Joab

It's intriguing to see Joab's role in David's story. I really didn't know what to make of him, whether he is portrayed as someone who are right and must be patronized, or that he is a sample of the 'right' people who shouldn't be patronized because of his temper. I am not even able to decide whether he is 'right' or not, his ways are too harsh. Or is he a well-intentioned extremist?
Joab is a soldier, and we could stand a harsh military man, and he is easy to boil, but he is still taking it too far in my opinion.
Strictly speaking, Joab had never rebelled against God's words, he only rebelled against David's words. And that's not out of hate of David, he is very loyal to David, and all his actions, including the "too harsh" ones are all committed with David well-being in thoughts. His solution to everything gone awry is "destroy the cause", but he could be threatened by saying things like " You are trying to destroy what God doesn't want you to destroy," and I believe he really believe and trust God with all his might. There's no indication otherwise. And while keeping in check with God's rule and direction, he took actions that looks like it will make all things smoother, although harsh, that David didn't command, or even command the opposite. Sometimes, he also took actions that seems unnecessary or took it way too far because of personal reason. You could say that it's his character's flaw, that he didn't really mean it, but it's still apparent.And as he never receive punishment or warning from God, could we take it that he is only doing something necessary that God let to happen in order to let His plan worked?

And his interactions with David is interesting as well. David are sometimes annoyed with him, and all of Joba's siblings (As he always asked "What's with you, Zeruya's sons?"), but he couldn't get rid of them, as they are very loyal to him and the ones that would never let him down, and that he rely quite heavily on them. Granted, they don't always do what he wanted, and sometimes will bring shame to his name, but they are a great commander and soldier. Won't turn their back to him. I wonder what make Joab and his brothers stick to David so much, considering their rebellious tendencies. Joab also seems to hate and jealous of whoever try to lick up David's ass, both sincerely or insincerely. He kills Abner, and latter Amasa. Both seems unnecessary, but both are originally from David's enemy, so maybe he is afraid they will turn their back again. I imagine David and Joab are like vitriolic best bud. They argue a lot and have an entirely different point of view, and David always looks so easy to substitute Joab with someone else, but Joab is still very loyal to David, and David always listen to Joab. No one else tried to talk to David about his unseemly behavior as a king, and even mocking him about it. Well.... David is easy to advice, though. He take critics and advice well.

Anyway.... I like Joab, but some of his actions seems unnecessary. What is all his actions in the Bible meant for us? Why did it have to be written?

First Fruit

Buah sulung. First fruit.  The act of giving 100% of our first paycheck. 100% done and over with, and 100% with the help of God.

I have done it over a week ago actually, and I don't plan to 'brag' it. Just ... when I tried to review the moment, there's nothing I could 'brag' about. I could do it all because of the grace of the Lord. So suddenly I just decide to write it here to post my thoughts about it.

I have committed since long ago that my first official, stable paycheck would all be an offering to God. After all, that's what the Bible told us to do. And the church. And I think this is practiced by all people in the church. So it would be easy. If everyone could do that, why not me? Turn out that I was wrong.

It definitely isn't easy. The sum is big, quite big especially for a fresh grad that are staying in boarding room all her uni life. I have many plan, and Satan repeatedly told me I could buy my way out of the commitment. I could only offer the usual 10%, or maybe 50%. And I don't need to offer my overtime bonus. After all, it's not in the paycheck. And the temptation got bigger when the money was really on my bank account. Oh God, it was tempting.

But then, I was reminded about how, if not because of God's grand plan, I probably wouldn't even get the job, let alone in that big of a paycheck. So it was practically God's. And God is helping me in the matter that when I receive the first sum, the overtime bonus is not on that paycheck, so the sum isn't getting bigger. Thanks for the reminder, Holy Spirit. I know it was You.

And, well, not all people done this practice, apparently. And it's not really common to do that, and not as widely known compared to persepuluhan. It made it harder, and also make me want to brag about it. I have done it! I am better, stronger and could take commitment seriously. But again, it was with God's help, right?
I might not be able to do that if I have to work/live far away from my parents and pay my own expenses. I won't be able to do it if my parents won't support my financial nor my decision to do this. I can't do it if I have to support my family financially. I am lucky to be able to execute it. I really am. I just realize this point yesterday, and really am ashamed of my point of view up until then. People have their own situation and of course, I couldn't judge them. That didn't means I am better than others, because it's God hands helping me, and He is the one who put the commitment in my heart. And he made the path smoother and made it possible, even with all of my weaknesses, greediness, and all.
And it's a bonus. The Bible said about giving it your all and your best and about the first fruits blessings.
So, who I am to brag about it? I just hope that many people will be able to do that too, because it really is an eye opener, and a grace for us. God Bless!

Jonathan, the not-as-gentle-as-he-seem Prince

Well as you could guess, I am trying to finish reading the Bible from cover to cover so my posts would be consequential. Right now I am in Samuel

And was regretting about Jonathan

Hold on, I know, Jonathan is never portrayed bad, and in fact, in his usual portrayal when he was friend with David, he is also great. But all this time, what I know is his gentler side, how he treat David and how he is very much obedient to God and to his father and to his family and friend. 

What I don't know is he don't only have kindness and softness, but also hard material and startling skills like his leadership, charisma (he once was pulled from death penalty by his men), battle, strategies etc.

In fact, he is a better commander and leader than his father that he could already substitute him as a king when he is still a prince. It's such a waste of good leader potential because he could never be a king in a latter times because of the cause we all knew about.

Not that David is a bad candidate for a King - that's why they are such a best-friend. After all, Jonathan's King position are in good hands - his best-friend, that turn out to be the greatest king of Israel. So maybe, it's not such a devastating loss. He 'lose' to the greatest, that's saying something

Okay, my rambling start to be incoherent - this is just a rambling then. Any opinion about Jonathan? Leave it in the comment please thank you^^

Joshua

Hi! Um... I haven't post for so long, and that's because... well... I haven't read the Bible etc. in so long. No, in fact I have, but not enough to write anything about it. Then I started read it again, and trying to catch up, but until now I am still stuck in Joshua *grin*. I hope I will reach my target : To finish read the Bible within this year. Not realistic enough? Ough, you are mean.

Well, maybe for some person this is an inappropriate thing to do, but I always read with enjoyment. And I am a fantasy- story lover. And you know, JOSHUA IS A REALLY REALLY COOL BOOK if you are a fantasy lover, and the war scene is just loveable.

At one point of Joshua, he walk aimlessly and found a man with full war equipment. When he tried to confirm to the man whether he is an enemy or friend, the answer is "No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." HOW COOL IS THAT to meet the Commander of the army of the Lord IN FULL ARMOR *died*.
Some theologian said that it's God itself, and it increase it awesomeness. Imagine the image of Jesus in full armor. Hmmm! Isn't it a bit like Arragorn from the Lord of the Rings? XD

A bit after that, they win the war, and it was more of the God's war than the man, why? Because there are more kill by Rain of Stones than by swords. It's cool. Like totally. I am reminded of Kafka on the shore's fish raining, but of course this is cooler. Kyaaa

Another note, I have never realized that Joshua's story only focused on one book : his. I really think he is around for the Judges, but no. 
ALl in all, even if it's just one book, it's a cool enough book to read by. I am in love.

Lewi's Fate

I just started to read the Bible again hehe, after I left it for 3 months.

Still at the beginning....
I wonder, how does Lewi people felt? They are like, special among Israel, but they have to life a predetermined life : as God's special servants. No question asked, no alternative provided. Is it a privilege? Is it curse?

Won't it felt like "Honey and Poison" rules?
If it's me, well, I don't think I will embrace the thought, but I will do it, alright.
Just a passing thought...

About God and the unknown

I haven't been able to do anything at all haha. Been busy with my parents' restaurant. Well, what to say, it is really busy and we need the money. I sure hope I will get paid, though. I am sort of money. Now, what did I want to say? Ah, yeah ... Hmm...
What was it again?

Oh yeah! Dream. My dream. I was dreaming about DBSK again. I miss them so much this days. This time, I dream about Yunjae. Yunjae acting sooo adorkable on a television, and me and my friend are watching it and screaming until our throat dry.

You know what, the very next day ... A 'scoop' about YunJae happened! Scary, right? Haha. I am always spot on about them, it bring tears to my eyes.

And then when I opened my smart phone, the Bible application was open, the verse about God will let us know the big and unknown phenomena if we ask Him.. LOL it's such a coincidence. Or not? Haha. What ever, it succeed to bring me closing my distance with God once more. I am starting to neglect my morning reflection and Bible reading. I need to start over again, right?

Something from Nehemia

I get something from the morning reflection yesterday

It's about Nehemia, someone who are high enough to make the King personally heard his plea and permit him to go back there to restore it

Like, really, Nehemia actually was not brave enough to even told what his intention are and take the grant from the King as a gift from God

If it is me, if I am the one whose wish are granted by the King, I would think that I AM the factor that made the King grant my request. Afterall, my position is high and so, maybe, the King has been my friend and ally! I would be very proud of myself, not thankful to God for his protection and mercy to lead the King's heart to open up to my request.
It's frustating, right? I am a very arrogant person, I know that. But this is the first time I have ever compare it to the action of a humble person, so the difference is stricking
And I am ashamed of myself, now. I will try more to hand God's glory to God. Weird as it sounds, but that's what I have been doing up to this day, stealing God's glory, claiming it to be my success.

Now I hope I will remember that every success I had, it was God's work in me

posted from Bloggeroid

First impression

Today's morning reflection talked about David's first inaguration as the king of Israel. Truthfully, I have read this passages enough that I begin to underestimate and just read it as a pass through.
I mean, yes yes, God could see through people's heart, and we humans usually just see the outer appereances.
However, this time, the message is a bit different; it's "Don't be so sure of your impression of people"

I am usually very sure of my judgement of people. I believe it, and I act on it. Not many could lift my previous judgement to people. I like to classify people and put them in some level or group. And I am rock sure about that.

Even if the people appear to be normal and okay, or even popular, if I said they are bad, then they are bad, and the outer performance is just a decoy

However, I usually do that without any substantial evidences or base.
And well, yeah... It is wrong, isn't it? Even if they prove me wrong I usually didn't care. It's the same if I believe someone is good. If they made some very bad deeds, then its just mistakes.

And sometimes, the people could feel my judgement through my polished act and I feel... Hardened towards them.

So, yeah. What did I knew better about people? Why did I sometimes put a harsh judgement against them?

Mingle With God

Oh Gosh, I hope I spelt 'mingle' correctly. Never thought it is wrong, but who knows?
Alas, what happend, happened already

I made this one blog to document my journey to be closer to God over the year. I am Christian, and I hope I have been a good Christian all along, but not very full of religious-spirit, I love Jesus and Christianity but thought little about church rules, altough I abide them.

Anyway, I really long to be closer to God, it seems nice - and my supervisor advise me to take notes of any of God's messages I received, and I think, might as well made some writings and share it

I hope in the end it will be clear that I am closer to God, and being a better person than I am now