dig into prophecy

Hello friends!

            

          This week in class Blake Holmes from Watermark Church in Dallas, TX came and gave an overview of the prophetic books in the Bible. It was just awesome to look at the prophets knowing what we’ve learned so far about the Word.  Knowing the big picture story of the Bible is incredible and I will forever read the book differently because of it. I love that when I look at Amos I now know that it was written before the exile to warn Israel of the coming judgment.  Knowing what happens before and after that is also amazing (reading in context… it makes reading the Word so rich)! In the past I rarely studied the prophets (as evidenced by their unmarked pages).  The prophets were intimidating and hard to understand.  Now, however, I want to study them all!

            I absolutely love how the prophets give evidence of the authenticity of the Bible.  It was written in 3 different languages by 40 different authors over a span of 1500 years yet is consistent and without contradiction.  The prophets further prove its authority.  We got to study Daniel in depth the week before last. Can I tell you that God’s sovereignty displayed in that book is stunning?!  One prophecy describes a dream of a statue and a corresponding vision of 4 beasts, each part of the statue and each beast representing a kingdom that would rule next. In history we can see that it happens exactly as God said it would.  God told us His big picture plan through the prophets.  These 4 kingdoms described in Daniel were revealed during the Babylonian’s rule.  Daniel did not get to see the other kingdoms. Such specific details about battles between the northern and southern kingdoms of Greece (which was the 3^rd kingdom to rule) were revealed in Daniel’s prophecy that could only be explained by an all knowing and almighty God.   

            So many of the prophets told details about Jesus coming to be the Messiah.  God reveals the coolest details about the exact timing of the Messiah’s arrival (triumphal entry) in Daniel.  I won’t explain it all in this blog, but if you’re interested you need to ask me about Daniel’s 70 week prophecy (it will change your life). Isaiah is another prophet who has many amazing Messianic prophecies including a virgin birth (Isaiah 28:16), John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:1-5), a coming servant who will bless both Israel and the gentiles (Isaiah 49:1-26), and tons more.

            Looking at the prophets is so neat in this Christmas season!  The multitude of truths spoken by prophets helps me understand the big picture story of the Bible as God mercifully calls the nations to repentance and as He reveals the big pieces of His plan.  It reminds me that the Old Testament books are an anticipation of Christ and the New Testament is Christ revealed. It’s all about Jesus.  Merry CHRISTmas!  He came!  God’s plan all along was to save us.  And it happened.  What a gift!

           

Have such a wonderful Christmas! Sending love and cheer and Christmas warm fuzzies!

Blessings,

Mal

Reformed

 This week Chad Hampsch taught us about Church History.  It was incredible to see the transformation of the church throughout the years.  I had no idea how denominations were developed or how the church had morphed since the first church in Acts. It answered so many of my questions such as how the Bible was formed and if the reformation took us closer or farther away from what the original church looked like.  Today I’ll just have time to share what I learned about the reformation – specifically Mr. Martin Luther.

In general, the reformers were not aiming to create denominations but were actually reforming the issues that existed with the church. From the time of the first church in Acts and this point in history the church had strayed, adapting and adding things to their beliefs.   

One of the reformation leaders was Martin Luther.  His life changed radically when he was in a storm (he was afraid because his best friend had been killed in a thunderstorm) and promised to serve God if He saved him from the storm.  So he became a monk.  He was very aware of his sin and went to confessions with a priest constantly. He struggled with the idea of salvation as it related to sin and confession.  One day as he was studying the Greek New Testament he read Romans 1:16-17 which says “for I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written the righteous shall live by faith.” (-ESV).  This verse made him realize that the church had gotten so far away form the idea of a personal relationship with God who offers forgiveness.  It answered his questions about the issue of sin and he realized that he didn’t have to go to through a priest to talk to God. This pumps me up because I definitely see in the church, and even my own life, how easy it is to believe that God is distant and that we are saved by works.  What a great reminder that we get to have a personal relationship with a God who knows and cares for us and has sent us the Holy Spirit to live not only among us but INSIDE of each of us who believe! We are saved by grace through faith – we cannot be “good enough” to get into Heaven.  Having faith in Jesus Christ is the only way we can be counted righteous.  Amen! :)

           

Anyway, at the time it was standard to nail new ideas to the door so Luther posted 95 theses challenging the church and addressing its issues. The pope did not approve of the theses so there was tension in Europe. Since this was during the time that the printing press was invented, his ideas and message of salvation got out to people quickly (Isn’t God’s timing perfect?! I think it’s so cool how God planted Martin Luther at a time where his influence could bless so many. God blessed Luther to bless many.)

           

 Later, Luther hides in Germany and while he’s there he creates the first translation of the Bible.  He translates the German Bible and it starts going out to Germans.  There is a great debate about scripture during this time. Luther’s idea that the Bible was the authoritative work of God was radical.  At this time people believed that tradition held more weight than what the Word said. War breaks out and Europe divides itself.  Luther stands alone and Germany becomes breeding ground for the reformation.  Denominations start to split and Luther heads the Lutheran denomination where he emphasizes that salvation is by faith.

Thanks so much friends! I love learning and being transformed in Branson, Missouri!  I’m so glad to share with you what we are learning in class. I hope it is a blessing for you to hear it too!   

Have an awesome, and delightful, and yummy Thanksgiving! 

~ Mal  :)

Learning From Stories of Kings

Hey friends!

This week we learned about the Kingdom Era.  I absolutely loved it!  It’s humbling to admit that I had never learned or fully understood that entire section of the Bible (1 Samuel – 2 Chronicles).  But I am overjoyed to say that this week I have been filled with knowledge on Israel/Judah’s kings and have been blown away by God’s character. We serve a MERCIFUL and sovereign Lord.

What I really wanted to do was regurgitate a summary of every king from the Old Testament in blog form, but we were looking at a 10 page blog if I were to do that.  So, instead, I will give you a summary of the first two king’s lives and what the Lord is teaching me through learning about the Kingdom Era. 

To set the stage: God was leading the nation through judges but in chapter 8 of 1 Samuel the people cry out for a king.  Israel was turning away from God and rejected Him as king.  They wanted to be like everyone else. They don’t realize how special it was for them to be set apart in the Lord. They were designed to be a nation of faith and God had orchestrated a life that required faith for success.  But the people asked the last judge, Samuel, for a king.

King Saul:     

In 1 Samuel 9 Saul is chosen as king. Saul is known as having “no heart for God” in the Kingdom Era.  There are two major events where Saul falls. 

1)  Immediately after he was crowned king the people were attacked by the Philistines and Saul sinned by giving a peace offering, which was the duty of a priest (1 Samuel 13).  He assumed a priestly position which shows us that he was self empowered.  When Samuel confronts Saul about his sin, Saul rationalizes the sin. 

2)  In 1 Sam 15, Samuel gives Saul instructions from the Lord to attack the Amalakites, sparing no one (men, women, children, animal). Saul did not destroy all, demonstrating his incomplete obedience. He tells Samuel “I have followed the commands of the Lord” and when Samuel confronts him, Saul blames others and makes his sin seem virtuous, saying that they kept animals as a sacrifice to God.  Saul tried to weasel out of his disobedience and refused to repent or take responsibility. 

Saul’s Weaknesses:  He changed depending on circumstance.  He always sought others for prayer, but we never see him pray.  Saul consistently sought glory for himself. Saul didn’t listen to wise council of others, nor did he listen to God.  He rationalized his sin and refused to confess and repent.    

In 1 Samuel 16 God directed Samuel to anoint a new King that God would select (David).  The spirit left Saul at this point and Saul tried to kill David.  At the end of his life he was frightened in battle with the Philistines so he disguised himself and sought a medium (which he had previously removed all sorcerers and mediums from the land).  He asked her to rise up Samuel.  Samuel appears and prophesies that tomorrow he and his sons will die.  The next day Saul is struck by an arrow and he and his sons commit suicide. (1 Chronicles 10 tells us that the Lord puts him to death and turned the kingdom over to David because Saul was unfaithful, did not keep the word of the Lord, and sought help from a medium instead of inquiring of God.)

King David:

In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel (while mourning the judgment that was coming to Saul) obeyed God’s instruction to go find a new king (David).  All of Jesse’s sons passed by before Samuel chose small in stature, 15 year old David. God delights in using the weak to do powerful things.  David had great character and is known to have a “whole heart for the Lord”.  Here are 5 good things to note about David:

1.  David Trusted in the Lord: David rose in favor when he killed Goliath. David’s confidence lied in the Lord. He responded in faith instead of responding to mockery or doubt.  He sought the Lord in every decision. Later, in his kingship, we see David going to the Lord for guidance in every battle.  The Lord blessed him and David had confidence in the Lord. God gave the Israelites victory under David’s leadership. 

2.  David waited on the Lord with humility:  David was 15 when anointed but didn’t become king until age 30.  David was elevated by the Lord and grew in popularity after defeating Goliath. Saul felt threatened and tried to kill David (1 Samuel 18).  David fled to the wilderness.  During the years of fleeing from Saul, David was equipped for leadership as he waited on God, wrote Psalms, and learned to lead men. After Saul dies, David mourned his death and became king.

3.  David does not listen to the council of wicked and foolish people: During David’s time fleeing from Saul in the wilderness, he spared Saul’s life twice (1 Samuel 24 - in the caves of En-Gedi and 1 Samuel 26 - the wilderness of Ziph) despite the advice he was given.

             

            4.   David is quick to confess and mourns over his sin: 

~ David had the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem (it was taken by the philistines so 20 years later David decides to bring it back).  They made a new cart but did it improperly and not according to the law (numbers 4). Uzah dies when he touches it.  David (1 Chronicles 15) admitted sin and they prepared to carry the ark the right way. 

~  David also sinned by murdering Uziah to have an affair with Bathsheeba.  David was tempted by Satan to sin; he leaned on his own strength. David suffered consequences and effects of his sin. He agonizes over his sin as you can see in his prayer in response to this particular sin in Psalm 51. David responds in prayer and humility, making a sacrifice on Mt. Moriah. 

5.  David has a heart of worship:  David was overcome with joy and was seen jumping and dancing after the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem.  He also appointed Asaph to lead them in giving thanks and praise to the Lord, remembering His deeds (including judgment because God is faithful and consistent). 

What I learn from Saul and David: 

From Saul I’m learning that God is so merciful to continually call us to repentance.  Instead of rationalizing my sin like Saul, I want to be like David, quick to mournfully confess my sin to God and others.  I’m learning that it is important to listen to wise council and seek the Lord in all decisions like David did.  I want to have faith like David, trusting God and following hard after Him. As David waited for God to elevate him as king, I also need to follow hard after God as I wait for Him to reveal the next steps in life.       

What Happens Next… (briefly):

After David’s reign as king, his son Solomon takes the throne.  He has “half a heart for the Lord”.  He falls when he is distracted by having many wives and concubines.  Solomon’s son, Rehoboam becomes king next.  He listens to advice from foolish friends instead of the elders and rules harsh towards the people. Jeroboam leads revolt against Rehoboam and the kingdom splits in two.  Jeroboam becomes king of northern kingdom and Rehoboam is king of the southern kingdom.  The northern kingdom proceeds to have 19 kings, all evil in the sight of the Lord.  The southern kingdom has 20 kings, in which 8 are good in the sight of the Lord. 

Character of God:

Romans 15:4 says: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” The stories of the Old Testament were written for our benefit and happened in order to be examples for us.  These lessons are not coincidences.  God was actively working with His people with sensitivity towards later people who would need this guidance.  From these stories I am struck by the consistency of God’s character! 

God is faithful, merciful and continual pursuit of us. I mentioned this a bit when we were talking about Saul, but I just love how God continues to pursue and plead for Saul’s repentance even up to the time of his death.  We see this not only in Saul’s life but consistently throughout scripture.  The most wicked king of the south, Ahab who married the infamous Jezebel, was shown mercy.  Elijah prophesies judgment (1 kings 21:20 -27) and though we consider Ahab unredeemable, in v 27 he tears his clothes and fasts, humbling himself and repenting. God tells Elijah that He will not bring disaster on Ahab’s day but on the days of his son.  God is incredibly merciful to call even the most wicked to repentance.  That’s me; all of us are full of wickedness in our flesh.  His grace is sufficient (2 Colossians 12:9)!  God is for us (Romans 8:31)!  He does not relent in pursuing his beloved creation. 

God is sovereign.  I am amazed by the way God aligns the kings in the southern kingdom to preserve the line of Jesus.  How awesome is it that everything connects?!  The Old Testament is truly an anticipation of Jesus coming as King!  I also love seeing God’s sovereignty as He uses wicked people to bring justice, at the same time judging them for their own wickedness.  I love the lessons that I learned about legacy through studying the kingdom era.  We can clearly see how sins of evil kings affect future generations. But it is clear that God judges individually.  Everyone is personally responsible for his/her own deeds. There are a few good kings in the south that break the legacy of their fathers and seek the Lord.  And there are also sons of good kings who become evil.  God deals with us on an individual level. 

God is good, consistently, faithfully, extravagantly good. 

Haha!  I think these blogs keep getting longer!  Thank you for hearing my heart and being excited with me about all there is to absorb from the Word!  Have a blessed day!

Joyfully His,

Mal

Marriage - A New Perspective

 Hi friends!

This week in class we’ve been learning about marriage and family.  I wanted to share with you all some things I’ve learned and how I hope it affects me in the future.  

                                                                                                                                             

5 new things I learned about marriage from class this week and goals for future marriage:

1.  DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GENDERS: Over time I have accumulated some information on this topic from several different talks and seminars. I’ve heard about differences between the wiring of a male and female brain.  Boy’s brains are compartmentalized where-as everything is interconnected in a girl’s brain. I’ve even heard about the “nothing” box found in a male brain (which will remain a mystery to me). However, there was one new thing we learned in class this week that stood out to me.  When entering a room, guys measure status and girls measure distance.  Guys tend to compare their status in ability, authority, etc. with other men in the room.  When girls enter a room, however, they tend to judge based on the closeness of their relationships to others in the room. If and when I am married someday I want to understand

these differences to better understand my husband.  I hope that my husband will also aim to understand me like it says in 1 Peter 3:7.  

2.  SAFE-GUARDING IN MARRIAGE: I have thought a lot about what it might look like to set boundaries and how I might guard my heart in a dating relationship, but I really didn’t realize that boundaries are needed in marriage as well.  We were encouraged in class to safe-guard our marriages in the future by being aware and staying alert.  We are to put no confidence in the flesh, knowing that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Our hearts are deceitful and full of wickedness (Jeremiah 17:9).  None of us are above falling so we should strive to live above reproach, staying alert and aware of situations that could be compromising. I hope to build healthy trust in my future marriage by applying these principles and guarding my heart and spirit (Mal 2:15).  

3.  CONTROL: In class this week we also talked about the struggle to find a balance of independence and dependence. Especially for women, it can be hard to relinquish control and allow the men to lead. Men were created to be strong and to lead, as women we should allow them to use their gifts.  In the past, due to my personality, I thought that submission might come fairly easily for me in marriage. I now realize that was a naïve thought. I have heard from many wives and speakers that it’s hard and have seen examples in the bible such as Isaac and Rebekah.  Rebekah takes matters into her own hands, deceiving Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27). I realize that it will be difficult but important to find the balance between independence and dependence.  Needing to be equal and becoming completely dependent are both destructive behaviors.  Instead, as women, we are called to be help mates as we were designed to be in Genesis 2. I hope to someday be my husband’s helper by serving him and bringing him council but allowing him and trusting him to lead and make final decisions. I want to use my gifts someday to bless my future spouse.  Also, I want to recognize, be grateful for and be blessed by his gifts.  I hope that our marriage will work like the body of Christ, appreciating each part, seeing how it works as a whole.  

4.  PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE:  I absolutely loved hearing about the heart of marriage.  The purpose of marriage was described as a two-fold: it is for sanctification and to model the relationship of Christ and the Church to the world. Though I never consciously thought that the purpose of marriage was for our own happiness and satisfaction, I think deep down that’s where my motives were. I want my future marriage to model Christ’s love for the church which means that I can’t love until I know Christ’s love; a 1 Corinthians kind of love (love is patient, love is kind…).  I also know that God will sanctify both me and my future husband through our relationship.  This sanctification will be something that spurs me on in my relationship with Christ and toward the plans God has for me. Someday I want to marry someone because it is a requirement for the fulfillment of God’s plan for my life.  

5. MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT: We have been learning a lot about covenants in class and bible study so remembering the fact that marriage is a covenant between husband and wife was powerful.  Covenants are binding agreements.  They are sealed with blood like in Genesis 15 when God instructs Abraham to bring animals to cut just before He establishes the Abrahamic covenant.  In Genesis 2:21-24, a covenant between man and woman was created as God took part of Adam’s ribs to create Eve and make the two one flesh.  Knowing that marriage is a covenant lays a heavy weight on the devastating fact that divorce is so prevalent.  Deuteronomy 7:9 says that God keeps His covenants.  If we are called, as Christ followers, to conform to His image then we should also keep our covenants.  In marriage someday, I want to make sure that my husband and I agree that divorce will never be an option unless it can be founded on biblical grounds (adultery).  

One more thing…

SINGLENESS:  We were encouraged to use our time of singleness to allow God to trim our hearts. We should make every effort to follow God and let Him sanctify us today. We were also encouraged to focus on the work we have while we’re single because our minds will be divided when we’re married. I was challenged by the call to pray for my future husband.  One speaker said that prayer takes the anxiety out of the dating process because God is in control.  We were also warned to watch out for expectations, knowing that expectations will cause hardship. Right now, we can focus on expectations for ourselves.  

Thanks so much for listening and being challenged with me!  

Joyfully His,

Mal

Discovering Truth

Hello friends! 

Class has been wonderful this week!  We were introduced to an inductive bible study method from Precept Ministries International.  I have used the inductive method in a few bible studies prior to this and absolutely loved them.  After listening to the speaker, David Lawson, I am so excited to further use this study method.  It was so neat to hear the speaker explain ways to dig deeper into the word, the importance of being in the word, and he presented lots of tools to use in studying the Bible.  

~ Why I am so excited about inductive bible study… ~ 

In learning more about inductive bible study I have gained a hunger and an excitement for discovering Truth from the living word of God.  I have found that it is so important to learn God’s word for yourself; to personally discover it.  Secondhand knowledge doesn’t change a person; hearing God changes a person.  That’s why inductive bible study is just so great!  Precept Studies give such sweet tools to study scripture!  Studying the Word is the best way to know Truth.  I want to discover it.  I want to get to know God as I study His words. If our belief system determines our actions/deeds as it says in Titus (sound doctrine and good deeds are found paired throughout the book of Titus), then I want my belief system to be founded in what the Bible says is Truth.  I have been challenged to back up what I believe with scripture.  The only way I can know what is absolutely true is what is found in the Bible.  The world is so confused about truth and the new generation believes in relative truth.  I want to find solidity in Truth; being so careful not to simply believe in something because it’s tradition.  I don’t want to base my beliefs on what my pastor has said or what was written by Christian authors (though these things can often be backed by scripture).  I just want to know what the Bible, itself, says.  God answers my questions through His word.  It is designed so that anyone can discover it.  It’s not only for pastors, theologians or “super” Christians.  We ALL have access to the King and His Truth.  God desires for ALL His children to know Him.  God reveals more and more Truth that will rock our worlds each time we dive into scripture.  Thirsty? Let’s drink it up! 

~ Components of the Precepts bible study method… ~

Observation:  The first step in the inductive bible study method is to read and examine what the text says.  Remembering that context is so important, first the method directs us to read through the text (determining the author, audience, location, when it was written, making note of repeated words or phrases, making note of any themes observed. Big picture. etc.) Then… Oh!  You guys, this is so cool… I get to use colored pencils!  Yes! J  It is suggested to mark key words in the bible with a different symbol and/or color every time it is mentioned in the passage.  So you can mark every time the passage mentions “God”, “Holy Spirit”, “Jesus”, characters, places, etc. Then you can go back and make a list of everything you learn about each key word.  The words are easy to find because you can just look for the designated symbol/color you’ve just marked in the passage.  Then you can look at the context and the words surrounding each place that the key word is mentioned and write your observations down in a list form (which is perfect for list-lovers like me).  Usually the observations are simple and obvious, yet incredibly powerful.  For example if you were looking at Genesis 1:1 “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”, you would be able to observe that God is eternal (existing in the beginning) and that He is a creator. Cool! Who knew that the Bible said SO much and is SO accessible?

Interpretation:  The next step is to interpret what the text means (taking great note of context).  Here is a great place to look up cross references or do word studies for observations and themes found.  Concordances are a good resource to use in searching for verses.  Scripture has a great way of bringing clarity if we’ll just look for more.  It also has a great way adding an extra layer of Truth with each discovery, peeling back layer by layer of depth with each discovery. 

Application:  The last step is applying the meaning of the text to our lives.  How could merely having head knowledge without application ever satisfy?  When we read the word we have an awesome opportunity to realize that the words on the page are God breathed and let them speak to us.  We can… no, we WILL get to know our Lord, His character, and His love as we read the Bible.  We are so blessed to get to have a relationship with such a mighty and holy God.  Reading scripture will draw us closer to Him.  Also, God cares about obedience.  Reading the word would be ineffective if we didn’t apply it to our lives and live by according to God’s instruction.  I want to live by God’s standards because I know that HE knows what is best for His creation.  How will I know what those standards are if I don’t study what He says about it?  We will know Christians by their fruit.  I want to be a fruitful woman of the Lord.    

Ah… We have SUCH a good Daddy.  Thanks for letting me share with you, friends!  Be blessed knowing you have access to the precious, precious words of our Heavenly Father.

Peace,

 ~ Mal

blessed beginnings to a new chapter

Hi friends!  I am excited to use this blog as a way to update family and friends on what is going on in my new adventure in Branson, Missouri!  I am so extremely blessed to be at the kanakuk institute this year growing and learning God's word! 

visit this link to see what the program is about: (kanakukinstitute.com)


~ How I Got Here ~
I'd been thinking about attending the institute for a long time but wasn't sure if it was my plan or God's will until this spring.  I applied and was accepted to the institute in December but wasn't going to be able to attend unless I raised $9000 tuition. I was not sure how I was going to raise the money but decided to send out support letters.  I just had to pray, "ok, Lord, I will not put You in a box. I know You are big enough. If it is Your will for me to go to K-Institute, You will provide. Let your will be done." I sent support letters out in January and literally by the end of the semester the Lord provided everything I needed.  If that wasn't a clear answer, I don't know what is!  I am so excited to be here because I have no doubt that this is where the Lord wants me this year and I simply cannot wait to unfold all that He has planned for me!  

~ So far... ~
So far... I am absolutely LOVING it!  I am learning so much about living in community, authenticity, discovering the word of God, falling more in love with Him.  It is phenomenal.  We have class in the mornings from 8 to noon and every single day has been incredibly sanctifying. The speakers are wonderful.  Also... I love my classmates!  The people I've met are awesome and am so excited to spend the year getting to know them and growing with them. 

I have an internship with Harrison KLife and will have a small group of 7th grade girls which I am pumped about (I'm meeting them tonight - yay!!)

I have bible study with a group of sweet sweet girls from my institute class.

Every student has a campus job and mine is babysitting... uh PERFECT! I am so excited. 

God is good. (severe understatement).  


More updates to come. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers!  Have a delightful week!


joyfully His,
Mal