July Reflections

July 2004 - Journal
Thursday 7/1/2004
Mark 11 - Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey. Usually a king would enter on a horse. But God is humble and shows us something in using a donkey. I think that is how God chooses to use us. We don’t have to be royal, powerful or anything important to this world. God uses the common to advance his mission and salvation. What an honor to be the donkey that the Savior rides into Jerusalem on top of! Then the cursing of the fig tree. This is confusing. It wasn’t even the season to bear fruit - but Jesus curses the tree. It makes me wonder if Jesus wasn’t telling us of how it should be. With faith in him- we can bear fruit through all seasons of life -- and if we don’t bear fruit -- do we really have faith? -- Ask for forgiveness and trust that God will use you to bear his fruit.
1 Kings 1 - So David is old now. Adonijah thought it was time for him to be king - started bragging “I’m going to make myself king!� -- but it wasn’t to be -- Bathsheba reminded David of a promise that he would make Solomon king - And David held to it because he felt led by God this way. It seems this is the way many things are. We think we can do whatever we want and try to force something into being without letting God lead and guide us. Didn’t work here and doesn’t work in life. God is God.
Hosea 4 - Boy this is some stinky stuff. It is about prostitution in the involvement of worship to Asherah and Baal. Talk about some corrupt worship. No wonder God is so ticked off. The warning is clear. Don’t offer these kind of sacrifices to pagan gods. “You are nothing more than a stubborn cow� - God wants Israel and Judah to leave this -- but they are stubborn. Don’t I do this sometimes. Look away from God and get stubborn. Help me to realize and turn from my sin!
Can you hear God calling?
Psalm 66 - “All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.� - Reminds me of the birds.
John 8 - Know the truth to be set free
Psalm 84 - O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Prayer - You deserve praise oh Lord. You chose the lowly to take your mission to the world. What an honor to praise you, proclaim you, and tell the world of your love. Help me to turn away from sin. To know the truth and to trust fully in you. -- Amen
Friday 7/2/2004
Mark 11 - Jesus enters the temple and is mad because it has been turned into a marketplace to make profit off of selling sacrifices. This was another thing to add to the reasons the Pharisees to want to eliminate Jesus. Then Jesus tell his disciples about the fig tree. “Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.� - Turn to God - again and again is the theme. But we still turn away over and over. The Religious leaders wanted to know where Jesus got his authority. But Jesus countered with a question if they could answer he would answer theirs. Where did John the Baptist get his authority? The authorities were so politically minded about what people would think that they wouldn’t tell Jesus what they thought. So Jesus didn’t answer their question either.
1 King 2 - Well - In a nutshell - David tells Solomon some final things before David dies and then Solomon gets even with everyone that had turned against him earlier and has them killed -- Adonijah-Joab-Shimei. Adonijah wanted to take Abishag as his wife. He talked Bathsheeba into asking Solomon if this would be ok. Well Abishag was sent to David in his old age to take care of him. She took care of David but David did not have sex with her. This would have made her like a wife to David. So Adonijah was trying another angle by taking Abishag as his wife to become king in some twisted way. But it didn’t work.
Hosea 5 - God will punish Israel for their sins - then wait for Israel to return to him and confess their guilt.
Can you hear God calling?
Receive the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 66 - Hear the word of the LORD
John 15 - Love one another as I have loved you --- You did not choose me but I chose you
Psalm 119 (just a part of it!) - Your promise gives me life
Prayer- Your promise does give life. Help me to turn from my sin. Help me to recognize my sin, confess my guilt and ask forgiveness. Increase my faith and make me fruitful in the Spirit. -- Amen
Saturday 7/3/2004
Mark 12 - The Renters of the Vineyard. The owner send servants then finally his son to get his share of the grapes. In the end the renters kill the son so they can have it all for themselves.-- Makes me wonder- God gives us gifts (a vineyard for example) - he expects us to produce (grapes for example) - then we he comes for his share of the grapes we try to be selfish, kill God and keep the grapes for ourselves. We must gladly give up the fruit of our labor to God - the gift was his to begin with. -- The next story is about paying taxes. - the picture on the silver coin - I think the Pharisees were getting real tricky here and trying to point out that Jesus was not loyal to God-but worshiped the Government also by paying taxes. -- Jesus answer -- “give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.� -- It doesn’t answer what belongs to the Emperor -- (really nothing) - what really belongs to any of us? - I think some misuse this to relegate what belongs to God to the spiritual realm and the earthly stuff to the Emperor -- but it all belongs to God. --- Then we go into the story of the wife that couldn’t have children, even after seven brothers tried - whose wife will she be - we will be like the angels in heaven - God is the god of the living -- What a great thought of hope.
1 Kings 3 - A few things come to mind here. First Solomon marries the daughter of the king of Egypt. Solomon offers a sacrifice at one of the local shrines. This seems to contradict the idea of marrying outside the Israelite people and also offering sacrifices away from a central temple of God. But the temple was not built yet. And he married for political reasons. Even though Egypt didn’t have as much power as they used to, this would help to maintain peace. It is all ahead of some of the fall of Solomon. -- Then Solomon asks God to make him wise -- Here Solomon acknowledges that these people are God’s and that this nation is God’s. He is a servant asking for gifts from God to help rule God’s people. This is a brilliant prayer. He was hearing from the heart. He asks and God gives. Solomon didn’t ask for personal things but asked for God to guide him and give him wisdom for the benefit of advancing God’s kingdom. Help us to pray in this way. -- Then as an example of this wisdom - God gives Solomon a chance to exhibit the gifts God has given Solomon with the judgment of the two women and their babies. I found it interesting to realize that the Hebrew for these women was prostitutes. They weren’t sacred prostitutes like we see in Hosea -- but were more likely prostitutes by trade. Even with this God uses even these prostitutes to exhibit the wisdom he has given Solomon. In what ways are the unexpected people in life used to proclaim God’s message throughout our own lives. Help me to listen for God’s message even in the unexpected places and people.
Hosea 6 - The people realize their sin and decide to return to the LORD. But their actions don’t exhibit their repentance. They don’t recognize their guilt and change. -- “I’d rather for you to be faithful and to know me than to offer sacrifices.� -- The faith was not there - If is was they would realize that faith will bring change. Help me to change from faith and recognize my guilt - repent and change.
Help us to exhibit hospitality in our church. Welcome all to our home and to God’s gift of grace. As the early church met in homes in hospitality.
Can you hear god calling?
Don’t doubt God’s forgiveness - firmly believe that our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.
Galatians 6 - When we sin - we need to recognize it and help each other with sin - open your arms to sinners and forgive. Restore each other to the guidance and power of the Spirit. Isn’t this God’s love?
Romans 8 - Be led by the Spirit of God - and be and child of God.
Psalm 100 - Come into God’s presence singing praises and giving thanks. His steadfast love endures forever.
Prayer - Your love is amazing Lord - for you sent your Son to me. You are God. You are wise. I sing praises to you. Your love endures forever. I confess that I am selfish, I kill in many ways and I lack the faith that I should have if only I would open my eyes. Forgive me I pray. Your gifts are bounteous. You give hope, wisdom, forgiveness and speak through the lowly. You give freely. Help me to give up the fruit of my labor to others in Your love. Help me to have wisdom in my decisions. Your wisdom. Help me to exhibit to all the world the gifts you have given me and to make them know these are your gifts and not something of my own. Lord help me to turn to you when I go astray and not curl inward. Help me to exhibit hospitality to the stranger. To open my heart to them and show your love shining brightly through. Help me to hear your call and may your Spirit lead and guide me in all I do. In Jesus name ----- Amen
Sunday 7/4/2004
Can you hear God calling?
Confess your sins.
Luke 10 - They were sent in pairs. What comfort a partner in service provides! They were amazed with the results of reaching out to others and the reception they received. But this is the work of God. How amazing and what a promise - Your names are written in heaven! -- Thanks be to God! The devotion reminds me of a Bible Study at the Global Mission Conference Sarah and I attended in Hickory NC. The head of the Guatemala church spoke of how much we have in the US and how little they have in Guatemala. He told of how powerful the faith is for the people in Guatemala and how little possessions they pack on their journey. He reminded me of our true faith and trust in God. A powerful message - even with an interpreter needed to get his words to us English speaking folks. I even had my picture taken with him and sent him an e-mail of thanks. This message and the giver will always stay with me.
Luke 15 - The one lost sheep -- repent - God will rejoice!
Psalm 146 - Trust not in mortals but in God - Praise the LORD as long as you live.
Mark 12 - Jesus is questioned - What is the most important commandment? - There is only one God. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is to love others as yourself. No more questions are needed. Jesus watched a poor widow give all she had. This is what we are called to do as disciples. This is ultimate trust in God. What an example!
1 Kings 4-5 - A description of Solomon’s officials. The form of government and who served. Then Solomon declares he will build a temple for God. A major task that will need peace in the area and cooperation from all countries around. What a magnificent focus on God!
Hosea 7 - Pride keeps us from returning to God. Help won’t come from others but only from God. Return, seek, call and cry to God requires a change of heart or feeling toward God - then specific action including worship, prayer and inquiring into the will of God.
Prayer - What a powerful, awesome, wonderful, loving God you are. Sing praises to God! Thank you for this day - for the ways in which you will come to me. For the people you have given to me - For the conversation - For the thanksgiving - For the praise - For the singing - For the praying - For the fellowship - For the loyalty and most importantly for the love you show. Thank you for Jesus - for the bread - for the wine - for the body and for the blood. Receive my repentance this day - for the things I shouldn’t do and for the things I should have done. Guide me in living as a saved child of God. Give me the direction in service in your Kingdom. I will put my trust in you and you alone, for you are God. Change my heart and guide me in specific actions. -- Amen
Monday 7/5/2004
Mark 13 - This is about the destruction of the Temple and end times. I think sometimes I am the one that destroys the temple. I destroy the temple through doubt, sin, and not following the words of Jesus. Hate between myself and others. This was a private discussion between Jesus and his disciples. I am urged as a disciple to keep on being faithful to the end. Even if I remain faithful, there will be persecution, arrest and pain. But this also tells of Jesus way. He is about to be persecuted. But this will not be the end. So in the sin of my life I must remember to repent and move on in Christ. This is not the end. There is much more to come and through Jesus I will be saved. What hope there is in this!
1 Kings 6 - Here is a description of the temple. All of the elaborate wood work and details of construction are contained. Most of it is covered with gold and in the center, with the ark as the footstool on the wings of cherubim is God almighty. I am a temple God is building. The center or heart of the temple must be God. If I do what God wants he will live with me and will not desert me. I guess you could take this analogy to another step and look at the church. We must keep God at the center - in the heart of the mission - keep our focus on God and away from our own selfish desires.
Hosea 8 - Israel is not keeping God at their center and has tried to save themselves. This will not work, even as hard as they try. Only God can save and we must repent and turn to God. God gives hope and salvation and guidance. Listen and follow God!
Furnishings in the homes of Bible times were simple and fairly sparse. A bed a table and a chair and a lamp. Does life become too complicated with my own furnishings? I must keep my furnishings simple and burn the lamp of Christ in my home and in my heart. This is the light to follow and let burn in my heart.
All belongs to God. To whom will you give what God has given you? You decide. But seek God’s guidance in this…All things belong to God.
Before faith I was under the law and unsaved. The law showed me the character of God, it showed me my sin and need for salvation. But now with faith in Christ, I am saved and free. A gift from God. Through faith God saves me, a child of God.
Examine yourself - smell the stench of your sin - confess.
Romans 1 - Proclaim your faith throughout the world - Remember each other in your prayers - Share your spiritual gifts - Encourage each other
John 10 - Hear the shepherds voice and follow - you will never perish
Psalm 119 - Lord, teach me, give me understanding, lead me, turn my heart to you, turn my eyes away from sin, confirm me -- in Your righteousness give me life
Prayer - Lord your temple is awesome. The beauty is beyond description. The wood, the stone, the gold. I see Jesus as your temple now. I stand in awe of him. Center this temple in me. Center Jesus in my heart. Keep this the center of my being. Lead me away from my selfish desires and teach me your ways. Build your temple within me and construct me as you like. I can’t save myself or center my desires in my heart for selfish gain. Forgive me when I do this and lead me to proclaim your faith to the world. Help me to realize the gifts you have given me to share with all in your world. Turn my heart, and eyes to you. Be with Diane and Eric as they prepare to travel. Give them the joy of preparation. The happiness and expectation of wonderful times to come. The thrill of getting away. Fulfill their hopes and dreams of time together - seeing your wonderful creation in other worlds beyond their own. In your skies, in your music, in your creativity, in your creation, in the people they meet, in the relationship with one another, in the love they have as husband and wife, in the caring they will show for those who serve along the way, in the peace of God they will see, in display of the gifts you have given us, in buildings, in creative works of art, dance and music, which you have given to humanity to use and ponder. May all they see and do during this time together point to your glorious grace and your love beyond all loves in Jesus Christ. Grant them a safe journey and return, fulfilled, strengthened, refreshed in love for each other and in your love. May they see the hope you give to all and freely reveal to all they meet the wonderful freedom of Jesus Christ in life. May others see the light of Christ shining brightly through them. May they hear the beautiful song of your grace in their lives singing loud and clear. May others see Jesus in them. Return Diane and Eric safely and refreshed to serve you in their calling. -- Amen
Tuesday 7/6/2004
Mark 13 - Here Jesus speaks of his second coming. I wonder what the disciples were thinking? I imagine they were thinking something about earthly kingdoms but were wondering about the language he was using. I don’t think I would have got it if I were there. But I like Jesus own words so much better than all these interpretations of humanity on apocalyptic writing. I don’t think there interpretations can be trusted. I think I have my understanding of this time - but I don’t think mine can be trusted. The only one I feel I can trust are these words of Jesus. So much simpler - yet complex - yet brings all hope - and I agree with Luther - if I found out that tomorrow Christ were coming - I would go out and plant a tree- Through faith we know that Jesus has taken care of all these worries for us - we just need to be ready and faithful.
1 Kings 7 - More on the Temple and it’s furnishings. But sandwiched in here is the building of Solomon’s palace. It makes me wonder if at this point Solomon was beginning to lose focus on God and looking inwards toward himself and claiming these accomplishments. I can see how easily this could take place. I’m sure it happens to me and many others today. Lord forgive us!
Hosea 9 - Israel is told they will go into exile of Egypt - There future is bleak and the LORD has judged them for their actions and continual worship of other gods.
All belongs to God. To whom will you give what God has given you?…you decide. But seek God’s guidance in this--Al things belong to God.
Before faith I was under the law and unsaved. The law showed me the character of God, it showed me my sin and need for salvation. But now with faith in Christ I am saved and free. A gift from God. Through faith God saves me, a child of God.
I a poor sinner, confess before God that I am guilty of many sins. I repent of all these sins and pray for mercy. I promise to do better with God’s help.
Romans 1 - I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith --- then it goes on to tell how we worship other gods and turn away from God - the prostitution in the temple is alluded to and so forth. It seems the theme lately has move to being sure God is centered in everything.
John 10 - Jesus told the authorities “that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.�
Psalm 112 - Happy are those who fear the LORD. Sounds funny doesn’t it. But I think it’s true. If we fear God - not in a horrible way but in a way that puts ultimate respect in him. We can be happy. For our center of worship is true and holy.
Prayer - Lord, it seems the theme today is to make sure I keep you in the center of my life. For me to confess, repent and ask for your forgiveness. I do this now. I see in Jesus the Father. I see in your Word - God. Help me to see you as I go through my day today. To hear you Word. To understand what you want for me to do. To reach out in love to those I contact today. Give me I pray the gifts I need to fulfill your call today in my life. Help me to live for you here and now. In Jesus name I pray ---- Amen
Wednesday 7/7/2004
Mark 14 - They plot to kill Jesus. Jesus is anointed with expensive perfume by a woman. It is interesting to think that a woman anointed him before the passion and women anointed him after his death. Women took care of him. Then in this chapter we go to the Lord’s Supper - the announcements that Jesus would be betrayed and denied. So I think now Jesus is laying it on the line. Telling everyone what is going to happen but they still don’t get it. The desire for Jesus greatness and the subsequent greatness of the disciples is greater than the reality of what is being told to them by Jesus. Do I not hear because I let my desire for my will get in the way- rather than openly listening to the will of God? Forgive me!
1 Kings 8 - The ark is moved to the new temple. A grand affair during the Festival of Booths when the Israelites remembered their temporary homes in the desert. Solomon prays a magnificent prayer and urges everyone to pray faithfully, keep God’s law, repent and change their ways.
Hosea 10 - Hosea continues to point out Israel’s sins, He calls them to repent. There is something hopeful in repentance. “Worship me, the LORD, and I will send my saving power down like rain.� Here again is the theme to keep God centered in our lives. God is God.
All belongs to God. To whom will you give what God has given you? You decide. But seek God’s guidance in this --- All things belong to God.
Before faith I was under the law and unsaved. The law showed me the character of God, it showed me my sin and need for salvation. But now with faith in Christ I am saved and free. A gift from God. Through faith God saves me, a child of God.
Don’t torture yourself with imaginary sins.
Romans 1:28-2:11 - Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?….while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. ----- Here again repent - center God not self.
Psalm 66 - God is awesome - He has brought us out to a spacious place.
Psalm 47 - Praise God - He alone is king!
Prayer - Lord you are King, you are great, you are awesome -- You must be in the center of my temple. You must be in the center of my heart. You must be in the center of my life. You must be in the center of my actions. You must be in the center of my relationships. You must be the center. Forgive me when I stray from this and try to create myself as the center. For only you deserve the praise and glory. You bring me to a spacious place and free me through you saving grace. I am free to serve you in your kingdom in your call. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Thursday 7/8/2004
Mark 15 - This last half of chapter 15 starts and ends with threes. Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane. Three times he comes back to find the disciples sleeping. Will I be sleeping when Jesus comes back? Will the church be sleeping when he comes back? Will we be focused so much on our own well being, getting rest and relaxation that we will be asleep when Jesus comes back? --- Jesus is then betrayed and arrested and questioned by the Council. Then finally Peter denies Jesus three times. Sleep and denial - Help me to be ready and to praise you as God and King!
1 Kings 9 - It took twenty years to build the temple and palace. Now living is good. God warns Solomon that God will be in the temple as long as Israel takes no other gods. If so God will destroy this temple. God is God.
Hosea 11 - God has taken care of Israel but they took other gods. God will put fear into them for this but will not destroy them or stay angry. He wants Israel to come back to him. God says “I am God, Not a Human Being.� -- God is God
All belongs to god. To whom will you give what God has given you? You decide. But seek God’s guidance in this -- All things belong to God.
Before faith I was under the law and unsaved. The law showed m the character of God, it showed me my sin and need for salvation. But now with faith in Christ I am saved and free. A gift from God. Through faith God saves me, a child of God.
God forgives sin.
Psalm 25 - Lead me - teach me - for you are the God of my salvation - I will wait - I will wait - instruct me in your way
Luke 21 - Give God all you have to live on
Psalm 84 - Giving all begets trust - happy is everyone who trusts in God
Prayer - You are God. All things belong to you. I give my life to you. Lead me. Teach me. Instruct me in your way. I give you thanks for your salvation in my life. Change me and let me serve in your kingdom. You alone are God. -- Amen
Friday 7/9/2004
Mark 15 - Jesus is questioned and sentenced. Barabbas is released instead of Jesus. I find it interesting that Barabbas means son of abba - or son of the father. The real Son of the Father is tortured by soldiers and nailed to a cross. Jesus came into Jerusalem as a king to the people on Palm Sunday. The whole thing turns around and Jesus throne becomes a cross. But how God turns us around! Thanks be to God!
1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon and attests to his Wisdom. Solomon’s riches are told about in this chapter. Here we begin to see that Solomon is no longer in obedience to God. Solomon has lavished riches on himself with an ivory throne surrounded by lions and began piling up silver and gold. Where is the trust in God now?
Hosea 12 - God not only condemns Israel here, he includes Judah. The people have not been faithful and kept God as their only god. They have worshipped other gods. The LORD is all powerful - so return to your God. Patiently trust him, and show love and justice. What good advice God gives us through the prophet Hosea.
All belongs to God. To whom will you give what God has given you? You decide. But seek God’s guidance in this -- All things belong to God.
Before faith I was under the law and unsaved. The law showed me the character of God, it showed me my sin and need of salvation. But now with faith in Christ I am saved and free. A gift from God. Through faith God saves me, a child of God.
God graciously protects us each day.
Deuteronomy 30 - Love God with all your heart and he will take care of you and provide all you need.
2 Corinthians 8 - Give yourself first to the Lord.
Psalm 116 - O LORD, I am your servant
Prayer - Jesus; you didn’t deserve the throne of the cross. Forgive me when I put you on this cross. I look forward to your return in glory to sit on the throne of love, grace and salvation. You are God and wonderful in all you do. You are the center of my being, my heart, my bowels and at the depths of me. Help me to keep this center and not stray to my own selfish riches and honor. All honor and riches belong to you and you alone. Guide me in giving the gifts you have given to me to others in this world. I give myself to you - I put my trust in you - I show love and justice because of you. You are God. -- Amen
Saturday 7/10/2004
Mark 15 - This is the crucifixion . A couple of thoughts come to mind. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross. As we think we can stand by and watch - we are called to carry this same cross. Shoulder our beliefs and feel the power of God in our lives; through pain and suffering of Jesus comes salvation in our lives. Jesus is nailed to the cross. The cross now becomes Jesus throne - what a turn around from what all expected in the Messiah. The meaning of King takes on a personal meaning - this cross which is at the center of our heart of faith representing sin and death now becomes a glorious example of Jesus rule at the center of our very being - in our heart or bowels - deep deep within us. Jesus was taunted to come down and save himself - but his very staying on the cross saves us from sin. The authorities challenge Jesus for proof that he is the Messiah - save yourself - show us. We can’t challenge God - God is saving us and the true miracle is in this very act of giving himself as our supreme sacrifice for our sins. How greater a miracle this was than any proof we may demand from God. Open my eyes to see and believe! The sky turned dark. Reminds me of creation. Here the creation story begins again - In the beginning the earth was covered with darkness- this is a new beginning - a new creation - in my life - God will bring the Light of the world to me by this death. God will create in me a new creation with Light and life centered in Jesus my Savior. The temple curtain was torn - this is the curtain to the Holy of Holies - God is now open to all in the world - not only Jews but all. We all can see God and access him daily in our lives and see his salvation and our changed lives through faith. Jesus dies and the women gather to prepare his body for burial. Here the women form the core of this new church that has at the heart of it’s faith the joy in Jesus death and our salvation. What a turn around. Women are so important now - not the rejected lowly cultural bottom of the ladder. God turns things around and opens himself to all to serve and love him for what he has done for us through Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea, a highly respected member of the Jewish council asks to bury Jesus body. Have the high and mighty begun to see the true God? Through Jesus death even these people are called to take another look- to see - to believe.
1 Kings 11 - Solomon takes on wives outside of the Jewish race. Probably for some political reasons as well. This alone goes against the grain of the commands that God earlier had set for his chosen race. Then on top of it all- Solomon continues in his “building program� ways and builds shrines for these wives gods. This is truly against keeping God as the one true God. Solomon’s rule comes to an end with this separation from God - God will divide the kingdom between Jeroboam with the northern tribes (Israel) and Rehoboam (Judah). This seems to me a sad ending to a great life of Solomon - the wise king - I wonder if the wisdom from God turned inward on Solomon and he began to think the wisdom was his own and not from God. The building program went beyond the temple and began to become selfish and inward to palaces and shrines for gods to please his wives. God is God and we must learn to keep it this way. All we have is from God and belongs to God. When we start to think we earned it and it rightfully belongs to us because of what we did - we lose focus on God and attribute accomplishments to ourselves instead of God. Keep the thankful servant attitude and praise God!
Hosea 13 - Israel is judged. They have forgotten all God did for them in the past and has done for them now. They took other gods and worshipped them. The consequences for this are great. May I never take other gods for worship but keep God at the center of my life and trust and depend on him.
Bowels -Used in the Bible several times -to explain a Greek word - Inward parts - mercies - inward affection -sincere emotion “I love you with all my heart.� - the seat or place in the inner most being of these emotions or feelings - For me personally - it is the extraction of all of the nutrients that I can possibly take on in the body of Christ - all the love, emotion, feelings and the center of my being --- thus you have an explanation for my picking of the bowels as the body part I would like to represent in the body of Christ exercise at Zion we did with Assistant to the Bishop Wally Arnold. Sarah had inquired about this and since I have used this term again a couple of times the past few days - I thought an explanation of the bizarre visual of Bill Bowels (as I became to be known as) was appropriate. Hope this helps.
All belongs to God. To whom will you give what God has given you? You decide. But seek God’s guidance in this -- All things belong to God.
Before faith I was under the law and unsaved. The law showed me the character of God, it showed me my sin and need for salvation. But now with faith in Christ I am saved and free. A gift form God. Through faith God saves me, a child of God.
May I serve you in all my thoughts words and deeds.
Colossians 1 - Make known to all the love in the Spirit. Never cease praying that all may be filled with the Spirit and knowledge and understanding of God so that we may please him in our works with joy and thanksgiving.
I Corinthian 13 - Love never ends.
Psalm 34 - Praise God continually.
Prayer - Jesus- You took on flesh - lived life - and died for me. Thank you! You are personal- you reach into the heart and bowels of me and feed me with life. Thank you! You call me to center my life in you. Thank you! You allow me to serve in joy. Thank you! You give me your Word through scripture, people and the world. Thank you! You show me how to love. Thank you! You give me reason to sing your praises. Thank you! You help me proclaim my faith story and my life with you. Thank you! You give me healing and comfort. Thank you! You guide me throughout the day and are always there. Thank you! You are God. Thank you! Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Sunday 7/11/2004
Mark 16 - The resurrection - The women go to the tomb early Sunday to anoint Jesus body with spices. But he is gone, the stone is rolled away, and a man in white testifies to the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus will go ahead of you to Galilee. An older ending says that Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were eating. Jesus tells them to “God and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved.� This is now their call and instructions. Women were the first to do this - even to the disciples. The empty tomb is the power of death emptied through Jesus death and resurrection. Jesus has overcome death for us. Jesus has gone ahead of us -- help me to follow in faith and service, boldly proclaiming the message. What a message to tell!
1 Kings 12 - Rehoboam (Judah) and Jeroboam (Israel) - Jeroboam is hiding in Egypt. Rehoboam becomes king in place of Solomon - he decides with the advice of the experienced counsel and the counsel of those his age that he will be harsher than Solomon with the people. The people asked for some relief in their work and the experienced counsel advised that it would be best if Rehoboam gave relief to the people to gain their support - this would help in the future. Rehoboam didn’t go with the advice - but took the advice of the counsel his own age. He told the people he would make it tougher on them. Well this caused a split. So the people call for Jeroboam out of Egypt to rule the northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam does so - but one of the first things he does is set up places to worship God outside of Jerusalem - he was afraid he would lose support when people went to Jerusalem to worship God. So he makes a couple of calves and sets up places of worship in the northern kingdom - now Israel. This was a huge mistake. God is God -- no idols -- sacrifices are made to the gold calf. This newly formed kingdom of Israel starts bad and goes down hill from there. They have lost God as their center - and are depending on their own made up forms of religion.
Hosea 14 - “Israel, return! Come back to the LORD, your God. Sin has made you fall…..I will heal you and love you without limit.� God never left them - but just as Israel found out - God is always with us -- I turn away - God doesn’t turn away from me - therefore I must confess my sins and turn around - God has promised to love me without limit. Wow - What a forgiving and patient God!
All belongs to God. To whom will you give what God has given you? You decide. But seek God’s guidance in this -- All things belong to God.
Before faith I was under the law and unsaved. The law showed me the character of God, it showed me my sin and need for salvation. But now with faith in Christ I am saved and free. A gift from God. Through faith God saves me, a child of God.
We are to fear, love, and trust God above anything else.
Luke 10 - Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. Love you neighbor as yourself.
Exodus 3 - I AM WHO I AM -- God is God
Psalm 67 - Praise God -- “God, our God, has blessed us.� -- God is God
Prayer - God is God! Through the death and resurrection of Jesus you prove beyond doubt you are God. Forgive me Lord when I stray from this and put myself or other things in place of you. God is God! I AM WHO I AM. Thanks for this message - loud and clear. I have seen this over and over this week. I praise you for being with me always. Even when I don’t realize that God is God. You patiently wait for me to realize the truth and forgive me when I turn back. I will fear, love and trust you above everything else. God is God! I will love you will all my heart, soul, strength and mind. God is God! I will praise you. God is God! You have saved me. God is God! You have healed me. God is God! You bless me. God is God! You forgive me. God is God! You die for me. God is God! You give me an empty tomb. God is God! You call me. God is God! You lead me. God is God! You go ahead of me. God is God! -- Amen
Monday 7/12/2004
1 Corinthians 1 - After some greetings Paul points out some divisions that are taking place in the early church. There is discussion over taking sides. Who do they follow. Some think apostles or Christ or Apollos. “Has Christ been divided up?� -- Again keep Christ centered - we follow him - not any of ourselves - not Luther or anybody else - only Christ. Then I like 17b - “He sent me to tell the good news without using big words that would make the cross of Christ lose its power.� -- We need to keep this in mind - Jesus reaches out to all - not just those with some lofty self proclaimed wisdom. So the message - just like in parables must be able to be understood by all.
1 Kings 13 - Jeroboam (Israel) had the altars erected and was sinning by not worshiping God but false gods instead. A prophet from Judah was sent to Jeroboam with a message that a child will be born named Josiah from David’s family. Josiah will sacrifice on this altar the priests who make offerings there. Human bones will be burned on it. Burning human bones on it would make it unclean. But in my opinion the whole thing was a mess to begin with since the sacrifices weren’t to God to begin with. Anyway, the prophet from Judah told Jeroboam that he would know this prophecy is from the LORD when the altar splits in half and the ashes on it fall to the ground. Well, this whole thing ticked Jeroboam off and he ordered to “Grab him� and pointed at the prophet. When Jeroboam did this his hand became stiff and he couldn’t move it. Then the altar split in half and the ashes fell to the ground. Holy ashes were to be treated with great respect - but now they fell to the ground. Jeroboam then asked the prophet to pray for him. Kind of funny isn’t it? So the prophet prays and Jeroboam’s hand is healed. (I don’t know if I could have prayed for this clown!). So now Jeroboam wants to give the prophet a gift and feed him (what a two face!). The prophet refuses and says he needs to go home - but by a different route. Some think so that he doesn’t “symbolically� undo the message. As the prophet is going home he is sitting under a tree. God had told the prophet not to eat or drink anything or go home the same way he came. An old prophet sees the other prophet and tells him to come home with him to get something to eat. The old prophet tells the other one that God told him so. So the younger prophet goes against what God told him and figures the old guy was ok and goes home with him to eat and drink. Then as they were eating the old prophet gets this message from God and tells the younger one - Hey you disobeyed God - you are eating and drinking - when you die your body won’t be buried in the family tomb. This meant a lot to people back then because they found comfort in being buried by their relatives. So the young prophet sets off for home. A lion attacks the young prophet and his donkey and kills them. Now here is another odd thing -- the lion doesn’t eat them - maybe the lion was told not to eat or drink - or the lion was doing what the young prophet couldn’t do - Some people found the body and the old prophet figured it was the young prophet and picked up the body and buried in his own (old prophet) family tomb. The old prophet felt bad (I think) and said when he dies to put him next to the young prophet. - So what’s the point! - I guess one may be that when God sends a message - listen to it and follow it -- don’t follow false prophets - maybe again back to the theme that seems to be taking place lately - center God in your life and don’t let the world lead you in other directions.
Joel 1 - “Listen� seems to be the main theme here. A huge swarm of locusts attack the land destroying everything. All crops are devastated. Animals have nothing to feed on. A true disaster. The message is mixed in with some hint that this may be a representation of an invading army. The people are told to mourn, wear sackcloth, and cry out to God. When disaster strikes - Listen and repent!
Change your focus. Get involved. See the need Jesus sees and respond in mercy and love for others. Go beyond the minimum in joy toward the maximum action of God’s love.
Call on God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving.
Matthew 19 - If you want to be perfect - give up everything and follow Jesus. It is impossible for mortals to be saved - but for God all things are possible. Here is a quote from “Christ in our Home� Monday, July 12, 2004 -- “The boys next door often come over after school, ring the doorbell, and ask, “Can Bill come out and play?� Bill is my retired husband, and he rarely turns down their requests.� --- I’m listening!!!!!
Hebrews 11 - Faith-Faith-Faith -- Hebrews 12.1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of your faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.�
Psalm 104 - God is great! Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great.
Prayer - Oh Lord what a powerful message today. I am listening! Be my center - in my heart. For you have sent me to tell - without big words your message. Speak to me without “big words� and give me the direction I need to go. Help me run the race, follow Jesus and look to Jesus. Don’t let the world lead me in other directions. For I feel you will send the message that I must listen to and follow. God I call on you this day. You are very great! -- Amen

Tuesday 7/13/2004
1 Corinthians 1 - God uses the foolish to get his message across. He did this to keep us from bragging about ourselves. You must now brag about the Lord.

1 Kings 14 - Jeroboam’s son was sick so he disguised his wife and sent her to see the prophet Ahijah. She takes some gifts. The LORD told Ahijah who she was before she arrived. Ahijah told the wife the message from God that the son would die and all in Jeroboam’s family would die and not have proper burial because of the sins of worshiping other gods. God was angry with Israel. As soon as the wife got back with the message everything started to take place like Ahijah had said. Rehoboam (Judah) ruled forty-one years. He also disobeyed God and set up sacred poles for goddess Asherah. The sin here will have an impact for years to come and involve many people.
Joel 2 - The attack of locusts is described. But now it is being compared to an invading army as well. The commander of the army is God. God will overtake and consume you.
Change your focus - Get involved. See the need Jesus sees and respond in mercy and love for others. Go beyond the minimum in joy toward maximum action of God’s love.
Don’t neglect God’s word or the preaching of it but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.
Romans 4 - Have faith in God - it is the basis for salvation - trust and action will naturally follow faith.
Isaiah 7 - Don’t be afraid, be quiet - God will conquer for you.
Psalm 85 - God forgives and restores.
Prayer - God - you overtake me - you consume me. I realize my sin - my sinful actions and my lack of action. Forgive me. Help me to be quiet and listen for your way and not twist it into my way. I look for you to restore me and save me. Use me! -- Amen
Wednesday 7/14/2004
1 Corinthians 2 - Paul continues to talk about wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Gad is going to renew people in a way that no human could ever think up. God’s wisdom looks foolish to those without the Spirit - but to those with the Spirit it brings blessings. God has given us his Spirit -- That’s why we don’t think the same way that the people of this world think.
1 Kings 15 - After Rehoboam (Judah), Abijam became king. He was sinful too. Then came Asa (Judah) - he was a good king - He got rid of all the false gods and worship sites. There was still a war going on between Judah and Israel during all this time. After Asa died Jehoshaphat became king. Meanwhile in Israel Nadab became king after Jeroboam. He was evil like his father. When Nadab went to war, Baasha killed him and became king. Baasha had everyone else in Jeroboam’s family killed also when he took control. This fulfilled what the prophet Ahijah had said earlier that no man or boy in Jeroboam’s family will live.
Joel 2 - Repent, turn around, return, return to God in a right relationship. God will forgive and rescue. He will give his Spirit to you and work wonders.
Change your focus - Get involved. See the need Jesus sees and respond in mercy and love for others. Go beyond the minimum in joy toward maximum action of God’s love.
Respect, obey, love and serve your parents.
Romans 4 - Grow strong in faith. Give glory to God. Trust completely in God’s love and forgiveness.
Ephesians 3 - Be strengthened in your inner being (bowels) with the power through his Spirit - may Christ dwell in your heart through faith - be rooted and grounded in love - have power to comprehend - know the love of Christ surpasses knowledge - be filled with the fullness of God - give glory to God.
Psalm 19 - Look around and see the glory of God! God’s law directs us and keeps us straight - it warns us - it enlightens us.
Prayer - God, I give you glory - You are wise, powerful and almighty. Look at the stars, the moon, the creatures of the ocean. Only you could think of all of this. You are God! Help me to grow in faith, wisdom and understanding. Lead and guide me in your ways. Direct me and keep me straight. -- Amen
Thursday 7/15/2004 (Baptism Anniversary)
1 Corinthians 3 - Paul again talks about how the church in Corinth is split and following different people. They need milk for food now instead of meat. They must not focus on Paul or Apollos - but Christ must be the focus, the cornerstone. God does everything and makes the church and individual grow - Paul and Apollo only plant and water - or serve.
1 Kings 16 - More Kings of Israel -Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri and Ahab -- All disobey God. Ahab married Jezebel who started worshiping Baal - This was probably a political move to help in coastal trading at Sidon - Jezebel was the daughter of the king of Sidon.
Joel 3 - God rescues - even in battle - he is victorious in “Decision Valley� -- He fights with us and is our safety and fortress
Change your focus - Get involved- See the need Jesus sees and respond in mercy and love for others. Go beyond the minimum in joy toward maximum action of God’s love.
Don’t hurt anyone - help them in all needs
Psalm 15 - God - who may live with you and dwell with you? - Those who speak the truth form their heart.
Isaiah 61 - I need the Spirit of God to help others. It is through the Spirit that we minister to the needs of others. It is not our own doing.
Psalm 147 - It is not how good I am -- I must place my trust in God. Praise God - Have faith - Believe - He will take care of you
Prayer - Lord - today I come to you with an open heart. Speak to me - It is with fear I come because I know that I am not worthy to approach you. Humble me and forgive me. I see through forgiveness and the act you took in Jesus that you provide a safe place for me. You allow me to approach and feel the comfort of your grace. Thanks - I place my trust in you - knowing that all you provide is good. Involve me and grow my faith. -- Amen
Friday 7/16/2004
1 Corinthians 4 - Paul talks about the work of apostles. They are fools for Christ. I think he actually exaggerates or is a little of a smart ass in his description though. The point is that we shouldn’t think better of ourselves than another. Be humble.
1 Kings 17 - Elijah enters - It won’t rain until God says so. This shows that God is in control not Baal the supposed storm god. Elijah delivers this report to King Ahab of Israel. Then God tells Elijah to go live near Cherith Creek. The birds brought food to Elijah twice a day and he drank from the creek. Talk about trust in God! Then the creek dried up. So God sent Elijah to Zarephath of Sidon (remember Jezebel?-she is the one that got this whole Baal thing worked up into a tizzy). Elijah lived with a poor widow. God provided with food and water here also- miraculously even (reminds me of Jesus feedings). Then a woman who owned the house (may or may not be the same woman) - her son died. Elijah brought him back to life. He lay on top of him and three time prayed that God would give the boy life. Shows the awesome power of God and the importance of prayer.
Amos 1 - Amos-a farmer who raised sheep and took care of fig trees - here is a prophet in Judah to Israel. He warns of God’s judgement in various areas around Israel.
Change your focus - Get involved - See the need Jesus sees and respond in mercy and live for others. God beyond the minimum in joy toward maximum action of God’s love.
Husband and wife should love and respect each other.
Genesis 18 - God appears to Abraham in the form of three men. Abraham served them joyfully - feeding them and giving them drink. May I respond likewise! In Sarah and Abraham’s old age - God had more in store for them.
Colossians 1 - Never cease praying for yourself and others to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, wisdom and understanding.
Psalm 115 - Give God the glory!
Prayer - Lord I come to you today a fool for Christ. Thank you for the example of the apostles. For Elijah and his faithful witness and following. For the poor and humble Amos for his humble proclamation of your message in tough times. For Abraham and Sarah and their deep trust and faith in you. You provide for all needs even in the toughest of times and are to be trusted. Fill me with you knowledge and will in my life. Give me wisdom and understanding to serve and praise you today and forever. Amen
Saturday 7/17/2004
1 Corinthians 5 - Stop being proud! Be pure and truthful. Judge only church members - I think this is how we help each other - not in a demeaning way - but to keep each other walking on God’s trail. God judges everyone else.
1 Kings 18 - For three years no rain fell in Samaria - I like the use of threes - Elijah prayed three times to raise the woman’s son from death. Then God told Elijah to go meet with King Ahab (Israel). Ahab sent for Obadiah who was in charge of Ahab’s palace - but we worshiped God. Ahab sent Obadiah to find grass for the animals to eat and Obadiah met Elijah in the process. Elijah told Obadiah to go tell Ahab that Elijah was here. Obadiah was afraid to do this since Ahab had been searching for Elijah. He overcame his fear and trusted God and told Ahab that Elijah was there. Elijah told Ahab to bring the people and Baal’s prophets to meet him on Mount Carmel. Elijah set up a bull on an altar and had Baal’s prophets set up a bull also. Whichever god lit the fire would be the one true god. Baal’s prophets prayed, danced and cut themselves trying to get Baal to start the fire but it wouldn’t. Elijah repaired God’s altar with twelve stones. Dug a ditch around the altar and poured water over the sacrifice filling the ditch also. He prayed that God would start the fire giving proof that he was the only God and turning the hearts of the people back to God. God immediately sent fire that burned up the sacrifice, wood and stones and scorched the ground and dried up all the water. The people declared that God is God. Elijah then had all Baal’s prophets killed. Then God sent rain. Elijah ran to Jezreel and Ahab followed him. Elijah outran Ahab’s chariots. Elijah is the true leader here. Notice how Elijah himself doesn’t act. God does act. It is funny how Elijah taunts Baal’s prophets with --is Baal using the bathroom or something?
Amos 2 - Judgments now change to Moab, Judah and Israel. God can and does judge. God is God.
Change your focus - Get involved - See the need Jesus sees and respond in mercy and love for others. Go beyond the minimum in joy toward maximum action of God’s love.
Help your neighbor improve and protect his property and means of making a living.
Colossians 1 - Jesus is the head of the church. All stems from him. In Jesus we were saved and now can be joyous servants proclaiming the revealed mystery. Wow!
1 Timothy 4 - Train yourself in godliness. Give attention to the public reading of scripture- to exhorting - to teaching. Don’t neglect your gifts. Put these into practice and devote yourself to them. - I wonder - sounds like part of my discernment process!
Psalm 25 - Lift up your soul to God and trust him.
Prayer - Lord, forgive me for being proud. Lead me in your truthfulness. Humble me - involve me - train me. Help me to follow you and to reach out to others exhorting them to use the gifts you have given them. Encouraging others and leading them as you lead me. For it is your Word and scripture set before me to lead and guide me. What a gift you have given. Help me to reach out and see you in this world. To hear your message and guidance through all things and people. You are God and have proven it throughout all time. Evidence with Elijah and the Baal prophets. You give proof beyond doubt. Help me to understand this. For the awesome proof is revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Thanks be to God! Amen
Sunday 7/18/2004
1 Corinthians 6 - More instructions to the early church. Among Christians settle differences between yourself. Don’t let the civil courts decide. This one was difficult for me - when Bryan’s eye was slit open by bamboo - I ended up taking the Pastor of the United Methodist Church in town to court to help cover the medical costs. The case was settled out of court and expenses were paid and a fund set up for Bryan when he became an adult to use for ongoing costs. - This passage bothered me though - until I realized that in the church today there is no process to make these judgments and award these types of decisions. With insurance companies involved as it is currently set up - today you must use the civil system to make these decisions. Which makes a different point. When reading - I must realize that Paul is speaking to the Corinthians about issues in that place and time and culture. The core principals will apply to our faith but many details may not apply today - like women in leadership roles - etc. This is one exception I take with those who attempt to take the Bible in a literal form and not think about what God is trying to say for today. I think we have God’s Word given to us - we must listen to what God is saying to us personally in our own time and take action from there. So next comes what to some may seem a contradiction to what I just said. Verse 9b and 10 - “No one who is immoral worships idols or is unfaithful in marriage or is a pervert or behaves like a homosexual will share in God’s kingdom. Neither will any theif or greedy person or drunkard or anyone who curses and cheats others.�--So it seems clear that homosexuals are out. But if you take it further - and really break down all of the sins into fine pieces - maybe we are all out! But I think the point is made in Verse 20 “God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God.� Paul has pointed out the stench of our sin. We all sin. But this doesn’t release us from our sin. Only through forgiveness and the saving grace of God are we released to live in God’s grace. We are sinners and must accept one another but not condone the sins which we are committing. We must notice our sins and turn to God for forgiveness. So where does this lead - as the debate for this time is with homosexuals? We accept homosexuals but the sin must be recognized and forgiveness and the turning must also be taking place. Even through the struggle with conscience of the sin. So if you break verses 9 and 10 down we all suffer the stench of our sin. But we must turn to God for forgiveness. Even if we were to stop the sin on our own - then we would think we attained our own salvation. But we can’t attain our own salvation. We must depend on God to forgive us our sins and believe and have faith for salvation. God is God -- We are not the God of our salvation. Once we realize this our lives will changes even though we sin - we can respond in joyous service - continue to turn from sin and serve God.
1 Kings 19 - Elijah had killed Jezebel’s prophets. Jezebel decides she must kill Elijah. Elijah gets scared and runs to Beersheba in Judah for protection. He then goes into the desert. Started to feel guilty and sat by a bush and asked God to let him die. Elijah wakes up and an angel tells him to eat the bread and drink the water God has provided. Elijah sat up and drank but went back to sleep. Then the angel woke him up again and told him to eat. Elijah eats and drinks and the food an water gave him strength to continue on for forty more days until he reached Mount Sinai - the mountain of God. Elijah was hiding and God wanted Elijah to see God walk by. Elijah sees a strong wind that could break rocks, an earthquake and fire but God was not in these. God was in the gentle breeze. God gives Elijah specific tasks to do. Notice the significance of forty days in the desert - think of Moses, Jesus and others. There must be a time of struggle as we listen to God speak his message for us - discernment maybe? Forty isn’t intended to be literal - but is symbolic for a long period of time. I once gave a sermon on this text when Pastor Klafter was too ill to deliver the sermon.
Amos 3 - The LORD can do whatever the LORD wants to do.
Change your focus - Get involved - See the need Jesus sees and respond in mercy and love for others. Go beyond the minimum in joy toward maximum action of God’s love.
Don’t lie about your neighbor but defend, peak well and explain their actions in a kind way.
Luke 10 - Don’t be distracted by tasks - keep your focus on Jesus. Feel his presence in your heart and life.
Hebrews 10 - I those days - God will put his laws in hearts and write them on minds.
Psalm 20 - Our pride in in the name of the LORD our God.
Prayer - God - Thank you for making me aware of my sin. Forgive me. In you is the glory - In you is the pride - In you is the wisdom - In you is the creative powers - In you is my salvation - In you is the universe - In you is life - In you is my Savior. Thank you for letting me hear your Word. Today may I hear it spoken through pastors, singing, and Christian friends as we care and show love for one another. Fill all of us with the light of God - recharge us to take your light into the world so that others may come to you. -- Amen
Monday 7/19/2004
I Corinthians 7 - Paul gives advice about sex and marriage. Husband and wife don’t refuse sex with one another (I like this one!) - Stay together - don’t let Satan tempt you. -- I found it funny that one comment was “I don’t know of anything else the Lord said about marriage. All I can do is to give you my own advice.� -- Well, Paul was single - how much advice could he give!
1 Kings 20 - It seems here that God is willing to continue to reach out. God works with Ahab through prophets. The king of Syria, Benhadad decides he wants to take over Israel. He demands everything from Ahab which brings on a battle. Israel is outnumbered. But God is with them. Benhadad and his troops get drunk and Israel attacks and defeats them but Benhadad escapes. The next spring they battle again. Israel is very outnumbered this time too. But God brings them victory. The point was so that Ahab would realize that the LORD was in control. Israel wins this battle also. Benhadad escapes but is trapped. Ahab does not kill Benhadad - which he should have. So another prophet enters again. This is a little strange - he goes up to a friend and tells them that the LORD commanded them to “Hit me!� - the friend refuses - the prophet tells the friend that he disobeyed God and that as soon as the friend walks away a lion will kill the friend. It happens! Then the prophet asks someone else “Hit me!� - Well, this guy beats him up - I guess I would too, especially if I had seen what just happened. So the prophet waits for Ahab to see him on the road. The prophet to Ahab that in the heat of battle someone brought a prisoner to him to watch and not let the prosoner escape or he would kill him. The prisoner escaped and his punishment was to kill him. Ahab said the punishment must stand. Well, Ahab just judged himself. The prophet reminded Ahab that God had told him to kill Benhadad and he let him go. Now Ahab must die.
Amos 4 - Israel refuses to obey God. God reminds them that he created the mountains and wind. God is All-Powerful!
Let me kneel at the feet of Jesus and learn. Help me to see Jesus in those around me.
Sit at the feet of Jesus - learn and put away distractions then choose the better part
Help your neighbor keep what belongs to them.
Genesis 18 - Here Abraham deals with God to save a few righteous people in the city of Sodom that God was going to destroy because of it’s wickedness. Abraham speaks to God openly and God listens. Help me to speak out when needed!
Philippians 4 - Rejoice in God - don’t worry - in prayer ask God for what you need - think about good things and doing them so others can see God through you.
Psalm 122 - Let us go to the house of the LORD!
Prayer - Help me to deal with life today - just as it comes. Lead me in the decisions I need to make and forgive the sin of wrong decisions I have made. Help me to see that you are in control and I must serve you. Lead me as I sit at the feet of Jesus and learn. Allow the children and leaders and volunteers this week at Zion to sit at your feet and learn. Let us all rejoice and go to the house of God. -- Amen
Tuesday 7/20/2004
1 Corinthians 7 - Paul needs to take a Technical Writing Class! - Get married if you need to otherwise stay single -- it all sounds like he is trying to justify his opinion - it doesn’t sound very biblical to me.
1 Kings 21- Ahab sounds like a little kid - He sees a vineyard near his palace and wants it to grow vegetables in. He asks the owner Naboth if he can have it - Naboth tells Ahab no because the vineyard had been in his family for years. Ahab goes home pouting. Jezebel tells Ahab she can fix this. She writes a letter from King Ahab that all are to go without eating for a day. Then they all came together and invited Naboth to sit up front - she had two liars placed across from Naboth - the liears accused Naboth of cursing the king and God - so they drug Naboth outside and stoned him to death. Now Ahab could have the vineyard he wanted (what a bunch of crap!). Boy is Jezebel slick or what!? Anyway, God fills Elijah in on what is going on (sort of) - So Elijah goes to Ahab and tells him how rotten he is and that God will punish him and his conniving wife Jezebel - none in the whole family will live - they will all die -- and for Jezebel the dogs will eat her body. Dogs back then weren’t like we see them today - like nice pets and stuff -- back then dogs were seen as the low life - animals that would feed on dead stuff and rotten flesh -- so this was a big insult to Jezebel. The loss of the body before burial was considered an extreme insult. But God tells Elijah - hey did you see how bad Ahab felt? - I’ll wait until his son is king to make all this happen.
Amos 5 - Turn back to God - When God judges and you haven’t repented (I like this) “You will run from a lion, only to meet a bear.� --- (on the positive side) “But let justice and fairness flow like a river that never runs dry.�- there is a song on that one -- I remember it at the Youth Convention in St. Louis - I liked it! - Plus I think there may be an old version of the same song somewhere. - Amos is talking about the Judgment day in all this. All the religious singing and liturgy and worship is meaningless if we don’t act with justice and fairness and God hates and despises it when we do this.
Let me kneel at the feet of Jesus and learn. Help me to see Jesus in those around me.
Sit at the feet of Jesus - learn and put away distractions then choose the better part
Don’t coax away your neighbors stuff - help his ass remain loyal. (ok I stretched that one a bit!- the modern Catechism changed a few words from the one I used to poke fun at)
Colossians 2 - Keep Jesus as your basis in faith - don’t let anyone lead you in other ways where Jesus isn’t the focal point.
1 Corinthians 9 - Become all things to all people that you might by all means save some -- but I won’t really save them will I? - Only Jesus saves - I serve. Share the blessing.
Psalm 42 - I am thirsty for God. This is another one with a bunch of songs I have heard before (I think).
Prayer - Lord- sometimes I can be sneaky and conniving - forgive me. Help me to turn back. Help me to honor all people and protect them. Help me to reach out and tell all of Jesus and what you have done. Not to trick them - not to deceive them but to love them in the love you have shown me. I am thirsty for you. Quench this thirst. -- Amen
Wednesday 7/21/2004
1 Corinthians 8 - Knowledge makes us proud of ourselves, while love makes us helpful to others. People who think they know so much - don’t know anything at all. God made everything and gave us life - in more ways than one. Jesus was full present when God created the world (weird thought - but neat). Don’t do anything that would cause another Christian misunderstanding and to fall away from Jesus. This whole thing was about eating food offered to idols. Paul didn’t have an issue with it but didn’t want Christians to cause other Christians to fall away because of it. The point wasn’t the food -- the food was ok -- the idols were stupid -- so the food offered to the idols was still good food -- so who cares! -- But if another Christian saw this and misunderstood they may get the wrong idea and fall away from Christ because of what you did. -- Boy! - Sometimes I think I’m as bad as Paul - blabbing on and on and on and on and on and on! The whole problem was in the culture of the day. It was common for meat, while being prepared to go through several stages of dedication to various idols. Idol worship was a big thing then. So the poor people found it difficult to impossible to obtain meat that had not been through some idol worship ceremony.
1 Kings 22 - King Ahab (Israel) and King Jehoshaphat (Judah) get together to attack the Syrians -- but what a great reason for cooperation! But they wanted to check with God first. The prophets answered that God was ok with it. Jehoshaphat wanted to make sure so he asked some other prophets. So they get Micaiah and try to tell him what the other prophets said - but Micaiah says he will say what God tells him to say. Ahab has to pry the truth out of Micaiah - Micaiah finally tells him that they shouldn’t fight. God knew he could trick Ahab - his prophets would lie to him - knowing Ahab would be destroyed. So Ahab throws Micaiah into prison. They go to battle -- Ahab disguises himself and Jehoshaphat wears the royal robe. The king of Syria ordered his troops to attack only Ahab. So when they saw Jehoshaphat they attacked him. They realized he wasn’t Ahab though. Ahab got hit by an arrow between two pieces of armor and bled to death. He was shot by an arrow that wasn’t even aimed for him. After the battle prostitutes washed themselves in the blood found on the chariot of Ahab and the dogs licked ahabs blood off the ground just as god had warned. Ahaziah became king of Israel.
Amos 6 - Don’t be proud of yourself.
Let me kneel at the feet of Jesus and learn. Help me to see Jesus in those around me.
Sit at the feet of Jesus - learn and put away distractions then choose the better part
Love and trust God - gladly do what he commands
Luke 11 - Jesus teaches us how to pray -- Here is the “door� story - Like my dream in reverse -- Ask/Search/Knock and it will be opened. Help me do this - and open the world to me through playing with you!
Luke 18 - People wanted Jesus to touch the infants. Receive the kingdom as a child. Jesus - touch Billy!
Psalm 71 - Rescue me-you are my hope and my trust
Prayer - Lord keep my worship to you focused. For you are the center of my life and being. Correct me when my actions draw others away from you. Teach me and help me to learn your ways and what you would have me do -- not just what I want to do. Help me to actually hear your direction and act upon it with a joyful heart. I will put my love and trust in you. Teach me to hear as a child your Word and to run and play. -- Amen
Thursday 7/22/2004
1 Corinthians 9 - Paul talks about support of those who preach. How he is free since the people of Corinth are not paying him. He works to bring the good news. Christians need discipline in training so that we don’t become stumbling blocks to others in hearing about Jesus grace.
2 Kings 1-2 - 1 Kings and 2 Kings are really one book - split because they both couldn’t fit on one scroll. King Ahaziah fell through the roof and was hurt. So he sent messengers to ask the god Beelzebub (lord of the flies) if he would get better. This made Elijah mad. The messengers met Elijah and Elijah told them to tell Ahaziah that since he didn’t turn to God - he was on his deathbed.. Then Ahaziah sent the army to meet Elijah and order Elijah to talk to him. Two times God sent fire to groups of soldiers and killed them. The third time Elijah went. Elijah told Ahaziah since he didn’t depend on God he would die. Ahaziah died. Then the story moves to Elijah and Elisha - Elisha is a faithful follower and never leaves Elijah -- The coat or mantle is a special symbol of the power of the prophet. It is used to dry the waters to cross rivers - for protection and power. Elisha sees Elijah taken to heaven on the chariot of fire and Elijah’s mantle drops away. Elisha picks it up with all of it’s symbolic power of God and carries on the prophecy. Elisha proves this God led power by making some water good at Jericho. Then some boys make fun of Elisha and call him “baldy�. Elisha cursed them and two bears tear the boys to pieces.
Amos 7 - Amos a shepherd called by God to prophecy - reveals vision - Vision of locusts that destroy - Vision of fire that destroy - Vision of a plumb line showing that Israel does not measure up .
Let me kneel at the feet of Jesus and learn. Help me to see Jesus in those around me.
Sit at the feet of Jesus - learn and put away distractions then choose the better part
I believe in God
John 20 - Just when you think someone has taken Jesus from you - you see him - like a surprise - he rises within you - just as it happened to Mary at the tomb.
John 3 - Believe in Jesus to have eternal life. God gave Jesus for you.
Psalm 63 - I thirst for God.
Prayer - Lord you call me to be faithful and follow you. You give me gifts beyond imagination. Empower me to use these gifts in your service. Quench my thirst for you. I believe. You surprise me in all of my life. Thanks be to God! - Amen
Friday 7/23/2004
1 Corinthians 10 - Paul talks about attending social events in the worship of idols. Even though Christians know that idols are false - they should not attend these types of events. It may make someone else stumble in their understanding. This was a real temptation at the time since these events were very popular and could enhance one’s position in society. This brought forward again the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. The problem was that in society at Corinth the meat sold in the marketplace was prepared in some ceremony for the worship of idols. So it would be difficult to obtain meat that didn’t have some connection to idols. But this shouldn’t be a problem for the Christians since they didn’t believe in idols anyway and Paul felt this was ok. So you can see how these two issues are similar - but Paul’s answers are different. I think Paul’s main point was to give what you do some thought. Do everything to honor God - and don’t cause other people to stumble in understanding Christ.
2 Kings 3 - King Joram (Israel) asks King Jehoshaphat (Judah) if he will help him attack Moab. Moab had been controlled by Israel and paid taxes to them and now they were rebelling against Israel. The kings decided to march through the desert to attack Moab at a weak point. So they got the support of the king of Edom also in this campaign since Edom was in the desert. But they soon realized that they had run out of water and the creeks were dry. They turned to Elisha to see what God had to say about this. Elisha told them that God would provide water. I found it interesting that before Elisha would prophecy he would listen to music. So the water came - it even overflowed the creek. The troops from Moab caught on to what was happening and assembled. In the morning when the Moabite troops looked out all of the water reflected the rising sun and looked like blood. So they figured the three armies got into a fight with each other and decided to go take what was left in the camp. When the Moabites got there the Israelites attacked them. All of the Moabite towns were destroyed down to one in which the Israelite soldiers were horrified when King Mesha of Moab sacrificed his oldest son on the city wall. So the Israelites ran away.
Amos 8 - Israel is judged for their deeds.
Let me kneel at the feet of Jesus and learn. Help me to see Jesus in those around me.
Sit at the feet of Jesus - learn and put away distractions then choose the better part
I believe - I believe - I believe
Psalm 7 - I look to God to protect me
Romans 8 - All things work together for good for those who love God. God will conform you to the image of his Son - you can’t conform yourself to the image - God will conform you. Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 57 - Be merciful to me God.
Prayer - Lord - We go to battle for funny reasons. Then we run away. Help me with my battle of sin and forgive me. Show me your Word and guide me through your prophets. Help me to hear, understand, act and serve you. Let me be still and listen carefully. Amen
Saturday 7/24/2004
1 Corinthians 11 - Follow the example of Christ. We were created like God to bring honor to God. Men and women need each other. The other items in this passage deal with the cultural needs of men and women in church. The order of things and the covering of heads. But the basis is to bring honor to God - this is what we must do in our society today. It is Jesus who is the head.
2 Kings 4 - A poor widow needed money to pay a debt. Elisha told her to collect all the jars she could from her neighbors. She had some olive oil in the house. Elisha told her to fill the jars with the oil from what little she had. After she filled all the jars collected from the one with a little oil she asked for another jar and her sons told her they were out of jars. The oil stopped flowing. Elisha told her to sell the oil and pay her debt and the widow and her sons can live off what is left. -- What a wonderful miracle. Reminds me of the feeding of the five thousand -- reminds me of tithing - reminds me of how we are to trust God to give us what we need - we only need to believe. -- Elisha came to know a woman who would feed him when he visited and he wanted to do something for her. She had an old husband but didn’t have a son. Elisha told her that next year she would have a son. She did. Then her son died while working in the fields. The woman went to Elisha for help. Elisha sent Gehazi to help but he couldn’t raise the son from death - so Elisha went himself, lay on the son and he came to life. -- Elisha even made some bad stew taste good by adding flour. - This is a strange one!! -- Elisha feed one-hundred people with not enough bread. Elisha told them just to serve it and they did - some was left over -- There are a lot of miracles here that remind me of Jesus miracles.
Amos 9 - God will find you. You will be judged. But there is a new beginning if you are in ruin. Turn around and focus on God - you will be blessed and restored to life. There is hope!
Let me kneel at the feet of Jesus and learn. Help me to see Jesus in those around me.
Sit at the feet of Jesus - learn and put away distractions then choose the better part
God has created me and all that exists. He provides everything I need out of love even though I don’t deserve it. I should thank, praise, serve and obey him.
1 Kings 19 - God is in the gentle breeze - pneuma- ruah - breath - Spirit. Receive the Spirit and act on the Spirits direction in your life. Sometimes we God finds us in the sheer silence. God is there in the center of the silence.
1 John 4 - Love one another because love is from God. God’s love is revealed in Jesus life, death and resurrection. If we love one another-God will live in us and his love will be perfected in us. He will give us his Spirit. God’s love gives us boldness on the day of judgment. “We love, because he first loved us� (1 John 4:19 - one of if not my favorite verse).
Psalm 27 - God is my light and salvation. I seek to live in the house of God all the days of my life and see his beauty and to learn. He will set me high on a rock - reminds me of the prayer rock story. I will serve in joy and make my life a melody to God. Wait for God and be strong, take courage and wait.
Prayer - Lord- you have shown me love. Yesterday as we made the tough decision to put Snuffy to sleep he was given a shot to relax him. Even then this “animal� proclaimed your glory by showing me his love - he tucked his head against my side and relaxed. Snuffy showed me his love for me even when I was taking a drastic action. His love and trust were complete to the end. It is true - the animals, and in this case Snuffy, can be the greatest of theologians. Snuffy showed the love you have in his love for me and my family. For this I give you thanks and praise. For you sent your Son to die for me - to show me love and trust - and you also sent Snuffy to me to show love and trust. What a gift! I pray that you may build in me the trust and love I have seen first hand through you. May my life reflect an example of love for others today, tomorrow and forever. You are the center of this love. Build it in me and send me out to freely give this love to all. I love and trust you. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Sunday 7/25/2004
1 Corinthians 11 - What a mess in church. They weren’t getting along and at the Lord’s Supper they weren’t even waiting for each other. Some were getting drunk. Well I suppose Paul needed to tell them and not sugar coat it. So the Corinthian church needed some instruction on the Lord’s Supper, Paul nneded to tell them if they don’t examine themselves on the purpose that they are the body of the Lord - they will condemn themselves. We are united in the Lord’s Super through Jesus death until he comes again. They were not waiting on each other and eating all the bread and drinking all the wine to fill their bodies. You can get your fill at home for bodily needs. The Lord’s Supper is for a different spiritual purpose than just this. In this way they were dishonoring Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of what Jesus has done for us - not just some way to fill our stomachs. This was of greater issue in the cultural divisions of the church at that time. Some were poor and some rich. The rich could easily get their fill of food at home. The poor who often had to prepare the Supper were hungry and needed to eat. They needed to care for the poor and feed their stomachs - but not through the Lord’s Supper. Which drives another point across. We should honor each other, take care of each other and love each other thus allowing the Lord’s Supper to be a true celebration and have proper meaning.
2 Kings 5 - Naaman the commander of the Syrian army had leprosy. The Syrian troops while raiding Israel captured a girl who became a servant of Naaman’s wife. The girl told Naaman’s wife if Naaman went to Samaria he could be cured. Naaman got permission from the king. The king wrote a letter to the king of Israel. Naaman took a bunch of gifts with him along with the letter. When the king of Israel got the letter he was upset. Who was he to heal someone? The king of Israel figured it was a trick to start a fight. Elisha got word of it and told the king of Israel to send Naaman to him to be cured. So Naaman goes to Elisha’s house. Elisha sent someone out to tell Naaman to go wash in the Jordon River seven times. Well this kind of ticks Naaman off. Why couldn’t Elisha come out a talk to him. Then the message was to go wash in the dirty old Jordon - kinda like someone telling you to wash in the Miami river when you have a mountain stream at home to wash in. Where Naaman came from there were a couple of good clean rivers to wash in. Naaman’s servants straightened him out and told him to do what Elisha had said. When Naaman did wash in the Jordan he was cured. So they went back to Elisha to thank him and give him a gift. Elisha refused a gift - he was a servant of God - God did the curing. Naaman was now convinced that God was God - so he took some earth back to worship the true God from the land. Land was very important and symbolic of the promise then- this the significance. Well, Gahazi, Elisha’s buddy, figured Elisha let Naaman off to easy and went after Naaman to get some goodies. Gehazi took some silver and clothes and went back home. He then lied to Elisha about what he was doing. Gehazi got the leprosy then. -- Says something about how God works through the servants - how the mighty with all their worldly wealth can’t command healing from God. We must be humble and receive what God has for us. We must trust in his healing powers and not think we have the power to force something into being on our own. God is God - respect, love and obey this notion.
Obadiah - A cool little book. Edom (remember Esau) and Israel (Jacob). Jacob and Esau made peace with each other - but later on the nations they formed got to fussing again. Edom would be happy when something bad happened to Israel so the two nations didn’t get along too well. God doesn’t go for this kind of cruelty to each other - God will judge and sentence - God will correct and lead and guide us in the correct way of treating each other. If we refuse to be corrected -- Look out!
Let me kneel at the feet of Jesus and learn. Help me to see Jesus in those around me.
Sit at the feet of Jesus - learn and put away distractions then choose the better part
Jesus at great cost saved me even though I deserve to be condemned. He didn’t save me with things of earthly value but with his blood and life- he suffered for me and died. Now I am his - I will serve him in love and thanksgiving. What a gift!
Mark 10 - James and John wanted to sit next to Jesus in his kingdom. I kind of think they thought it might be an earthly kingdom. However Jesus straightened the whole thing out and said this wasn’t his to grant. Whenever we try to elevate our status we loose focus on what the point is. We aren’t here to become some important Grand Poobah of Upper Butt Crack (ok - forgive me Upper New York State Synod Bishop) -- we are to serve. Humble ourselves and use the wonderful gifts God has given us in love and service to one another. Keep the focus on God not myself.
1 Corinthians 1 - “For God’s foolishness is wiser than human widom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.� Reminds me of what Luther said about the birds being great theologians and how I related this to Snuffy. God is God and can reach us in many ways and through the unexpected. Seems like much of this is about remaining humble and serving lately. Is there a message here for me??? --- Maybe so! Ruff-Ruff-Ruff!!
Psalm 72 - God does wondrous things and his glory fills the earth.
Prayer - Keep me humble Lord. Forgive me when I try to raise myself above others. Use me as your servant. May I see you in the lowly and all around. Help me to serve from this vantage point and honor all those I come in contact with. You are God and fill the earth with your glory - in all the unexpected places. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Monday 7/26/2004
1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual gifts. Each of us are given special ways of serving each other. It is the Spirit that does all this and decides what gifts to give each of us. The church is like a body and all parts depend on each other yet are different and have different interlocking functions.
2 Kings 6 - Elisha and the prophets decide on a building project. They go to the Jordan to cut some trees. An ax falls into the water that one of the prophets borrowed. Elisha throws a stick in where the ax fell in and the ax floats to the top. -- The king of Syria would set up his troops but Elisha would reveal to Israel where the Syrians were going to be every time. So Syria couldn’t surprise the Israelites. The king of Syria finally found out that Elisha was doing this and sent troops to find Elisha. They surrounded the city where Elisha was staying. God blinded the soldiers and Elisha led them into Samaria in front of the king of Israel. They could have killed all the Syrian troops but didn’t. They fed them and sent them back. Syria left Israel alone for a while. -- King Bnhadad of Syria attacks Samaria. The battle is so long that nothing is left ot eat in Samaria. The king of Israel was walking on the wall when a woman told him of an injustice. She had made an agreement with another woman that they would eat her son then the next day the other womans son. The second woman backed out after the first son had been eaten. The king blamed Elisha for all this and sent to have his head cut off. Elisha gave a message of hope in all this despair.
Jonah 1 - God speaks to Jonah and tells him to go to Nineveh (somewhere in Iraq) and tell them they are doomed. Jonah runs the other way and goes out to sea. He gets on a boat of course and goes to sleep. Reminds me of Jesus but the two are different reasons - Jonah is escaping - Jesus has complete trust -- both are during storms. The sailors on ship figure out the storm is because of Jonah. The sailors try to save the ship but eventually have to throw Jonah overboard. The sea calms down. Jonah is swallowed by a big fish for three days and three nights - (similarity with Jesus in the tomb). Jonah’s life is about to change weather he wants it to or not!
We pray “our� yet confess “I� - As a church we are united in prayer and Jesus - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
The Holy Spirit calls me - “I� - The Holy Spirit gathers “our� -- “I� and “our� will be raised on the last day and given eternal life in Christ.
Romans 8 - The Holy Spirit intercedes in prayer with sighs too deep for words. Love God and all things will work for good to those called.
Hebrews 9 - Jesus died once and for all - he took on my sin!
Psalm 30 - I cry to god for help and he heals me. I will give thanks forever.
Prayer - The spirit moves this day. As I return to the work week be with me in my contacts with others that I may show the love of Jesus. Help me to forgive others and to ask forgiveness when I have wronged someone. Lead me to not run away from your direction but to boldly, trustingly, and faithfully go where you lead and direct. Build and use the gifts you have given to me in the body of Christ. Amen
Tuesday 7/27/2004
1 Corinthians 13 - Love - need I say more. I remember a time when I was 17 or so that I really discovered this chapter in the Bible and couldn’t wait to share it with Sue. I thought I found some big revelation to life at the time. I still think I did!
2 Kings 7 - So Samaria was in sad shape and everyone was starving. Some lepers figured - what the heck - let’s go to the Syrian army camp and see what’s going on - were going to die anyway. Maybe if we surrender they won’t kill us. So as the lepers are approaching the camp - God makes it sound like a huge army is approaching (Tom Nebel used to think this when he would hear me running up behind him in the outfield to back him up when we played softball). So the army figure Israel got the help of the Hittites or Egyptians. The army ran away. The lepers couldn’t believe it. They went from tent to tent - food, jewelry, drinks and all were there. They went back and told the king of Israel. It was true. So the people starving in Israel ran out and got all the stuff. And a sack of flour and barley sold for almost nothing. This is what Elisha had prophesied to the chief office of Israel. The chief officer didn’t believe him - the chief officer was trampled to death in the rush out of the city. I think maybe they better start believing the Elisha is telling them God’s word!
Jonah 2 - If you say a prayer while you are inside a fish - you will turn into puke! Jonah was physically and spiritually separated from God but God still rescued him. Notice how Jonah couldn’t save himself - but God saved him. God hears prayers no matter where you are - even if you are in a fish! God sent a “dag� - Hebrew for fish to swallow Jonah - the whole whale thing just might be a fish story - because they can’t quite interpret it as whale. But who cares anyway - it misses the point - God saves - whale, fish, lions den and all sorts of other places. This also reminds me of baptism - when we are under the water - in the depths of sin and come out of the water we realize the awesome gift God has given us. Luther wasn’t against immersion - he even thought it had great meaning - but the way the water was used wasn’t the point - the point was God’s saving action in our lives - water-Word-God’s promise. What a gift -- Puke me out of the depths of my sin I pray oh God!--(Reminds me of Diane’s sister Kathy’s poem - interesting!)
We pray “our� yet confess “I� - As a church we are united in prayer and Jesus - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
Jesus taught us and commanded us to pray.
Romans 8 - Nothing - Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
James 3 - All of us make many mistakes.
Psalm 17 - Call upon God - he will answer and show his love.
Prayer - Oh Lord - out of the depths of my sin you save me. When I am a starving leper you save me. When I am deep in my ocean of sin you save me. You show me your love. I don’t know why. I don’t understand why - but you do. Thanks and praise to you for this wonderful gift. Lead, guide and help me today to show others your mighty saving power and love. Help me to deal with each person I contact. Reveal your mysteries to my in the world you created before my eyes - open my eyes to the daily miracles you perform. --Amen
Wednesday 7/28/2004
1 Corinthians 14 - Speaking in tongues is a gift - but without someone to interpret it doesn’t build up the church. It is better to prophesy. If you really want spiritual gifts choose the ones that will be most helpful to the church. I’m not so sure I can pick and choose though - I think God gives the gifts I need and it is up to me to use them. Maybe this means figure out which gifts God has given you and use the ones most helpful to the church. There are times to pray with your spirit and times to pray with your mind. The same way with singing. Think like the mature but be innocent as a baby. If outsiders come to worship and realize they are sinners and want to change their ways - they will tell what is hidden in their hearts and kneel down and say God - we know you are with these people.
2 Kings 8 - This one seems to come from nowhere - Elisha tells the woman whose son he brought back to life to move away for a while because there would be no food for seven years. The woman did this and when she returned she begged the king of Israel to give her her house back. The king was talking to Gehaze- Elisha’s buddy when he told the king about a woman that Elisha brought her son back to life. So the king gave the woman everything she needed. -- Elisha went to visit King Benhadad of Syria. The king was sick. Elisha was talking to Hazael about the king and told him the king would get well but would die anyway. Elisha then told Hazael that he would become king and do terrible things to the people of Isreal. The next day Hazael smothers Benhadad and became king of Syria. -- Now we switch back to telling about the kings of Judah and Israel - King Jehoram of Judah-defeated by the Edomites-he was sinful -- King Ahaziah of Judah-only ruled one year-disobeyed God
Jonah 3 - Jonah is told again to go to Ninevah and preach a message of doom. So he does. The people repent in sackcloth - they even put it on the animals - and they fast. The people stopped doing evil - God saw this and had pity on them. Jonah has become the most successful prophet and he doesn’t even know it.
We pray “our� yet confess “I� - As a church we are united in prayer and Jesus - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
Speak to your Daddy - he loves you
Romans 9 - God will have mercy on whomever he chooses - even me.
Hebrews 6 - God promises and gives hope in Jesus for all of us
Psalm 36 - God saves humans and animals alike.
Prayer - Help me to speak your word clearly and truthfully to all I see. May your words grab the attention of all of us. May we repent - turn towards you, and receive forgiveness. For you choose whomever you want to choose. Thanks for sending your Son to choose us - your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and send us into the world with your love. Only you can save. -- Amen

Thursday 7/29/2004
1 Corinthians 14 - To be honest, this part always bothered me. Paul is giving advice to the Corinthians about how they should behave in worship. Trying to keep things orderly and all. Then the part about the women being silent and stuff. He is telling this to the Corinthians - they had issues to deal with -- today it seems people think that this can be pulled out of it’s place in time and be applied to all churches., disregarding if the church today has these same issues of control or not. It just doesn’t make sense to me how we apply some biblical principles in a literal sense to everything weather it applies to the situation or not and then put God behind our own selfish intentions of control. God is in control (I think that is a song) - not us! So we need to seek his guidance - not just blindly pull passages out of the Bible that we want to use to back our point of view -- look and listen for God’s point of view and stop trying to prove myself.
2 Kings 9 - Elisha tells Jehu he will become king of Israel and clean up the mess of idol worship Jezebel has created. This is one of the final acts the prophet was prophesied to take. So Jehu and his troops kill King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. Deaths of kings of both North and South at the same time. They were all at the city Jezreel at the same time. Then Jezebel came to the city wall and some supporters of Jehu threw her over the wall - and the dogs ate most of her body.
Jonah 4 - Jonah thought the people of Ninevah deserved punishment - but God saw them repent and was merciful. This made Jonah mad. He runs away again - outside the city. I think he was hoping to see Ninevah destroyed after all so his prophecy would be true. He built a shelter and sat to watch. But God had mercy on Ninevah. So god made a vine grow and shade Jonah - then God sent a word to kill the vine (he judged the vine like Jonah expected him to judge Ninevah). Yet when the vine died - Jonah felt the heat of the sun and he wanted to die also. So Jonah was angry about the vine. The vine was like Nineveh -- even if God had destroyed Nineveh (vine) - Jonah was unhappy. So God points out to Jonah -- hey you were concerned about this vine that grew one night and died the next - why can’t you be concerned about Ninevah who God had mercy on - even the animals there? -- This last verse is the one many people site that points to how God cares for the animals - some theologians use it to prove that animals are in heaven. Maybe it is stretching it a little or a lot -- don’t know.
We pray “our� yet confess “I� - As a church we are united in prayer and Jesus - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
Teach the Word in truth and purity and live by it.
Psalm 49 - All people - listen to the wisdom of God
Mark 13 - The good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. - Even when it is tough going. Let the Holy Sprit work in you.
Psalm 136 - God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Prayer - Lord - today help me to recognize in myself disorder, evil, idol worship and my sin. That I may beg your forgiveness, repent and turn back to you. I have sinned in ways known and unknown. Forgive me I pray. Have mercy on me. Release me in joy to proclaim your everlasting steadfast love and to teach your Word in all truth and purity. For in your forgiveness I am free to respond in joyful happiness and giddy laughing. Thanks be to God! -- Amen

Friday 7/30/2004
1 Corinthians 15 - There is worry in the church about the resurrection of the dead. Will the people who died before Christ rise? They did not have a chance to believe. Paul spends a few verses convincing everyone that he is just as important to listen to as the other apostles. I think since his relationship with Jesus came later he felt he had to convince people to listen to him. Probably true - but I think God would have given him the power and persuasion needed without doing all of this talk he did. It seems at times Paul had a complex about this to me. Chris died - Christ was buried - Christ was raised to life. We will be too. Christ will come again. Some of the people were being baptized for dead people who didn’t get baptized. But that isn’t needed.
2 Kings 10 - Jehu sent out letters to local officials who supported Ahab telling them they better pick the best one among them and make them king and be prepared to defend Ahab. He challenged them. So the people who got these letters knew they were in trouble. Jehu was a maniac for God. So he sent another letter which said if you are on my side send me all the heads of the descendants of Ahab.by tomorrow. So Jehu got seventy heads at least delivered to him and had them put in two piles at the city gate. Then Jehu killed the rest of Ahab’s family. This was just as Elijah had told. Jehu left Jexreel and started for Samaria - on the way he met some supporters of Ahaziah- forty-tow of them were killed. So Jehu gets to Samaria. Jezebel, Ahab and the people had really been influenced to worship Baal - things were really rotten. So Jehu says he will be faithful to Baal - this was a bunch of bull! - ha! - So he gets all the people together to worship Baal. He made sure all the Baal worshipers were there. Then he offered a sacrifice to Baal to make sure they were all there then commanded his soldiers to kill all the people. They did, then destroyed the temple (the temple ended up becoming a public toilet- odd comment!) and destroyed Baal - So this is how Jehu eliminated Baal worship from Israel. But Jehu did not sotp the worship of gold calves at Dan and Bethel. Jehu sounded pretty faithful to me - gruesome - but faithful - but not all he did was good.
Micah 1 - Micah tells mainly the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem that they will be judged and are doomed.
We pray “our� yet confess “I� - As a church we are united in prayer and Jesus - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
Send your Holy Spirit that I may believe and live in you!
Ecclesiastes 1 - Is my toil for nothing ? What is my focus? Contemplate and listen! - Go deep!
Galatians 2 - We are justified by faith - the Holy Spirit will show us!
Psalm 97 - The LORD is king!
Prayer - Lord give me the conviction of Jehu - to act boldly and faithfully - to promote you and not myself. Guide me in telling others of your love. Of your Spirit. Help me to think, praise and honor you in the deepness of my soul for you are King and Lord! -- Amen
Saturday 7/31/2004
1 Corinthians 15 - I like this one about bodies. Bodies are different. There is the body made of flesh and the spiritual body. Adam was the one made from dust - this one will decay. Then there is the one made spiritual - Jesus is a life giving spirit - through Jesus we will be like the body from heaven - the spiritual one. Our fleshly bodies will decay and can’t share in God’s kingdom - our bodies will be changed into bodies that won’t die or decay.
2 Kings 11 - Now the mother of King Ahaziah - Athaliah-- she would be the queen - finds out about her son’s death. She decides to kill any relative that could become king. This is important in the history and prophecy of things. Remember that this is Judah - it was foretold that Jesus would descend from the throne of David. Well the family line would be broken if Athaliah is successful. Well - Jehosheba - Ahaziah’s half sister hid her nephew Joash for six years while Athaliah reigns as queen. So here is another woman playing a big part in doing God’s work and maintaining the line of descendants leading to Jesus. But I guess on the other end of the stick is a woman trying to do the opposite. Well-I thought it sounded good at first! So at the wise old age of seven - the pried Jehoiada sets up a plan to annoint Joash King of Judah. He pulls it off - Queen Athaliah sees it and gets ticked to no avail because the soldiers kill her and anyone with her. Once Joash was king they tore down the Baal temple and the idols. Boy-this idol worship thing must have been big back then. No wonder God was always mad at them - seems like they are tearing down these temples and destroying idols all the time -- then they build it again. It would have been great to be a Construction General Contractor back then - you could make a bundle off these crazy people!
Micah 2 - Doomed! All seems so negative. But I guess a prophet has to say what God wants. Then in the end of this chapter - there is hope - God will bring the people back together. I guess I must realize my sin - I deserve punishment and death - but God forgives - gives hope - then I can have joy. But it is God’s choosing -- I still deserve death so my faith must be in his salvation - not salvation I can obtain. God is God!
We pray “our� yet confess “I� - As a church we are united in prayer and Jesus - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
Strengthen my faith and keep me firm in your Word as long as I live.
Colossians 3 - So in Christ I have been raised. Set my mind on things above. Fight and put to death whatever is earthly within me. The evil influences and get rid of it. I am free since Christ saved me to fight the battle with him. I have been invited to have fun and soar and play with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 13 - Love
Psalm 141 - Turn your eyes to God -- It makes me think of approaching the cross - slowly looking up and seeing Jesus - not hanging but in some fantastic glory I can’t imagine.
Prayer - Change me - let the seed within bloom. Let the seed of Christ take root and the Spirit fill my life with service in your name. If I must hide for a while - direct my path then let me serve. I want to look at you and see you and hear you. Set my mind on your things - not on my things. Give me hope -- Amen