Jan 17

 Micah 1 - 3

Reflection.

The 1 that stuck out to me most is chapter 2. most recently, I had a dealing in real estate where the buyer is a christian, and a really difficult one at that too. The property was purchase for the purposes of investment. I helped him negotiated a good deal, but he still wanted more. Wanted to come out with ways to reduce his downpayment. and the mistake I made was helping him. I helped him get a marked up loan for the property where the landlord sells at a higher valuation, and the buyer pays a certain portion of the marked up valuation as mark-up fees to the landlord. But when the deal goes through and the property changes hands to the buyer, the buyer does not want to pay up for his part of the deal, and backs out, leaving a very sticky situation between him and the vendor. In fact, this thing also happened between him and the lawyer and banker where after they finished half the work, he backs out not wanting to pay them, and initiate connections with another lawyer. And now as I read chapter 2, I find comfort that it says God will judge him, by removing the fortunes and profits given to him. I don't know how, but I do know it will be done fairly. Same time, from this I also learn... I will not a gain conform to doing deals like this ever again.

Jan 16

 Obadiah

Reflection:

this book.... is probably 1 of the shortest of the Old Testament... and I got very little from it. the only thing I feel like it is implying to me is that it is do not take revenge or look down upon fellow christian brothers and sisters, also do not rejoice in their short comings or fall, if not, it will happen to me to.

Jonah: 1- 4

Reflections

As I grow older, this book becomes less and less of my favorite book. I start liking it less and less, probably because Jonah himself is a personality that... I don't like. but what he does, are things that I myself have done.

What amazes me most in chapter 1 is the people who were in the boat with Jonah. they did not want to kill him even though they know he was running away from God. in fact, they tried their best to save him, by trying to row to shore. This... I was impressed by, because it is pretty much what mercy I think looks like, but of course it didn't work out because God has a plan. And before they throw the fella into the sea, they prayed to God asking for mercy to not take it on them for the life of Jonah. Another thing that interest me is, they know God, though they do not pray to him. And also? after that? they pray to God and worshipped him. though I am not sure if they recognize God as the God we know, or whether he is just an immensely powerful God.

Then chapter 2 was equally amusing. As Jonah repented and submitted to God, God told the fish, ok. He has finally repented. Your job is done, you can spit him out now. LOL! 

Jan 15

 Amos 5 - 9

reflections:

As I read through Amos, something dawns on me, the Old Testament books, especially those nearing the end, all have this same sing songish style where the writer writes about how Israel has fallen. Every single one of them only writes about Israel. Got me wondering, as of old, the other nations do not know God? every single prophet only came from Israel, and I remember yes, that God intended for Israel to be a beacon of light swimming in the middle of a sea of ignorance. And this falling of Israel is always a result of them sinning against God. same time, their success and gains are also from the result of following God closely. I reflect on this, and it also got me thinking about the world's narrative... and that is it equates failure to a lack of results from self instead of sinning against God, or the lack of representation of the fruit of the spirit. The fruit of the spirit that brings about Christ-likeness, also is the same one that brings about excellence and thoughtfulness, which in turn, brings about success. I pondered on this bit for a while more, as I read though seeing more references to what have came to mind.

" herefore because you trample on[b] the poor

    and you exact taxes of grain from him,
you have built houses of hewn stone,
    but you shall not dwell in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,
    but you shall not drink their wine.
12 For I know how many are your transgressions
    and how great are your sins—
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,

    and turn aside the needy in the gate.

Also then I see the discarding of worship. not by men, but by God. and not because he doesn't want them to stop worshipping, but the worship they present to him is starting to look disgusting. 

“I hate, I despise your feasts,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
    I will not look upon them.
23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
24 But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

I am lastly reminded that God does not like it when we claim to accomplish things in our own strength.

Jan 14

Amos 1 - 4

reflections

In chapter 1 to 2, where God pronounces judgment onto everyone, as I read on, it looks a lot like when Ezekiel where God also pronounced a lot of judgment on different nations. the first thing that I noticed is the line "Amos is among the shepherds" This is consistent with a lot of different prophets and people that is being called. They can come from literally anywhere, and are of any form of origin be it humble or rich. Also, the type of career that they have can be of any form.

The books another book about judgment and punishment, but as I read chapter 2, I can't help it but feel like the bits written about Judah and Israel, this one feels like it is meant for the Christians to hear, because it is targeted at the group that understands, knows God's law, but does not act upon it.

One of the most consistent bit I feel about how God states out why and how he will punish Israel is based on his expectations onto Israel because much has been given. and when much has been given, much too will be expected.

Jan 12

 Joel 1 - 3

Reflections:

As I read this, I feel spoken to off my situation, where I am struggling with my business, that it is not taking off, and I have had my fair share of bad partners and lazy teammates, struggles with humans who promised 1, but ended up not delivering anything. I feel so weary that I am not sure what I am passionate about anymore. I want to be motivated and fired up about work, but I feel meaningless, like despite whatever success I am getting, or whatever I am faced with, I don't feel like doing it not because I don't want to, but because I feel so empty about it. Like it doesn't go anywhere, like it is an aimless endeavor, and I think Israel felt the same way when they see their nation being ravaged by multiple different empires. I also understand the feeling where Israel would be tempted to feel helpless and unsafe when everyone around them seems way stronger, more powerful, more successful compared to them. Babylon, Assyria, Egypt, Persia, Rome... each way more successful, and grand compared to what they are, and in comparison, they are so small. Often I too will have the doubt wondering if God will really enable me to do so, will God really come through, and if God is really all that powerful. And the only counter is I kept on reminding myself of the past deeds that God has done, and how consistent he has been in helping me, and that the only 1 inconsistent has been me. So now I want to make sure I do not forget this, and I will constantly remind myself to keep my eyes looking forward and not be affected by my feelings. I want to be able to stone the part that I feel fear, or push through it without worry. I think the best way to go through it is to share my testimonies when I am most worried or fearful, or when I am most ashamed about what I want to say.

January 11

 Hosea 11 - 13

Reflections:

Chapter 11 -13 gives me the contrast of how someone feels betrayed yet still loves that person. I know how this one feels like... it is the exact feeling to a marriage. The feeling of like someone went to far, but at the same time, the heart goes soft for that person. The mentioned of "how can I do that to ...." that is a verse that I can make sense of and resonate with.

Jan 9

 Hosea 4 - 10

reflections:

from 4 - 10, these parts gives me the feeling that I also get from Ezekiel and Jeremiah. like God has given up on Israel. It also gives me the feeling that if I sin too much, or if sin has become too prevalent or too enduring in a place, the corruption in result will make God leave, or abandon the place out of (for the lack of a better word) frustration.