Sunday 8/1/2004
1 Corinthians 16 - Paul ends this letter - They are taking a collection to support the church in Jerusalem of money and letters. It says something to me of how we should support other churches like we do with our money to the ELCA to help start missions and so forth. The letters are to encourage them. Then he talks about his travel plans. It reminds me of the Nouwen book I just read about compassion. How we must leave behind some part of our old ways to accept the call. Some people do this physically in leaving what they are doing now to work in service and some do it by leaving behind something they have been doing to move on to other things God calls them to do. The end is a little disturbing until I thought about how much more persecution there was at that time - In verse 22 he says “I pray that God will put a curse on everyone who doesn’t love the Lord. And may the Lord come soon.� I never viewed cursing those who don’t love God - but I guess I would think differently if these people were trying to stop Christianity. Then he tells the Corinthians he loves them. This is agape love. A great way to end the letter.
2 Kings 12-13 - Since Joash was young when he became king he ruled for a long time. He had the priests collect money to repair the temple. The workers and the supervisors were honest people who worked hard and didn’t cheat with the money. Sounds like a good group of maintenance guys to me - what an example. Then King Hazael of Syria decided to attack Jerusalem and Joash paid him off. In the end Joash was murdered by Jozabad. Now we switch back to Israel. Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king. He wasn’t so great and God let King Hazael of Syria take a lot of things from them in battle but didn’t let Hazael completely defeat them. Then Jehoash became king of Israel. - he disobeyed God. Now a couple of stories from Elisha. Elisha was sick and King Jehoash went to see him - Elisha told him to grab an arrow and shoot it out the window facing east. Jehoash shot the arrow and Elisha said that the LORD will help him completely defeat the Syrian army. Elisha told Jehoash to pick up the arrows and hit the ground with them. Jehoash did but only hit the ground three times. Elisha told Jehoash if he had hit the ground more times than that the LORD would have allowed him to completely defeat the Syrians. Now he will only let Jehoash defeat the Syrians three times. Elisha died. When King Hazael of Syria died his son Benhadad became king. King Jehoash of Israel attacked and defeated the Syrian army three times just like Elisha had said. Then there is this weird story of when the Israelites were burying a man’s body and some Moabites came by - the Israelites quickly threw the body into Elisha’s tomb since the Moabites would raid them and they needed to hurry to defend themselves I guess. When the dead man’s body touched the bones of Elisha , the dead man came back to life and stood up. Ain’t that weird -- this one’s a little hidden in there - they don’t seem to talk about it much more -just one verse -- verse 21. Oh the power of God - how can we understand? It gives great hope in that God is committed to giving us life - not death. Will I believe? - Yes!
Micah 3 - Oh boy -- Rulers of Israel - prefer to do evil - skin the people alive- strip off their flesh, break their bones , cook it in a pot and gulp it down! - Don’t ask God to help you when you act like that! Micah has to tell this bunch they have sinned and he does. This again reminds me of the compassion book of Nouwens - sometimes we have to take a stand and speak out about injustice. This is what Micah is doing - speaking the LORD’s message.
We pray “our� but confess I. As a church we are united in prayer - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
Thanks for bread - especially today I think of Your Bread of Life through Jesus - It gives me everything I need!
Luke 12 - If I store treasures for myself - I am focusing inward. I am not placing God at the center of my being as Jesus is in my heart present even when I don’t know it. I must trust and obey God - not go about my own selfish ways.
Acts 10 - When you hear or see God’s call - act.
Psalm 89 - If you hear God’s word in a vision - tell it to someone!
Prayer - Lord - help me today. I sin every day and deserve to be punished. I deserve death. Forgive me I pray. Lead me in your way. Give me the love you have so that I may love the church. The people in the church - the congregation and those outside the church who seek. Those who are lost - Those who are hungry - Those in prison - Those who are homeless - Those who are ill. Teach me to reach out beyond my comfort places - teach me to have compassion - teach me to serve - teach me to be patient - teach me to love - teach me to speak out - teach me to see what you have done through Jesus. Teach me the separation that you took when Jesus came to earth - what an ultimate act! What an act of love! You didn’t have to do this- it would have been easier for the potter to start over. Thanks for your love that is so great that you chose not to start over with me - not to throw me out - not to destroy me. But instead you chose to forgive me and to love me beyond anything I can imagine! You are Creator - you are Savior - you are the mighty Spirit sent to empower me to serve in love - to give me gifts to use in service to you. Thank you Jesus! Thank you Father! Thank you Spirit! I am here to play because you have made me happy, you make it fun. Even when it gets tough in the play you are there to pull me from the pile and get me ready to play again. We huddle and you give me direction and we go back at it. Give me your play - the direction I need to take - tell me who to block - tell me how to open a hole that you may burst through to the other side and all may see your glory. -- Amen
(Comment to those who may wonder about that prayer - As I was typing - I started to see football - God giving the plays - I was a guard on the line - the image in my head went beyond the words of the prayer - but I guess this just happened when I was typing this prayer)
Monday 8/2/2004
2 Corinthians 1 - Paul gives greetings and talks about travel plans. In the commentaries there is much discussion as to how many letters are really included in this book. Some think very many - most think maybe two. The order of the letters isn’t clear. This points out the importance of trying to understand the setting of the book - the culture - the people and such. It will help apply the teachings to my life today - the more I can understand.
2 Kings 14 - King Amaziah of Judah wasn’t too bad - it seems the measuring rod for kings was David - and none of them measure up. Amaziah won many battles with the Edomites so he got a little cocky and threatened the King of Israel Jehoash. - but he told Amaziah just to stay home and not to think he was such a big shot. Well Amaziah couldn’t do this so Jehoash attacks - defeats Amaziah - goes into Jerusalem and takes everything of value from the temple. Joash later died and so did Amaziah after he was killed in a plot by people in Jerusalem to eliminate him. -- King Jeroboam of Israel - ruled for forty-one years. He expanded the kingdom of Israel.
Micah 4 - God judges - God will punish evil - But his intent for his faithful is redemption and peace. Someday we will change our instruments of war into instruments of peace and care and love one another.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Don’t let the devil, the world, or your sinful self deceive you.
Romans 11 - Be part of the remnant. Accept God’s grace.
Isaiah 30 - “And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.� -- God will care for you -- trust him.
Psalm 95 - Make a joyful noise to God! - Everything is God’s. Worship God your maker.
Prayer - God- you are the Maker- Let me see the joy in this. Let me focus my life and actions and all I have on you. For I must serve you in your kingdom. Forgive me for the times I have chosen to serve myself and made myself the maker. When I turn to you and keep myself from becoming too confident in my own ways I see how you lead and guide me. Let me hear your voice and direct my way today and forever. -- Amen
Tuesday 8/3/2004
2 Corinthians 2-3 - Forgive each other. Let others smell the perfume of God on you. Be like a letter from God to others. God will give you what it takes to be his worthy servant. -- This is a positive servant image -- I like the lead in of worthy. The Lord’s Spirit sets us free. Your face shows the bright glory of the Lord. Paul uses imagery here and I love it. I think the smell of perfume is the message of Jesus saving forgiveness and grace.
2 Kings 15-16 - King Azahirah of Judah - ok - but didn’t destroy the shrines - started to rule at 16 - LORD punished Azariah with leprosy so he couldn’t live in the palace. His son Jotham lived and ruled there. King Zechariah of Israel - ruled only 6 months - disobeyed God - Murdered by Shallum son of Jabesh - then Shallum became king of Israel - was murdered after one month of rule by Menahem - he then became king of Israel - he ruled fro tem years. - Pehahiah then became king on Menahem’s death - - he was murdered by Pekah who became king of Israel - Pekah ruled for twenty years - During Pekah’s rule King Tiglath Pileser of Assyria took over much of Israel- Pekah was murdered by Hoshea -- what a bunch of rottenness! -- King Jotham of Judah - pretty good one -- King Ahaz of Judah - rotten - he was a suck up to King Tiglath Pileser of Syria. Ahaz also sacrificed his own son which was a custom of foreign nations and was disgusting. -- Strikes me as odd - Did God the Father sacrifice his own Son? - Or maybe the better way to think of it - God sacrificed himself for us -- that feels better to me - but the first question lingers in my mind - if it is true - I don’t find it disgusting - I find it as a wonderful gift! --- hmmmmm
Micah 5 - God’s going to come in and clean things up - he will restore you and give you hope. Witness Jesus - he’s the one to do this - in the earthly kingdom - and in your heart.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Lord take me to yourself - Seventh Petition of Lord’s Prayer
Romans 11 - Be glad God has grafted me in with his redeemed - Feed from the life giving water and be nourished.
1 John 2 - Do the will of God and live - Don’t cherish worldly goods or desires but love the Father
Psalm 62 - For God alone my soul waits in silence - from him is my salvation. Trust in God at all times. Pour out your heart before him. I need to wait and listen sometimes. Sometimes it is in the silence I will hear. Open my heart to God and all so that they may see Jesus presence inside.
Prayer - Lord - you are my perfume - let your smell of grace linger in my life - let others smell the grace you have given me and come to smell the grace in their lives. But at times I can be rotten. This sin of rottenness separates me from you and brings about a murder of my soul. Forgive me my sins - especially when I murder your Son before others. When I move them away from the wonderful smell of what Jesus has done for me. You send your Spirit into my life and forgive me. Thank you - I am glad for all you have given me - life, family, friends, your church and above all the sacrifice you sent into my life through your Son to save me and forgive me. Graft me into this life giving nourishment that I may joyfully serve you in your kingdom. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/4/2004
2 Corinthians 4 - Don’t preach about yourself - tell others about Jesus - I like this one - “Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.� - This glory is stored in us - “clay jars� - Our real power comes from God - within - Jesus is present in your heart even when you feel like a clay jar rather than a clear glass where his light can beam forth to others. Then he talks about our bodies being tents. Finally God has prepared an eternal body or home for us. This reminds me of the tabernacle and the wilderness - the Israelites were wondering in the wilderness whorshipping God in a tent alnd living in a tent - but when they got to the Promised Land they built the Temple to worship God in. Our life on earth is like the wilderness wandering and we live in tents - it is temporary - soon we will not wander and live in homes built by God eternally - what a promise - and all from what Jesus had done for me - I deserve to die in the wilderness - but Jesus saves me.
2 Kings 17 - So it looks like Hoshea is the last king of Israel. The Assyrians took over. Took the people out and scattered them. Then brought other people in to settle in Samaria and surrounding area of Israel. This would help break the will of the people allowing the government control. Why did God let this happen? The Israelites continued to worship other gods and set up worship sites for these gods along with worshipping God. God is God and the only God - we are not to dilute him by worshipping other gods. But don’t we do this also today? I’m sure I do and need to recognize how and stop. So here God rescued these people from slavery in Egypt - led them through the wilderness - gave them the Promised Land - they split into two kingdoms - and now half of them are in exile in Assyria. But God still give hope or return to the faithful. Help me to learn and remain faithful - God is God!
Micah 6 - So God has given Israel gifts - rescued them - saved them in times of trouble - fed them - gave them wonderful land - gave them water when needed - and they still worshipped other gods. So they are on trial - God will have to punish them so they can learn - but there is still a ray of hope - God loves them and will let the faithful return -- Isn’t that like me too -- help me to remain faithful.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Doxology - Yes! It shall be so.
Romans 11 - We can’t give anything to God - he is the giver and his riches and wisdom and knowledge are deep. What a thought - I can’t give to God - why would he need anything from me. So God gave me all - and I am thankful - yet I can give to others as a response to what God has done for me.
John 10 - The sheep hear his voice. He will lead. Jesus will go out ahead of me. Jesus came so I may have life by laying his life down for me.
Psalm 29 - God is powerful. Regard God as glorious and strong.
Prayer - God- powerful and wise forgive me for not letting your light shine from within me brightly and clearly - forgive me when I become a clay jar and hold your light in - forgive me when I am blind and don’t hear you. Call me out of my blindness of sin - my closed heart with your voice to lead and guide me in your ways. Let me hear the voice as I blindly follow you. For you give hope and salvation. Lead me to give my love to others and to show your love to them - to lead and guide them in your direction until they clearly hear your Word and see your Son. -- Amen
Thursday 8/5/2004
2 Corinthinas 5-6 - It is more important to be devoted to God than looking for religious experiences. Respond in faith to Jesus death and accept life as a gift freely serving others. Change - in Christ I become a new creation - Jesus love has claimed me and the church - Jesus has reconciled me and the church - and Jesus saving power is here and now through the cross. Be reconciled to God. God’s love is with me and all people weather I respond to it or not. His love is always present.
2 Kings 18 - We are with Judah not - King Hezekiah - he was a good king - he was like David. Purged Judah of idols and their shrines. He even got rid of the snake on the pole that God had Moses show the Israelites in the desert for healing. I always wondered about that . I know that when the Israelites were in the desert it was a good thing because it showed God active - but it seemed to me it was dangerously close to being an idol. If you worshiped the pole and snake itself instead of God. Well later on this is what the Israelites were doing - instead of worshipping God - they began to worship the pole and snake itself. I suppose even today I could do the same type of thing -- like the Bible - or Luther - instead of worshipping God - I go off the deep end and put my faith in the Bible or Luther -- Both sound like a good thing - but I can only worship God - The Bible and Luther are not God but are ways that God speaks to me. Assyria is going to try to invade Judah now and take it over. There is a whole line of Assyria trying to convince the people to give in first - even after King Hezekiah tired to buy them off.
Micah 7 - When everything is at the lowest you can imagine - trust God to save you. Confess your sins and God will lead you to the light - there is hope. You will be rebuilt. God freely forgives my sin and guilt and throws sin away.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 1 - Go-Make disciples-Baptize -- But Go!
Psalm 33 - God watches over me - I can’t save myself - only God saves me- wait for God and be happy and glad and trust and love him.
Romans 6 - Be dead to sin but alive in Christ. For I live in Christ. I have been brought from death to life through Jesus.
Psalm 119 - Seek God with your whole heart - treasure his Word in your heart.
Prayer - Lord - purge me of my sin -- remove the idols of my life - the high places I set up that do not honor you. Forgive me - renew me and save me. For you claim me. May I be devoted to you - not seeking the extraordinary - but able to see you all over the place - in my life - through others and present in this world. I must trust you to lead me to your light. I will love you in your light. I will serve you in your light. I will go- when you tell me to go. I will seek you with my whole heart - the center of my being - and treasure your Word. -- Amen
Friday 8/6/2004
2 Corinthians 7 - This section is thought to be a remnant of another letter. The style and subject seem to drastically change. Paul tells us that we are to separate ourselves from evil. A disturbing part to me and also my suspicion was confirmed after reading the commentary - was the advice to stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord. This doesn’t make sense. And Jesus didn’t exhibit this character either. And it didn’t match Paul’s character. So some believe that this may be added by someone else and not be from Paul. It seems the point of it though is to help avoid temptations that one may encounter and separation from God.
2 Kings 19 - Assyria is threatening to take over Jerusalem and defect King Hezekiah. King Hezekiah depends and trusts completely in God. And God defeats the Assyrian army with an angel of God killing one hundred eighty five thousand of them. Then King Sennacherib of Assyria went back - and was later murdered by his sons.
Nahum 1 - God demands loyalty. God is powerful and patient. God will punish the guilty. Don’t plot against the God! - He will wipe you out! When you think of the book of Jonah and the stories I hear as a child it makes me think Ninevah wasn’t that bad of a place. But as I read more of how the Assyrians tried to take over and rule Judah and Jerusalem and how they didn’t take over Israel -- the notion of Ninevah not being so bad disappears. Ninevah was somewhere in today’s Iraq. The Assyrian rule was all about power and control of people. I can understand now why Jonah didn’t want to go to Ninevah. Ninevah was the capital of Assyria - why would you want to go into the center of the enemy -- No wonder he was mad when God did not destroy the city - he probably felt betrayed by God -- But the people in the city of Ninevah did repent and God had mercy on them -- But from Jonah’s point of view - as I have heard many people today express frustration with enemies - the simple answer of “nuke em� shows how even today we don’t understand the mind of God.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 2 - Believe and be baptized -you will be saved - if not you will be condemned.
Genesis 15 - Count the stars - so shall your descendants be -- Abram believed - Sometimes it takes a little talk with God to help our belief.
Nehemiah 13 - Work and serve in God’s house
Psalm 126 - God allows us to laugh and be joyful.
Prayer - Lord you are awesome and powerful. May I glory in your creation and promises and believe. Without you I am condemned to death and punishment which I deserve. But you gave me a chance - Jesus left his place and came to me to live with me and lead me. It’s all the reason to laugh and be joyful. Amen
Saturday 8/7/2004
2 Corinthians 8 - Give yourself first to God then to others. Jesus gave everything - riches and himself. It doesn’t matter how much you have - but how much you are willing to give from what you have. This particular section is basically an appeal for money to go to Jerusalem to support the church.
2 Kings 20-21 - Hezekiah gets sick and thinks he is going to die. God heals him through Isaiah having some servants putting some crushed figs on the sore. As proof the Hezekiah would be able to worship God in three days - God had the shadow move back 10 steps on a stairway. Some people equate this to a loss of ten hours of time in history. Isaiah tells Hezekiah that one day all will go to Babylonia. The prophecy comes true later during the exile. Hezekiah dies and Manasseh bcomes kings at age twelve. He reversed all the good Hezekiah did and rebuilt all the shrines to foreign gods. He also built altars in the temple of God to worship pagan gods. He also sacrificed his own son in pagan worship. So God was completely disgusted with all this and decided to destroy Jerusalem and Judah. Manasseh died and Amon became king at the age of twenty-two. He didn’t improve things and was murdered by some of his officials. Then Josiah became king.
Nahum 2 - God speaks that Ninevah will be destroyed. It’s interesting after I looked in the Bible Atlas that Ninevah is just a couple of miles from today’s Baghdad. So some think - I’m not sure if anyone alive today really knows for sure.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 3 - God’s Word with water and our trust in the Word will renew us in the Spirit
Hebrews 11 - FAITH!!!! LOUD AND CLEAR!
Ephesians 1 - “the eyes of your heart� - Faith again - we see clearly the grace and promise God has given us through the “eyes of our hearts� - It give us hope that is rich and glorious beyond anything here on this earth.
Psalm 51 - I need God to forgive me and keep me straight!
Prayer - Lord, help me to give away the gifts you give me. Help me to have faith. Help me to see the wonderful healing your bring in life and especially the awesome healing you bring in eternity. Let the eyes of my heart see you and clearly proclaim your love to the world. For you are the great creator and giver of everything I have. Forgive me when I abuse your gifts and renew me daily in the saving grace of your waters of baptism and grace and trust. Amen
Sunday 8/8/2004
2 Corinthians 9 - God will take care of you - if you give to others - God will give you even more and will still take care of you - so don’t worry - trust God.
2 Kings 22-23 - King Josiah became king when he was eight years old. When he got a little older he told Hilkiah the high priest to collect the money the people had donated and have the temple repaired. Sounds familiar to me. Hey this search thing works well - I love computers - that’s what King Joash did too - They must be bad maintenance management - they wait until the temple is a mess each time then decide to repair it - sounds like GE - cut back all the money then spend way too much to bring it back in a hurry! -- Well enough of that - back to the Bible. So while they are rooting around the temple they find the Book of God’s Law - shows what a mess things must have been - they forgot the whole purpose of the temple - then Josiah reads the book and is sorry! They figure out why God is mad at them -- get a clue! They decide they better find out what God wants them to do. Well God is so mad by this time that he has had enough of it and will still destroy the place but will let Josiah die in peace since he was sorry. Josiah reads the book to everyone and they agree to follow what is written in the book. Josiah removes all the pagan worship stuff and has it burned. He cleaned up like this all over Judah. He even cleaned up Israel of pagan worship. Josiah sounds pretty good to me - but it was all too late for God to change - Josiah was killed in battle against Egypt. Jehoahaz became king at twenty-three. King Neco of Egypt has Jehoahaz thrown in jail and made the people pay money for him. Neco appointed Josiah’s son Eliakin king of Judah and changed his name to Jehoikim who forced the people to pay high taxes.
Nahum 3 - Wow -- I better keep God God! - You sure don’t want to cross him - He will judge and take action against evil - But then I think of God’s love and realize his forgiveness - but as for evil - look out!
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 4 - Drown your sinful self daily through repentance - then arise new and live with God forever
Luke 12 - Give it all back to God - this is where my treasure needs to be - if my treasure is in my heart as Jesus is in my heart I will be ready to joyfully serve God and others with thanksgiving and praise for what Jesus has done for me.
Hebrews 10 - Keep your heart of faith - provoke one another to love and good deeds and worship God.
Psalm 38 - Lord help me in my pain - for I wait for you - make haste and save me.
Prayer - Dear God, Watch out for me - keep me from forgetting you - keep me from going away from you - punish me if you see me going astray - this would be better than being hopelessly lost - turn me around and forgive me I pray. For you are God - look at all you have done for me - look at creation and how you are active - you created me to praise you to honor you and you take pleasure in me - be with me that I may do your will - serve you in your kingdom - love others as you have loved me. What an example of love you gave to me in your Son Jesus. You left the heavenly realms to feel my pain in Jesus - you experienced my life and then gave your life for me. How grateful I am of all you have done for me. I will put all my treasure in you. For you are my one and only treasure. All of this world are only on borrowed time for me. You give me hope of eternal life and I realize that this time I have on this earth is short. Help me to value my time and use it to it’s fullest in service, praise and honor to you. Through me reach out to your children that they may come to realize all you have in store for them. Build your kingdom through the mighty power of your Spirit. As I worship today receive my praise and thanks for all you have done. May my worship be pleasing to you. For I worship not to get something out of it for me but to praise and honor only you. Send me forth this day back into your world to proclaim the love of God through Jesus. I want to play with you and your friends this week. I can come to your house or you can come to mine - either was is fine - let me know. -- I Love You, Billy -- Amen
Monday 8/9/2004
2 Corinthians 10 - Paul tries to convince the Corinthians that his apostleship is valid. That his authority is valid and his message is form Jesus. He encourages them to reach out to the people around them. Then the world. And if any may brag - brag about the Lord.
2 Kings 24 - During King Johoiakim’s rule King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia invaded and took control of Judah. When Johoiakim died his son Jehoiachin became king. The Babylonians were pretty much starting to control all of the surrounding area at this time. During his reign he surrendered Jerusalem to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia. They took most everything to Babylon including stripping of the temple. Nebushadnezzar appointed Johoiashin’s uncle Mattaniah king of Juadah and changed his name to Zedekiah.
Habakkuk 1 - I like Habakkuk - He has a conversation with God and wants to know why he uses Babylon to take over Judah. It seems to Habakkuk that the Babylonians are more evil than the Chosen of Judah - and it doesn’t make sense - so he asks God why?
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 1 - Jesus gives us Communion with his body and blood. We become one with him.
Psalm 82 - God will judge
Ephesians 1 - God chose me before the foundation of the world - and I have been marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit - Thanks be to God!
Psalm 138 - God will fulfill his purpose for me.
Prayer - I love you Lord and I love to talk to you - to listen to your Word. For it always amazes me how you have prepared everything for me. You chose me - you blessed me with your Spirit and I don’t know why you made me so special. I praise you and honor you and glorify you. For all comes from and through you. I know you will fulfill your purpose for me. Lead me and guide me and show me how I can serve you each day. For all I have is yours - I will hang on to the foot of the cross and focus my sights on your ways not mine. --- Amen
Tuesday 8/10/2004
! Corinthians 11 - Paul is competing for the ears of the Corinthians with the Gnostics who believed the body and world were evil while spiritual knowledge was good. This made them look down on the cross of Christ as if they were above this type of thinking. Paul believes that those who follow Christ are God’s real people now. There is where I heard the forty lashes bit -- According to the Law of Moses, them maximum number of lashes a person could receive was forty (Deut 25.3) -- I remember thinking of this when watching The Passion - wondering if since these were guards is they didn’t obey this rule - but I think the movie went beyond interpretation to make a point. Although I really don’t know how much they whipped Jesus - I think the movie exaggerated this part. -- This is also Paul’s speech when he says he is a fool -- I have changed it to a fool for Christ - but as I read it today - I sense sarcasm in it towards the Corinthians for following other false apostles.
2 Kings 25 - Babylonia captures Jerusalem -- King Zedekiah’s sons were killed in front of him and hew was put in chains and drug off to Babylon. Seems unfair since he was appointed king anyway by Nebuchadnezzar. What follows are details of the ruin of the temple and the deaths of the priests. Jerusalem-Judah and Israel have all fallen due to their separation from God and insistence on worship of idols.
Habakkuk 2 - Don’t be proud - the LORD will not accept you - Live by faith.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 2 - Receive forgiveness, life and salvation. Where there is forgiveness of sins there is life and salvation. -- Believe!
God centers - he envelopes - he surrounds - he encompasses me with joy-life and salvation! - (Luther Rose)
Jeremiah 23 - God is near - yet fills all space-heaven and earth - speak God’s Word faithfully - His Word is like Fire - let it burn in you and be passionate about it!
Romans 7 - Who will rescue me? -- Jesus - Thanks be to God!
Psalm 88 - God - hear me when I cry to you! - You are my salvation
Prayer - God - make me a fool for you. I can only trust in you -- all else fails. I feel your presence and can sense how great you are - look at the universe - how vast and huge it is - You fill the universe yet are present in my heart. Thank you for being so great yet so specific. Lead me this day. Hear me when I cry for your direction. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/11/2004
2 Corinthians 12 - Paul talks about visions he says a man had about paradise. Others think he is actually referring to himself. He doesn’t give much detail - just that it happened and he can’t really talk about it - but it was wonderful. Then he goes on to talk about how he is just as good as the “super-apostles� -- it sure seems to me he has an image issue with the Corinthians that he is taking a little too far - I feel like I’ve heard enough about his insecurities in this area that it is beginning to make me wonder about him and why he is so hung up on his own image - it seems he has brought this subject up at least one too many times.
1 Chronicle 1-2 - A list of descendants from Adam to David -- It is important especially when you consider the time that these books were believed to have been written. It is around the time of the exile or afterwards. So the Chosen People of God may be wondering -- are they really Chosen -- so this list of family helps to reinforce that God still does care for them and family is important. I like to see the side comments made about certain people and to think about how having their name presented makes them special -- even to God today. Is my name in here somewhere? It doesn’t matter but I know there is something special between the relationship of God and his people.
Habakkuk 3 - A prayer - Boy does he praise God and all his power! How God saved Israel in the past from enemies. God will defeat evil.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 3 - Believe the words given and shed for you as you drink - you will receive forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 11 - We are surrounded by a great cloud of Faithful witnesses. - run the race - persevere - focus on Jesus!
Colossians 1 - Pray for others to be filled with God’s knowledge and to be fruitful in God’s work. Pray for their strength and endurance to be centered in the power of Christ.
Psalm 15 - Speak the truth from your heart.
Prayer - Lord let me walk with you in your kingdom - let me peek at the glory of your saints - let me see Jesus face - bring me the comfort of your grace. Fill all with your knowledge that we may see what you have done for us through Jesus - what a gift - what a life - center us in the power of Christ and enable us to challenge the evil in this world by keeping our focus on you. You are God! -- Amen
Thursday 8/12/2004
2 Corinthians 13 - In weakness comes strength. In Jesus death comes the power of resurrection. Paul warns the Corinthians who had been following the wrong leaders - that if they don’t change - when Paul visits he won’t be weak with them - they will see power and will be admonished for their actions. They need to test themselves before Paul arrives to make sure they have corrected themselves and are following Jesus.
1 Chronicles 3-4 - Descendants from David to Simeon - It is one of the most boring parts of the Bible - But it is interesting to see some of the names I have been seeing in the previous books of Kings -- then also it makes me think of my cousin Tom’s work in the couple of books he has written documenting my family origin - I love the comments here and there about how someone did something special - or even mundane. It is kind of homey -- like God’s family should be.
Zehpaniah 1 - God’s message is that he promises to destroy everything on earth. -- All your possessions will be worthless at this time. “I’ll strike you blind! Then your blood and your insides will gush out like vomit.� - how descriptive can you get --- When we separate ourselves from God - sin and worship ourselves or something else - God gets mad!
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 4 - For you! -- Jesus gives himself for you! How awesome!
Luke 12 - Jesus came to bring fire to the earth - kindle that fire in my soul that I may act and serve and witness of his glory!
Romans 12 - Love and honor others - Pray and serve - welcome strangers - bless others, even enemies - be compassionate
Psalm 108 - Wake up! Give thanks to God!
Prayer - Lord forgive me - show me my weakness - for I know when I am weak you rescue me - you give me strength and forgiveness - you will love and correct me when I stray - and for all this I give you thanks and praise. Yes you could and I wonder why you don’t just destroy me and start over. But I see in Jesus my friend that you love me - for this I give thanks. Kindle within my soul the fire of your Spirit - that I may serve you in joy - may serve others - loving them in your love and showing them your grace - and telling them the story of how you have come into my heart - for you are in all hearts if we only realize how loving you are. Wake me up today to see you in all your creation and to rejoice. --- Amen
Friday 8/13/2004
John 1 - I love the book of John and how he tells the Gospel. He tells it not so much out of recording details of Jesus life and ministry but the details of how Jesus has a relationship with your heart - the details are insignificant - it is the emotion and the work of God in my heart that John leads me most to feel -- I love this! I could care less who said what when and where and was everything literally correct - I care about how Jesus/Father/Spirit have come into my heart even though I am undeserving and what I am called to do with this joy given me. --- The Word was with God at creation - Everything receives life through God - Jesus/Word. This life freely given to us gives light - Jesus is that perfect light that darkness can never put out -- This light already defeated sin before sin was in the world - what a thought - we were saved before we even needed to be saved! - The light leads us to faith - Give me this faith! And this light shines on everyone coming into the world -- all are part of it - not just the chosen people of God but all are chosen - when Jesus was born this true light that shines on everyone is coming into the world. Jesus is light - It makes me think about the star the wise men followed -- I still have to wonder - if that was really a star -- I know that a star can’t exist that just stayed above a particular spot on earth - it just doesn’t make sense physically - not that God couldn’t do something like this - not that at all -- but God didn’t need to do this -- Jesus was light - so I think that the light glowing from Jesus at his birth was so bright that it radiated towards heaven and lit up the sky above him no matter where he moved -- to someone approaching from a distance the reflection of whatever was above Jesus at the time would look like a star shining brightly -- I like to thing about Jesus as Word/Light/Life - John brings much meaning to me in the way he writes and frees my mind to think beyond the words - I see the bright light of Jesus shining through each one of us - maybe somewhat distorted by our sins - but I must strive to let Jesus light shine brightly through me to the world that all may see Jesus light and be drawn to it --- kinda like a moth to a light bulb - I hope people smack right into the light - the light wakes them up - they realize their sins - they ask to be forgiven - they believe in Jesus saving grace and receive life from Jesus light and Word. “The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us undeserved kindness and truth.� -- Thanks be to God!
1 Chronicles 5-6 - Descendants of Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi - then about the towns the Levites were given. I still like all the small comments - made like someone familiar to the family - small talk but nice to read. But also in other respects points out those who paid attention and were thankful to God for all he had given them in life. I find it interesting that the Levi tribe of priests is in the middle of the genealogies presented -- properly so - God should be at the center of us and our Church.
Zephania 2 - God will take revenge on his enemies - his wrath is great - don’t misunderstand.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Let go of things I want to hold on to. Let go of things I am afraid to let go. Trust in God. Prepare for Christ.
Forgive the sins of those who repent
Psalm 45 - Hear - Listen to the beauty of the Spirit of God in the Church - the bride
Matthew 26 - If a friend asks to pray - then pray - don’t sleep!
Psalm 32 - Be happy - I am forgiven
Prayer - Jesus - you are Word, you are Light, you are Life -- Thank you for all you have given me. For the freedom you have granted - for sins forgiven - for food - for work - for family - for friends - for church and for life. Be with me today as I live for you. Lead and guide me on the way. Stay close - use me as your ambassador. Be with my friends in trouble and sickness - heal them and return them in joy. -- Amen
Saturday 8/14/2004
John 1 - I like the humbleness of John the Baptist - although in the book of John he is not referred to as the Baptist - just John - I think this adds to his position of humbleness- When the Jewish leaders were questioning John as to who he was -- he told them “I am only someone shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord!’ “ -- and then “Even though I came first, I am not good enough to untie his sandals.� - John knows who is God and he has his “vector� pointed in the right direction. -- John recognizes Jesus - he knows God told him that the one he baptizes and the Sprit comes down on them and stays on them - that person is Jesus. Jesus pours out this Spirit on me! Jesus is the Son of God -- a human -- like me - his love is so deep he took on flesh! John the Baptist also refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God -- Jesus was killed on the cross on the afternoon before Passover - at this time the people would have been slaying the paschal lambs for the Passover feast. Jesus became the lamb given up for my sins.
1 Chronicles 7-8 - How would you like to be the father of Shuppim and Huppim? Or how about Peresh and Sheresh? -- A female named Sheerah built the towns of Lower Beth-Horon, Upper Beth-Horon, and Uzzen-Sheerah -- I wonder what they mean by built? - Maybe she was “built� and all the guys worked like crazy for her! -- Organized-Constructed-Planned??? Sounds neat to me anyway you think of it. -- Hey there is a daughter Serah! -- Well that is kinda like walking through the Pet Cemetery looking for names of pets -- I guess it would be the Jew cemetery - but I’m not sure why I would name anyone most of any of those names - I don’t think there are many more of these chapters left - whew!
Zephaniah 3 - God will punish -- but he will also gather the faithful to serve only him. He won’t destroy the people who are truly humble and turn to him for safety. Then we will celebrate and shout with all our hearts. God will refresh my life with his love.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Let go of things I want to hold on to. Let go of things I am afraid to let go. Trust in God. Prepare for Christ.
Receive the Spirit - Forgive
Galatians 4 - Because I am a child of God - he sent the Spirit of Jesus into my heart.
Ephesians 3 - I pray God will strengthen me in my inner being with power through his Spirit and that Jesus may dwell in my heart through faith grounded in love. I want to understand! I want to love!
Psalm 16 - The LORD is my cup. Let my heart instruct me - Jesus is there.
Prayer - Lord - I remember the night you woke me from sleep - early - Sue thought I was sleep walking - you told me that you are in my heart - you told me to go look at the message you gave to me during Lent - you told me to believe - you told me to listen - you told me to obey - you told me to follow. I hear it again today - over and over- you are in my heart. You infuse your Spirit within me. Help me to let go - help me to hear - help me to serve - help me to obey and follow. Forgive my sin of doubt and defiance and lead me forward in your ways. -- Amen
Sunday 8/15/2004
John 1 - So John’s two followers recognized Jesus and followed him - they wanted to know where he lived - Jesus told them to come and see and they stayed where he lived for the rest of the day. -- Where does Jesus live - the question seems to go unanswered - I think it is in your heart -- I’ve never noticed this passage before. There is that “Come and see� phrase - Jesus used it when he told them to come and see where he lived -- Philip answered Nathaniel about if anything good could come from Nazareth - to “Come and see.� -- I need to “Come and see� -- I think here Jesus is leading all of us on to come and see where he really lives - I don’t think it was just a simple home on earth that he was talking about - it is the place in our lives that Jesus lives- I think he is talking about so much more - Jesus lives in my heart - seek and search your own heart - believe and you will see - even the blind in this case can see with wonderful eyes - Jesus lives in you! The book of John is so powerful with images!
1 Chronicles 9 - So the Israelites finally get to return to Jerusalem from being in exile in Babylonia -- this would have been Judah -- this chapter tells of the priests and all the workings of the temple being set back up - who did what etc. -- this concludes the family tree part of the book -- there is a little portion at the end of this chapter that goes back to Saul’s descendents -- preparing for the rest of the book about the story of King David.
Haggai - So finally the Jews have been allowed to return to Jerusalem after being in exile in Babylon. Remember that some of the poor has stayed in Jerusalem and the priests and more influential people went to Babylon. So they were to rebuild the temple. They started and due to some political reasons - fear of power from the outside - they stopped. Haggai shows up - after 20 years of no temple re-building -- Haggai has a message from God - chewing them out for stopping -- They live in nice homes - but have stopped rebuilding the temple -- God is ticked about this - get with it and work for the Lord. -- So it all gets me to thinking - how have I stopped building God’s temple -- have I stopped working for God -- am I turning inwards and taking care of myself instead of serving God??? --- It’s time to serve and build!
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Let go of things I want to hold on to. Let go of things I am afraid to let go. Trust in God. Prepare for Christ.
Firmly believe that when you confess - your sins are forgiven before God in heaven
Luke 1 - God lifts the humble and lowly and uses them gloriously in his kingdom -- Are you ready to hear your place and call?
Psalm 98 - Sing a new song! Make a joyful noise! Sing God’s praises with and in everything around -- musical instruments - nature and life!
Prayer - Lord prepare me - as you spoke to me this morning I see preparation - you ask for me to Come and See where you live -- you show me how the people prepare the temple after exile - you scold those who stop in their preparation and rebuilding of the temple - then you prepare Mary for the coming of God in human flesh. Prepare me -- straighten out all the evil desires I have - I confess my sins to you and believe with all my heart that you have forgiven me --- but I must trust only in you -- prepare me - prepare me for your call to action - prepare me and give me the gifts I need to work in your kingdom here and now -- prepare me to live in the kingdom you will fulfill in your return - prepare me in my dealings with others this coming week - prepare me to worship you this morning at Church - prepare me to receive the body and blood and saving grace of life and joy - prepare me to serve in your temple this morning as deacon - prepare me to keep me humble - prepare me to love others - prepare me to love you - prepare me to honor you - prepare my heart for you to be present now and always - prepare me to let your light shine brightly from the depths of my heart to the world - prepare me to let your light shine in me for all to see - prepare me to shout your name to all in every situation possible - prepare me to sing the joy of your salvation to the world - prepare me Lord - prepare me Lord! --- Amen
Monday 8/16/2004
John 2 - Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding feast - I think that is what he does with us -- as we are baptized in the waters and chosen he takes us as water blessed and called and turns our life into the wine of his blood - we live for him - we die with him - we rise again in newness of life through the wine of his blood. -- Jesus goes into the temple early in John’s account -- he is upset with what the people are doing - making money off of sacrifice -- he tells them the temple will be destroyed and a new one built in three days - they say he was talking about his body -- but I think he may also be talking about the church or me -- if you see the power of Jesus and realize truly who he is and what he has done - you will change - and not fool around - he will turn your world upside down as in the sermon - but we have to follow and not tarry.
1 Chronicle 10-11 - A story of how Saul was killed in battle - actually here it says he killed himself - they made David king -- Jerusalem was called Jebus at that time - David led an attack of the city and captured it and rebuilt it - That’s why it is called the City of David. -- Hey how would you like to be known as the son of Dodo? Eleazar was one of the three warriors - he was the son of Dodo. -- So David is thirsty and wants a drink from a well by the gate to Bethlehem - these three warriors sneak through the Philistine camp and get some water from the well near Bethlehem’s gate and bring it back - they risked their lives for this goofy request - what does David do - he pours it out and says drinking the water would be like drinking the blood of the guys who risked their lives for him -- If I was one of those three - that would be the last drink of water I ever brought back to David - what a low life!!! -- Hey Elhanan was the son of Dodo too! - here we go again - another list of crazy names! - Jonathan was the son of Shagee- wonder is he was related to Scooby? - Eliphal was the son of Ur - Ur had a hard time making up his mind - then there was Hepher - wonder if he/she was a fine looking one? - Enough of this stuff! -- these passages seem to contradict the idea that David took over a united kingdom - in Samuel - the kingdom was still not really united with some of the people supporting one of Saul’s sons.
Zechariah 1 - Zechariah encourages the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon. He starts out with a couple of visions - In a valley among myrtle trees he sees some people on horses - one red-one brown and one white horse - A man standing among the myrtle trees tells that these are the people sent to find out what is happening on earth. The horse riders discovered that the world was at peace. The angel tells us that God will rebuild Jerusalem and comfort the people -- Then he had another vision - four animal horns - the horns are the nations that scattered the Jews - then he saw four blacksmiths - they are will crush the horns. - Sounds even crazier than some of my own!
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Before God confess all sin - even those not known to us - In private confession confess those sins that trouble our heart and mind.
Romans 13 - Love each other - love is the fulfilling of the law -- look at Jesus love for us
John 14 - Don’t let my heart be troubled - God gave the Holy Spirit to me
Psalm 23 - God leads me - even through hard times - so no big deal - mercy will follow me and I will live with God
Prayer - Oh visions of a saving God - saving Jerusalem - bringing people home - rebuilding - Rebuild my life Lord - forgive my sin - forgive my complacency and inactivity - lead me in your way and calm me down I pray -- For you are at the feast -- you are the feast - in the wine you bring happiness and salvation. Give me this wine - feed my your bread and restore my path to your path. Send me in your love to love others. For you have given me the Holy Spirit to lead me - to console me - to comfort and guide me -- Thanks! --- Amen
Tuesday 8/17/2004
John 3 - Nicodemus visits Jesus and learns about being born again - He is told to believe that God loved people so much that Jesus would die for their sins as a sacrifice. We must lift Jesus up for the world to see and praise his glory - it also reminds me of the image of the cross - live in the truth and come to the light.
1 Chronicles 12 - Various names of warriors in David’s army are mentioned. Finally everyone in Israel was very happy with David as king.
Zechariah 2 - I love this vision of someone going to measure Jerusalem - he can’t because God will encircle the city - they can’t have a wall around it because it will be too full of people and animals -- let me be there! -- God will be present in Zion -- Everyone be silent! The LORD is present and moving about in his holy place. --- God is with us now!
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Examine your life and confess your sins - how have you sinned against God or another?
Romans 16 - More names -- what is it with names lately? -- I guess when you think about it God loves us all -- by name - individually -- and even here in this passage corporately - as a church of individuals gathered in the love of Christ -- Thanks be to God for all those names!
Acts 17 - “so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him - though indeed he is not far from each one of us. --- Oh how I search and grope - yet you are here in my heart -- forgive me.
Psalm 6 - Be gracious to me God!
Prayer - God - you call me by name - you pick me out - send me with clear direction today and tomorrow - lead me and show me the actions I must take. For you lead me into the light - you lead me through the trees to a wide open place of love and life in you. Oh how I grope and search for you - but all I have to do is look near - you are here - help me to listen carefully and follow. Be gracious to me for my sins are great - Forgive me and renew me and give me new life through Jesus. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/18/2004
John 3 - John wasn’t in jail yet (John the Baptist) - It’s funny to me that it is pointed out that he was around a lot of water - and people were coming to him . He is so humble he still point out the Jesus must become more important, while I become less important. God gave Jesus everything - I think this is pointed out for our benefit -- Jesus is truly God - one with the Father - But this John surrounded by water - Baptism - when we are baptized - daily we should remember our baptism - we are surrounded by water like a baby wrapped in a blanket (uhggg- makes me think of Michael Jackson) - oh well - wrapped with the saving grace of God’s water -cleansed and called to be one of his - then as we come out of all the water -- we are surrounded with - we are free to love, serve and obey our Lord in joy --- Surrounded by water----
1 Chronicle 13-14 - David decides the ark needs to be centralized in Jerusalem so a group goes to the house of Abinadab - put the chest on a new ox cart and Aninadab’s Sons Uzzah and Ahio guide the cart . Well as they are going along the oxen stumble and Uzzah reaches out to take hold of the chest to stop it from falling - God killed Uzzah right there because this made him mad. Wow! Seems pretty cruel - the guy was just trying to help -- I’m not sure about the punishment - that’s Gods reasoning - but when you think about trust - God wants us to fully trust him - Uzzah didn’t have enough trust to think that the ark falling wouldn’t mean a thing in God’s eyes - God can take care of that -- that is expecting a whole bunch of trust - I think this is what God wants me to understand - trust - really trust -- and if I don’t - it will make God mad -- God killed Uzzah -- of course maybe too God kills me - especially daily to a sinful life without trust in God - Jesus give life and salvation -- hmmmm. Well anyway I suppose David had some of these same thoughts - cause he figured well maybe I’m not ready to have this ark in Jerusalem just yet - and they drop it off with Obed-Edom in Gath for three months till they sort things out on this deal. Then there is a pause in the ark story and a couple of battles which seem to unite and seal Israel’s support of David as king -- And seal David’s honesty and dependence of God - you can see David’s trust in God.
Zechariah 3 - Another vision - I love this guy! -- anyway Zechariah sees Joshua standing in front of God’s angel - Satan is standing on Joshua’s right side, ready to accuse him - then angel tells Satan that God chose Jerusalem and that Satan is wrong -- about what I don’t know -- and that Joshua is like a stick rescued from a flaming fire. Then they talk about Joshua’s clothes being filthy - So the angel told the people to take Joshua’s clothes off - he is dressed in priestly clothes and told that if he obeys he will be put in charge of the temple and can talk to the angels any time he needs to -- and that God is going to bring back my servant, the Chosen King. -- Well remember Satan is an angel a fallen angel -- so here is Joshua standing before the angelic host with Satan ready to accuse him - he becomes a priest - you talk about called - this guy was called! -- it makes me think of how Jesus was tempted before his ministry began - there is that old Satan again - ready to work his tricks - but Jesus knows his purpose - and then God removes the dirt of Joshua’s sins in his clothes and blesses him with clean clothes - a new life - turns it all around - Joshua is told of a Chosen King -- I like how you can see Jesus in the O/T - see his glory and he isn’t even born yet - but Jesus still exists - God took care of our salvation before we even knew we needed it!
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
I name my sins before you - I repent and promise to do better with your help
Romans 16 - Watch out for the smooth talking Christians who may mislead you - see if they are serving Jesus or themselves. Follow God!
Isaiah 30 - Wait for God - in quietness and in trust
Psalm 130 - I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope
Prayer - Well that sort of clears things up -- I will wait for you Lord - I will wait in quietness and trust. I see how David needed to wait and trust - he couldn’t force the ark to his own home of Jerusalem -- you will come in your time. Forgive me for being forceful of my time - I will wait. Remove the dirty clothes of my sin and wash me in your baptismal water clean - put your clothes on me that I may serve you in your kingdom. I wait for the Chosen King to act in your time. For what I may think is a long time is a snap of the fingers to you - I will wait. I will wait surrounded by your waters. I will trust - forgive me for reaching out to catch the ark - who do I think I am - I must trust! -- Amen
Thursday 8/19/2004
John 4 - I didn’t realize until now that Jesus disciples baptized people during his ministry. Jesus meets the woman at the well. They talk about life giving water just after this statement on baptism. I always related the water to baptism and Jesus saving grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit in baptism - but this lead in verse makes it clearer. Jesus points out that true worship is lead by the Spirit not the place - like to worship in Jerusalem - which to Jews was very important - but left the Samaritans out. I found that in Greek the living water also means running water. This is a different view - this even points to water that gives eternal life - never ends.
1 Chronicles 15 - So David tries to move the ark the right way this time - he seeks God’s advice ahead of time - It sounds like a celebration this time - the ark is moved to Jerusalem. Michal - David’s wife was disgusted with David’s dancing and celebration -- I think she was really jealous of the love of God David was showing and wanted this all for herself. Commentators and others feel it is because she thought it was because this action was unfitting for a king. Could be - but I like my explanation better. She was focusing on herself and not God -- like all of us do from time to time.
Zechariah 4 - Ok so he sees a solid gold lamp stand with an oil container above it and olive trees on each side of the oil container - the lamp stand has seven lamps. The angel explains that the lamps are God’s eyes - he can see everything - seven is usually symbolic of completeness - the olive trees are two chosen leaders whose oil flows from their branches into the oil container. Some believe these leaders to be Joshua nd Zerubbabel. Zerubbable was governor of Judah and Joshua was the high priest (don’t get confused with the Joshua that took the Israelites into the Promised Land -- this setting is after the exile). -- So the olive oil was used to light the lamps - the lamps gave light to the trees and the trees give oil to the lamps. This shows the Spirit will guide the leaders. - So is someones explanation. Two sources agree with this -- I find it interesting to think that the main point is that the leaders find their direction from God -- If only I followed this always and all leaders also today - what a difference it would make in the world.
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Don’t torture yourself with imaginary sins.
Psalm 103 - Bless God - he takes care of all my needs.
Luke 10 - Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit - I like this thought! - Jesus reveals himself as God to the lowly disciples -- not to big time prophets or high priestly - but to the common people. Kinda neat!
Psalm 8 - God exults the regular people - he makes them just a little lower than God - Kinda neat!
Prayer - Lord, thank you for coming to the lowly people - to the common people - to the humble people - to those who serve - you have revealed yourself to me and I give you thanks. You bring me up - you build respect in others and show your love. May I always see and show this respect to all who serve - to all who society deems as the lowly servants. For they are the proud ones - their pride is in you - Keep my focus on you and my pride on you and away from myself. May I rejoice in the Holy Spirit this day and see your love in my world. May I give your love to others I see this day that they may see you shining brightly. May I tell the story today of your place in my life - of how you are active with me and how you can be active in any person’s life. If it be your wish - show me an image - give it meaning and bring me to your understanding of my place here and now. -- Amen
Friday 8/20/2004
John 4 - So here is Jesus with Samaritans - hated by Jews -- He talks to the woman and the woman realizes who he is and immediately goes and tells all the people she knows. I have met Jesus too. - I must tell everyone I know about Jesus - sometimes I sin and don’t do this with the enthusiasm this woman had -- why? - the story is so wonderful - if the faith is truly present and the belief is honest and true - I should tell the story loudly and clearly - help me to do this Lord - and not only to friends but to everyone - for you send me into the world to proclaim my story of how you are in my life - make me bold! -- Then the disciples begin to worry about weather Jesus has ate or not - this passage is sited as one in which Jesus must have been fasting. Jesus tells them that his food is to do what God wants. In the same way Jesus feeds our spirit - he provides all we need both for body and spirit - to do God’s work. I am to do God’s work - that is why God created me and feeds me with everything I need daily - to do God’s work - not to feed myself and do what I want but to do God’s work. Many Samaritans had faith and were certain that Jesus was the Savior.
1 Chronicles 16 - David sings praises to God. The tent is set up in Gibeon about six miles northwest of Jerusalem in the area of Benjamin. It is here until Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem. David sings tell everyone what he has done. Then David chooses those priests who will serve and the musicians. I am told here to tell everyone what God has done for me - he created me and sustains me -- even the trees will sing God’s praise. This is what God created the world for - to praise and honor him and worship only him - may I do this all my life - praise the Lord for what he has done - God provides everything needed in life - use it to the Lord and serve in his kingdom.
Zechariah 5 - Two more visions - the first is of a very large scroll - it tells of the people who lie in God’s name and rob -- the people in exile returning will not all be faithful - sin will still exist and God is warning them of this. The next vision is of a basket with a lead lid - inside is an evil woman - The angel opens the lid then puts the woman back in and slams the lid closed. Then a couple of women come from the sky and take the basket to Babylonia. The evil must stay here and the Jews returning to Jerusalem should leave their sins behind. They won’t completely has demonstrated by the huge scroll. I am to trust in the Spirit - throw my sins into the basket and leave them behind -- God forgives sins and changes my life -- Even though the sin doesn’t completely leave me - I continue to sin and do that I don’t want to do -- help me to repent and day after day through the waters of my baptism bury the evil of my sin in the basket and leave them behind - try to change myself with the help of the Spirit.
Show obedience fron the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Receive God’s forgiveness and be reassured through God’s word.
Isaiah 58 - Take care of the poor, hungry, and needy - this is what God would have us do. Honor God and not yourself - go God’s way not my own.
Philippians 1 - Be together as Christians - live in one mind and spirit and stand firm in the faith - not intimidated by opponents.
Psalm 35 - If I am threatened by this world - remember God will deliver me.
Prayer - Lord - you give me your word - you give me images with meaning - I see how you have worked through the ages and praise your wisdom, power and strength. You alone I praise - the entire world you created for praise to you. I see the trees sing your praises. Forgive me when I fail to trust in all you have provided. You are giving and gracious and I give you thanks. You defend me and take care of me when in trouble or danger and I give you thanks. You show me my sin - but you go way beyond that and forgive it and change me and send me into your world to proclaim the story to all of your saving grace in my life - in a personal way yet in a corporate way. You come to me and are in me and I give you thanks. Be with the poor and needy - help me to reach out to all and be compassionate and providing them with the gifts you give - help me to level it out - help me to raise the resources needed to care for all and provide for all in all the ways you have provided for me - both physically and spiritually. Lead me in this day and direct my actions and words. In Jesus name I pray. --- Amen
Saturday 8/21/2004
John 4 - This is about the official whose son was ill at home. Jesus does heal the son but there is a twist to this one. Usually Jesus asks for the person to have faith and believe then the healing takes place -- this time Jesus realizes that this man won’t have faith until he sees the healing. So Jesus heals anyway. Once the man realizes what has happened his whole family has faith. I guess Jesus wants to save us anyway he can. Just think of the sacrifice and the unnecessary suffering he endured on the cross - he wants to save us anyway he can. It’s hard - I think impossible to understand this kind of love. But I want Jesus to help me with this love so I can love others as he loved me. For me that’s a huge change!
1 Chronicles 17 - Here Nathan brings word to David from God - David is not to build the temple - that would be what Solomon does - however God does tell David that his family will always rule Israel. When you look back you think maybe this didn’t happen since the kingdom split up - one half was overtaken by Assyria and the other half overtaken by Babylonia -- but the promise held true then and will always hold true - Jesus was from this same family. Now here is the strange thing to think about - Jesus was with God at creation - so this ruler has always been in place. God takes provides for us before we even know we need provided for -- wow!
Zechariah 6- Another vision - this one has four chariots with different colored horses coming through a gap between two mountains. I find it interesting to read this at this time as I sit in the Appalachian Mountain range in the small town of Blowing Rock -- Both commentaries state that it is believed that God exists on the other side of those mountains. Then I relate that somewhat to the image I had of the trees and the light and this brings more meaning. It seem they get this idea because the four chariots and horses had just met with God and their job was to split up in each direction and patrol and protect the earth. This is the time after the exile - the Jews are returning to Jerusalem and I’m sure they still felt very vulnerable to the political powers of the day. So God brings them comfort and protection. -- The next passage his how Joshua will be the new ruler of the Jews - This is a good thing.
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
God protects me.
Hebrews 12 - God appeared to Moses in amazing ways on the mountain - I think he appears to me in amazing ways - maybe not the same way with Moses - but in my spirit - in his Word - in other people - if I really think about all the ways it is amazing - through prayer - through actions of myself and others - God appears in nature all around me - in things I daily take for granted -- God appears in amazing ways - always has and always will - Believe and have trust and faith in God.
Isaiah 42 - Sing to the LORD a new song -- just as in Hebrews above -- think of all the ways God sings to us through creation - creation sings to God in return a new song - Let me be in that choir!
Psalm 150 - Let everything that breathes praise the LORD -- praise him in every way you can think of.
Prayer - Lord you heal - you even prove it to me so I can believe. You care for your children in great and awesome ways. Even when we sin and separate ourselves from you - go our own way - think we can take care of ourselves - think we can rule over each other - think we can judge and control one another - forgive my sin and change and renew me. Work your Holy Spirit in my life to redirect me - to change me and make me as you would have me to be. I praise and sing songs of you and all you have done -- really you don’t need to do anything but you do - you care for all of my needs and I give thanks and praise. Use me this day in your service here on this earth. I would be so honored to serve you! -- Amen
Sunday 8/22/2004
John 5 - Jesus heals a man who couldn’t walk. This man would stay beside the pool at Bethseda. The man told Jesus he couldn’t be healed because no one would help him when the waters were stirred up. It was thought that an angel stirred up the water in the pool and the first person in the pool would receive healing. Jesus told him to pick up his mat and walk and the man did. This was on the Sabbath. So the Jewish leaders, when they saw the man, asked him who healed him and why he was carrying a mat which was illegal on the Sabbath. The man didn’t know who Jesus was - later when he saw Jesus the man reported to the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus that had healed him. This made the Jewish leaders so mad that they wanted to kill Jesus - because Jesus told them he was the son of God and had told the man to carry his mat. The man is healed by Jesus command and not by the man’s faith in Jesus - Jesus instructs the man to go and not sin -- not that his sin had caused his earlier disability. But the man still goes and tells the Jewish leaders about Jesus. Jesus seems to do much healing on the Sabbath. Doesn’t he still today - when we gather in fellowship and the Holy Spirit is present - I think we receive healing too -- but we must go into the world forgiven of our sins and sin no more - but we still sin and need Jesus throughout our lives -- heal me Jesus!
1 Chronicles 18-19 - David and his commanders and troops went to battle many times. As long as they focused on God for their source of strength they would win. They brought back precious metals that would be later used in the temple that Solomon would build for God. Some enemies would send gifts to David to try and avoid attack by the Israelites.
Zechariah 7 - Ok - so now the Jews are rebuilding the temple after the exile. There was a custom to fast for a while in remembrance of the destruction of the temple. Joshua wanted to know if they should still do this. He is told that the fasting that was done in the past was for the wrong reasons - it was more of a selfish fast -- that now we should take care of the widow, the orphan, the poor etc. and not fast at this time. I think it was an attempt to tell the Jews to turn around and not follow any of the bad habits of their ancestors that did not focus belief on God. It appears to me that possibly the fast was more of a worship of the old temple - and the Jews in exile were mourning the loss - so they were no longer looking to God but having a pity party for themselves in this type of fast.
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
May I serve you and please you
Luke 13 - Jesus heals a woman who had lived a hard life and had become crippled and bent over on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders got ticked off again because Jesus was healing on the Sabbath. Jesus pointed out that even on the Sabbath if an animal had some problem we would take care of it -- why won’t we even more so take care of each other - even if it is the Sabbath? It makes me give thanks that this idea has changed - can you imagine all the pain and suffering if we literally kept this law today and wouldn’t help any of the sick and dying in our hospitals, nursing homes, on the battlefield and on and on. I think that Jesus is showing us how to love each other - yes the laws are important but God also sent us to serve and love one another and keep correct focus on our purpose - show God to each other - let your light so shine that others may see your good gifts and glorify their Father in heaven -- Go - heal - serve. Even on the Sabbath - it is how God would have us love each other. Stop being bent over - praise God for what he has done - Jesus will bring you health and salvation and life so that you may gladly serve him in his kingdom.
Colossians 3 - “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.� -- “Above all, clothe yourselves with love� -- This is the healing theme again - Go into the world - I especially think of this after praising and worshipping God on a Sunday - Go into the world and act right - what’s wrong with you boy? - Get with it - God gives a pep talk every Sunday and sends us out of the huddle to the world to love others.
Psalm 103 - Bless the Lord O my soul -- you ever sit and think of all God has given you? - The list goes on and on - even in the painful times - I can see a lesson taught - a new skill learned - a new gift given. It’s amazing - you can go from the physical things of this world - to people - family, friends, church etc - to spiritual and on and on -- how can we not “Bless the Lord O my soul� -- ?
Prayer - Lord when I think about my life at this point in time - I see that right now I am being refreshed - given rest - give time with family - given time away. These are all good gifts from you. But as you renew me - as you feed me with your Word - with your body and blood - you also heal me. May I receive this healing - run off into the world and loudly praise your name - serve you in all the work you have set before me - fulfill the calls you have given me for even the next few months - it is fun to play with you - it is fun to serve with you - it is fun to pray with you - it is fun to gather all the other kids on the block and play together - it is fun all the games you think up - it is fun to try new things with you - to try new games - some I am good at - some I see where one of my other friends are good at and I’m not so good at that - but if we don’t play together the games and try out your new games - how would I ever know - thanks for letting me play - thanks for not caring if I win or lose the game - thanks for showing me the games I’m good at and the games one of my other friends are good at. When we pick sides - with all my friends we can choose each other for how we can help each other - no one is left out - all can kick, pass, block or run and after we combine all of our efforts I can see how they show your love to the world. Let me play and serve with you and my friends this week - so that the orphan, widow, poor, hungry and all may see and feel the love of Jesus as we play in your kingdom. For you gave me the freedom to play - you came to my house and wanted to know if Billy could come out and play - I saw and now know who your friends were that were at the door with you -- I want to play -- Mom! I’ll be back sometime later! I’m going to play! - Bye! -- Amen
Monday 8/23/2004
John 5 - Jesus tells the people how he and God are one - The message and ministry he has is from and of God. That everyone who hears the message and has faith in Jesus has eternal life. He tells how the scriptures (O/T) told about him. This whole passage seems very serious to me - it looks as if there is deep meaning in every word. Every time I read it I always feel like I am missing something in the message. But I continue to have a simple faith. I find it interesting that Jesus tells them that if you hear the message you must have faith in Jesus -- it would be easy to make the mistake of having faith in the message. I think many people today have faith in the message but may not have faith in Jesus - huge difference - and an easy trap for me to fall into also -- So keep the focus on Jesus - then have faith in Jesus.
1 Chronicles 20-21 - Joab went to battle with the Ammonites - David went to Rabbah and took the jewel from the crown and put it in his crown. Much gold was taken here. Then Israel fought a battle against the Philistines at Gezer and won. This opened a route between Israel and the sea which would be important for delivery of goods and supplies. The Rephaim are mentioned here - they are believed to be a nation of giants - one of them had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. Here Goliath is mentioned to have been killed by David’s nephew Jonathan. Is this the same Goliath? Some think so - others think not. David decides to count the people in Israel so he can get an idea of how large his army could be. Joab told David not to do this but he did it anyway. The first verse in chapter 21 states that Satan decided to cause trouble for Israel. This showed that David was depending on the strength of himself and men to protect Israel and not on God. God didn’t like this and gave David a choice of three different kinds of punishment. David chose the punishment that would least likely hurt the people of Israel - three days of horrible disease to strike David’s people. David repents and asks for God’s forgiveness and prays. The LORD’s angel tells the prophet Gad to tell David to purchase some land at Araunah’s threshing place and build an altar there. David does so - Araunah wanted to give the land to David but David insisted on buying it. God sends fire on the altar - David offers sacrifices there and decides that the temple must be built here. I find a couple of interesting points here - the altar and the subsequent temple were built on a threshing place - this is where wheat was separated - it was sometimes a rock where a board with sharp stone on it that would separate the stalks from the kernels - the bundles were beaten and crushed to make this separation. This being where the temple would be built reminds me of the presence of God - even when Jesus is beaten - even when Christians are persecuted - the valuable kernels are separated and made holy - I know this may be stretching the text some - but it makes me wonder. This rock is believed to be the flat rock under the Done of the Rock in Jerusalem today -- then I think of how the church is built on the rock of Jesus - and how Jesus renamed Peter - Petros - Rock - the first to lead the church after Jesus resurrection.
Zechariah 8 - The Jews now will finally live in a happy Jerusalem. The fasting is to be fasting of joy and happiness - the few remaining are blessed again by God - they still must obey and serve only him but God promises that the nations that had persecuted the Jews and taken them into exile will look up to them for favor with God.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Fear love and trust God above everything else.
2 Samuel 7 - Nathan speaks to David who wants to build a temple for God -- but I think God means that this temple will actually be within each one of us -- God will reside in us through the Holy Spirit - In Jesus - In our hearts - not in some temple - God promises David that a member of his family will always rule Israel - that family member is fulfilled in Jesus - Jesus temple is within us - in our hearts - As Christians we are given the Holy Spirit - to empower us - give us gifts and send us forth to serve and love and minister and fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel -- that is where God really resides -- not just in some temple inside of some box.
1 Samuel 15 - If you reject the Word of God -- repent - hurry up and correct yourself - ask God to forgive you and worship only him.
Psalm 110 - God is always with me.
Prayer - Jesus my friend - I come to you this day - You are the center of the temple in my life - you are in my heart - I don’t need a box to put you in - Send your Spirit to me to give me the power, gifts, love and compassion to serve in the world this day and this week. Lead and guide my speech and actions. I praise you for the Word sent through others yesterday in worship and praise services all over the world and in our nation and home towns. I thank you for being so easy to approach in worship. Bless all this day returning to their places of work, school and life that they may reflect the glory you show them in you. You are life and you change hearts and you change lives. You forgive and send us -- thanks! --- Amen
Tuesday 8/24/2004
John 6 - Feeding five thousand with a few loaves of bread - it reminds me of a couple of things - one in which Luther was commenting about how God has no problem with space or time - the space portion fascinates me - like turning bread into enough for five thousand people - appearing to have walked through doors -- etc. -- Then this passage also reminds me of the manna given to the Israelites in the wilderness - God will provide when needed - trust and obey and believe. -- Afterwards Jesus went up to pray while the disciples went out in the boat - this one is a little different - the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water - wanted to take him into the boat - but the boat suddenly reached shore where they were headed. Jesus still assured them that he was Jesus and not to be afraid. I’m not sure what to make of this difference - many times I think the book of John means so much more than is at first obvious - but this difference puzzles me. Why is it so different from the other accounts of this same story?
1 Chronicles 22-23 - So David is preparing things so his son Solomon can build the temple - he is trying to get everything ready - I would do the same with Bryan - I would try to get everything ready for him to take over and continue ministry - I think this is a natural thing for fathers. Then here we go again with another list of names of the Levites to serve in the temple taking care of everything needed. The planning and organization. A couple of other things occurred to me here also. They brought in bronze - tin mixed with copper - David uses many of the people he captured in battle to help with the temple - it makes me think of how God has included us as his chosen people also - mixing us together - melting our lives with his peoples lives and making all creation one in service to God -- then the use of olive oil to be mixed in with the sacrifices to be made to God -- olive oil is made by crushing the olives and pouring the pulp into a cloth basket - the oil drips through the cloth - in our own sacrifice to God - God takes us and crushes us - removes all the pulp of sin and uses the pure parts of our lives in a sacrifice of service and praise to him and to serve others in his kingdom.
Zechariah 9 - Healing and restoration for Jerusalem -- “Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout! You king has won a victory, and he is coming to you. He is humble and rides on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a donkey.� -- Jesus comes to me - humble - yet powerful -- Jesus comes into my life with salvation - Choose life!
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Call on God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving.
John 1 - See Jesus - he is the one - run and tell others - believe in him - Jesus will show you many things!
1 Peter 1 - “love one another deeply from the heart.� -- I think this is the deep deep love God is trying and does show us -- I just can’t figure it out - this is a very different kind of love - I get peeks of it now and then and feel it now and then - but can’t quite figure it out - I don’t think anyone else has either except Jesus - all the explanations and definitions I have seen “man� write about it fall short of the feeling it gives. This may be a good thing though - it keeps me on my toes - it makes me hope for the future - it makes me get a glimpse of the kingdom to come.
Psalm 5 - “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.�
Prayer - Lord - you feed me with bread I can’t even imagine - you pray and come to me in miraculous ways - I see you on the water of my baptism - you come to me in life - you come to me humble in this simple water - with your powerful Word and Spirit you save and lead and guide me. Restore my life from exile - melt me in with all your people and enrich my life with your church and Christian fellowship. I choose you joyfully and accept your grand gift of grace and love - be my guest in my life - I focus on you - Change me - You set me free to stand up and praise you to and with others - you allow me to see you in others - You show me a love so deep I can’t even describe it - you show this love in your church and friends and in the deep places of my heart - I will watch and listen for you all day long. Thank you God for being God. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/25/2004
John 6 - Jesus confused the people when he showed up on the other side of the lake - they knew he didn’t leave in a boat but somehow got to the other side. The people asked what God wanted them to do - Jesus told them to have faith - then the people wanted a miracle to show that they can have faith in him. Jesus told them that he was the bread of life - like the manna that came to the Israelites - but better - by eating his flesh and drinking his blood you will never be thirsty or hungry again. He was sent from God - well I imagine this about blew their minds - he wasn’t speaking of physical hunger - but of spiritual hunger - It’s true though - when I take communion I am accepting Jesus into my life and physically into my being - I allow Jesus and the Spirit to work in me - life is given - but I must receive it and believe it and have the faith Jesus was talking about. In this passage the Eucharist becomes common place - a new spiritual ritual of the church instituted by Jesus - and new beginning with very new meaning for the people of this day and into the future.
1 Chronicles 24 - Here’s another exciting chapter where David assigns priests to the temple and gives all their wonderful names along with their wonderful family names too - boy! This stuff seems to give theologians something to argue over. I wonder if they ever considered that the person writing all this detailed stuff down may have gotten a little confused - what’s the big point?
Zechariah 10 - God will take care of the Jews and make them strong once again - If they need anything like rain for their crops they are to pray to God - may I pray to God for all of my needs and trust in him.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Don’t neglect God’s Word!
Acts 3 - Peter and John heal a crippled man - not with silver and gold but with the power of the name of Jesus - yes we have this power too - it is given to us through the Spirit if we only believe and use it God can change anything - but only if God wants to - we are not the ones in control - God is - we cannot forget - God is God - it’s so easy to get that all screwed up. -- Oh there it is again - A quote from Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - “Christ in our Home� -- “God put us in a view creation each day. The covers we throw off each morning are the beautiful gate into a world where God is working and playing, singing and dancing, praising and leaping --- and inviting us into the wonder and joy of it all.� --- Hey! Let’s play!
Ezekial 21 -That’s a little weird - It is about the attack of Nebuchadrezzar on the Jews - he uses some weird ways I like to read about to make decisions - like how they used to read shapes in sheep livers to make decisions -- now I wonder who thunk that one up!?
Psalm 2 - Serve God - fear his wrath - if you truly reject God - look out!
Prayer - You are the Bread of Life - I believe - I have faith - I have trust in you. But I know all things won’t just be great all the time. I will trust in you and look to you for you are there - I know it and feel it. Forgive me when I make a mess of things - forgive my sins and renew me - Change me and place your feed the flame of your Spirit in my life. -- Amen
Thursday 8/26/2004
John 6 - Well this revelation form Jesus about his body and blood and being the Son of God really put the disciples of Jesus at odds. Some of them even left - but the twelve stayed with him. A couple of verses struck me “The Spirit is the one who gives life! Human strength can do nothing.� and “Then Jesus said, “You cannot come to me, unless the Father makes you want to come.� --- It kind of straightens things out - If we think we can save ourselves by coming to Jesus - then who do we think we are - we already have the answer - but God makes us want to come - we don’t want to come on our own. That’s a difficult thought to think about.
1 Chronicles 25-26 - David set up all these different people in the temple - I like one of the comments about music - “Music was part of the offering of praise to God and helped people experience worship and hear God’s word more easily.� - -- “Everyone was responsible for something, whether young or old, teacher or student.� - You talk about church organization - here is a good reference. “andd they let the LORD show them what he wanted done.� -- Another interesting thought is that all of these people were referred to as Levites -- like priests - or like ministers. We are all called to ministry the same.
Zechariah 11 - This passage about the worthless shepherd is puzzling to me. I can see where we need to obey God - and that there may be some leaders who value money above God -- but it seems there is some reference to Judas here but not clear in my mind “So they handed me my wages, a measly thirty pieces of silver. Then the LORD said, “Thorw the money into the treasury.� So I threw the money into the treasury at the LORDS’s temple. Then I broke the stick named “Unity�� --- sounds like Judas betrayal to me - but I didn’t see any comment in the commentaries - this surprised me. -- Maybe a deeper search.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Respect obey, love and serve your parents and those in authority.
Psalm 112 - Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Roman 12 - Be transformed by the renewing of your minds - so that you may discern the will of God - then the gifts God give us are mentioned and the idea of the body of Christ --
Psalm 116 - lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD - I am your servant - you have loosed my bonds
Prayer - Jesus - you present to me deep concepts - body-blood-bread-wine - yet you feed me and sustain all life - you cause many people to deep thought and to be either convicted by their faith or they turn the other way - I choose to follow you - trusting you and having faith in you. Help me to keep my values straight - to not betray you for money - to see where the priorities must fall. Forgive me and straighten me out when I wander off the path - transform my mind so that I can hear and discern you will and call in my life. I am your servant - but it is easy to serve because of the joy and happiness you give me by what you have already done for me and all people. Thanks --- Amen
Friday 8/27/2004
John 7 - It was time for the Festival of Shelters Jesus brothers were trying to convince him to go so he could let his disciples see what he is doing. But Jesus didn’t want to go yet - it wasn’t his time. So the brothers went on without him. Then Jesus decides to go secretly. I think what is going on here is that Jesus doesn’t want people to believe in him only because of his miracles - so he doesn’t want to make a show of things in this way - but he wants them to understand the message more than just come for healing and miracles. So Jesus shows up in the temple- Of course the Jewish leaders are in an uproar over all he has done and question Jesus about how he knows what he is teaching. They know Jesus doesn’t hadn’t been taught or anything. Jesus is great though - he tells them that what he teaches comes from the one who sent him (God) -- not some other man who thunk somthin up. Jesus didn’t want to bring honor to himself like Professor Upandcoming would -- he just wanted to lay out the truth for the people from God. Well this fired the whole bunch up and they brought Moses into the picture and the Law and told Jesus he was crazy. So Jesus wanted to know why they wanted to kill him. The crowd replied your crazy - who wants to kill you? Then Jesus tells them about how they judged him for healing on the Sabbath and tells them toe not judge by appearances but to judge by what is right. You can see many people doubt Jesus - even with the miracles - it seems the whole miracle thing turned in to something selfish - heal me!- not on the basis of belief but just to be healed - Jesus teaching was much deeper than this - He came from God and was trying to get that through - but it seems all the people want is either to maintain their religious power or to be rescued from some sickness or out of poverty. Maybe I don’t get it all today either and am the same way - I’m listening though.
1 Chronicles 27-28 - David sounded like a good manager - the assignment of all the people to tasks divided up so everyone could serve - then he called a special meeting - after following the LORD’s commands and directions he put the plans together for the temple - all the planning work and organization was done - he turned them over to Solomon. I like this statement which shows a good example of how maybe Zion whould operate - David is speaking “The LORD showed me how his temple is te be built. But you must see that everything is done according to these plans. Be confident, and never be afraid of anything or get discouraged. The LORD my God will help you do everything needed to finish the temple, so it can be used for worshiping him.� - Sounds like good timely advice for Zion today.
Zechariah 12 - God will protect Jerusalem - he will show that he is all powerful and that he is the source of strength. Then Zechariah starts talking about how the people and the land - the men and women will mourn for the one they pierced - sounds like Jesus to me - when they pierced his side - some debate that it may be Zechariah -- but I think it is referring to Jesus.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Help your neighbor
Proverbs 25 - Be humble
Philippians 1 - “This is my prayer, that you love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best…�
Psalm 119 - Teach me good judgment and knowledge - keep me humble
Prayer - Lord - keep me humble - forgive me when I look to you for displays of healing and miss the point - You are God - you teach - you give wisdom - you humble me - let me hear the message and not just look for the selfish action of receiving healing. You will heal but not because of me - I see your healing in your love - a love so deep it is beyond human understanding. May I reflect some tiny ray of this love today to my neighbor - whomever that may be - today. Keep me humble in the process - for it will be your ray of light and not my own - your message of salvation - not my own. You are God and I thank and praise you. --- Amen
Saturday 8/28/2004
John 7 - Jesus really confused these people - especially the common people of the day - some thought he was the Messiah some thought a prophet or both. The Jewish leaders did not believe he was the Messiah. Nicodemus had some doubt and being on of the Jewish leaders - he wanted them to listen to him but he was put down by the others saying that the Messiah won’t come from Galilee. But it seem many didn’t realize Jesus was born in Bethlehem - they only saw him as coming from Nazareth - and they didn’t realize he was also from the line of David. The crowd of people were split - some wanted to kill him - some put their faith in him. Some figured he must be the Messiah because of all the miracles he had worked. But God didn’t let their hands come against Jesus because it wasn’t his time yet. During this festival and towards the end of it a group of priests would go to the pool of Siloam and fill a container of water to bring it back to the temple and the people would follow the priests back to the temple with the water. Jesus stood up and shouted to them that if they had faith in him they would have life-giving water flowing from deep inside them. They would have the Holy Spirit - but this didn’t make sense to many of the people either and it made some of them mad because they were hearing the truth from Jesus which to them sounded like he was trying to be God. This Spirit and life-giving water is powerful for me - especially the “deep inside� part. I can feel the Spirit help me realize this “deep� love and I can’t explain it - but it must be given to all I come in contact with and my explanation must be based on faith in Jesus. Another point that stands out since the Chronicles readings have been about how David set up all the people/priests in the temple is the use of the temple police that David mentioned - the Pharisees heard all the people arguing about Jesus and sent the temple police to arrest them - this is the very same group of people that David set up years earlier to work in the temple - it is unfortunate that they didn’t see Jesus as the Messiah - but then I wonder again if this wasn’t all part of God’s plan - because Jesus time had not yet come - were they blinded by what they were seeing ? Am I blinded by times when I see Jesus? Maybe - sometimes - but God leads me to believe and for those times God let’s me see that I am blinded I repent and ask forgiveness - So maybe the whole controversy is a little deeper than I can imagine - If we realize we are blinded we will look much deeper - very deep - and beyond miracles to seek Jesus and our faith will grow - this can be a blessing from God.
1 Chronicles 29- David led by example - he gave from his riches to build the temple to give to God - because it is God’s temple - then others responded the same way. God is special and our gifts are actually returning the gifts God has given us. Then again David leads by example - he praised God for all he has done - then told the people it was their turn to give God the praise and glory. Then Solomon is crowned king. It is neat that David went out and finished his reign as king praising God and giving God the glory - yet sending his son to act on his faith in honor of God for God to be held high as the real King. I like to thing about David’s prayer - It begins with praise - then a reflection on self - then a confirmation of why he took the actions he did - then a call to action. It begins with God - looks inward and then looks outward back to God -- seems like a good model for some prayers. What a model David gives for leading people - don’t just lead them with words - be an example and lead them with your actions then put forth a challenge for the people to respond -- sounds like Jesus ministry - he led by action and put forth a challenge to me - will I believe and follow? Yes!!
Zechariah 13 - How things seem to tie together sometimes amazes me! - “In the future there will be a fountain, where David’s descendants and the people of Jerusalem can wash away their sin and guilt.� After reflection of today’s reading from John this fountain must contain the life-giving water Jesus was talking about - Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit -- Wow! - You, LORD, are our God! -- what more can we say - we will be like gold and silver purified - this is through smelting - when the metals are melted together and the impurities are burnt off - so it won’t be easy but in the end we know God will purify us - we won’t purify ourselves because God forgives us through Jesus crucifixion, death and resurrection of our lives - no more are visions or prophets needed because we have Jesus and through the Spirit all the visions will point straight to his grace on the cross - God has come and has come to us! - Thanks be to God!
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
In matters of sex - keep my words and conduct pure and honorable.
Hebrews 13 - This chapter is good advice on how to live. Let mutual love continue - this is a deep statement and I wonder if many of us misunderstand the love of God and twist it into something worldly - God’s love is hard to understand but we have Jesus to look at and see that love in action to help us understand this love. Compassion is deep in this passage - our love for each other must have this compassion. With this love we will confess God’s name as the fruit of lips and we will continually praise God.
Revelation 22 - Hey! The “Tree Song� - there it is the Tree of Life -- I love that song ! Wash my robes - I want to have the gith to the Tree of Life and enter by the city gates! - Forgive me and wash me with you Life-Giving water that I may feed from the Tree of Life!
Psalm 39 - I am silent; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
Prayer - Jesus - Life-Giving Water - Tree of Life - come to me this day - dwell within my heart -set me straight - show me my sins - forgive my sin - fill my heart with that deep love only you can show - fill me with your Spirit - show me your creation - show me life - give me compassion - develop the gifts you have filled me with - accept my praise - puncture my heart so that your blood may bleed forth in my world to those around me - show your glory to all I see today - work miracles in my life - confuse me - work on me - work in me - work through me - let me listen - let me be silent - let me hear your Words - let me see your Spirit - let your light shine bright - shine your light through me - feed me - fill me with your drink - hear my praise - hear my prayer - feel my faith - feel my love for you - guide me - direct me - put me in action for you- show me how to serve - show me who to serve - be specific - call me - heal me ---Amen
Sunday 8/29/2004
John 8 - The Jewish leaders bring a woman to Jesus who committed adultery. According to the law she was to be put to death. But the man she slept with was to be put to death also - they didn’t bring him. Jesus tells them that whoever hasn’t sinned to throw the first stone. They all left beginning with the oldest. I guess the oldest knew he had sinned. Then Jesus tells the woman to go and don’t sin anymore. Forgiveness - yet we a are to correct ourselves. Then Jesus tells the people that he is the light of the world - reminds me of creation. Jesus is the light in my life. The light gives life - how true. Jesus tells the Pharisees about his Father - but I think they are thinking about an earthly father. Jesus is talking about God and they don’t get it. Still no one arrested him - his time had not yet come.
2 Chronicles 1-2 - Now it’s Solomon’s turn - he offers sacrifices to God at the old place where the ark used to be. In a dream God decides to bless Solomon - God gives him wisdom which Solomon asks for -- Is this his Spiritual Gift from God for that time - I think so. So Solomon reaches out to his neighboring countries for wood and another skilled worker in return for food. Now everything is in place to start construction. I wonder if God gets everything in place in my life - then starts construction?
Zechariah 14 - God will protect and defend Jerusalem -- and the LORD will have his day - and that day will be a bright day - no clouds and unending day - and in both summer and witner, life-giving streams will flow from Jerusalem -- hmmm -- light -life-giving water - Sounds like Jesus reign to me.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Don’t take your neighbors money or property in a dishonest way.
Luke 14 - Be humble and take the place of the humble - serve the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind they are exalted in God’s eyes.
Job 42 - God can do all things
Psalm 33 - rejoice in the LORD!
Prayer - Lord - forgive my sin. You are a loving, caring God and bring joy to my life. Prepare me and plan for my construction in my life - keep me humble and loving of the poor, crippled, lame and blind. For all my joy is in you. -- Amen
Monday 8/30/2004
John 8 - Jesus is very mysterious with the people at this point. “I am going away - you will look for me - you cannot go where I am going- you will die with your sins unforgiven� -- I don’t blame some for being confused -- They probably thought he was living in some other world - But Jesus is a mystery - to us - but not to himself -- and that’s where the leap of faith comes in - we have to listen with different ears and listen with spiritual ears to hear his words - then Jesus seems to make some sense and it’s like those Wow times when we finally hear him. Then it’s stated that the people put their faith in Jesus - -but did they really? -- Next is a dispute over Abraham - and knowing the truth. It seems the people had more faith in being children of Abraham that they did in Jesus -- the people disputed that the truth won’t set them free - because they are not slaves - they are children of Abraham. The uproar built to the point that there was talk of Jesus death again. Jesus mentions his Father - then Jesus is accused of having someone else as his father - you can easily read into this that they figured Jesus was a child born out of wedlock -- they were thinking all the time of an earthly father -- What a disconnect in communication - Jesus was talking about God as his Father. -- But -sometimes I think God wants us to figure it out - he doesn’t want it to be completely clear all the time - if it were clear and we didn’t have to think and wrestle with some issue - we wouldn’t need to seek him - it’s kinda like my Dad teaching me a lesson - letting me learn to solve - so that I can deal with other issues in life - Dad would be there for advice but not for the solution - the solution was mine. -- Maybe God is like that.
2 Chronicles 3-4 - This is wonderful descriptions of items in the temple -- The winged creatures whose wings spanned the thirty foot room. The huge bowl called the Sea and all the gold and other precious metals - special cloth etc. This was for God - intended to praise God -- I wonder if the buildings we build today are for God or are rather to serve man’s needs.
Malachi 1-2 - God reassures Israel that they are loved by God - apparently they wanted to know in what way God loved them. He sights history and his choice of Jacob over Esau - then God tells them that they need to worship him and offer appropriate sacrifices. They were not giving of the best - but of the left over unhealthy animals -- This demonstrates again a lack of trust in God that he will tend to their needs especially when they give their best to him -- This trust issue seems to be coming up all the time lately in the readings - at least for me - some message for me I think.
Don’t betray, slander or lie about anyone.
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame and blind.
Judges 12 - Cross over - God will lead, protect, defend and guide you - speak God’s language loud and clear.
Jeremiah 23 - Speak the Word of God - His Word is like fire.
Psalm 119 - “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple (that’s me!)- “Make your face shine upon your servant. And teach me your statutes.� -- My eyes shed stream of tears because your law is not kept.� -- forgive me!
Prayer - Lord help me in your mystery - you are amazing yet puzzling all at the same time. I don’t understand why you chose to love me - to die for me - to use me - to let me serve - to heal me -- but you did - and I can’t stop giving you thanks. Help me to offer my best - not some sloppy service but my best - because I love you. Help me to speak your Word - not my word - your Word is like fire - I can feel it and it gives me passion for your love. Your Word gives light to the world. For all you give is precious - much greater than gold or anything earthly. When I fail - forgive me and keep me humble. Help me to overcome my sin and correct me. Let me serve you in reaching out to the poor, crippled, lame and blind. For you are God and are to be exalted above all else. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Tuesday 8/31/2004
John 8 - Jesus is trying to tell the people that he is the Messiah - but I think hoping they figure it out. It doesn’t go that way at all. They accuse him of having a demon in him - but he tells them he doesn’t. That he honor’s his Father. Jesus is not seeking honor but his Father is giving him honor. Everyone who obeys Jesus word will not die. So this makes them mad again because Abraham died and so did a bunch of other people. Who does Jesus think he is? Well - the Messiah -- Jesus tells them that they don’t know God - but he knows God - If Jesus told them that he didn’t know God he would be a liar. Then he tells them that “Your father Abraham was really glad to see me.� -- Well how could Jesus have seen Abraham -- Jesus says “ I tell you for certain that even before Abraham was, I was, and I am.� -- I think this whole conversation would have blown me away too -- it would have required a great faith to believe.
2 Chronicles 5 - The priests carry the ark into the Temple and set it in place under the wings of the cherubim -- They play music and sing “The LORD is good and his love never ends� -- God shows his presence in a cloud and the light from is was so bright that the priests couldn’t stay inside to do their work.
MalachI 2 - God is pointing out the sin of the people - they must repent -- Verse 15 seems to speak to me on the marriage issue in society today -- “Didn’t God create you to become like one person with your wife? And why did he do this? It was so you would have children, and then lead them to become God’s people. Don’t ever be unfaithful to your wife.� -- Seem male/female to me - since creation.
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame and blind.
Don’t scheme to get what is your neighbor’s
Judges 13 - An angel came to the parents of Samson - telling them of the upcoming birth of Samson - how they were to take no wine and how Samson was to be a nazirite from birth. Moanoah wanted more specific direction from the angel - but the angel just told him to give heed to what the angel told her. Patience and trust of God come to mind here.
Philippians 3 - Jesus makes me his own. Press towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus - His goal is the call - I wonder if for a Christian their entire life is a call.
Psalm 121 - My help comes from the LORD.
Prayer - Jesus sometimes your words just confuse me -- but I have faith in your truth and continue to listen. You come to me in the center of my temple and reign in my life - It is hard sometimes to be in your presence - your light is so bright - I can’t work - but when my times are dark - your light shows me the way and you bless me. Help me as I press on towards the goal of the heavenly call of God. -- Amen
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