Reading from Tuesday, September 7

Hello.

Reading for September 7
Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14
OK - another book finished. Hoolay.

Gotta say, it seems like these lovers ran out of ideas after the first half of this book. All they really do is compliment each other. And the guy in the relationship is really into boobs.


 ³ Your breasts are like two fawns,
       twins of a gazelle.
⁷ Your stature is like that of the palm,
       and your breasts like clusters of fruit.
⁸ I said, "I will climb the palm tree;
       I will take hold of its fruit."

He said a few things of a similar nature in the first half of the book too.

I think overall what this book portrays is that sex is awesome, within a committed relationship. Look how adamant these two are for each other. What joy comes from them seeing each other, and what pain comes from when they are apart. As I said last night, it really is an ideal relationship between two people.

2 Corinthians 9:1-15
This section deals with a subject I have always struggled with - generosity.

I feel that I am fairly generous with my time and talents, but when it comes to money, I have always been very selfish. I love to eat out. Like it's my favorite thing in the world to buy lunch, but its so wasteful when I can make lunch at home for less than a quarter of the price. Yet in my backwards brain, I would choose the worst cafeteria meal over the best homemade meal if given the choice.

I have never been an active tither, or even a regular giver to the church. Even with the awesome church community I'm involved with now, I still can't find a way to donate any money from my comfortable salary. Luckily, Jilly has budgeted a certain amount to give each month to our church and we can start doing that once our raises go into effect in a month or so.

Anyway, let's see what Paul has to say about the subject:

⁶Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

As with many of Paul's messages, I feel like this sends the wrong idea. I do believe that if one is generous, he or she will be the recipient of generosity - a bit of karma-esque thinking in the Bible. However, like karma, what is the true motivation? I feel like people will read this and see that "reap generously" tagline and give only so they will receive. It's like buying a ridiculously over priced gift for your friend hoping that they will return the favor. Paul does clarify his meaning  by saying "God loves a cheerful giver" - which to me means someone who gives with no expectation of seeing it come back, but again it could be interpreted the other way.

So the takeaway is - give your money away. It - like everything - is meaningless anyway.

Psalm 51:1-19
 ⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness;
       let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

I'll that one's awesomeness speak for itself.

Proverbs 22:24-25 
 ²⁴ Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
       do not associate with one easily angered,
 ²⁵ or you may learn his ways
       and get yourself ensnared.

Sweet sweetness. Hey my offer still stands for prayer requests. I would love it if there was a little community of people praying for each other on this. Thanks dudes.