February 18, 2010 - You can take the boy out of Babylon but you can't take Babylon out of the boy...
If you read this chapter and you are not a believer you could easily think that Gods prejudice is mean. But if you are sold on the idea of a Creator who made everything and who has the right to ask such things then take the time to think about it. Apply it to modern situations as well as looking at the spelled out stories of the Old Testament. I believe the Holy Spirit and common sense will reveal the dangers of religious intermarriage.
“And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ Ezra 9:10-12 (ESV)
That phrase, "never seek their peace or prosperity" is haunting to me. I have done just that, and even more so in the last 2 years. The promise is that strength and fullness will be a result of seeking God's peace and prosperity. I have been found wanting in strength and peace.
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10 (ESV)
Some new jewelry that I hope to get on Etsy someday to sell. I am back to re-writing the cookbook. It should be done in a couple of weeks. It is consuming my time.
