HIS VOICE THUNDERS OVER THE WATERS
HIS VOICE BREAKS THE CEDARS
HE IS LORD OF EVERY STORM
SO HE IS LORD OF YOUR STORM
Watch this to prepare your heart for the week and for this powerful psalm:
This week we see the power of the Lord, the power of poetry, the power of accompanying music — and most of all, from the psalm, the confident assurance that God is in control. There is no storm over which He is not Lord, no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Storms, like the flood in Noah’s Day, show both His fury, but also His mercy. I have not seen the Noah movie (but I will when it comes out on DVD) and I know they added to and changed the story — but believers I respect were able to filter that out and “mine the gold from the Egyptians.” I mined some gold in this preview — see if you can as well:
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?”
Monday – Wednesday: Bible Study
Prepare your heart with this:
3. Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
4. Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?
5. Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.
6. Isaiah describes a day that is coming in Isaiah 2:12-21. What will happen and what is the purpose of this storm?
7. What similarities do you see in the above with Psalm 29?
8. Psalm 29:10 moves into the storm that becomes a flood. Read Genesis 6:5-8. What was the purpose of that storm and how did it show both God’s wrath and His mercy?
Prepare your heart with this song:
9. Find ways God showed mercy to Noah and his family in:
A. Genesis 6:17-18
B. Genesis 7:16
C. Genesis 8:1
D. Genesis 9:1-3 (How does this echo God’s command to Adam and what does this imply?)
E. Genesis 9:13-17.
10. Challenge question: Do you believe that God is in control of every storm — or not? If not, what does that mean theologically? If so, can you support this scripturally?
11. Optional: The following is a documentary from a man on the street questioning people about Noah — I found it illuminating — but this is optional, if you have a half hour of relaxed time to watch. Watch and comment. Might be interesting to watch with teens too.
Thursday-Friday Sermon
Keller has a free sermon on Noah that is terrific: LINK
12. Share your notes and comments on one of the above
Saturday:
13. What is your take-a-way and why?
263 comments
WOW…powerful study! (On cell with limited reception)
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“He is Lord of your storm.”
The personal touch…. my storm… He is close.
Each time He attaches Himself specifically to my life, “my savior,” “my recuer,” “Lord of my storm,” etc. it makes my heart leap a little and also brings my face squarely centered on Him (even if only for a moment…. How easily distracted I am).
I must remember that “Lord of my storm” does not equal “make the storm go away” like I selfishly pray. Even though my words say “God help me” my heart a lot of times is saying “make it go away, I do not want to suffer, work hard, toil, etc.”
I am anxious to watch the videos.
Good: does not equal “make the storm go away”
Dee– your link for the commentary goes to a Keller sermon instead??
Thanks so much, Jill — I’ll see if I can fix it. Appreciate knowing.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The storm; still worried about Joyce because of the horrible storms in Nebraska over the past 24 hours. It is both beautiful and scary as all get out to me! I remember living in Texas for 25 years and dodging tornadoes nearly every day in the season. My kids’ bedrooms were upstairs and ours was downstairs. I used to time myself running upstairs, grabbing 3 kids and kicking the dog along to the downstairs closet, throwing everyone in me then jumping in myself. My best time? 15 seconds! You might ask where my husband was? Outside watching of course!
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?”
I guess when Emma Watson asks Russell Crowe if it’s the end and he says no it’s just the beginning. I’m kind of slow on this kind of stuff though…..
Not so slow. Very good!
oh I am in a hurry-had distractions all morning..but couldn’t wait to see what Dee posted! Two things stood out right away..Jessa and Julie’s picture-I miss Julie! What I love about it is their face of wonder and adoration of Him in the storm-their faces don’t look frantic but peaceful. To me this is a gold nugget of truth about looking to Him in awe and wonder-gazing at His beauty in the storm.
Secondly the video..I have been wanting to rent it on DVD but haven’t had the chance yet. What stood out was Crowe’s trust of God even though it was painful for he didn’t desire to see all the people die. Also, the scene when the people came and scoffed at him saying you are going to do this alone and he said, ‘I AM NOT ALONE”.. Then at the end of the trailer when Noah’s wife said “Is it the end of everything?” and Crowe said, “It is the beginning of everything.” I thought that was huge! There is more I saw like when he had the dream but I will stop here-need to get my teens out of bed and ready for church. 🙂
Rebecca, I didn’t read the comments until after I made mine and now I see that I chose the same quote that you did.
Dawn, I know-I love it when that happens! 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The whole theme of this week’s study. As odd as it may sound, in the past I truly thought that people were faking it when they said that they felt strong emotion when they read poetry, gazed at beautiful scenery or things of that nature. Either that or they were a little “off”. Lately I’ve come to realize that it is me who is a little “off” and I have been desiring to make that connection.
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?” That the flood wasn’t the end of everything, but the beginning.
When confronted by, “You stand alone and defy me?” Noah replies, “I’m not alone.”
Love this Dawn and it made me smile and love you. “I was a little off.”
Dawn, it’s always good to see you on here…miss you when you are not here!
I agree with Susan-Dawn you are so missed when you aren’t here!
Dawn–I’m always refreshed by your honesty–love your answer to “1”, and how He is moving in you. Good to see you~
1. What stands out to you?
“HE IS LORD OF EVERY STORM…SO HE IS LORD OF YOUR STORM”.
I LOVE the power of the Lord. It is one of my favorite, if its possible to have a favorite, attributes. It brings me enormous peace to remember, to know, He is more powerful than anyone, any thing, any decision, any weakness. His power to heal, restore. Oh, I could go on and on about what His power means to me (but I must get ready for Church!). Looking forward to this week!
I agree, Elizabeth. When believers say He is not in control of terrible things that happen, I think, How does that comfort? If I thought He had lost control, I would despair.
Elizabeth and Dee-I so love that..He is in control even of terrible things that happen and I have felt awkward explaining that-so this helps! And yes, it is such a comfort to know He is Lord of our storms-every storm.
Dee,
Again, I am so very grateful to have found this blog! What a refreshment my first week was (last week) 🙂 I watched the Catchfire Psalm 29 video and wept. It all just washed right over me and I was once again enveloped by His mercy, new again this morning.
He is God of the impossible and so I take heart in that fact and entrust someone that I love, to Him who is able to change hearts. And that He is LORD of my impossible heart and able to change me even as I am getting older.
My home was full of life for so many years. We had six children. Our firstborn, Abigail, went to heaven at 14 months after open heart surgery. I thought I would die. I wanted to. God rescued me. We had five more beautiful children. Our home was often filled with music as all of our children were musicians (vocalists, piano, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, drums….) And friends were always welcome in our home. We were far from a perfect home, we had our conflicts, but there was so much life. Soccer games, Awana, church camp, birthday parties……… My husband was a pastor and Youth for Christ director through many of those years.
Now, our children are all adults. My husband works out of town most of the time. Our house is too quiet. Often struggling with this “new normal”. (I am working at our local Ronald McDonald House this weekend and love that I get to be somewhat involved in other people’s lives in this capacity. ) In the Noah clip I was struck by the line where Noah’s wife said, “is it the end of everything?” and Crow said, “It is the beginning of everything.” At this point in life and in these circumstances it does feel like the end of so many things and hard to see the beauty in the storm (regarding a personal abandonment and rejection), but I believe that there is usually a message in our mess. And I must reject the lies that speak hopelessness. So, I am very grateful for the study this week.
Thank you.
Nila, thank you for sharing more of your story with us…it helps to get to know you better. Oh, I cannot imagine your loss when your daughter Abigail went home to heaven after her surgery…I can imagine your home filled with music, children, friends, and all the activities…I feel a little of what you describe as a house that is now too quiet…two of my children are young adults; the oldest is officially “moved out” into his own apartment where he attends med school; my middle son is home for the summer but attends college out of state. I love summers when he’s home and when his brother used to be home and then my daughter, almost 14 is still home…I too love when the house is full and even all the “comings and goings”. It must be hard for you, too, with your husband away much of the time. I am sure that you have so much to offer to others through your volunteering!
Nila — so glad to hear your story. I agree with Susan — helps us know you better. I love your heart.
Nila–what a gift it is to have you with us. You bring such depth of wisdom. Your story,I was struck by your deep loss of your daughter–and then to read how your lives were filled with ministry and music, still praising Him amidst such a storm–I am humbled by your testimony, and so encouraged by it. I like this “He is LORD of my impossible heart and able to change me even as I am getting older” and “I must reject the lies that speak hopelessness”. And your speaking of a “message in our mess” reminds me of Dee’s “love beneath the waves”. I can’t remember if anyone mentioned God of All Comfort to you last week–it is one of my all time favorite books (and written by Dee!) I know it would richly bless you if you haven’t read it already. So glad you are with us Nila.
Nila, I too am drawn to your heart-wow what sweet memories of love and life along with the reality of hard things in your home. I also love that you are a musician. I can’t imagine the pain you went through with Abigail and your honest story of wanting to die and God rescuing you was beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing and I am grateful you are here. 🙂
What stands out to you from the above and why?
The power of storms is very real to me having lived in a cyclone zone. One time we were caught in our vehicle in a cyclone as it had changed course after we had checked with the Bureau of Meteorology. We had a 4WD with a V8 engine, but we still could not drive forward into the wind and rain. We were forced to turn around and go with the wind to find a sheltered spot to wait out the storm. We had children in the back of the car – they slept through peacefully, but we didn’t get much sleep. I guess that’s the difference that comes from having confidence that their parents will look after them!
Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?”
Anthony Hopkins says to Russell Crowe “He speaks to you. You must trust that he speaks in a way you can understand.” This stands out because recently I have been questioning whether I’m hearing God’s voice or my own heart.
“His sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:4)
Great storm story, Kerryn.
Kerryn–love this application “confidence that their parents will look after them!” So hard to imagine sleeping through our storms–physical and emotional–but maybe if we trusted that deeply, we could really rest that soundly, in Him.
1. What stands out to your from the above and why?
The incomprehensible, immense power of God…power to create, power to redeem, power to conquer evil, power to change hearts and minds… unimaginable power. I must admit, that as reassuring and incredible as the Lord’s power is, sometimes I can also find it a bit frightening.
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah”?
Similar to Rebecca and Dawn, the “I am not alone” statement by Noah (Crowe) struck me, as well as, him answering his daughter’s question of whether this was the end, as it being the beginning. Only faith would allow him to hold these truths.
I didn’t get an email telling me about this week’s study today. Not sure if the problem is on my end or somewhere in cyberspace. Anyway, I am getting ready to go away for a couple of week’s so may not have much opportunity to read or participate. We will be vacationing in Ontario after attending a wedding. Wish I was close enough to visit you, Dee, and some of you others who live not that far from Ontario.
Diane–I will be praying for your time away and YOU WILL BE MISSED! 🙂
So glad you get some time away — and one day we will meet —
Diane, Are you going to be close to Windsor?
No, Dawn MS, the closest we are to the US is Toronto area. Mostly we are near Kingston, ON and then near Ottawa.
Have a great time, Diane! Praying for refreshment.
Enjoy, Diane!…safe travels.
I don’t usually get to the sermon this early, but had some time today–and I just want to encourage you all to listen–it is SO good, I especially loved closer to the end–when he gets to the rainbow–incredible! I can’t believe I haven’t heard this one before–thank you Dee!
What a great teaser for the rest of the group. I know — that was the first time I heard that about the rainbow. From Spurgeon. What do you think? Is he right?
Yes Elizabeth-it is a great teaser! I can’t wait. I am always blown over by things I missed before I heard Keller.
Just wanted to share this–it is one of the best articles on the sovereignty of God I’ve read recently. Gospel Coalition’s Kevin DeYoung- “Yes, All Things, In Fact”
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2014/01/28/yes-all-things-in-fact-2/
Thanks, Elizabeth! It is good to be back here and be blessed by the sharing and the power of God’s Word.
Elizabeth-This is basically what my husband said last night as we were talking about the sermon at church and about what I am learning on the blog-about God’s power over everything-His ‘sovereignty’ even over satan and evil and my husband said, but it is because of His Love even though we don’t understand it-even the flood. So when I saw this in the article I had to tell you!!! I loved this: “As children of our Heavenly Father, divine providence is always for us and never against us. Joseph’s imprisonment seemed pointless, but it makes sense now. Slavery in Egypt makes sense now. Killing the Messiah makes sense now. Whatever difficulty or unknown you may be facing today, it will make sense someday–if not in this life, then certainly in the next.” – POWERFUL! ANd I sense Him moving in my life to strengthen me in this..I can easily miss Him in the storm.
LOVE TO HEAR YOUR EXCITEMENT OVER YOUR CHURCH AND THE SERMONS THERE. SO GOOD.
Dee-our pastor just recommended to me Tullian’s book “Jesus + Nothing = Everything.” I have heard about it but haven’t had a chance to read it so I will be getting that soon!
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?”
“He speaks to you. You must trust that He speaks in a way that you can understand.”
Oh, yes! That I may listen so I may understand what He is saying to me.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
He is Lord of every storm so He is Lord of your storm.
I vividly remember stormy days in the Philippines where I grew up. As funny as this may sound, I do love stormy days because of happy memories of my maternal grandfather. I was his favorite and he lived with us for a while. It was almost a given we did not have school if there was a storm. Grandfather Pedro always made special food for us to eat and we would play games with my siblings and cousins. Though outside the storm was raging, I felt safe inside with my family especially with Grandpa. With him, I was safe and had no worries. When I get all tuckered, he would carry me to my room all sleepy and would tuck me in. I didn’t mind storms at all because I knew I get to spend time with my favorite grandpa hence I was so devastated when he died from an accident.
Fast forward to these days: As some of you may know, my sister in the Philippines is battling the “storm” called cancer. She is the main provider for her family and caretaker of our sickly mother. Today I reminded myself of my Grandpa Pedro and the feeling of safety when he was around. How much more of a safe haven would my Heavenly Father be! Psalm 29 is a great reminder, an awakening of my heart once again to remember God is Lord. He sits enthroned over the flood; He is enthroned as king forever. (v.10)
As I am often besieged by a darkening of clouds heralding a “storm” around me because of my sister’s condition, Psalm 29 is a balm to my spirit-My God is the Lord of my storm!
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?”
When Ila (Emma Watson) asked if it were the end and Noah said, “No, it is only the beginning”. God is giving a new beginning appropriated by His mercy.
Ernema–so good to see you post. I love this glimpse into your past with your grandpa–what treasured memories. Continuing prayers for your sister Grace, and peace for her husband and kids–all of you. Praying for a miracle for her~
Ernema, it sounds like you had such a neat grandpa! I’m glad you have these memories of him when he lived with your family.
Ernema — I love how you love storms for your memory is being safe with your grandfather. What a great picture of how we should feel because of our heavenly Father.
“Though outside the storm was raging …With him, I was safe and had no worries.”
Love this…what a sweet relationship you had with your Grandpa Pedro…sweet memories, thanks for sharing, Ernema, it warmed my heart.
I too continue to pray for Grace…as Elizabeth said, “Praying for a miracle”
Beautiful analogy of your grandfather being your comfort and feeling safe with him, Ernema. I understand the darkening clouds as you think about your sister’s battle. Many of my dear ones have been or are now battling the storm called cancer also. Grace is on my prayer list. May you feel the peace that transcends understanding.
Ernema, I live this story of your grandpa! I grew up in Florida (the lightning capital of the world) and storms were VERY scary to me.
Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
“The voice of the Lord” – because it is repeated so many times. Lots of images of power, and in Ps 29 this power is often destructive – breaking, shaking, stripping, twisting. The voice of the Lord rightly evokes fear!
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?” I, too, was struck by “this is not the end but the beginning.” It reminded me of the last chapter in The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis and of the truth of our next life. And also the truth of this life – when He calls us to Hm, when He breaks us down, it is not so much the end but the beginning. How that changes my perspective of hardship!
I also like that Noah stated he was not alone and trusted in that presence of God. I have not seen it but a friend shared an extensive review with me….
3. Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
The amplified version says: “The Lord will give unyielding and impenetrable strength to His people.” He gives me unyielding strength….I am not alone. He gives me impenetrable strength…..the same strength that controlled the flood.
I am also struck by the repetitive use of the phrase “The voice of the Lord” thinking there is more significance to that than is first seen. Like “the face of God” had more depth than first seen.
Great comparison with Last Battle.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The opening, about Him being Lord of the storms. His awesome and unquestionable power, shown in the Catchfire video. I find this sobering, because often God is misrepresented. Even in fairly “clean” family shows on TV, God is brought into the script humorously. He is a God of love, and I can imagine Jesus laughing with His closest friends, yet I think if anyone could experience or somehow see His true power and might, up-close and personal – no one would be making any jokes.
“There is no sorrow that heaven cannot heal”…I know this to be true, but I find it hard to always experience it. I still witness, at times, my dad breaking down over the death of his grandson five years ago. I know it is a deep grief and sorrow that he carries around with him; he misses him so. There are times of joy in life, and contentment, yet sorrow and loss seem always to be just below the surface. (I think I’m revealing my melancholy bent).
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah”?
I haven’t seen the movie. I admit I am intrigued by it. Before it was released, I got an email from a dear friend, forwarding a letter from her pastor that urged believers to not see the movie, as this was not the biblical Noah as represented in the Bible. And, I’ve often wondered about the details that the Bible leaves out. I don’t like to think about men, women, and children drowning in a flood; perhaps some did try to assail the ark to save themselves. There must have been so much despair on that day. In the clip, Noah says, “I saw water, death by water. And I saw new life.”
I find such hope, Susan, in the fact there is no sorrow heaven cannot heal. For your nephew, his family, for your heartache.
I know my son J. R. would agree with that pastor. I am more liberal in that I often do find gold in these things — yet we do have to be cautious. I may be absolutely shocked when I see the movie. I also am sometimes embarrassed by corny Christian movies, or those that are simply not well done — but I also know that God can use them in peoples lives and I need to keep my mouth shut!
Hello again, Although I made a few comments at the beginning of this study, I have been a silent participant. I identify with so many of you . . . the teaching we have been receiving weekly from the book of Ephesians (at our church), coupled with this Bible Study have been tools which God has used to graciously show me the condition of my own heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 But it doesn’t stop there! Then He points to redemption — my redemption in Jesus Christ!!!
I’ve been writing in my journal, reading comments, and praying as I daily walk. Thank-you, Dee, for this study blog! I’m finding it so very helpful and also in sharing with others. Like Diane, for some reason I did not receive this post on my email this week:(
We have our youngest granddaughter for a couple of days, so I need to go enjoy her:)
Hi Sharmon — you were subscribed to the newsletter but not the blog, so David fixed that. You should be getting it each Sunday now.
Hi Sharmon! It is sweet to know you are with us. 🙂
Kerryn….Sharmon….Nila…I’m so thankful you found us ……you will be loved here!
3. Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
Honestly-I don’t know totally the why yet but can’t wait to hear Keller’s sermon as I know God will open my eyes.. I am excited!! He is already moving from last week and how that went with what my pastor taught Sunday!
So here is what stood out: “The voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, “Glory!” The Lord sat as King at the flood; Yes, the Lord sits as King forever. The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.”
I see Jesus as King over everything-both in every day personal things like causing the deer to calve and even horrific big things like stripping the forests bare. He sat as King at the flood. He was in control of that as well as giving strength to his people and blessing his people with peace. I see Him as fierce in power and love. (but my husband said even the flood was because of His Love.)
He can move mountains from their foundations and at the same time can give me, a finite being, understanding, and all of this exudes His Glory to us-and all the while the angels are worshiping Him giving Him Glory. This should bring me to my knees trembling in awe and in wonder and also bring me such incredible comfort to know He is in control of every big and minute thing! That what I see going on here is so short sighted as to the bigger reality. I can trust Him with everything in my life-yet not trusting that everything will turn out perfect here on earth-but just trust who He is and that He has this. There is something to be said about resting in the Holy one who can shake the wilderness-who Angels worship-yet who also is my Shepherd.
“And in his temple everything says Glory”-this thought came to mind, that He gave up His Glory on the cross so He could make me His! That totally is something that melts me. I am rambling now..sorry. 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Oh lots stood out for me! I was intrigued with the picture of Julie and Jessa — they looked so peaceful I could hardly believe they were watching a storm. But looking at their hair blowing, I could almost feel the wind upon my own face. I was also intrigued with the movie trailer. I think I watched it about five times. But, overall, I think the most profound thing that stood out was:
HE IS LORD OF EVERY STORM, SO HE IS LORD OF YOUR STORM
That seemed to impact me and minister to me. I have come to the conclusion that everyone has storms in their lives — sometimes we have storms that are unique to us, but a lot of times they are storms we have in common with others. However, when I have one that I feel is unique to me, I am more worried; and then it becomes “My storm.” Nevertheless, God is still in control, and that thought is very comforting!
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?”
As I have already said, I watched the trailer multiple times. I didn’t manage to see the movie when it was at the local theaters, and I really wanted to do so. I guess I will be watching it on DVD as well. I hadn’t given much thought to the idea that there might have been multitudes of people wanting to board the ark in the last minutes. It should have occurred to me — I’m thinking I wasn’t very sympathetic toward those who were physically and spiritually unprepared for the storm/flood. When the video showed drowning people swirling around under the water, I was shocked.
As far as the controversy over the movie, I am liberal like you, Dee. I try to know my scripture well enough that, when I watch, I can say to myself “that departs from the scripture” or “that wasn’t covered in the scripture,” etc. I sort of run my own mental and spiritual filter. Then I can glean the truthful and inspiring parts for my benefit. When Noah was confronted with the words “You would defy me and stand alone?” Noah answers, “I am not alone!” That takes such confident faith — it sort of gave me goosebumps!
Good Morning Ladies. Thank you for welcoming me here.
I love what Spurgeon (Treasury of David Commentary) says about Psalm 29: All the earth is hushed by the majesty of His presence.
The storm rages. We are brought to silence. Maybe then we can hear Him?
Spurgeon also says:: The call to worship in verse 1 and 2 chimes in with the loud pealing thunder which is the church bell of the universe ringing kings and angels, and all the sons of earth to their devotions.
I noticed that both Psalm 29:1,2 and Isaiah 6:1-5 spoke of God sitting on his throne ~ reigning over the the wildness of the storm (and for us, the unpredictability of the storm…… not knowing how long it will last or how bad it will get).
Susan, I too have a melancholy bent :\ But it isn’t all bad. C.H. Spurgeon was a respected and beloved man of God who had a melancholy bent (Told about in the wonderful book entitled Bright Days, Dark Nights by Elizabeth Scoglund). Michael Card, musician and author, also writes about this in two books: Sacred Sorrow and The Hidden Face of God. I love the opening lines by Eugene Peterson in the introduction to Sacred Sorrow: It’s an odd thing. Jesus wept. Job wept. David wept. Jeremiah wept. They did it openly. Their weeping became a matter of public record. Their weeping sanctioned by inclusion in our Holy Scriptures, a continuing and reliable witness that weeping has an honored place in the life of faith.
I have a dear friend who is going through a very difficult storm that has been prolonged (Eight years ago her sweet 30 year old daughter announced that she is lesbian). It has been heart-wrenching for them. On the wall of her dining room hangs these words: Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. Its about learning to dance in the rain. I have that hanging on the wall next to my bed as a reminder. But I haven’t been dancing much in my storm. My heart has often been too heavy. I am so grateful for the times that I have with baby granddaughters that we do laugh and play and dance.
The most settling thing to me is to rest in His sovereignty and I often come back to this…… sorry to the Lord that I wrestle….. but grateful that He knows that I am only dust (Psalm 103:14). I recently did a Priscilla Shirer study on Gideon and have this in my notes: God is not harsh when we tremble. He does not ridicule us for our fears. He never mocks us because we are fragile.
3. Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
Verse 9 stood out to me: “The voice of the Lord twists oaks and strips the forests bare.” And in his temple all cry ‘Glory!'” Oaks are considered strong trees, so a voice strong enough to twist them out by the roots would be a powerful voice indeed! This description brings to mind for me the image of the aftermath of a tornado — I have a healthy respect for a tornado, as I have been through three tornadoes in my lifetime.
The commentary on Psalm 29 in my Life Application Study Bible says:
“Throughout history, God has revealed his power through mighty miaracles over nature, such as the great flood (Genesis 6-9). He promises to continue to reveal his power. Paul urges us to understand how great God’s power is (Ephesias 1:18-23) The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to help us with our daily problems. When you feel weak and limited, don’t despair. Remember that God can give you strength. The power that controls creation and raises the dead is available to you. ”
4. Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?
In Psalm 29: 1-2, we are told to ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. In Psalms 29:10 we read that in his temple all call “Glory!” In Isaiah 6: 1-5, that there are seraphim calling to one another in the temple, saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord almighty, the whole earth is full of his glory.”
3. Psalm 29…what stands out to you? Why?
v. 3 “…the God of glory thunders…”
In first reading this psalm, so much of it depicts a violent-type power…i.e., “breaks the cedars,” “flashes forth flames of fire,” “shakes the wilderness,” “strips the forests bare”…yikes, scary. In reading study notes my fears subsided. The ESV Gospel Transformation Bible explained that “God’s sovereignty over seen and unseen worlds is mainly to prove that He is sufficiently powerful to have compassion on whomever He will. ‘Glory’ then becomes the watermark of God’s redeeming love, describing loving kindness that can break stiff-necked rebels and forgiveness that can melt hearts of stone.” And the People’s Bible Commentary, “God’s power is displayed in the violent power of a thunderstorm, one of the most awesome forces of nature. … ‘In His temple all cry, Glory!’ is the key line of this psalm. This line connects the psalm with the preceding psalms that emphasize the house of God. These words draw the obvious conclusion from the power of God revealed in the storm. All His creatures should stand before Him in solemn awe. But believers need not stand before Him in dread, for He uses His awesome power to bless His people with peace.”
So glad to be back. I’ve been out of the country for a few weeks with no internet, and I sure did miss this blog!
He is Lord over every storm- such a good reminder as I forget to go to him with small storms. He cares and controls it all, not just big storms.
I saw the movie when it came out. I wanted to see it because I wanted to see the boat and the storm and the power of our Lord. I’m such a visual person, and it was very powerful for me. I just ignored the inaccurate parts. Which yea, there were a lot of those.
so good to have you back Natalie!
Thank you Elizabeth!!
So glad to have you back, Natalie. I always feel a little relief when someone else can be blessed by parts from a secular book or movie!
Me too! Another movie I really liked once I took the time to mine the gold, was the movie Higher Ground with Vera Farmiga. I remember you posted about it after I saw the film, and I had a sense of relief because most of my friends had mixed reviews haha.
Dee, I remember how excited I used to get when I studied the philosophy of science, theories, and research that was consistent with and helped me understand Scripture. Your appreciation for the arts has helped me begin to recapture some of that earlier academic/ Christian excitement and integration. Unfortunately, many evangelicals seem to have greater disdain for higher ed (at least the public kind) than academics have for evangelicals …so it’s easier to come out from under my rock in some work settings than in most Christian settings. LOVE places including this blog where my life isn’t as compartmentalized. I appreciate the “secular” things…they help my brain and heart 🙂 I’ve been exposed to plenty of legalism and/or moralism. Some of the clips etc you post help me ask questions that keep me from falling into another version of a moralistic rut.
Renee, you make an interesting comment here, “many evangelicals seem to have greater disdain for higher ed (at least the public kind)”…why, do you think?
Natalie, Welcome back!
Thank you Happy Birthday!
Normal
0
false
false
false
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
3. Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
I was struck by how the first 10 verses proclaim the fullness of God’s power and His deserved praise. His voice thunders, full of majesty, flashes flames of fire, it shakes the wilderness…and THEN, the last verse (11) tells how He will use that power to strengthen His own and bless us with peace! I just loved the build up of all His power, and then ending of His using it to bless us.
Sorry–forgot to edit in time! Ignore above!
3. Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
I was struck by how the first 10 verses proclaim the fullness of God’s power and His deserved praise. His voice thunders, full of majesty, flashes flames of fire, it shakes the wilderness…and THEN, the last verse (11) tells how He will use that power to strengthen His own and bless us with peace! I just loved the build up of all His power, and then ending of His using it to bless us.
Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?
Isaiah had a vision of the reality that David is speaking about. David encourages worship – Isaiah sees it happening. David speaks of the glory and holiness of God… Isaiah sees the glory and is overwhelmed by God’s holiness.
Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.
God’s power over creation is such that he creates and destroys simply by speaking. One commentary explains the religions of surrounding nations had gods who controlled nature in various ways. This psalm proclaims that the LORD is Lord of nature… not Baal, or any other god. It’s very appropriate to be looking at this psalm now, with a winter storm blowing outside and a severe weather warning in place!
As a teenager, I had an interest in astronomy, belonged to an astronomical group, and learned to use their optical and radio telescopes. The distances and numbers of stars and galaxies involved are mindblowing. The light from some stars we can see with the unaided eye takes several thousand years to get here. That’s staggering… and God controls it all.
Kerryn, I teach astronomy and still have such trouble with distance in my brain. I can’t wrap my head around just how far things are in space! For example, 1 astronomical unit (sun to earth distance) is about 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 km) and the orbit of Neptune is about 30 times that distance from the sun! Amazing! Think of things outside our solar system; just how far they are! And, you are correct; He made it all 🙂
p.s. I forget you are “down under,” right? Seems funny to hear you speak of a winter storm! Thank goodness I finally have warm weather! It’s been too cold for too long in New England this winter!
Yes, I live in Australia, so we have winter when you have summer, and day when you have night! I’m 11 hrs ahead of the time-stamp on this site. Quite literally the other side of the world.
I have a Louie Giglio DVD where he talks about the universe and our indescribable God… it’s called Indescribable. He does a great job of conveying how amazing the universe is…
3. Read aloud Psalm 29 with all your heart and all your mind. What stands out to you? Why?
“The voice, the voice, the voice….” I once learned that when things are repeated in the Bible they are very important.
4. Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?
Honoring the Lord.
In Isaiah 6:3 the seraphs are calling to one another “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” and Psalm 29:1-2 tells us to honor the Lord for His glory, strength, and holiness.
5. Psalm 29:3-9. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.
A few years ago our area experienced a severe storm…the kind that you go into the basement for shelter for. As I drove to work the next morning, I noticed that the electricity was out in the city…as I drove further in I saw huge (HUGE!) trees that had been pulled out of the ground by their roots by the straight line winds. It was mind boggling to think of the incredible power that had the capacity to pull these mature, sky touching trees out by the roots.
I’ve been thinking of Joyce a lot recently with all the horrific weather in Nebraska these past few days…praying for your safety and well-being dear sister.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY REBECCA!!!! Praying for a joy-filled day–wish I could be there to hug you in person 🙂
Ditto!!
Thanks Elizabeth and Laura! 🙂 I am in the 50’s club now.
It’s Tuesday…June 17th! Yes, Happy Birthday, Rebecca! and welcome to the 50’s club…:) Hope you are enjoying a lovely day.
We are fine…had some awful storms and up rutted a huge shade tree in the front of our house….80 MPH… winds and baseball size hail.
A small town by the name of Pilger…NE. was completely destroyed by twin tornados.
I know God is in control of storms in our personal life and weather storms…but it’s so hard to understand all the pain and sorrow….but that is how we grow and cling to him…through suffering.
I have to just trust God in everything and one day we will know the reason why.
A lot of the people in Pilger are retired or widowed…so sad to think of them loosing everything they worked for and all their lives 🙁
Please pray for everyone in that tiny town of about 300 people.
I loved the songs you put on here this week Dee…and every week…so beautiful and uplifting.
I wanted to go see Noah so bad …but didn’t because of all the talk of it not being biblically correct. I love the actors in the movie…so I’m waiting for it to come out on DVD too!
Happy Birthday Rebecca…I can’t believe your 50! you look so young and are so beautiful. Happy Birthday!
Rebecca and Susan….one good thing about being in the 50s club…is that you’ll be able to get the AARP magazine!! Yippy!!
Glad to hear you are OK, but that is a strong storm. (Even if I did need google to explain 80mph!) We had a window rattling storm last night, but that’s twice the wind speed we had.
So glad you are okay, Joyce. That was too close to home for me — thankful you were spared, grieve for those who were not.
4. Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?
The earth is filled with His glory. His power is over all creation. His power shakes foundation.
5. Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.
I have never witnessed a tornado or hurricane, just some big storms. But the other night, on a less-sever scale, the winds were blowing so strong it sounded like heavy rain. I looked at our backyard and the sky was stripes of deep bluish purple and orange and the trees—tall cypress and others I don’t know the names, but they were literally swaying. I had just read this Psalm and I just felt it all over me, they were praising Him. It was beautiful.
6. Isaiah describes a day that is coming in Isaiah 2:12-21. What will happen and what is the purpose of this storm?
“the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.”The purpose—to free us from our idols!
7. What similarities do you see in the above with Psalm 29?
The Lord alone reigns, high and mighty. He is above all in His power and majesty. He is due all honor and He will require it.
8. Psalm 29:10 moves into the storm that becomes a flood. Read Genesis 6:5-8. What was the purpose of that storm and how did it show both God’s wrath and His mercy?
Purpose-to destroy sinful man. He was grieved at man’s sin, he regretted having made man, in His image,“ it grieved him to his heart”. But I think the flood also serves the purpose of showing us more of God’s character. We see His great power. We see His hate for sin. We see His mercy to man through Noah and his descendents.
YES…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, REBECCA!! I pray also for you to have a day filled with joy and special celebration of your life!
Thanks so much Susan! You will be in the 50’s club with me pretty soon. It isn’t that bad here after all. :))) Love you-r
Welcome to club ;). HB!!
You have the wisdom of age, Rebecca, but the beauty of youth.
4. Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?They both are giving praise. God is Holy. He fills the earth.
5. Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.His power is over all.
Over the big (making mountains leap) and small (a cedar).
It can be destructive (breaks into pieces) or merely persuasive (twists the mighty oak).
It is in the heights and in the depths.
it is in the wet and the dry.
It is in the west and the east.
I have been to the top of many mountains in Montana and Colorado. Each time I stand on a peak I am overwhelmed by His hand that created the mountain range I gaze on.
I have watched storms come in when the entire half of the sky is bright blue and sunny and the other half is black and swirling. With thunder shaking the walls, and my heart.
I have seen, the same as Nanci, the aftermath of tornados touched down in Iowa with mature tree roots pointing upwards.
I have gazed, in wonder, at the Milky Way untainted by artificial light and been amazed at the vastness and yet all still in His hand!
But perhaps the thing that make me most aware of his power(and control) is the simple heartbeat. I used to help in open heart surgeries, I would hold the heart during grafting and then help close the chest. To see someone’s ‘source of life’ come back, beating, is absolutely amazing – to gaze on the miracle of life. Especially in contrast with the times I have witnessed the last heartbeat in someone’s earthy life. (I know this departs from the theme of non-human elements of nature but it still amazing!)
Jill..your words are amazing….and I loved the part about you holding a heart…and even the last heartbeats!
6. Isaiah describes a day that is coming in Isaiah 2:12-21. What will happen and what is the purpose of this storm? To make all the idols completely vanish (v. 18) so that God will be the only one lifted up. It is interesting to me that the things the Lord is going to come against and humble are the things people use to “try and be God.” Humans either try to build fabulous things to show they have power or build things to ‘overcome’ his power (like sturdy vessels that can withstand ocean storms).
Isaiah seems to saying that when we are humble before God our idols will vanish? I can see this in my life – my idols rear more fiercely when I am prideful or think “I can do this.” This is worthy of meditation.
7. What similarities do you see in the above with Psalm 29? They both site that God has power and authority over the cedars of Lebanon, the oaks of Bashan, towering mountains, and He is able to make the earth shake.
4. Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?
He is high and lifted up and worshiped by angels in both Psalm 29 1-2 and Isaiah 6: 2,3-At the same time His Glory is all over and in and through the heavens His Glory is in and through the Earth-he is Lord of heaven and earth at the same time and in control at the same time. Psalm 29:1-4 and Isaiah 6:1-5
5. Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.
I have a few recent examples, but I will tell you of the time before I knew Him. I lived in California for a while because I was in a band and we played there. We lived close to Venice Beach and went to the Ocean often-that is my favorite place to be. I recall standing on the beach and looking and hearing the ocean-wow..the strength of the waves, the roar of the waves and the water stretched endlessly with the sun over it all..I wondered how the waves just stopped there and it was shallow with land and sand for me to stand on and watch. Experiencing His ocean always put me in Awe of him and I couldn’t deny ..I knew He existed and I knew He was powerful.
6. Isaiah describes a day that is coming in Isaiah 2:12-21. What will happen and what is the purpose of this storm?
OH WOW..I don’t recall seeing this! I have studied Isaiah but don’t remember this passage! God will exalt himself above all! The mountains, trees, the proud and haughty men will be humbled before Him. Man will throw their idols to the moles and bats so they can enter caves to hide from His terror and majesty. The purpose is so that we will be stripped of our idols and worship Him alone.
7. What similarities do you see in the above with Psalm 29?
I see that He is above all-He is Lord of all-not the things we worship or see as mighty and huge-He is bigger and more majestic than the biggest most beautiful mountain-He can break the oldest most solid trees like toothpicks.
8. Psalm 29:10 moves into the storm that becomes a flood. Read Genesis 6:5-8. What was the purpose of that storm and how did it show both God’s wrath and His mercy?
It’s purpose was to wipe out sinful man whose arrogance was so strong-who didn’t acknowledge God at all. He could have destroyed all of mankind and started over but in his mercy He spared Noah and his descendants and through them us.
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, REBECCA! =D
I pray your day is lovely!
8. Psalm 29:10 moves into the storm that becomes a flood. Read Genesis 6:5-8. What was the purpose of that storm and how did it show both God’s wrath and His mercy? The purpose of the flood was to wipe out evil, and yet there was still sin the heart of the one that found favor with God. I assume Noah’s desire was different, whereas those around him only had evil intentions Noah wanted relationship with God and yet was human and so did still have sin. It showed God’s wrath in wiping out all on the earth because of the evil intentions of their hearts and mercy to Noah (and his family) in that Noah wasn’t without sin but was saved by grace and mercy.
I wonder if the flood also showed grace in God desiring His children to not suffer actions of evil people? Sort of a start over, get things back to His intended design?
3-His creation, the mountains, the waters, the trees. It is a blessing, a gift for all of us. I felt the peace and strength mentioned at the end of this chapter when I visited the Swiss Alps. I’ve never seen a land so beautiful and clean. Our Creator, he is extreamly creative! If I come across a nonbeliever, I want to say to them, go outside and look around! If that doesn’t do it, go to Switzerland.
4-“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory
I like the message version of Psalm 29:1-2
1-2 Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!” In awe before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power. Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him!
5-They both give us a sweet picture of how to worship and praise our Lord! Bravo God Amen!
The Messsage- vs 9
God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches. We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
6-We had a bad storm in KC not too long ago, and I remember sitting on the deck waiting until the last second to go inside, I didn’t want to get up because I was so in awe by all the trees in our backyard, Every leaf was just “dancing” as the strom grew stronger and stronger.
6/7-Christs return? They will get rid of all their idols, and hide from the Lord because He is so glorious, the message described Him as dazzling.
8-There was too much evil for such a Holy God. He chose to wipe them out, and He can because He is God. Noah obeyed, and because of that , God promised never to wipe us out with a flood again. That shows me His Mercy. After every strom ( Wrath ) there is usually a rainbow (Mercy). Thankful for His promises.
Can picture you out there watching the leaves dancing!
5. Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation.
God has TOTAL power over creation. He is creative to the ultimate power — just think how many varieties of creations are available — in people, in plants, in animals, etc.! He sets up the rules for how these creations are to behave — everything is linked, nothing exists all to itself. Sometimes He moves things gently and softly, and at other times it is done forcefully and even violently (as in storms, earthquakes, and tsunamis). He shakes the deserts (with sandstorms).
Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.
As I said in a previous post, I have been in three tornadoes in my lifetime. Once while I was in college in Oklahoma, I was out running around with a friend in a little TR3 when a terrible storm came up — it wasn’t until I returned to the dorm that I learned that there had been a tornado. It hadn’t been a big one — only moved one farm house off of its foundation.
Then the first year I was out of college and took a job in a church in Ohio, we had the infamous Palm Sunday tornado of 1965. I had been conducting a parent-youth forum at the church that night, and we were down to the closing circle. A telephone rang and the pastor pulled out of the circle to answer the phone. He came back with the announcement that a tornado was on its way from the Indiana-Ohio border. Everyone scattered to their cars to try to get home (including the pastor). I’m inside the church going around closing windows and locking doors! ‘Thankfully my apartment was only about three blocks from the church, and I barely got home before the tornado struck. It took out a shopping center about 5-6 blocks from my apartment. Seeing the damage throughout the city was awesome — houses with one outside wall completely missing — looked like a doll house (only all messed up inside!).
The tornado that made me tremble occurred after I was married and I had two toddlers. The clouds seemed to drag the ground and rain came like someone was throwing buckets of water against our patio doors. My panic-level went up and I yelled to my husband, and we gathered the girls and went to the basement. We were only down there for about 20 minutes when everything seemed to calm down, and we came up. We were shocked to look out in our backyard, as a huge tree had been totally uprooted and had fallen across the top of the swing set, pinning our electric service wire down on the swing set. We had not heard that tree fall!!!! The storm had laid it down on the swing set with measured precision. Amazingly we did not lose electric service, but it took better than a week to get rid of that tree. We were just grateful to have lived through it all!
Loved your tornado stories Deanna.
Dee was probly living in Kearney when we had huge trees uprooted by tremendous winds…all over Kearney..it took out the old drive inn theater and demolished the fair grounds huge building and apartments had roofs torn off…not far from where Steve and Dee lived.
Our tree that we lost the other night fell so hard….it made a loud noise and the windows shock in our house! But God spared our house. We found where the tree landed and there is a 8″x8″ limb stuck in the ground at least 2 foot…that none of the men could even budge it…trying to pull it out. What force! That’s when you feel very small at the hand of God. It’s almost as if God is mad and in a rage…but loved us enough to spare us!
Wow, Deanna — what a story and good telling of it.
Deanna and Joyce…..such amazing storm stories. And so true that you feel small when you see such power. I have seen the ‘doll house’ look on houses following a tornado when we drove through a devastated town a week later. After reading all of the stories on the blog and elsewhere lately, I am grateful, grateful to say that I don’t have any personal stories of storms of that caliber. Have lived close to some…..but not experienced being in them….for which I am glad.
6. Isaiah describes a day that is coming in Isaiah 2:12-21. What will happen and what is the purpose of this storm?
The Lord will have a day of reckoning where all those who are prideful, arrogant, aloof will be humbled. In that day, men and women will worship the one and only Lord, all idols will be disposed of.
7. What similarities do you see in the above with Psalm 29?
In Isaiah 2 the power of the Lord is directed against the “proud and lofty”…all those who are prideful and arrogant will be brought low; only the Lord is deserving of honor and glory; all idols will vanish, the Lord alone will be exulted. Similarly, Psalm 29 expresses the power of the Lord and directs that only the Lord is worthy of honor as He is our glorious and holy Lord. The violent power related to nature/earth is depicted in both Isaiah 2 and Psalm 29.
9. A. Genesis 6:17-18-He established a covenant of grace towards Noah, and protected he, his wife, and kids & their wives.
B. Genesis 7:16-the Lord protected Noah and his family from the destruction of the flood. He saved their lives.
C. Genesis 8:1-He made the wind blow so the waters would subside, providing land for Noah, his family and the animals.
D. Genesis 9:1-3 (How does this echo God’s command to Adam and what does this imply?)-He gives them His blessing. He gives them dominion over animals. He tells him to “be fruitful and multiply” (just as God had said to Adam in Genesis 1). God was renewing the earth, and Noah became like a new Adam. Notes from the GT Bible: “Noah became a second Adam figure, bringing comfort to humanity by being an instrument of the renewal of God’s blessing (Gen. 9:1, 7). Noah also echoed Adam’s role as recipient of a covenant that God made with him, his descendants, and with all of life (9:8–17).”
E. Genesis 9:13-17- God gives Noah the sign of the “bow”, as a reminder of His everlasting covenant with the earth, with every living creature, with us. God promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
4. Compare Psalm 29:1-2 with Isaiah 6:1-5. What similarities do you see?
Both passages are hailing the King.
5. Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.
God is all powerful; He is amazing! He has power over the waters, over the storms with lightning, over everything. Earth is dynamic and can be a scary place at times. I remember the spring season in Dallas where flooding would occur. One spring the flooding was so bad that the tunnels in the city were full of water. A pick up truck was floating in the water. A man and two children were in the pick up truck. The man took one of the children and swam to the “shore”, went back to get the other child to swim to the “shore,” but before he could get there a manhole cover opened up on the street below and sucked him and the child down the drain. It was awful. It reminds me of how strong water is and what force it produces.
6. Isaiah describes a day that is coming in Isaiah 2:12-21. What will happen and what is the purpose of this storm?
I think this verse pretty much sums it up:
“The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day,…” (Isaiah 2:17 NIV)
7. What similarities do you see in the above with Psalm 29?
God is in control, we are not. Humans will be fearful for believing in idols over The Lord.
8. Psalm 29:10 moves into the storm that becomes a flood. Read Genesis 6:5-8. What was the purpose of that storm and how did it show both God’s wrath and His mercy?
Humans were not behaving. God was disappointed and decided to destroy them. his mercy was that he saved Noah and his family as well as 2 of each animal. This meant Earth’s inhabitants had a second chance.
5. Read Psalm 29:3-9 and describe the power God has over creation. Share a time when you witnessed this and it caused you to tremble or be in awe.I’m not sure I was in awe or trembled at this at the time it happened, and I think this example has impacted my lack of fear in some bad weather. Not sure if I’ve written about this before or not because it is vivid in my mind. I’m guessing I was between 8 and 10 years old, sitting in the back seat of the car with my sisters (mostly likely before there were seat belts in back seats). We were going home from visiting relatives and in an area where the storms always seem worse, regardless of the season. One of my parents said something about a funnel cloud, and we saw a barn behind us being taken. Then, my dad calmly announced (or at least we didn’t detect any fear) that the wheels of the car weren’t touching the ground, and he wasn’t steering! To me, it was a fun, safe adventure.
I grew up hearing very different stories from my parents about their families’ attitudes toward storms. On my dad’s side, thunderstorms were “angels bowling in heaven.” On my mom’s side, kids were told (with some fear) to get away from the window so that they wouldn’t be electrocuted. But it was my mom who told the story from my dad’s side — so I think he calmed her down, too! I lean more toward awe than than trembling during weather storms, because I know the weather is outside of my control. Re: people storms — need the reminder that God is in control (and thankful he is!!)
A child’s point of view — sweet — and that is how we should be with our heavenly Father!
sorry– same thing posted twice after editing!
Beginning so late this week as I’ve been out of town without internet access.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Much of what others have mentioned also stood out to me. But, the picture of the trees falling with the caption, “He breaks the cedars”….Wow….so timely. When I ran through my facebook feed this evening, I saw several friends post photos of trees that had fallen in the storms that hit the U.S. Midwest this past weekend. So this was such a graphic reminder that none of them surprised God and that His very voice is powerful enough to tumble them.
2. Were you able to “mine any gold” from the clip from “Noah?” Yes. I felt ‘shivers’ when Noah said ‘I am not alone’. I appreciate, Dee, that you included this clip and your statement about gleaning what is thoughtful and good from these movies. (I too have not seen it yet but approach this kind of movie with confidence that God can speak to me through it if I see it through the lens of the Word. So often, if there is ‘add ons and errors’ it sends me back to the scriptures which is always a good thing!) Ever since I read ‘Blue Like Jazz’ by Donald Miller, I have never looked at the flood the same way…..the death by water that Noah spoke of in the trailer is such a powerful thought. Unimaginable really. For him to state so confidently that he was not alone really made me think about what actually happened…the terror that it was for the masses…and yet that he was chosen by God to be rescued. I think twice when I see the cute Noah’s ark decor things for nurseries and Sunday school rooms since I read it too. It is definitely not a whimsical children’s story…..
“I think twice when I see the cute Noah’s ark decor…definitely not a whimsical children’s story…”
You’ve got that right, Wanda…utter devastation and death turned into whimsey of animals on an ark.
I’m trying to remember what Donald Miller wrote about Noah — refresh me, Wanda!
I could go pull it off the bookshelf and look…..but off the top of my head, what struck me was the vivid descriptions of utter devastation and death (as Nanci stated well) and how often Sunday school stories have taught it as a ‘fun’ little story about Noah saving the animals two by two…..and how his family was all saved but without any thought to the terrible judgement and loss of life. That’s a simplistic paraphrase of my memory (which can’t always be trusted) of what he wrote. Anyway, it did stick with me to that degree.
Very interesting Wanda!