Before reading this post, I encourage you to grab a notebook and your favorite writing utensil and use this post for your own personal study/benefit. I'm going to ask a lot of questions, so write down on your own piece of paper what you think the answers to these questions are... I pray that this post blesses you and gives you insight to your future and the relationships it may (or may not) hold! Blessings! ~ S*
Still looking for your future spouse? Beginning to wonder if they even exist? Do you have high standards? Are there specific Biblical characteristics you are looking for? If not, should there be?
I have always had my standards when it comes to finding a future husband. I am not going to settle for anything other than God's best for me. In the past I have struggled with "Letting Go and letting God." But recently I have moved forward in my trust in God.
I have witnessed in the past few years a few relationships. Some of the people settled, and some of them did not! I believe God has a specific person out there for me to marry. This is not to say I couldn't marry someone else, but I think God has that perfect plan. It is my job to trust in Him to bring that plan into fruition, and not get impatient and marry the first guy that comes along. Below are some examples for us to examine:
Example A: Bob has just graduated High School. He is a Christian guy, who has been raised in a Christian home. He finally found a girl he thinks could be the one. The only catch, she is a brand new (baby) Christian. Before I continue, let me ask a couple questions... What should Bob do? Should he date this girl? If so, what boundaries should he set up before moving on with the relationship? What scriptures come to mind?... Okay, well, Bob decides to date this girl. While doing so he proceeds to kiss her and cuddle with her a bit. After a few months have passed, the relationship between Bob and his new girlfriend begins to have some strain... What do you think would cause strain in their relationship? How do you think it could be handled? How do you think it could have been prevented? Well, this relationship ended in a break up... It left Bob a bit heartbroken. Why? You may ask... He really thought that this relationship could end in marriage. He really gave some of his heart away to this young woman. Now he has to live with the decisions he made while in this relationship. He will not be able to take back the kisses and physical actions he made towards this young lady. His future wife can no longer be the first to receive these actions. Does Bob regret them? Yes... Why did he do it? Bob wanted to be an example to this young woman... He wanted to help her relationship with the Lord grow and mature. What could he have done differently that may have produced a better outcome? Do you think there is anything Bob should do now that the relationship is over? If so, what? What does the Bible say about this kind of relationship? What can you learn from this example?
Example B: Steve glances back across the room to catch another look from Lindsey... "She is so beautiful..." He thinks as he watches her explain a function on the store's new exercise machine. She is constantly happy, and always makes me laugh... I wonder what she is doing on Saturday night?" Lindsey too has been noticing Steve. They have been holding longer conversations in the break room, and she is beginning to wonder if their relationship could be something more... The only catch... She is a born again Christian, and he doesn't' have a relationship with the Lord at all. What should Lindsey do? What should Steve do? How should these early feelings be handled? As time progresses, Lindsey decides to invite Steve to her church. He begins attending, and after a few months, he gives his heart to the Lord! Now what should Lindsey do? What should Steve do? Should they move on into a "beyond friendship" kind of relationship? Why or why not? Steve and Lindsey end up dating... The people around Lindsey begin to notice that she no longer has time for her church family. She is acting a little weird... Not herself... Steve tells Lindsey that he isn't really comfortable mingling with everyone after the service. So instead of staying after the service to fellowship, they get up together and head out almost before anyone has the chance to say hello... What is going on in this relationship? What should Steve do? What should Lindsey do? A few months later Steve and Lindsey announce that they are engaged! How exciting! After their announcement they are hardly ever seen at Lindsey's church... There are rumors floating around that they began attending another church a little closer to Steve's home. A few months later, wedding invitations are sent out, and the wedding takes place at a church that neither the bride nor groom attend. What are your thoughts on this relationship? Will this marriage last? If not why? If so why or how? Less than a year after the wedding, Lindsey's original church family begins to see her attend the services without her groom... More time passes and the news is finally announced that Lindsey and Steve are getting a divorce... What could have prevented this? What does the Bible say concerning this relationship? What can you learn from this example?
Example C: Lori is a wonderful woman of God. She is now in her thirties, and has seen her younger brother get married to a beautiful woman that their family has know for many years. She is also witnessing her younger sister in a wonderful relationship with a young man of God. "When is it going to be my turn, Lord?" She has asked a thousand times. She has wanted to get married since she was a little girl. Why the long wait? But she doesn't let this discourage her, instead she is excited and happy for her younger siblings! And she begins to use her single time to bring honor and glory to God. To follow His leading and direction for her life. Before she knows it a handsome man steps through the doorway of church one Sunday morning. She can't help but notice him. Yes, he is handsome, but even more importantly he has this look about him... What kind of look? How do you think Lori should proceed? What questions should be asked? After striking up their first conversation Lori can tell that she has found a man following after the Lord. Before long their relationship progresses to a courtship. They get to know each other's families. They never put themselves in tempting situations, and possibly best of all, neither of them have given away their first kiss! Together they establish boundaries and make decisions for their relationship based on what they think God would have them do. What do you think about this relationship? How should it be handled? What should Lori do? What should the man do? What is their next step? After a while Lori comes home with a ring on her finger. She is absolutely glowing with excitement! Was is worth the wait? She will tell you it was, with out a doubt. So, does this story have a happy ending? Yes! After a beautiful first kiss wedding and honeymoon, this couple is enjoying a wonderful life together. A life in which they put God first, and follow His leading and direction for their life! Could this have turned out any better? Will they have struggles along the way? What does the Bible say concerning this relationship? What can you learn from this example?
Want more examples? If so let me know... I hope that you took the time to really go over each of these situations. Which situation do you want for your life? What outcome do you want to have? Have you lived in any of these people's shoes? What can you learn from your mistakes? Are you willing to change some of your standards? What kind of changes do you think need to be made for yourself? Why?
Please let me know if this post blessed you in any way. I would love to hear from you! Do you have a topic you would like me to post about? I would love to hear your thoughts! If you have any questions pertaining to this post (or any other), please send me an e-mail and I would be happy to answer. girlbiblestudy@hotmail.com
Blessings to you as you grow in your relationship with the Lord!
~ S*
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
What are You Jealous of this Valentine's Day?
Happy Valentine's Day!
Some of you may be thinking, "Oh, no... Another lonely Valentine's Day... All my friends have dates tonight, but here I am stuck home alone with nothing to do but think about my single status." Is that you this Valentine's Day? Do you wish more than anything that an admirer would send you a dozen roses(or that you had someone to send roses to)? Are you jealous of your friends and the relationships they have with their boyfriend or girlfriend? How can we change this agonizing holiday into a more enjoyable day of the year?
This week's scriptures: Romans 13:13-14, Galatians 5:19-26, and 2 Corinthians 11.
Romans 13:13-14, "Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." (NLT)
"Don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." That can be a tough one... If we are not going to concentrate or give into our evil/fleshly desires, what are we going to concentrate on or give into?
Galatians 5:19-26, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Some of you may be thinking, "Oh, no... Another lonely Valentine's Day... All my friends have dates tonight, but here I am stuck home alone with nothing to do but think about my single status." Is that you this Valentine's Day? Do you wish more than anything that an admirer would send you a dozen roses(or that you had someone to send roses to)? Are you jealous of your friends and the relationships they have with their boyfriend or girlfriend? How can we change this agonizing holiday into a more enjoyable day of the year?
This week's scriptures: Romans 13:13-14, Galatians 5:19-26, and 2 Corinthians 11.
Romans 13:13-14, "Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." (NLT)
"Don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." That can be a tough one... If we are not going to concentrate or give into our evil/fleshly desires, what are we going to concentrate on or give into?
Galatians 5:19-26, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."(NIV)
There are lots of things out there with which the Devil tries to trip us up during our journey of life. (vs. 19-21) But God and His Word are more powerful than anything the Devil can throw at us. If we put the "fruit of the Spirit" into practice (vs. 22-23), this will make it all the more difficult for Satan to mess with us. If we love others, it will be much harder for us to hate or be angry with someone else... If we have self-control, it will be all the more difficult to be envious of another person and/or jealous of what he has. If we are patient, it makes it so much less annoying or aggravating when someone cuts in-front of us on the interstate or in line for our movie tickets... See what I mean? If we choose to have the right attitude, it is hard for us to lose the joy we have found in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
So instead of being jealous of your best friend's boyfriend this Valentine's Day, be jealous with a godly jealousy... (2 Corinthians 11) while desiring to grow closer to God and following His plan for your life!
Blessings!
~ S*
Monday, February 7, 2011
Letting Go and Letting God
One of today's scriptures will be Proverbs 3:5-7, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." (NIV)
Let me start by asking, what does this scripture mean to you? I know some of you are probably like... "Ugggh... Not this verse again. I've heard it like a thousand times!" But this scripture is very relevant to me at this point in my life. Have you ever had one of those life verses, or a verse that just goes really well with where you are in your life? For me this is one of them. ;)
Other key scriptures for this post:
Psalms 62:1 and 5, "1 My soul finds rest in God alone... 5Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (NIV)
I want to find rest in God alone. He alone can provide what I need! "Every good and perfect gift comes from above!" (James 1:17)
Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV)
I want to be content in every circumstance. Giving God all my burdens will help in this process. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"
Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (NLT)
God will give us the peace we desire if we just trust in Him!
I have recently given my entire collection of thoughts, worries, control issues, and future plans to God. This has been an extremely wonderful experience. I had been afraid that God might not ever want me to get married, so if I gave it all up to Him maybe I would be surrendering to a future as a single. But in giving all my thoughts and worries to God, I have found an amazing peace. I haven't been worried about my future. I am at peace that God will provide everything I need whenever the need arises. If that means that I will need to wait a few more years for a husband, then so be it. I am excited to let God have control over my future. He is definitely the One who should be in charge anyway. Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" I am trusting God with my future. Are you?
What things do you worry about? Do you want to control your future like I did? Do you believe that God has the best for you in your future? What can you begin to do to make a change and give God your worries, cares, and future plans?
As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
~ S*
Let me start by asking, what does this scripture mean to you? I know some of you are probably like... "Ugggh... Not this verse again. I've heard it like a thousand times!" But this scripture is very relevant to me at this point in my life. Have you ever had one of those life verses, or a verse that just goes really well with where you are in your life? For me this is one of them. ;)
Other key scriptures for this post:
Psalms 62:1 and 5, "1 My soul finds rest in God alone... 5Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (NIV)
I want to find rest in God alone. He alone can provide what I need! "Every good and perfect gift comes from above!" (James 1:17)
Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV)
I want to be content in every circumstance. Giving God all my burdens will help in this process. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"
Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (NLT)
God will give us the peace we desire if we just trust in Him!
I have recently given my entire collection of thoughts, worries, control issues, and future plans to God. This has been an extremely wonderful experience. I had been afraid that God might not ever want me to get married, so if I gave it all up to Him maybe I would be surrendering to a future as a single. But in giving all my thoughts and worries to God, I have found an amazing peace. I haven't been worried about my future. I am at peace that God will provide everything I need whenever the need arises. If that means that I will need to wait a few more years for a husband, then so be it. I am excited to let God have control over my future. He is definitely the One who should be in charge anyway. Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" I am trusting God with my future. Are you?
What things do you worry about? Do you want to control your future like I did? Do you believe that God has the best for you in your future? What can you begin to do to make a change and give God your worries, cares, and future plans?
As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
~ S*
Monday, January 31, 2011
Idols... Can you really have idols in today's day and age?
The answer is YES. How, you may ask?... Well, what consumes your time? What do you think about day and night? What do you plan your schedule around? Are you consumed by the internet? Can you not survive the week if you don't get to see your favorite show on TV? Do constant thoughts about your future (spouse, job, finances, schooling, etc...) consume your mind?
If you answered yes to any of those, it is possible that you might need to make some changes... And I am not just talking to my readers. I am also talking to myself. I recently gave up the Facebook game FarmVille for this very reason. When I am worried that my crops will die instead of how I am treating others, or how my outwardly example is showing God's love, I think I have a problem... We don't need the things of this world. The Bible says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2) How are we supposed to know what God's perfect will is, if we have consumed our mind with "which crop should I plant, how am I going to get enough items to build my turkey roost, I really need to create another Facebook account so that I can help myself with my barn raising and give myself that pig to finish my pig pen"... What could you be doing with your time instead of "wasting" it on things that will not help you in the future? I personally have decided to turn my past FarmVille time into a more productive use of my time. This includes helping others with things around the house, updating the church's web site, making consistent blog entries for you, and writing letters of encouragement to others.
Now, I am not saying that FarmVille is bad, or that you are making an idol out of any of those things I mentioned above. What I am saying is you might want to examine your life and what is consuming your time. Maybe refocus yourself on things that God has desired that you focus on. Maybe he has been trying to tell you to start a Bible study with some friends of yours, or volunteer at church with the kids, be on the worship team, or run power point and/or the sound system. God has given you talents and gifts. What are some of your gifts and talents? Are you using them to bring honor and glory to God? If not, how can you change that?
Make a decision to not squander your time here on earth. As people like to say "We only live once". I don't want to look back and see that I spent 1000 hours playing a useless computer game that I now have nothing to show for...
Let me know what changes you want to make in your life or have made and how they are making a difference for you! As always I am very interested in your feedback!!
Blessings! ~S*
If you answered yes to any of those, it is possible that you might need to make some changes... And I am not just talking to my readers. I am also talking to myself. I recently gave up the Facebook game FarmVille for this very reason. When I am worried that my crops will die instead of how I am treating others, or how my outwardly example is showing God's love, I think I have a problem... We don't need the things of this world. The Bible says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2) How are we supposed to know what God's perfect will is, if we have consumed our mind with "which crop should I plant, how am I going to get enough items to build my turkey roost, I really need to create another Facebook account so that I can help myself with my barn raising and give myself that pig to finish my pig pen"... What could you be doing with your time instead of "wasting" it on things that will not help you in the future? I personally have decided to turn my past FarmVille time into a more productive use of my time. This includes helping others with things around the house, updating the church's web site, making consistent blog entries for you, and writing letters of encouragement to others.
Now, I am not saying that FarmVille is bad, or that you are making an idol out of any of those things I mentioned above. What I am saying is you might want to examine your life and what is consuming your time. Maybe refocus yourself on things that God has desired that you focus on. Maybe he has been trying to tell you to start a Bible study with some friends of yours, or volunteer at church with the kids, be on the worship team, or run power point and/or the sound system. God has given you talents and gifts. What are some of your gifts and talents? Are you using them to bring honor and glory to God? If not, how can you change that?
Make a decision to not squander your time here on earth. As people like to say "We only live once". I don't want to look back and see that I spent 1000 hours playing a useless computer game that I now have nothing to show for...
Let me know what changes you want to make in your life or have made and how they are making a difference for you! As always I am very interested in your feedback!!
Blessings! ~S*
Monday, January 24, 2011
Nativity (Part 2)
Did you watch it yet??? Well, before you read on here is one last chance... Last week I encouraged you to watch "The Nativity Story" and read Matthew and Luke's versions of the story to compare them... I also suggested you make a list of the things the movie got wrong... How many did you get? Did you get some I didn't catch? Below is my list:
1. Luke 1:19: The angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah at the right of the altar... In the movie Zachariah only heard a voice...
2. Luke 1:13 Zachariah's prayers were answered by Elizabeth bearing him a son. In the movie he acted like he had never heard tell of the idea...
3. Luke 1:20 Zachariah was told he would be able to speak the day it happened. In the movie this was not mentioned.
4. Luke 1:24 Fact: Elizabeth remained in seclusion for five months after becoming pregnant.
5. Luke 1:36 Fact: (goes with #7) Elizabeth was in her sixth month when Mary first saw Gabriel. Fact: It does not mention weather or not Mary already knew that Elizabeth was pregnant before the angel came to her...
6. Luke 1:40 Mary entered Zachariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. In the movie she was outside...
7. Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. It does not say that Mary was or wasn't there; however, following the times that were written, it would seem that she was there when Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist...
8. Luke 1:62-64 When learning what John the Baptist's name was going to be the people asked/made signs to Zachariah to ask what the baby's name was to be. Zachariah wrote John and then he could speak.
9. Matthew 1:20-21 An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Fact: It does not specify who the angel was or what the dream was about. I think that whenever Gabriel was revealed to anyone he would have been mentioned by name...
10. Luke 2:6 "While they were there" the baby came. Fact: It doesn't say she was in labor and they got there in the nick of time... They could have been there for a week...
11. Luke 2:13 A "Company" or "Multitude" of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel praising God. In the movie you just see one angel. Fact: Once again it does not specify that the angel was Gabriel...
12. Luke 2:16 When the shepherds came the baby was "lying in the manger" just like the angel said. In the movie Mary is holding Jesus...
13. Matthew 2:1 The Bible does not specify the number of Magi. It has been assumed that there were three because of the three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh... But I personally do not agree with that number...
14. Matthew 2:2, 7, 9-10 It was A star, not three joining together. It has been proven by planetarium that it wasn't some fluke phenomenon like the movie depicts...
15. Matthew 2:1-4 After the Magi arrived and announced they saw the star then Herod, the chief priests, and teachers of the law asked them where the Christ was to be born. (It says nothing of previous killings or inspections.) It appears (biblically Verse 3) that Herod had not considered the idea at all until the Magi came... The movie makes it appear as though Herod has been searching and doing everything in his power to prevent the predicted King from taking over his throne...
16. Matthew 2:7 Herod called in the Magi secretly to find out when they first saw the star. In the movie they talked around a very full table with little children present.
17. Matthew 2:11 The Magi came to a house and saw the child with his mother. It is almost certain that the Magi were not there when Jesus was born, but instead arrived when he was between 24 and 15 months old. Thus the Magi would not have been present when the shepherds were there, nor would they have seen Jesus lying in a manger...
18. Matthew 2: 16 (Continuing from 17...) The above statement also explains why Herod had children killed that were two and younger... The age has to do with how long the star had been visible to the Magi...
19. Matthew 2:12 The Magi were "warned in a dream" not to go back to Herod. In the movie they just play it as they thought Herod was creepy, and they were wise enough not to go back to him...
20. Matthew 2:13-14 Not long after the Magi left an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream (once again does not say if the angel was Gabriel) and told him to take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. So he got up in the night and left. In the movie they are still in the cave/stable, and they leave while the soldiers are knocking on other houses looking to kill the children. They would have been in a house, if Jesus was almost two years old, and most likely they would not have "just escaped" right before the soldiers opened the house door... They could have fled days before the episode or the night before...
So there you have it... My take on the incorrectness of "The Nativity Story". Do you agree? Did you find other things that didn't match up with what the Bible says? I also don't think the angel visits to Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds would have been in any way creepy or mysterious... Let me know what you think!
~ S*
1. Luke 1:19: The angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah at the right of the altar... In the movie Zachariah only heard a voice...
2. Luke 1:13 Zachariah's prayers were answered by Elizabeth bearing him a son. In the movie he acted like he had never heard tell of the idea...
3. Luke 1:20 Zachariah was told he would be able to speak the day it happened. In the movie this was not mentioned.
4. Luke 1:24 Fact: Elizabeth remained in seclusion for five months after becoming pregnant.
5. Luke 1:36 Fact: (goes with #7) Elizabeth was in her sixth month when Mary first saw Gabriel. Fact: It does not mention weather or not Mary already knew that Elizabeth was pregnant before the angel came to her...
6. Luke 1:40 Mary entered Zachariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. In the movie she was outside...
7. Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. It does not say that Mary was or wasn't there; however, following the times that were written, it would seem that she was there when Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist...
8. Luke 1:62-64 When learning what John the Baptist's name was going to be the people asked/made signs to Zachariah to ask what the baby's name was to be. Zachariah wrote John and then he could speak.
9. Matthew 1:20-21 An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Fact: It does not specify who the angel was or what the dream was about. I think that whenever Gabriel was revealed to anyone he would have been mentioned by name...
10. Luke 2:6 "While they were there" the baby came. Fact: It doesn't say she was in labor and they got there in the nick of time... They could have been there for a week...
11. Luke 2:13 A "Company" or "Multitude" of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel praising God. In the movie you just see one angel. Fact: Once again it does not specify that the angel was Gabriel...
12. Luke 2:16 When the shepherds came the baby was "lying in the manger" just like the angel said. In the movie Mary is holding Jesus...
13. Matthew 2:1 The Bible does not specify the number of Magi. It has been assumed that there were three because of the three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh... But I personally do not agree with that number...
14. Matthew 2:2, 7, 9-10 It was A star, not three joining together. It has been proven by planetarium that it wasn't some fluke phenomenon like the movie depicts...
15. Matthew 2:1-4 After the Magi arrived and announced they saw the star then Herod, the chief priests, and teachers of the law asked them where the Christ was to be born. (It says nothing of previous killings or inspections.) It appears (biblically Verse 3) that Herod had not considered the idea at all until the Magi came... The movie makes it appear as though Herod has been searching and doing everything in his power to prevent the predicted King from taking over his throne...
16. Matthew 2:7 Herod called in the Magi secretly to find out when they first saw the star. In the movie they talked around a very full table with little children present.
17. Matthew 2:11 The Magi came to a house and saw the child with his mother. It is almost certain that the Magi were not there when Jesus was born, but instead arrived when he was between 24 and 15 months old. Thus the Magi would not have been present when the shepherds were there, nor would they have seen Jesus lying in a manger...
18. Matthew 2: 16 (Continuing from 17...) The above statement also explains why Herod had children killed that were two and younger... The age has to do with how long the star had been visible to the Magi...
19. Matthew 2:12 The Magi were "warned in a dream" not to go back to Herod. In the movie they just play it as they thought Herod was creepy, and they were wise enough not to go back to him...
20. Matthew 2:13-14 Not long after the Magi left an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream (once again does not say if the angel was Gabriel) and told him to take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. So he got up in the night and left. In the movie they are still in the cave/stable, and they leave while the soldiers are knocking on other houses looking to kill the children. They would have been in a house, if Jesus was almost two years old, and most likely they would not have "just escaped" right before the soldiers opened the house door... They could have fled days before the episode or the night before...
So there you have it... My take on the incorrectness of "The Nativity Story". Do you agree? Did you find other things that didn't match up with what the Bible says? I also don't think the angel visits to Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds would have been in any way creepy or mysterious... Let me know what you think!
~ S*
Monday, January 17, 2011
Nativity (Part 1)
I challenge you to watch the movie and make a list of all the things they got wrong in the movie… I will post a follow up entry with my list, but I want to see how many you can find on your own first... You can borrow the movie from the library, or watch it online: Click Here.
This past Christmas I read the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke. As I was reading I began to wonder what it would have really been like... What did Mary really think of Joseph? How old was she really? Did she just get up in the middle of the night and listen to her husband when he said they needed to flee to Egypt, or was she second guessing him, asking him why, hating every step in the opposite direction of their previous home? How much say did the woman really have? How did Joseph treat her? Was he the one to deliver the baby? Did she do it on her own? Did she really walk all the way to Bethlehem?
As you can tell, I am somewhat of a romantic, so that is kinda how my questions are leaning. I know there are supposed answers, but the Bible doesn't say she road on a donkey... The Bible doesn't say she was in labor when they got there almost ready to give birth... The Bible doesn't say there were only three kings/wise-men or that Mary was or wasn't there when Elizabeth gave birth... A lot of the things we have been taught or have seen while growing up are just assumptions... What do we really know about the birth of Jesus?
Read Matthew 1:16-2:23 and Luke 1:1-45, 56-66, 80-2:21 to find out
Let me know what differences you've found. I'm eager to hear them.
~ S*
Saturday, January 8, 2011
First Kiss...
So most of my readers already know that I am planning on saving my first kiss for my wedding day... How about you?? Are you planning on waiting?
I stumbled across an article yesterday about this very subject. (Click Here to read) The writer heard that a guy was planning on saving his first kiss for his wedding day, but to her that was pretty much a foreign idea... Reading the comments below the post was intriguing to me, for I have never really heard the world's point of view on this topic. I have heard some people say that they wouldn't want there first kiss to be in front of a bunch of people... I have heard people say they couldn't wait that long... At first the writer thought the idea was romantic, but quickly changed her mind as she proceeded to think about it. Most of the other commenters agreed that it was a stupid idea to wait until you were married; however, there was one that tried to explain the idea a little better while relating it to courtship. Although this commenter didn't follow this idea herself, she had a bit understanding.
I personally wouldn't mind if the entire world watched my first kiss with my husband on my wedding day. (who knows... Maybe that is how I will land a spot on "Say Yes to the Dress" or "Four Weddings"!) But even if it is just a private party the meaning of a first kiss wedding is an important one (for me anyway)...
The proof of your love and devotion for each other is shown in your willingness to wait. You are honoring your spouse to be in other ways too. If you save your first kiss, that means you didn't use it up on someone else! Saving your body for your husband will give everything you do with him a special excitement, you get to learn together, and you would never have to worry about comparing him to someone else, or him comparing you.
What are your thoughts? What are the pros and cons of waiting until your wedding day? Do you think it would be awful? Are you too shy to do it in front of an audience? Why or why not? Do you have regrets from times when you have given something away to a man you didn't end up marrying? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
~ S*
I stumbled across an article yesterday about this very subject. (Click Here to read) The writer heard that a guy was planning on saving his first kiss for his wedding day, but to her that was pretty much a foreign idea... Reading the comments below the post was intriguing to me, for I have never really heard the world's point of view on this topic. I have heard some people say that they wouldn't want there first kiss to be in front of a bunch of people... I have heard people say they couldn't wait that long... At first the writer thought the idea was romantic, but quickly changed her mind as she proceeded to think about it. Most of the other commenters agreed that it was a stupid idea to wait until you were married; however, there was one that tried to explain the idea a little better while relating it to courtship. Although this commenter didn't follow this idea herself, she had a bit understanding.
I personally wouldn't mind if the entire world watched my first kiss with my husband on my wedding day. (who knows... Maybe that is how I will land a spot on "Say Yes to the Dress" or "Four Weddings"!) But even if it is just a private party the meaning of a first kiss wedding is an important one (for me anyway)...
The proof of your love and devotion for each other is shown in your willingness to wait. You are honoring your spouse to be in other ways too. If you save your first kiss, that means you didn't use it up on someone else! Saving your body for your husband will give everything you do with him a special excitement, you get to learn together, and you would never have to worry about comparing him to someone else, or him comparing you.
What are your thoughts? What are the pros and cons of waiting until your wedding day? Do you think it would be awful? Are you too shy to do it in front of an audience? Why or why not? Do you have regrets from times when you have given something away to a man you didn't end up marrying? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
~ S*
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