometimes cost me sleep. This is not one of them.
God was protecting his frightened prophet. He did it by creating a cover story that was actually authentic. Samuel killed the cow in Bethlehem. Jesse’s family helped him eat the cow. Then Samuel crowned the king. It all seems good to me.
A tougher question is what do we do with this today? Is it okay to use deception to get the job done when the deception could help protect vulnerable people?
The first example that comes to mind is from warfare: President Ronald Reagan denying to news media that a military operation was underway when, in fact, United States military forces were invading Grenada to stop a Communist coup. He lied about that 1983 Operation Urgent Fury, and he did it to protect the troops.
What about something closer to home. Let’s say you’ve got a wedding coming up. And you’ve got some relatives who expect an invitation, but you don’t want them to come because though you love them you know they are a black hole that will suck the joy out of the room.
Would God be okay with deception as a way to keep your wedding happy and your relatives feeling something other than rejected?
Would it be so bad to “forget” to send them an invitation?
Then when they call, tell them you sent it?
And then when they call once again to tell you they never got it but they are coming is it okay to tell them you are sorry – they are welcome to come to the wedding, but every seat is taken at the reception?
What do you think?
Is that how you kill a cow today?
The post Did God tell Samuel to fib? appeared first on Stephen M. Miller.
Recent Articles:Psalm 13 for Friday the 13th
Just say it: “I love you”
A suitable song for MondayNewsletter of RezChat, a RezWest Bible study group open to all souls curious about the Bible. We ask the tough questions. And we'd like answers.
Sunday's Session: A letter to a slave owner
RezChat calendar
Class Elections: Sunday
Sunday's session:
Paul, for better or worse
Sunday
Jim Buffington,takes us into week 3 of our 4-week study of some of Paul's more unusual teachings.
Session topic, A letter to a slave owner
Bible passage: Philemon, the book with just 25 verses.
Followed by 2 weeks with John the Baptist, not in person.
REZCHAT CALENDAR
Chewables and cafe:Barbara, Tim Edwards
Class elections: Sunday
Second Sunday Social: March 8
Feed the hungry, Central United Methodist Church, March 14, Sept. 12
Class elections Sunday
We created a nominating ballot at the Second Sunday Social last week.
We'll vote this coming Sunday. At least I think that's the plan.
Afterward the Social, some folks seemed confused by what they had signed up for.
Some thought they were signing up to be on the team, not to throw their name into the hat to be voted on as team leader.
Here's the ballot as it now stands, as far as I can tell. If you didn't intend to run for team leader, but your name is there, contact class leader Bill Fitzherbert.
Class leader: Terry Bahadur, Jim Buffington, Bill Fitzherbert
Curriculum leader: Jim Buffington, Tim Edwards, Steve Miller
Class treasurer: Linda Miller, Tim Edwards (2 names have to be on the bank account)
Mission: Lisa Rock
Social: Linda Miller, Barb Edwards
Hospitality: Barbara Borgelt, Karen Fitzherbert
Publicity: Tim Edwards (with note: "OK, may be only a few")
Those who volunteered to serve on teams:
Tranbargers, mission
Rose Buffington, social
Barbara Borgelt, curriculum
There's still time for anyone to volunteer for any of the team leader positions, or to serve in support roles. Contact Bill Fitzherbert.
For one last time this year, what follows are the job descriptions and current team leaders.
RezChat Bible Study mission statement:
Build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians by studying the Bible, discussing their questions about the Christian faith, and putting their faith into action.
Class leader, Bill Fitzherbert
1. Monitor team leaders and arrange to help any who are having trouble fulfilling their ministry responsibilities.
2. Either lead or arrange for someone else to lead the classes opening each Sunday: welcome, introductions, prayer requests, praises, prayer. Then turn session over to discussion leader.
3. Arrange to send class e-mail updates about general class news and upcoming events
Class treasurer: Linda Miller
Curriculum team, Steve Miller and Cris Bahadur
1. Create a curriculum track of lesson topics for 12 months
2. Arrange for discussion leaders to direct each class session
3. Survey the class at least once a year for evaluation and for ideas about how to make the sessions more meaningful
4. Create an atmosphere that encourages everyone to participate in class
5. Find ways to engage the interest of people
6. Try to make sure everyone sees how the study topic applies to our lives today
Publicity team, Tim Edwards
1. Update slides for presentation to run before and after church.
2. Each year discuss the following:
• Explore ways to make everyone in the church aware of the RezChat Bible study class
• Keep the RezChat promotional info on the church web site up to date
• Invite promotional ideas from others in the class
Hospitality team, Karen Fitzherbert
1. Fill out the attendance book
2. Have first-time guests provide contact information
3. Send first-time visitors a card or e-mail
4. Contact class members who have been missing a week or two when no one knows why they have been absent
5. Contact class members who have been missing for an extended time
6. Direct the signups for Sunday morning chewables and café
Social team, Linda Miller
1. Plan each Second Sunday Social
2. Plan other social events throughout the year, as the class shows interest
Mission team, Lisa and Dave Rock
1. Schedule class to participate in one Mega Mission Project together
2. Arrange for the class to prepare and serve a meal at Central United Methodist Church as the schedules allow
3. Plan other mission events, as the class shows interest
Happy Valentine's Day. I sent my mother chocolates. My wife has me.
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Our mailing address is:
Stephen M. Miller
PO Box 2712
RezChat calendar
Class Elections: Sunday
Sunday's session:
Paul, for better or worse
Sunday
Jim Buffington,takes us into week 3 of our 4-week study of some of Paul's more unusual teachings.
Session topic, A letter to a slave owner
Bible passage: Philemon, the book with just 25 verses.
Philemon 1:1 From: Sha’ul, a prisoner for the sake of the Messiah Yeshua, and brother Timothy
To: Our dear fellow-worker Philemon, 2 along with sister Apphia, our fellow-soldier Archippus and the congregation that gathers in your home:
3 Grace and shalom to you from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
4 I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers, Philemon, 5 for I am hearing about your love and commitment to the Lord Yeshua and to all God’s people. 6 I pray that the fellowship based on your commitment will produce full understanding of every good thing that is ours in union with the Messiah. 7 For your love has given me much joy and encouragement. Brother, you have refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
8 Therefore, I would not hesitate, in union with the Messiah, to direct you to do the thing you ought to do. 9 But since I Sha’ul, am the kind of person I am, an old man and now for the Messiah Yeshua’s sake a prisoner besides, I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. 10 My request to you concerns my son, of whom I became the father while here in prison, Onesimus. 11 His name means “useful,” and although he was once useless to you, he has now become most useful — not only to you but also to me; 12 so that in returning him to you I am sending a part of my very heart. 13 I would dearly have loved to keep him with me, in order for him to serve me in your place while I am in prison because of the Good News. 14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do for me may be voluntary and not forced.
15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a brief period was so that you could have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, as a dear brother. And that he is, especially to me. But how much dearer he must be to you, both humanly and in union with the Lord!
17 So if you are in fellowship with me, receive him as you would me. 18 And if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
19 I, Sha’ul, write with my own hand. I will repay it.
(I won’t mention, of course, that you owe me your very life.) 20 Yes, brother, please do me this favor in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Messiah.
21 Trusting that you will respond positively, I write knowing that you will indeed do more than I am asking.
22 One more thing: please get a room ready for me. For I hope that through the prayers of you all God will give me a chance to visit you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner for the sake of the Messiah Yeshua, sends greetings to you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow-workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with your spirit.
Upcoming:2.22, Terry Bahadur, Be nice to each other, guysFollowed by 2 weeks with John the Baptist, not in person.
REZCHAT CALENDAR
Chewables and cafe:Barbara, Tim Edwards
Class elections: Sunday
Second Sunday Social: March 8
Feed the hungry, Central United Methodist Church, March 14, Sept. 12
Class elections Sunday
We created a nominating ballot at the Second Sunday Social last week.
We'll vote this coming Sunday. At least I think that's the plan.
Afterward the Social, some folks seemed confused by what they had signed up for.
Some thought they were signing up to be on the team, not to throw their name into the hat to be voted on as team leader.
Here's the ballot as it now stands, as far as I can tell. If you didn't intend to run for team leader, but your name is there, contact class leader Bill Fitzherbert.
Class leader: Terry Bahadur, Jim Buffington, Bill Fitzherbert
Curriculum leader: Jim Buffington, Tim Edwards, Steve Miller
Class treasurer: Linda Miller, Tim Edwards (2 names have to be on the bank account)
Mission: Lisa Rock
Social: Linda Miller, Barb Edwards
Hospitality: Barbara Borgelt, Karen Fitzherbert
Publicity: Tim Edwards (with note: "OK, may be only a few")
Those who volunteered to serve on teams:
Tranbargers, mission
Rose Buffington, social
Barbara Borgelt, curriculum
There's still time for anyone to volunteer for any of the team leader positions, or to serve in support roles. Contact Bill Fitzherbert.
For one last time this year, what follows are the job descriptions and current team leaders.
RezChat Bible Study mission statement:
Build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians by studying the Bible, discussing their questions about the Christian faith, and putting their faith into action.
Class leader, Bill Fitzherbert
1. Monitor team leaders and arrange to help any who are having trouble fulfilling their ministry responsibilities.
2. Either lead or arrange for someone else to lead the classes opening each Sunday: welcome, introductions, prayer requests, praises, prayer. Then turn session over to discussion leader.
3. Arrange to send class e-mail updates about general class news and upcoming events
Class treasurer: Linda Miller
Curriculum team, Steve Miller and Cris Bahadur
1. Create a curriculum track of lesson topics for 12 months
2. Arrange for discussion leaders to direct each class session
3. Survey the class at least once a year for evaluation and for ideas about how to make the sessions more meaningful
4. Create an atmosphere that encourages everyone to participate in class
5. Find ways to engage the interest of people
6. Try to make sure everyone sees how the study topic applies to our lives today
Publicity team, Tim Edwards
1. Update slides for presentation to run before and after church.
2. Each year discuss the following:
• Explore ways to make everyone in the church aware of the RezChat Bible study class
• Keep the RezChat promotional info on the church web site up to date
• Invite promotional ideas from others in the class
Hospitality team, Karen Fitzherbert
1. Fill out the attendance book
2. Have first-time guests provide contact information
3. Send first-time visitors a card or e-mail
4. Contact class members who have been missing a week or two when no one knows why they have been absent
5. Contact class members who have been missing for an extended time
6. Direct the signups for Sunday morning chewables and café
Social team, Linda Miller
1. Plan each Second Sunday Social
2. Plan other social events throughout the year, as the class shows interest
Mission team, Lisa and Dave Rock
1. Schedule class to participate in one Mega Mission Project together
2. Arrange for the class to prepare and serve a meal at Central United Methodist Church as the schedules allow
3. Plan other mission events, as the class shows interest
Happy Valentine's Day. I sent my mother chocolates. My wife has me.
Steve
FacebookSteve's website
Subscribe to Steve's blog
Forward to a friend
YouTube
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Our mailing address is:
Stephen M. Miller
PO Box 2712
Olathe, Kansas 66063 United StatesBible blog of award-winning bestselling Christian author, Stephen M. Miller.
Psalm 13 for Friday the 13thBy Stephen M. Miller for Friday, 13 February 2015
MY LUCKY DAY. Some folks avoid black cats and lay low on Friday the 13th. I’m not one of them. A cat’s a cat. And Friday the 13th is my lucky day. Photo by Sheila Sund/flickr.
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN, Psalm 13 seems to perfectly express what we’ve come to think about Friday the 13th.
At least the first few verses do.
The last verse, howver, reflects what I think about Friday the 13th.
That’s the day I met my wife, at a church singles “bad-luck turnabout party.”
A few months earlier, my girlfriend of over a year had traded me in for a baldheaded insurance salesman. Last I heard, they had 13 kids. No kidding.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 13, “Anybody up there?”
1. Stop it, God. Right now. Stop ignoring me. How long are you going to keep this up? Till pigs fly?
2. I’ve got a gut load of trouble and it’s making me sick. How much sicker do you want me to get?
3. Look at me when I’m talking to you. Answer me. I’ve got nothing left. The lights are going out.
4. Don’t let darkness win. Don’t let the troublemakers destroy me and then post a YouTube video to brag about it.
5. I’m counting on you. I know your love hasn’t given up on me. And I’m not giving up on you.
6. I expect to be singing when you get me out of this fix.
Steve’s Bible Translation
Random book winner this week
Rebecca Faulkner
I give away one free book a week to a randomly selected subscriber to my free blog and quarterly newsletter.
Rebecca is random this week.
The post Psalm 13 for Friday the 13th appeared first on Stephen M. Miller.
Recent Articles:Just say it: “I love you”
A suitable song for Monday
Kosher birds
Is God OK with violence?
____________________________
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN, Psalm 13 seems to perfectly express what we’ve come to think about Friday the 13th.
At least the first few verses do.
The last verse, howver, reflects what I think about Friday the 13th.
That’s the day I met my wife, at a church singles “bad-luck turnabout party.”
A few months earlier, my girlfriend of over a year had traded me in for a baldheaded insurance salesman. Last I heard, they had 13 kids. No kidding.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 13, “Anybody up there?”
1. Stop it, God. Right now. Stop ignoring me. How long are you going to keep this up? Till pigs fly?
2. I’ve got a gut load of trouble and it’s making me sick. How much sicker do you want me to get?
3. Look at me when I’m talking to you. Answer me. I’ve got nothing left. The lights are going out.
4. Don’t let darkness win. Don’t let the troublemakers destroy me and then post a YouTube video to brag about it.
5. I’m counting on you. I know your love hasn’t given up on me. And I’m not giving up on you.
6. I expect to be singing when you get me out of this fix.
Steve’s Bible Translation
Random book winner this week
Rebecca Faulkner
I give away one free book a week to a randomly selected subscriber to my free blog and quarterly newsletter.
Rebecca is random this week.
The post Psalm 13 for Friday the 13th appeared first on Stephen M. Miller.
Recent Articles:Just say it: “I love you”
A suitable song for Monday
Kosher birds
Is God OK with violence?
____________________________
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