October 2004 Journal
Friday 10/1/2004
Revelation 1 - Look! His is coming with the clouds. Everyone will see him - Write in a book what you see - The person telling this face shone as bright as the sun at noon. This person will explain things --- At first I used to be afraid of Revelation - now I like it - I like to use my imagination on what the images could mean and not worry if I’m interpreting things correctly or not - I‘ll let the theologians fuss and fight over that crap (gives them something to do)- just pretend and play and feel God speak to me - Like Jesus coming again in the clouds - to picture it to see it - with a person whose face shines like the sun - the light of the World - lighting up the heavens like on Christmas morning - the light from his face shining up and down and lighting up a dark night of stars, moon and planets -- what would it be like to have the sun -- Son come to us? He does!
Nehemiah 1-2 - No matter how far away I get from God - I can turn to him - repent and change my ways - Nehemiah was a servant to King Artaxerxes the cup bearer - he tasted the wine to make sure it wasn’t poisoned. Anyway - Nehemiah heard about how Jerusalem lay in ruins and the King let him go there. Nehemiah looked at all the destruction of the wall one evening. A huge job of rebuilding was needed -- Sometimes I think God has a huge job of rebuilding to do in me -- “We are servants of the God who rules from heaven, and he will make our work succeed.� --- The ending in names with“iah� is a shortened form of Yahweh
Psalm 96 - Sing a new song to God - everyone- day after day announce that God has saved me! - Tell everyone - Praise God and bring an offering - God will judge - be glad and celebrate!- even the tress will sing joyful songs to God
Forget the earthly values and pursue God’s values - Trust in God to provide.
Be assured - sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Habakkuk 1 - How long? -- Watch - Stand - Listen - Write the vision-make it plain-- There is still a vision for the appointed time-it does not lie - If it seems to tarry , wait for it -- because it will come and it will not delay.
Acts 1 - Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit - When Jesus ascended - he went up in the clouds - When he returns he will return from the clouds - but now it is time to quit looking up at the clouds and work and serve him in his kingdom on earth.
Psalm 98 - Sing to the LORD- Make a joyful noise to the LORD- sing praises - all creation rejoices in God.
Prayer - Oh Lord, Clouds and Visions take over this day -- I want so bad to see you coming again in the clouds - It has become a vision for me -- but it may also be an escape for me - I need your forgiveness- for you call me to work in the here and now - in this earthly kingdom of your. Help me and guide me with your Spirit that I may serve you here and now - today! --- Amen
Saturday 10/2/2004
Revelation 2 - The Letter to Ephesus - good and bad - good in hard work and endurance- not putting up with evil - not giving up - bad in the loss of initial love - listen to God! -- The Letter to Smyrna - you suffer and are poor - but you are rich in many ways also - be faithful until you die - listen to God! -- The Letter to Pergamum - you have kept God’s name true even amongst Satan - you have not given up faith even in persecution - don’t follow false teaching - listen to God! -- The Letter to Thyatira - you have love, faith, service and endurance - don’t follow the false teaching of Jezebel - hold firm to correct teaching - listen to God! -- 2.10 a glorious life -- The Greek text has “a crown of life� -- I find it interesting that this crown is also interpreted a wreath -- the wreath was used to put on the victors head- reminds me of what they did in the Olympics this year - they would place a wreath on the winners head - it also reminds me of Christmas wreaths - Jesus was born and died to give me a crown of life -- 2.17 Those who win will be given some hidden food - reminds me of manna given to the Israelites -- “what is it�-Manna -- then I think of the communion bread - body of Christ - Manna/Bread/Body of Christ - eternal life.
Nehemiah 3 - A list of the people who rebuilt the walls and gates of Jerusalem -- it is interesting that this appears to be a ministry and many of the people listed are priests.
Psalm 97 - Love the LORD and hate evil! You are the LORD’s people! So celebrate and praise the only God.
Forget the earthly values and pursue God’s values - Trust in God to provide.
I beg you to forgive me all my sins and the wrong with I have done - for God has graciously protected me.
2 Timothy 1 - God gives grace - “This grace given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began “ -- now revealed in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 1 - God has chosen me - receive the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit - turn from sin and serve a living and true God
Psalm 107 - God gives steadfast love forever
Prayer - Lord - I need forgiveness - for I am rich in many ways and don’t even realize it - I follow false teachings at times - I lose the love you have given me - I don’t rebuild my walls when they are needed - Help me to turn from my sin and serve the true and living God -- for your steadfast love endures forever - even before the ages began. --- Amen
Sunday 10/3/2004
Revelation 3 - Sardis - This church is dead - try to become stronger - remember teaching -turn from sins - listen to God! -- Philadelphia - when God opens a door no one can close it - When God closes a door no one can open it - they are not strong but have obeyed - God loves them - everyone must go through testing - listen to God! -- Laodicea - God is faithful and the true witness and the source of creation - this church is neither cold nor hot - God will spit this kind of church out - make up your mind and turn from sin - God is standing at the door and knocking - if your hear His voice open the door - listen to God!
Nehemiah 4 - Judah’s enemies were making fun of them rebuilding the wall and trying to get it to stop. But the people of Judah kept strong and prayed to God. The enemies even tried to attack and tear down the wall Judah was building - they had to split up - half rebuilding the walls - half standing on guard against attack. Sometimes I feel this way - I want to do God’s work but must stand on guard from sin’s attacks.
Psalm 98 - All creation praises God and sings out
Forget the earthly values and pursue God’s values - Trust in God to provide.
Serve and please God
Luke 17 - It doesn’t take much faith - but be willing to serve the servants and get out of your self-centered ways
2 Corinthinas 4 - God has put a treasure in us - we have the death of Jesus in us - but also the life of Jesus in us - grace will extend to more and more people though us - as our bodies die our spirit grows
Psalm 56 - You are being attacked every day- but God will save you - praise God
Prayer - Lord - am I dead?, not strong?, lukewarm?, I turn from my sins and listen to you. Attacks come from all around as I work in your kingdom, cover me - stand guard for me and save me. For I must trust in you - all creation depends on you - all creation praises you. Let the treasure you put inside of me shine forth to the world through this dead body. --- Amen
Monday 10/4/2004
Revelation 4 - A great worship service I want to go to in heaven - God is described in a wonderful way - all the praise, honor, glory and power is on display for me to finally see as I should always. I love this vision of heaven.
Nehemiah 5-6 - Nehemiah was a good leader -he saw how the poor were being taken advantage of - even by himself and corrected it - he governed by example and didn’t charge the taxes that were normal for the time since so many were working on rebuilding the wall that they couldn’t hardly even support themselves. Then his enemies tried to trick him into talking with them at Ono Valley so they could kill Nehemiah. But Nehemiah told them he was too busy rebuilding the wall and couldn’t meet -- this was the very thing Nehemiah’s enemies wanted him to stop doing - how ironic an answer.
Psalm 99 - Only you are God! -- and we worship and praise you.
Receive the body and blood, the bread and wine, the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Live in God’s kingdom.
Fear, love, and trust in God above everything.
Job 40 - I am small - God is great - remember that God is God!
Isaiah 64 - God is God - we are clay - God is the creator and we are the work of his hands.
Psalm 103 - God is good and compassionate to those who fear him. Bless God - he provides all we need.
Prayer - Lord, what a message! - I am here to praise, honor, serve and glorify you. You are God -- Help me this day to see the needs of others -respond to the needs of the poor and live an example. -- Lead and guide me this day. --- Amen
Tuesday 10/5/2004
Revelation 5 - One of my favorite chapters in the Bible -- In the right hand of God a scroll - writing all over it - sealed in seven places - like those wax seals - An angel asks who can open it?-- No one? - Wait yes there is! - the Lion form the tribe of Judah can! - But wait the Lion is a Lamb- the Lamb looked as if it had been killed!? - The Lamb took the scroll from God -- We all sang “You are worthy to open the seals, because you were killed.� -- Millions of voices “The Lamb who was killed is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.� - Then all heaven and earth - everywhere praised the Lamb! ---- Only Jesus can open the seal of my heart and give me the Word of understanding-Love--Thanks be to God!
Nehemiah 7-8 - So another one of those exciting chapters that list a bunch of strange names and numbers of people that returned from exile -- then the reading of the law in public by Ezra - the people started crying when it was read to them -- but this was a celebration - a feast - a sharing of food with those in need. -- But here again as in Revelation is God opening the Word to his people - revealing himself to them.
Psalm 100 - Praise God as you enter his temple - His love and fiathfulness will last forever.
Receive the body and blood, the bread and wine, the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Live in God’s kingdom.
Don’t use God’s name to curse, swear, lie, or deceive.
Job 41 - If I think I’m so great why can’t I defeat all enemies -- even the monsters of nature like Leviathan? -- Don’t be so proud! --Be humble! -- God is god.
Ecclesiastes 2 - You can work and work and work for a bunch of crap and get nothing out of it -- what’s the purpose of that?
Psalm 49 - Don’t think you’re so great if you are rich -- it doesn’t mean a thing - we all die alike and take nothing with us -- forget all that crap - trust in God - and follow His lead - God will care for you.
Prayer - Jesus - It is you! -- You who opens the Word to me - Today open your Word to me - Feed me the message - give me life -- Yes I sin and ask your forgiveness- you humble me. For I can see your power - I can’t defeat the monsters in my life - only you can do that - I can’t buy happiness - you give happiness - true joy and everlasting joy - I look forward to that day when we will sing glory, honor, praise, to you at the throne with a million other voices. -- Amen
Wednesday 10/6/2004
Revelation 6 - The Lamb opened the first seal- the four living creatures shouted come out! - a white horse - rider the crown and bow had won some victories now more. Second seal-come out!-red horse- rider take away peace on earth- Third seal - come out! - black horse - rider with scales-cheating for wages - Fourth seal-come out! - pale green horse - Death-power over quarter of earth - Fifth seal-souls of persecuted for proclaiming God under the altar - Sixth seal earthquake- sun turned to blood- rulers of earth hide
Nehemiah 8-9 - They celebrated the festival of shelters - A great prayer of the people- reciting the Jewish history of the Israelites and how faithful and providing God has been throughout time.
Psalm 101 -I will find trustworthy people to serve as my advisors
Receive the body and blood, the bread and wine, the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Live in God’s kingdom.
Don’t neglect the Word or it’s preaching - keep it holy and gladly hear and learn it.
Job 42 - Job sees God as God - repents and God restores abundantly everything for Job - more than needed.-- “Dear God, I know that when I have you in my heart, I carry heaven with me wherever I go. Amen� -- God was with Job through it all - good and bad.
John 4 - Jesus is the Messiah - the living water - giving eternal life - Thanks be to God!
Psalm 34 - Seek God- Bless God - Magnify God- Praise God continually
Prayer - Lord open the seals of my heart - cleanse me of my sin and forgive me - Hear my celebration, praise, honor and glory for all you have done. I give thanks - for you are the living water of eternal life - flow upon me each day my baptismal water and blessings that I may go forth into your kingdom to love you and others and serve boldly in your name. -- Amen
Thursday 10/7/2004
Revelation 7 - The saved approach the throne of Jesus our King - they worship and honor his glory - Jesus is in the center of the throne and will lead to life-giving water -- this reminds me so much of an image of approaching the cross surrounded by a great crowd of people.
Nehemiah 10 - An agreement or pledge was made by the people to keep God’s law and to live in harmony with God -- not to marry outsiders and to observe the Sabbath and the Sabbath year of rest - giving relief to debt and letting the land rest.
Psalm 102 - When I am down - cry out to God for help - don’t worry he will be with me.
Receive the body and blood, the bread and wine, the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Live in God’s kingdom.
Respect, love, obey and serve your parents and authorities.
Psalm 111 - Praise God - he is gracious and merciful- Study his works - The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Isaiah 11 - Jesus will be our King - and their will be peace among even the animals and in all the earth.
Psalm 122 - I am glad to go to the house of God!
Prayer - Jesus- I see that great crowd approaching to worship and honor and give you the glory you deserve and I so badly want to give. Show me the way - give me the voice - lead me in action to live my life in your kingdom on this earth - here and now- as you wish me to do. I will live in that hope of seeing that day and the approaching of the cross with friends and family and all the saved, past, present, and future. But now it’s time to go - to go out in my day -- repentant of my sins and forgiven - and living in the joy of your grace. Thanks for the day --- Amen
Friday 10/8/2004
Revelation 8 - The seventh seal is now finally opened by the Lamb or Jesus - Heaven went silent for ½ hour kind of like I would expect on the say of rest. There was incense to offer prayers - Reminds me of the evening service when they use the incense and the peoples prayers rise to heaven. God’s power and might are ever present. Then there were seven angels to blow trumpets -- This all reminds me of the plagues in Egypt - first angel - fire mixed with blood on 1/3 of earth - second - fiery mountain thrown into sea - 1/3 of living creatures in the sea died - third - star fell from heaven - fell on 1/3 of rivers - fourth - 1/3 of sun, moon, stars were struck and lost 1/3 of their light -- Then there was a lone eagle flying declaring trouble to the people of the earth because the other three angels are going to blow their trumpets. -- Just as God rescued the Israelites from Egypt - he will rescue us from our sin -- He does this through the Lamb - Jesus Christ - and is with us now to lead and guide through the Holy Spirit - So even though all this sounds so horrible - it is a dramatic way to show the love of God for each person - but God did take a dramatic action by coming down to me in giving his Son to die for me on the cross for my sins -- Thanks be to God!
Nehemiah 11 - So now with Jerusalem rebuilt - there was only room enough for about 1 of 10 people returning from exile in Babylonia -- So this chapter deals with how people and which people were chosen to return -- They cast lots - pieces of wood and stone - kind of like dice that would choose who - it wasn’t like gambling because the lots were believed to be God’s answer and choice - not just luck.
Psalm 103 - With all my heart I will praise God! -- he provides all I need - all creation is his - I am dust - like grass that comes and goes - but God still cares for me
Receive the body and blood, the bread and wine, the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Live in God’s kingdom.
Don’t hurt your neighbor - help him
2 Kings 5.1-3, 7-15 - God sometimes heals in such simple ways -- I expect some grand show - but God works through the lowly - sends me into the water of my baptism and cleanses my soul for everlasting life
Acts 20.17-32 - Serve God in humility - proclaim God’s grace to all
Psalm 81 - Sing to God - play instruments to please him - Listen to God - Trust in God - God is God and will take care of all your needs.
Prayer - Lord open my seventh seal - bring me to silence so that I can stop and listen to your voice. Hear your Word so loudly proclaimed. Proclaim your saving grace to the world through me this day - to friends and neighbors. Cast your lots and please select me to live in your Holy city of Jerusalem. For you are god and I will trust in your forgiveness, your salvation and glorify you in creation. Thanks you for this day. Forgive my sins - for I continue to fail and need your forgiveness. Help me to correct myself and live the life you would have me live. To live in your kingdom this day and love and serve you in joy and happiness. --- Amen
Saturday 10/9/2004
Revelation 9 - Talk about plagues! - This sounds like a science fiction novel. The fifth angel blew a trumpet. A star fell to the earth - The star is kinda like a person. It had a key that opened up a tunnel to a deep pit. Out of the pit came some locusts with human and animal characteristics. They made the people who weren’t marked by God suffer. Then the sixth angel blew a trumpet. A voice spoke from an altar in God’s presence. Four angels were released from around the Euphrates river. They killed 1/3 of the people. But the people still didn’t turn from worshiping idols. Sometimes I can be this stubborn too.
Nehemiah 12 - A list of the priests and some of their duties is included. The priests and people celebrated the rebuilding of the wall by parading on it and singing.
Psalm 104.1-23 - God has set up creation to provide for all of it’s needs. God will provide for all of our needs also. Just see how he cares for the animals of this world and all he has created.
Receive the body and blood, the bread and wine, the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Live in God’s kingdom.
Respect and love your wife.
2 Timothy 2.8-15 - The word of God is not chained up. Don’t wrangle over words.
Revelation 22.1-6 - The river of life - with the tree of life - for the healing of the nations. He is coming soon - I want to see this tree of life!
Psalm 38 - The world closes in and it seems I can’t bear it. People take revenge on me. But God is there with me - to live through it all with me and will rescue me at the last.
Prayer - Lord - forgive me - open my eyes to your warnings that I may heed them - turn from my sin and repent. Show me your salvation that I may clearly respond in joy and thanksgiving. I want to march on the walls of my city today - joyfully proclaiming your saving grace to all - showing them the love you freely give to all - pointing them towards the tree of life beside the river of life in my baptism and in theirs. As the world closes in on me I will place on my trust and faith into your care. --- Amen
Sunday 10/10/2004
Revelation 10 - A powerful angel - with one foot on land and one on the sea - this angel has a little scroll that tells of the final victory - maybe Jesus resurrection or coming again -- John is told to eat the scroll - it will taste good but leave his stomach sick. Makes me think of sometimes how life is tough - but some things that taste good - feel bad later.
Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah had left for some period of time - when he returned - things had changed -the people and the priests were not upholding the law - Nehemiah had to once again begin to straighten it all out and get the people to realize one again - God is God.
Psalm 104.24-35 - God is the creator and cares for his creatures and takes care of them - His glory will last forever - With all my heart I will praise God - forever.
Receive the body and blood, the bread and wine, the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Live in God’s kingdom.
Help your neighbor protect his property and means of making a living.
Luke 17.11-19 - Jesus has mercy on ten lepers - but only one returns thanks - a Samaritan - Thank you Jesus for the healing you have given me - thank you for forgiving my sin. Thanks be to God!
Acts 26.1-8, 22-23 - Stand up for Jesus - proclaim the story of his death and resurrection - of his gift of grace to all - of his gift of life to all.
Psalm 148 - Everything praise God! - God is God
Prayer - Let me eat the Word of life you give this day - let me see you present in myself - lead me though the trails of this life and give me your grace. Forgive my sins I pray - Show me the way to give others the love you gave me - show me the joy, laughter, happiness you give to me so that I may give it out. I will praise you this day and I thank you for all the blessings you have given me. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Monday 10/11/2004
Revelation 11 - John is told to measure the temple area - the inside area - where the faithful would be located - don’t measure the outside where the faithless would be -- Then there is the two witnesses - sent to witness to those in the city - persecuted and killed by the beast for the deep pit -- When they are killed the people celebrate - this is in Jerusalem - but the people are not worshipping God - then the two witnesses are raised and taken back to heaven - An earthquake destroys 1/10th of the city- 7000 people are killed - the rest are frightened enough and praise God. --Now the sound of the seventh trumpet is heard - The kingdom of this world belongs to Jesus - the time has come to judge- The door to God’s temple in heaven was opened and the sacred chest could be seen inside. --all this makes me think of how God tries so hard to speak to me - to witness to me - he opens the heart of his Son and shows me his love - and as I look on I am in awe of the power-might-and glorious wonder of Jesus - of God -- of his live. And just stand there looking at that open temple/heart in a stupor - unable to understand.
Esther 1 - So a couple of parties are going on - one with the women and one with the men -- King Xerxes has the guys together drinking-he decides he wants to have Queen Vashti come by and show the boys how beautiful she is -- Queen Vashti refuses to come by -- Well the boys get to worrying about all this -- all women may take on that attitude and all the boys will lose control of the women. So King Xerxes kicks Vashti out as queen and replaces her. -- I know times were different then and so was culture -- but to think you can control the women in such a way seems crazy - it’s the wrong way to treat anyone - try showing some honor instead.
Psalm 105.1-25 - Tell everyone what God has done - Celebrate and worship with all your heart - Trust in God
Thanks be to God!
Don’t lie about others- speak well of them
Acts 18.1-11 - It occurs to me that sometimes I have to argue about the love of Jesus with others. It wasn’t easy for Paul.
2 Corinthians 5.11-21 - God is working me - I must be bold and tell of his love - for he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who and was raised for them.
Psalm 92 - God’s thoughts are very deep - Give thanks to God and sing his praises.
Prayer - Lord - as you opened the torn curtain at the crucifixion - as you opened the doors to the holy of holies in Revelation - open my heart this day - come in - let me praise your glory-power-and honor you in joy with my life this day - for you always come down - you come down to rescue me and save me. Thank you. May I bring honor to your people and your creation - may I not try to control and subdue others - but respect and love them. Your thoughts are deep and I give you thanks and praise. --- Amen
Tuesday 10/12/2004
Revelation 12 - Something important appeared in the sky - A woman - her clothes were the son - the moon was under her feet- twelve stars on her head - like the tribes of Israel- like Jesus disciples - I am one of Jesus disciples - she gave birth - Makes me think of how important women are in the church - the light of God is all around them - Mary gave birth to Jesus - How Jesus light must have burned brightly all around her - Something else appeared in the sky - a dragon - seven heads and seven horns and a crown on each of it’s heads - The dragon wanted to eat the child born to the woman - How the devil must want to defeat Jesus. But the woman’s son would rule all the nations - The son was taken to God and put on his throne - Jesus came into this world - with the devil - defeated the devil and rose to be with God on his throne --- The woman ran into the desert to a place God had prepared for her - Even though I live in a sinful world God will provide protection - even in the barren places of my life -- Then there was a war in heaven - God’s angels defeated the angels of sin and the devil and threw sin out of heaven to the earth - that snake - makes me not only think of Mary - but Eve also - Sin will fool me in this life - but I know God has defeated sin through the child living on the throne in heaven and the throne of my life - God shows his saving power and his kingdom has come! - Satan has been defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the message of God - Even though sin is in my life - Jesus has already defeated sin for me by his death and resurrection and gives me life - I must be willing to give up my life- The heavens pity the earth - but rejoice in the victory over sin - Yea the devil is mad and his time is short- he will try to make trouble for me- but God will protect me from sin - even when the devil tries to mess up my desert place by flooding it - God will swallow up that flood of evil water and make the devil stand to the side - God has washed me with the good water - and with the blood of Christ -- Thanks be to God!
Esther 2 - So King Xerxes decides with the help of some of his officials advice that he must search for another Queen to please him. In comes Mordecai - a Jew - who had raised a beautiful cousin of his -- her name was Esther - and she goes to see if she can be one of the women to be queen. Hegai was put in charge of the women - give beauty treatments and stuff - he must have really been tempted - like a kid in a candy store! - Mordecai warned Esther not to tell anyone she was a Jew - So these women get pampered for a year then they get to spend the night with King Xerxes - how could a guy be so lucky? - bad way to treat women - like they are only there for pleasure - but I guess to King Xerxes that’s how he saw it - seems kinda cheap to me and very unloving - So King Xerxes picks Esther and falls in love with her -- sounds like one of those shows you see on TV today - what a bunch of crap! - So Mordecai becomes a palace official - A couple guys who guarded the king has some beef over this whole thing - Bigthana and Teresh - they decided to kill the King - but Mordecai got wind of it and told Queen Esther - When King Xerxes found out it was true - the two men were hanged and I’m sure Mordecai gained the respect of the King.
Psalm 105.26-45 - The rest of this psalm tells of how God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and cared for them in the desert. It makes me think of the subject -- Why bad things happen to good people -- Here I am in slavery to sin - but God rescues me with the blood and very life of his Son Jesus - Even though I have been rescued from sin - I still live in a sinful world and am sinful myself - I go into the desert - bad things may happen to me - but God loves me so much that he is there with me in my pain - Jesus and the Spirit live with me through the pain and the bad things - not necessarily taking those bad things away - but being with me - providing for me and giving me the final hope of victory in the end - yea I will feel the pain - but I will also learn to trust in God and put my hope in Jesus because he has given me life - therefore - even in the pain - I can feel and respond with eternal joy. - Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
Help your neighbor keep his stuff. You don’t need it! God gives you all the stuff you need.
Acts 18.12-28 - I like this part about Apollos - he knew the scriptures and spoke with burning enthusiasm the things concerning Jesus. But was willing to listen to instruction from Priscilla and Aquilla - wife and husband always mentioned together - I notice how the wife is named first - kinda like Wanda and Ray - instead of Ray and Wanda.
Exodus 32.1-14 - Moses was away talking to God for some time. The Israelites became impatient and figured God had left them. So they pleaded with Aaron to make a god. They did make a god out of the jewelry they had. God got wind of this and sent Moses back to straighten the mess out. But God was ready to ditch the whole effort. Moses pleaded with God to change his mind. God did. May I turn from my sins and plead with God - he is gracious and merciful and will forgive me. But I must change and turn from my sin. Thanks be to God!
Psalm 115 - Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory. Just look around at all the blessings God has given me - family-friends-church-creation-Jesus - open my eyes today Lord Jesus to the blessings and care you give to me -- let me see you in all creation. You deserve the glory - nothing I do - only you.
Prayer -Jesus- your glory surrounds me - sometimes in ways I can’t even see - in the heavenly realms the angels sing of your power and might -they praise you in your heavenly kingdom - but wait a minute - I can see your glory this day in the love of others - in the creation of this world you have given me to take care of to live in and to enjoy - You are with me - you walk beside me - you talk to me in your Word and through others- open my eyes this day to see the wonderful blessings you give me - in conversation - in the changing of the leaves that display the fire of passion and love of God boldly to the world - in the song of the birds - in the silence - in the Spirit of the breeze. You are there! You are not far away on some mountain this day - you are walking with me on the path of life - you hear my prayers and speak gently to me. You allow me the time to turn from sin and forgive me - you allow me the time to change my ways - you give me growth and life through your death and resurrection. You are God and I love you -- Thanks be to God! --- Amen
Wednesday 10/13/2004
Revelation 13 - A beast from the sea and a beast from the ground - the dragon gave them power -- Three beasts total including the dragon - kind of like the trinity of evil. Sin leads us to make idols to worship - the beast or sin separates us from God and tries to mark us as one of the sinful and evil ones. Keep hope in what God has already done and see the evil of the beasts.
Esther 3-4 - This is just thrown in - Haman is promoted to the highest position in the kingdom - Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman because he was a Jew - this ticked Haman off - so Haman decides he needs to get even - but with more than just Mordecai - with the Jews - Haman talks the king into letting him write a letter and seal it with the official ring of the king - Haman writes the letter and sends it out telling that on a particular date all the Jews were to be killed - Mordecai get the message to Esther through a servant Hathach - it’s not all that easy - cause you can’t just waltz up to the king without the king extending his scepter or you will be killed - Esther needs to plead with the king about the decree sent out to kill the Jews -- then Mordecai replies the very familiar words to Esther -- “It could be that you were made queen for a time like this!� -- Does God use me and place me and give me gifts - to serve at “a time like this�? --- sometimes I think so - I pray that I will recognize those times and respond faithfully.
Psalm 106.1-23 - More of the faith struggles of the Israelites in the desert and as they escaped from Egypt - may I keep constant in faith and trust in God - God is God!
Thanks be to God!
Encourage people to remain loyal
Acts 19.1-10 - Paul spoke boldly his faith - he argued - he received the Spirit and the Spirit moved him through his ministry - lead and guide me too.
Acts 8.26-40 - Sometimes when I’m reading the Bible someone comes along and makes it all so clear - I thank God for that person - may God use me in this same way for someone else and may God’s salvation be seen by all.
Psalm 119.33-48 - Teach me God - Give me understanding - Lead me - Turn me from myself and sin
Prayer- Keep me faithful to you oh Lord - let me see the horror of the beast and turn away - and find hope and comfort and rescue in you - for you are God - you save your people - you rescue me from sin and lead me when troubled. As you open your word - I open my heart - this day I will serve and love3 you with my friends and neighbors - use me today. --- Amen
Thursday 10/14/2004
Revelation 14 - Jesus the Lamb with the 144,000 -- A new song is sung in front of the throne. Three angels come and announce the judgment - pictured as a harvest - the wicked will drink a wine that will be torture- God’s anger- fire and burning while the holy angels and the Lamb look on. Then the harvest of the earth - the grain - the ripe grapes will be cut off the vice. The grapes will be thrown into the pit and trampled with God’s anger and blood will flow out of them and turn into a river. --- God is loving - but evil he will destroy - accept the gift of Jesus - have faith and turn from sin.
Esther 5.1-6.13 - So Esther dresses up and hangs around the inner court of the palace until the king recognizes her and extends his scepter to her. Then she invites him to dinner with Haman. They have the dinner and she sets up the second dinner with Haman - reeling the big fish in!- just like a woman! -- So in between dinners Haman sees Mordecai at the gate - Mordecai won’t show respect to Haman and Haman gets mad enough that he builds a big tower to hang Mordecai from - but he wants to make a big show of the execution and needs the Kings backing -- Also the King has a sleepless night - and had a servant read things that had happened since he was King -- they got to the part of how Mordecai kept Bigthana and Teresh from killing the king - The King wanted to do something to honor Mordecai now -- So here comes Haman - the kings asks him what he should do to honor someone - well big head Haman thinks the King is talking about honoring him and tells him so crap that would make Haman feel all important - Haman didn’t know that the King was talking about honoring Mordecai -- So the King tell Haman to go get Mordecai and honor him. Well this pretty much made Haman look like some big goof - especially in front of this friends who knew Haman had intentions of hanging Mordecai.
Psalm 106.24-48 - I turn from God - I run the other way - I don’t do what I’ve been told - just like the Israelites - I realize I need God to save me - He deserves praise forever and ever. Bring me back.
Thanks be to God!
God’s love is so great - He is a jealous God - He wants me
Psalm 121 - Help comes form God - God will take care of me
Isaiah 53 - He was wounded for our transgressions - crushed for our iniquities - punished - bruised- oppressed- afflicted- Yet Jesus remained humble- he was killed by our perversion of justice - Jesus had no violence or deceit in his words - Yet is was God’s will for Jesus to be crucified - Out of Jesus anguish comes light - many shall be made righteous - Jesus bore our sins --- Thanks be to God!!
Psalm 40 - Wait for God - he will set my feet on a rock - He will put a song in my mouth - many will see and hear the song and put their trust in God - trust in God - It’s fun to serve God- Don’t restrain my lips of his praise- tell others what God has done in my life
Prayer - Jesus- you are so present in my life - I give you thanks - for you will come again - you have come today also - I look forward to that day when you will come in the clouds - Yea - revelation makes it all sound a little scary - but to me it isn’t - I put all my turst and hope in you - forgive me today the sins which I have committed - show me my sins and help me to turn - humble me- I see the great sacrifice that you made for me - I gladly accept this awesome gift given - use me this day in your service - for it is fun to serve you. --- Amen.
Friday 10/15/2004
Revelation 15 - Something important in the sky- seven angels bringing the last seven terrible troubles - seven signifies completeness - After this God will no longer be angry - there was a glass sea with fire and people standing on it - reminds me of the crossings of the Israelites and Jesus walking on water - the people standing on the sea had defeated the beast or devil- seems like the sea and the crossing of it is a hostile place for the Israelites - so maybe the image of people standing on it shows how they have defeated that evil and hostility and separation from the promised land and hope - they were singing praises to God. Then he saw the temple -- the tent -- open in heaven and the seven angels were coming out with bowls filled with God’s anger.
Esther 6.14-8.17 - the second dinner - the King asks Esther what she wants - she wants the King to save her people - a reward was promised to anyone who kills the Jews -- the King didn’t know who would grant such and thing and Esther tells the King that it is Haman -- The King gets so mad that he left the table - While the King is gone Haman gets down on his knees in front of Esther to beg for his life - the King walks in and thinks now Haman is trying to rape Esther - So the King has Haman hung on the gallows Haman built to hang Mordecai -- Esther tells the King that Mordecai is her cousin and Mordecai takes over Haman’s position in the kingdom -- A new law is written allowing the Jews to defend themselves against attack and kill the enemies who may try to kill them due to the law Haman put out.
Psalm 107.1-22 - Praise God - pray to him and he rescues - praise God for his love
Thanks be to God!
Creed=I believe
Genesis 32.22-31 - Jacob wrestles with an angel of God - how many times have I fought against God - but Jacob’s wrestling was more like a struggle between God and his humanness - God became human to save me and feel the struggle - so now I have a friend and Savior.
2 Corinthians 9.5-15 - God gave to me abundantly - I am abundantly joyous for this gift and give out abundantly to others
Psalm 37 - Trust-delight-commit-in and to God -- Don’t fret - Wait for God - God holds me by the hand
Prayer - God you rescue me in your power and glory from death and sin - I see through the awesome deeds of Jesus how you have defeated evil and I wait for that final glory -- but today I turn to you and repent - forgive my sins - send me out into the day to serve you - for your love makes me so happy - you take a terrible situation which only promises death and destruction and hanging from a gallow and turn it around into a party of joy - I praise you for your love -- As I wrestle with sin this day - send you Spirit to lead and guide me - to give me the words and actions that you would have me say and take. Your love is abundant beyond imagination -- Hold my hands this day --- Amen
Saturday 10/16/2004
Revelation 16 - This reminds me of the plague of Egypt - I stop and think about how awful God must be - but then I realize especially with verse 7b “Yes, Lord, God All-Powerful, your judgments are honest and fair.� -- God has the right to judge my sin - And then I see the love of God in 11b - “But still they did not stop doing evil things.� -- God is trying to love these people one last time - trying to convince them in human ways through suffering - which humans understand - to turn from sin and turn back to God -- but just like the Egyptians, Israelites, and me at times - humans are stubborn and refuse to turn to God - to trust him and put their complete hope in him for life - not just earthly life but eternal life - some humans still refuse to turn back - even when God has given chance after chance - this speaks to the idea that we do have choices we can make - God gives me the ability to choose - he loves me so much I can choose to accept the gift of grace in Jesus suffering, death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins - I choose to accept - God help me along the way.
Esther 9-10 - So the thirteenth day of Adar arrives - this is the day selected by casting lots - that Haman chose for the destruction of the Jews - since this law was sealed with the ring of the King at that time - it could not be forgotten -- but since Esther, Mordecai, and the King figured out Haman’s plot another law was written and sealed with the ring of the King in wax - that the Jews could defend themselves and kill their enemies -- this is what happened -- a whole bunch of the Jews enemies were killed throughout the Persian Empire - 77,800 if your counting --- Then the Jews celebrate - the annual celebration of victory and salvation is made into law - today when Purim is celebrated by the Jews - the book of Esther is read - and whenever Haman’s name is read the Jewish children drown out the sound with noisemakers -- Sounds like a good idea for the kids to have fun and be able to remember the story -- Even when things look really bad - God saves - when death looks imminent - God saves - God loves me so much he sent his son to save me. -- Thanks be to God!
Psalm 107.23-43 - think about the kindness of the LORD -- God rescues his people - I am a child of God - Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
I believe in the Creator, Jesus, the Spirit and the Church
2 Timothy 3.14-4.5 - Continue in the teaching I have learned from childhood - scripture is good for teaching, reproof, correction and training. It will equip me for good work - Jesus will judge the sin- proclaim the message - be sober, endure suffering and do the work of an evangelsit - carry out my ministry fully. The Bible will transform me because it is inspired by God. The Bible is a story of God’s love for me and comes to me - it shows me how to receive Jesus into my heart. May I hear God’s call in the Bible.
Romans 5.12-21 - Sin came to me through Adam - I sin and sin is part of me - I will die because of sin - But life - eternal life came to me though Jesus - He took on my sin as a free gift to me - grace - I gladly accept this gift of eternal life- yea I sin and will die in this life - but through Jesus gift of forgiveness and life I will live eternal life in Jesus - I believe! -- Thanks be to God!
Psalm 80 - You have fed me with the bread of tears -- Makes me think first of manna - dew from heaven that dried into food for life for the Israelites-- also Jesus - his suffering and tears dried into the bread of life - his body - brings me life. Jesus gives me his tears of compassion to drink in full measure - kinda like a cup story I have heard before -- 80.5 “You have fed then with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.� -- God has let his face shine on me through Jesus that I may be saved. -- Thanks be to God!
Prayer - You save - Thanks be to God! - You save me in the plagues of life - you teach and instruct me and give me so many ways to turn from my sin and turn back to you - You save - You allow me to choose and I choose to believe -- even when the world is committed to killing me you give me an out - you give me a reason to celebrate the casting of lots in my favor - You save - Thanks be to God! - Your love is so great that even though I sin and live in sin you rescued me through Jesus - You save - Thanks be to God! - You are kind and claim me as your child - You save - Thanks be to God! - I believe! - You teach me through the Bible and your spoken word the grace and gift of eternal life in Jesus - You save -- Thanks be to God! -- you give me life in the bread and the wine - in the manna of provisions for my life - in the body and blood of Jesus - You save -- Thanks be to God! --- Forgive my sin and let me realize that I don’t save - only You save! -- Thanks be to God! --- Amen
Sunday 10/17/2004
Revelation 17 - An angel showed John and image of a prostitute in the desert sitting on a red beast. The woman was drunk on the blood of God’s people who had given their lives to Jesus. The Romans were persecuting the Christians at this time in history. The beast will come back once more to be destroyed by God - sin will be destroyed from this earth by the Lamb. This Lamb is Jesus - his followers are chosen and special and faithful. Even though I live in a sinful world and am sinful myself - I can have hope - because the Lamb will win over death and sin.
Isaiah 1-2 - Isaiah means - the LORD saves -- a common theme lately - I am guilty - turn from my sins and give up my sin - listen to God - wash myself and forget trying to be a god for myself - I need God - defend the widows and orphans and those in need - talk it over with God - God will wash me whiter than snow or wool - not all the stuff I try to do for myself - live by the light of God - when God comes all who are proud will be made humble - honor only God - stop trusting the power of humans - place all my trust in God. -- I find the meaning of “Scripture� interesting in the commentary I am reading - Scripture is described not as texts but as human activity. God speaks to me through the scriptures - later known as the Bible - but it is my human activity and the testimony of God’s action in my life that makes “scripture� come to life - it is my story of God’s activity in my life - this point of view makes the Bible come alive and have much more meaning to me - today - in my brief period of life on this earth.
Psalm 108 - I will sing an play music for you with all that I am - I will start playing my harps before the sun rises -- “In the Morning� - God’s love reaches higher that the heavens - Honor God above the heavens and let his glory be seen everywhere on earth.
Thanks be to God!
God created me - takes care of me - provides for me - guards me from evil - I will thank, praise, serve, and obey him - I don’t deserve such kind treatment. Thanks be to God!
Luke 18.1-8 - I need to pray always and not to lose heart.
Romans 10.1-15 - I pray people will be saved - confess Jesus is God - believe it in my heart - God came to save everyone - everyone - “How beautiful are the fee of those who bring good news!�
Psalm 33.1-11 - Praise the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him an new song’ play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.� - the earth is full of steadfast love of God
Prayer - Lord - you send me angels to show me your power and might - to reveal to me your scripture - your activity in my life - your story for me - this day - now and into my immediate future - your angels bring the Bible to life - your angels walk with me and talk with me and lead me towards your light - for you are God and you alone the angels glorify - I will glorify you - I praise you for the gift of your Son - to die on a cross- to serve as my Lamb of sacrifice - who forgives me - whom your angels declare as King over all things - as your angels lead me this day may I hear their music - see their faces shining in your glory and join right in with them with all I have - I pray with your angels and they pray for me - your angels are a mighty gift in my life - your angels have beautiful feet that bring me good news of a God reaching out to me -the lost and sinful - showing me to turn and be changed by you - for you are God and you are the way -- Thanks be to God! And thanks for sending angels into my life to point the way as your messengers. --- Amen
Monday 10/18/2004
Revelation 18 - Babylon falls - the evil city which here is representing Rome - Rome persecuted the Christians at this time - A powerful angel picked up a mill stone and threw it into the sea- representing the downfall of Rome - fast and not to return to power - this would have given the persecuted Christians of that day hope - it does me too - in the end - God wins - sin is not to return
Isaiah 3-4 - I bring trouble on myself when I turn from God - Turn to God - his judgment is fair - so turn to God - don’t center on myself - Jesus is Lord
Psalm 109.1-19 - Man- The Psalmist has a “beef� with someone - he wants God to take big time revenge! - I have to respect his honest feelings and willingness to be open to God with exactly how he feels- that’s a good - close relationship with God
Pester God with prayer. He’s a good friend that won’t mind and will listen and help.
Jesus freed me from sin and death not with silver or gold but with his own blood and innocent suffering and death.
Luke 1.1-4 - Tell your own story of truth - of how God is actively saving you day after day
Psalm 48 - God is great - praise him - tell the next generation about God- God is forever - he will be our guide forever
Prayer - Lord- I have hope in you - I know you will rescue me at all times - you will be with me even when enemies attack - sometimes I feel like taking revenge - forgive me and guide me - but hear my honest plea - Send me today and this week into the world to tell the story of your saving grace in my life - to be as open and honest with others like I can be with you - you are forever -- Thanks be to God! --- Amen
Tuesday 10/19/2004
Revelation 19 - Here comes the really good stuff - Jesus comes to earth again on a white horse. His robe is covered with his blood - which he shed to save us from sin, death and the devil. He was known as the Word of God - reminds me of the book of John - and the Word will be made flesh and live among us - Jesus lives with me now - but will come again - the heavens will open and he will come again to put away sin from me and this earth - what an image! -- What a day that will be! - I want it now! - Jesus will gather his Church together - we won’t be bothered with fussing over the little things of this earth - over our sinful nature - cause that will be gone - Jesus will bring this sinful church on earth and unite us finally into that great Church we were intended to be - Our mission will be simple - we will all realize that the whole point is - worship God- Everyone who tells about Jesus does it by the power of the Spirit - not my power - but the power of the Spirit - It’s not about me - it’s about what God does, silly -- On Jesus thigh his blood covered robe will say “King of Kings and Lord or Lords� -- his thigh - the active part of his body will be in motion and Jesus will put the Church into motion - a great activity - a saving activity - his thigh is powerful - his thigh- Like in Genesis 24.3- the thigh - place your hand under my thigh - a great solemn oath was made that Abraham’s descendants would be God’s people - God has promised that I am a child of God in my baptism - my thigh - that fountain of fertility - where God will raise up his people - Jesus thigh - a great fountain of fertility - Jesus will raise up a great people - his Church - the thigh - the place of the sacred oath and promise of God - Jesus fulfills that promise - he is my powerful thigh - Jesus thigh - never to be struck down but always powerful. Look He is coming! -- Look He is here now! - Rejoice today - Rejoice again at that great wedding feast when He comes again - that wedding day when the Lamb brings his Church together and washes His Church and puts us in a wedding dress of pure and shining linen - the linen of good things God has done! -- I can’t wait to look up and see it all!
Isaiah 5-6 - See my sin - don’t reject God- I am a child of God - see that and know - God is God - Jesus is Lord - don’t get confused in my sin - I want a vision of the Lord like Isaiah - God high on his throne - his robe fills the temple - that bloody robe of Jesus suffering and death - the blood of the Lamb that saves me from myself and sin - that gives me everlasting life - not from what I do but from what Jesus did for me - “Holy, holy, holy. LORD All-Powerful! The earth is filled with your glory.� -- I realize my sin - I realize I’m doomed - Then the flaming creature flies over me and touches my lips with a burning coal - and tells me my sins are forgiven and I’m no longer guilty -- God will ask who can I send - I say now - send me!! - Go speak- go do the hard thing - tell the people God’s words - even if it’s tough- burn my lips Jesus! -- make your Spirit burn within me that I may tell the story of how you save - burn my lips!-- Isaiah’s message will not be understood by the people - they won’t get it - Jesus message was not understood by the people - I don’t get it! - I can’t understand a love so great! - I can’t understand God! - God is God - I must listen- obey- serve and love God with all my might and not be so concerned with the understanding -- God will give me what I need as far as understanding goes to serve him in his kingdom - I must completely trust in God - even in my understanding of God - I’m not God - so why try to understand it all -all I know is that God is God and I’m not.
Psalm 109.20-31 - God - show your kindness and rescue me - come and save me because of your love - I am glad to be your servant - I sing your praises and thank you
Pester God with prayer. He’s a good friend that won’t mind and will listen and help.
I believe I can’t understand or believe in God on my own -- but….the Spirit calls me, enlightens me, and keeps me united with Jesus - Thanks be to God!
Hosea 1.1-2.1 - Oh - sounds so much like Revelation above - especially how God will gather us together under one head -- Jesus -- I can’t wait! -- Thanks be to God!
Acts 4.1-12 - Only Jesus saves- “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.�
Psalm 139 - God you know me - you are with me always - even before I was born you were with me - even after I die you are with me - God, lead me in your everlasting way!
Prayer - Wow God - you are great - today I see heavens opening - I see flying creatures giving me messages - burning my lips sending me out into your world to proclaim the saving grace of your son Jesus - I see white horses - I see bloody robes covered with that life giving blood of Jesus - I see mighty thighs declaring who is who in your creation - you are God - I get it - I hear it - pick me to go out into the world today and do your will - to serve you - to praise you - to sing your glory - I wanna go - pick me! Pick me! -- I can feel your forgiveness - just like the priest would go into the Holy of Holies once a year for the sin of the people - I give your thanks and praise for sending Jesus into the Holy of Holies for me - for tearing that curtain and letting me get a glimpse of your glory - your throne - your power - your might - letting me peek into that holy place - that heart of Jesus - no- I can’t understand it - but I can feel the emotion - I can feel the power - I can feel the love of Jesus sent to die and have compassion for me - for I am dying - and you give me everlasting life - send me out with the Spirit of your emotion to touch the lives of your children in the world with your love and compassion - send me amongst the poor and oppressed- the grieving the dying and those in pain - send me to those who are happy - those praising you to build them up in your name - just send me! - use me! - cause I can’t wait! - you burn within me - I want you now! -You’re with me now! -- Thanks be to God --- Amen
Wednesday 10/20/2004
Revelation 20 - So here is the much talked about 1000 years - An angel came and threw the dragon in a pit and locked it up for 1000 years (God’s time) - whatever that is -- Then John sees the souls of the people who had their heads cut off - they are God’s martyrs - those that stood strong under persecution - - they were raised to life - at the end of the 1000 years Satan will be set free to be defeated - then the judgment - the sea gives up the dead people - all are judged and death and its kingdom are thrown into the lake of fire along with anyone whose name wasn’t in the book of life -- Well what to make of all that - I suppose - trust God - will I be one with the head cutoff - will I be later - if I trust God it won’t really matter - however God chooses to use me - I will be happy to do that - the outcome is in God’s hands - just trust God.
Isaiah 7-8 - Isaiah meets King Ahaz - there is the threat of an alliance that will attack Judah - of Syria and Israel - Isaiah gives King Ahaz a word of hope - then it seems out of nowhere comes this Immanuel sign - Ahaz doesn’t want to test God - but Isaiah says he is going to get a sign anyway - there is a whole bunch of debate over the meaning of the original words for verse 14 - virgin or young woman will give birth to a son Immanuel -- then even if that is Jesus -- the timing is screwy -- but the point seems to be -- that God rescues and saves his people - even with Jesus - when we are in exile - when we have turned our backs on God- he sends a Savior to get us - that’s what I hear in this message
Psalm 110 - This one really sounds like Jesus - he is the center of Zion - he is the King -he is the one to give that eternal stream of water to drink from - that Baptismal water - he wins the victory over sin, death and the devil -- Thanks be to God!
Pester God with prayer. He’s a good friend that won’t mind and will listen and help.
Lord - thanks for teaching me your prayer
Hosea 2.2-15 - Well - talk about a whore -- but the Jews were ravishing a whore by not keeping God as their God - they were following their own desires - I do this to - I must not ravish the whore - and keep God in the center of my life - God is God! - Forgive me when I turn away.
Matthew 3.1-12 - John the Baptist - repent - turn around to God - the Jewish leaders came to be baptized by John - John told them he baptizes for repentance -- but Jesus will come - a baptism with the Spirit and fire of God will take place.
Psalm 105 - Make known Gods deeds among the people - tell all of his wonderful works - God saves me in mighty ways
Prayer - Lord - I depend on you - I trust you - for you are the Savior - I cannot save myself - but trust and depend on you - forgive me when I stray - forgive me when I lose you at the center - forgive me when I try to replace you with myself - I depend on you - I trust in you - I turn from sin and you rescue me from death. --- Amen
Thursday 10/21/2004
Revelation 21-22 - John sees a new heaven and an new earth- Jerusalem dropping down out of the sky - reminds me that God always comes down - he came down to me in his son Jesus - he is coming down in the end in the new Jerusalem - I can’t go up cause God always comes down - the new Jerusalem is huge - it’s stones are precious jewels - the gates are named after the tribes of Israel and the foundation stones/jewels are named after the apostles - reminds me of the priests ephod - there is no need for light or a temple -- God is among his people and the light is his in Jesus - there is a river of life giving water- baptismal water- with trees on each side with fruit for each month - this fruit gives life and the leaves are medicine to heal the nations -- the tree song -- finally a reverse of our sinful nature in eating the wrong fruit -- eat fruit! - Jesus will be coming soon -- be ready - “So, Lord Jesus, please come soon!�
Isaiah 9-10 - A strange couple of chapters to me - but it seems Isaiah at this point seems to jump around -- anyway Assyria is defeating the northern Israel and is a threat to Judah too - Assyria does defeat Israel and sends them into exile - but Judah is spared -- but the remnant will survive - “those who walked in the dark have seen a bright light� throughout all this - pops up expression that point to the Messiah - like the bright light - reminds me of the light of Christ - and a child born a son given - his power will never end - peace will last forever - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace -- all this kind of stuff seems to point beyond the immediate needs of the Israelites of that day - to today and in the future - where we have Jesus and when he will come again - It all sounds so eternal -- and hopeful -- and encouraging -- Thanks be to God!
Psalm 111 - With all my heart I will thank the LORD - God rescued his people- respect and obey the LORD! - this is the first step to wisdom and good sense
Pester God with prayer. He’s a good friend that won’t mind and will listen and help.
Our Father in heaven -- Amen!! - God is God
Psalm 84.1-7 - My heart longs to be with God in his home
1 Kings 18.22-39 - Lord! -- Baptize me like Elijah did that altar years ago - fill four jars with water - Jesus, Moses, Myself, My Friend -- pour out your baptismal water on me - three times - Father-Son-Holy Spirit -- Four jars - three times - then send your fire and ignite my life to proclaim your glory as I play in this life with my friends - may all who join fall on their faces at the glory of Jesus!
Psalm 135 - Praise the LORD! - Bless the LORD!
Prayer -- Lord! -- Let me be that bull on the altar! -- baptize me with your water of salvation - three times pour that mighty everlasting water of life over me until it falls all over the ground - baptize me in the name of the Father - the Son - the Holy Spirit -- then send your fire on me - take my life and consume me with the fire of your compassion - use me in your kingdom - burn me up into a great and pleasing smoke of everlasting life through the promise and grace given to me in Jesus - take my life today! -- you show your glory and power in your great light - you are the precious city - the river of life - that great healing tree - with wonderful fruit -- how else can I respond - burn my lips - burn within my life and use me up --- Amen
Friday 10/22/2004
1 Thessalonians 1 - God loves you and has chosen you to be his people. - accept the message - follow the example we have of Jesus life - I will suffer too - repent and turn from those idols to God
Isaiah 11-13 - Someone from David’s family will be king and his greatest joy will be to obey the LORD - everyone and everything will get along and all will know and honor God - God’s people will come together from all over - They will thank and trust God for saving them. With great joy they will get water from the well of victory - but God will judge evil - and punish the evil of this earth and destroy it once and for all
Psalm 112 - Be a light in the dark - freely lend and be honest in business - trust god - be dependable -don’t fear - be kind and freely give to the poor
Pester God with prayer. He’s a good friend that won’t mind and will listen and help.
Help me to hallow your name and live in harmony with your Word
Jeremiah 14.7-10, 19-22 - I sin - but you are still here with me - my feet move in the wrong direction- but then you make me realize my faults - I turn to you for you are God
John 16.17-30 - What does he mean by this ‘a little while’? -- We do not know what he is talking about - pain will turn into joy - Jesus will see me - my heart will rejoice and no one can take that joy from me - ask and God will give
Psalm 77 - I cry out to God that he may hear me
Prayer - Jesus - you are King - you are Savior - I want to follow you - but first I must turn my feet around - I repent and ask you to forgive my sin - for you are always with me - you see me move in the wrong direction and pull me back - thank you - I’m tired of ‘a little while’ - but I know you have work for me to do - lead and guide me in that work - fill my mind and heart with your mission - move my feet in your direction and let my feet serve you - in this I rejoice - serving you is such a joy - you make it so easy -- thanks ---- Amen
Saturday 10/23/2004
1 Thessalonians 2.1-16 - Let the message from me - through me - come straight from God - don’t let me try to fool anyone with my stuff - don’t let it be about my reputation - just straight from God -help be clear up my “glass� so God’s light can shine through clearly - not my stuff - God’s stuff - accept God’s message - God will work in you - kinda like Campolo said Friday night - we are his disciples - Jesus has multiplied his ministry through us - then Paul at the end - verses 15 and 16 seems to get rough on the Jews - seems a little too far for me
Isaiah 14-16 - God will bring me back home after I stray and care for me - “You the bright morning star, have fallen from the sky!� - I think I can be like God - I think I can turn that arrow up - but God always comes down - when I think I can be like God - I will fall from the sky - don’t think so much of myself - but revel in the glory that God comes down to me - thanks be to God! - God will rescue me and take care of those who hate me - this frees me to love those who hate me -what a hard concept to accept.
Psalm 113 - Let the name of the LORD be praised now and forever
Pester God with prayer. He’s a good friend that won’t mind and will listen and help.
Give my your Spirit in this Kingdom of yours here - in this Kingdom I live in now
2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-19 - I am being poured out as libation - Campolo - fill myself with the Spirit and pour it out all day long - proclaim the Gospel message - even when it may be dangerous - God will stand there right with you and help and protect you.
Ephesians 1.15-23 - I have heard about you - I pray that God will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him -- We grow in Christ every day - Thanks be to God! - May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened - may we know the hope Jesus has called us to - may we see Jesus immeasurable power and love - Jesus is the head - we are the body - be disciples joyfully and on fire with his love for all the world and creation
Psalm 43 - God is my exceeding joy - praise him - all hope is in God
Prayer - Lord - fill me up this day with your baptismal water of grace - fill me way up - then let it pour out into the world I go into this day - let your word reign in my life today - let it shine brightly through - forgive me my sins and send me out - you make me so happy for all you have done for me- it’s funny - it makes me laugh - it makes it all fun to serve you in your Kingdom here now and in this place - thanks for every morning - for filling me with your Word - for giving me another day to serve you - for giving me another day to praise you - for giving me another day to sing of your glory - for giving me another day to see friends, family and have that special joy in life - thanks for another day in your glorious creation - thanks for another day to see you in all the people I meet - thanks for another day to live - thanks for another day to breath - thanks for another day to feel the wind of your spirit - thanks for another day to smell the leaves who have given their lives for me to reflect on your Son who gave his life for me - thanks for another day - thanks for another day to see children play - thanks for another day to hear children laugh - thanks for another day to see your cross - thanks for another day to feel the emotion of you - thanks for another day for you to guide and direct me -- thanks for another day for you to correct me when I stray - thanks for another day for me to see your creative power in technology - thanks for another day of healing your people - thanks for another day where babies will be born and life is created - thanks for another day to love - thanks for another day to cry - thanks for another day to care for your people- thanks for another day to see healing - thanks for another day to hear music - thanks for another day to hear creation cry out in praise to you 0- thanks for another day to feel rain - thanks for another day to feel your Son - thanks for another day to be able to serve you in your kingdom -- thanks --- thanks -- thanks be to God! --- Amen
Sunday 10/24/2004
1 Thessalonians 2.17-3.13 - When Christians are separated for a little bit of time - the love that God has shown each person - and the love of God flowing between the Christians - makes them all want to get back together - to talk about faith and love of God and service and praise and sing and worship -- This is important emotions and spirituality that must not be ignored. This love is to be extended to all people.
Isaiah 17-19 - This all makes me think about how we feel God is always good - well he is - but like a Father he still punishes his children for sin - I think this is still love - all these nations who worshipped many idols and looked to other sources for direction - God seems to punish them - but some of them return to worship God -they turn around and realize that God is God - I too must turn around - repent of my sins and try to sin no more - I need God - God is God - only God can save me -- the other thing that sticks in my mind here - is that God reaches out to those people beyond the Chosen People of the Jews - we are all God’s people - he created all of us and welcomes all of us - repent - turn back to God - God is God.
Psalm 114 - God even rules over creation - streams can flow upstream - mountains and hills can skip like goats - the earth can tremble - how much more am I in awe of God when I stand in his presence - God is to be praised for his endless power and might - I can easily put all my trust in God - he can turn sold rock into flowing streams and pools of water - Jesus is my rock and the ever flowing baptismal water of eternal like is so graciously given to me from this rock - Jesus - my rock - my salvation - God is God!
Pester God with prayer. He’s a good friend that won’t mind and will listen and help.
Don’t oppose the coming of God’s kingdom - relax in God - let his Kingdom come to me today - work in his kingdom today and pray for that day when his kingdom will be fulfilled at the last - sin and death have been defeated by Jesus - let Jesus kingdom come today in and through me - be a disciple with feet
Luke 18.9-14 - Don’t think I’m so great that I can trust in myself - Who do I think I am - trust only in God - I deserve to die and go to hell - but only through God have I been saved - only through God’s redeeming action in the suffering, death and resurrection of his son Jesus have I been saved - I cannot defeat death and sin -- look how I sin every day still -- but I must turn from my sin - trust in God and try to sin no more - trust in God - accept the baptismal promise of his grace and serve in his kingdom - Only God saves - God is God.
Exodus 15.22-27 - God turned some bitter water into sweet water with a hunk of wood -- In my baptism there was water - just plain old water - but with God’s Word and promise and gift that water has become oh so sweet - all my life - when I think of this water - study and listen to God’s Word- that water is sweeter and sweeter - for through God is eternal life - through that sweet water - through Jesus- through that body-bread - blood-wine God has graciously given me eternal life - how will I respond? - in praise-love-joy and thanksgiving for all he has done - I will gladly give my life to be a disciple to the world of what God does for all of us - use me this day - and change that water into a sweet sweet water for a special infant this morning in baptism -and for all baptized this day.
Psalm 63 - My soul thirsts for you - that sweet water - where there is no water - send your sweet water - send it through me as your disciple - I see your power and glory - because of your love which is much deeper than I can begin to understand - I see it - I feel it - I can’t help but to praise and honor you for the love you give to this people and this world.
Prayer - Lord - today you reach out to me with messages of communion with saints and sinners - you have come to save all people of all nations and love all of us - thank you for welcoming all of us into your fold of people - thank you for the discipline you give to the children you love - help me to understand your love - help me to freely give your love to those around me - help me to feel your love and give that feeling to those around me - help me to be your disciple in this world - let Jesus ministry work through me - let Jesus light shine through me - forgive me when I foul it all up and try to become god myself and turn me around - shake me a time or two and get my attention so I may return to you - you are God - you are to be praised -- I see the wood of that cross in my baptismal water of everlasting life - turning just plain old water into a life giving source of salvation and glory to you- make my water sweet with the wood of your cross - thanks for this gift of Jesus in my baptismal water - thanks for the suffering - the death - the resurrection and for sending your Spirit into my life - send me out this day and this week to serve in your kingdom - I want to be your disciple with feet - give me your feet - let the journey be a burning passion in my life and let my journey glorify you and you alone - let the world see your love - I love you! --- Amen
Monday 10/25/2004
1 Thessalonians 4 - I am saved by grace - so I should want to live a life that turns from sin - even though I will still sin - I must turn away from it and avoid it best I can - This allows me even greater service and love for others in God’s kingdom here and now - but soon - a loud command - a trumpet will sound and Jesus will return from heaven - if I’m still here - we’ll meet in the clouds- encourage each other
Isaiah 20-22 - It all seems so political to me - but Isaiah is giving the message of God to the people - what will happen to all the nations - what are the consequences of turning away from God - intentionally -- I must repent and keep God God!
Psalm 115 - We don’t deserve praise - Only god does! - Trust God - You will be blessed
It’s not about me -- It’s about God!
God provides for everyone -- everyone - thanks
Isaiah 1.10-18 - hear the Word of God - Listen to God’s teaching - Learn to do good - seek justice- rescue the oppressed- defend the orphan - plead for the widow - this is ministry - not the ministry that waits - but the ministry that goes out in God’s love to the world to meet the people God created where they are
1 Corinthians 12.12-27 - We are baptized into one Spirit into one body - all of us - God will choose how to arrange us for service in His Body
Psalm 133 - Let’s live together in unity - this is good and pleasant
Prayer - Lord be with me today as I take it out - as I take out the love you have shown me this past weekend - be with me as I take out your forgiveness - be with me as I take out your compassion - be with me as I take out the story of your love - be with me as I take out the suffering and grace that it brings - you are God and greatly to be praised- be with me today as I take it out. --- Amen
Tuesday 10/26/2004
1 Thessalonians 5 - We don’t know when Jesus will return - but if we live in his light it really won’t matter - we will be ready - we will be alert and ready- be good to each other and love each other - pray for each other and encourage and help each other - all just plain good advice
Isaiah 23-24 - More talk of end times -- but in Christ - what is the end?- My salvation is a beginning without end -- why worry -- just trust and follow.
Psalm 116 - I love you, LORD! - I will pray to you as long as I live - I don’t need to worry anymore - God, I’m so grateful
It’s not about me -- It’s about God!
Forgive and do good to those who sin against me
2 Thessalonians 1.1-4,11-12 - Let my faith grow in community with the love shown to each other - may God make us worthy of his call to fulfill the work he has planned for us to do.
1 Corinthians 9.19-27 - Make me a slave to all to win some of them to Jesus salvation - do it for the sake of the gospel - be with all people where they are - don’t make them come to you - go to them - focus on the cross - keep priorities and goals straight - follow God’s lead and stay intense
Psalm 1 - Meditate on God’s law - realize my sins - rejoice in Jesus grace - serve in God’s kingdom - it’s fun!
Prayer - Lord today a mix and match - but you give me hope - I know it all will end some time - but you give me hope - keep me in your way - keep me in your light - the end will not be an issue - but what is the end ? - the end of what? - sounds like the final end of evil - so what a great time this will be - makes me love the end - makes me look forward to the end - makes me want the end - I begin in you - in those baptismal waters - through your Son you gave me eternal life - so what about the end - I will begin and end in you - there is no end. Forgive my doubt and fear and use me this day in your Kingdom without end. --- Amen
Wednesday 10/27/2004
2 Thessalonians 1 - I think Paul is proud of the Thessalonian Church - Their faith and love for each other keeps growing - they are patient even though they are going through some kind of trouble and suffering. To be honest - it all sounds a little too sweet to me. Sometimes when it gets too nice- it makes me wanna puke.
Isaiah 25-26 - Boy - how would you like to be trampled on like straw in a pit of manure?- sometimes I am the straw though because of my sin - then I smell my stench and turn back to God- I guess that smell is good sometimes - Worship God!! No other!! - God always does right - but I sure hope I’m not a piece of straw - Throughout the night, my heart searches for you -- because your decisions show everyone on this earth how to live right. - God will strip away the burial clothes - he will destroy the power of death and wipe away all tears - Ahhhhh! - there’s something in here about “peace� that reminds me of the Chicago Folk Service! - peace-absence of conflict-calm -- now that goofy tune will be in my head all day! - It seems like the message is really driven in - turn to God or he will judge you unfavorably - but if you turn and trust in him - He will be your God and defend you.
Psalm 117 - I like this one -- a Technical Writer must have wrote it -- Praise God-Everyone-His love is wonderful-he is always faithful-shout praises to God. -- sums it up!
It’s not about me -- It’s about God!
Don’t let the devil, the world or myself draw me into temptation.
Luke 19.1-10 - Jesus has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner -- hey! - that’s me! - Thanks be to God!
Luke 14.25-35 - Here I get side-tracked again - what? - is the message for the day manure? - salt is good - if it flavors and preserves - but if it doesn’t it isn’t even fit for the soil or the manure pile -- I need to be willing to give up my life and go carry that cross - flavor and tell the world of how Jesus preserves life!-- otherwise - here I go again - back to that straw being trampled in the manure pile!!!
Psalm 132 - God swore to David that one of the sons of his body will set on the throne - thanks for Jesus! -- forevermore
Prayer - Well Lord, you took me through the whole range today - from goody goody- to manure- to you are King forever -- Give me the faith and love of the Thessalonians - let me smell the stench of my sins - forgive me - turn me back to you - let me be the salt that seasons and preserves and send me into the world today to tell all of your saving grace - for you are King!! -- Amen
Thursday 10/28/2004
2 Thessalonians 2 - Some of the people were upset because of a claim that Jesus had already returned. Paul tells them that he hasn’t yet - that people will rebel - a wicked person or force will come first and trick people into believing in him - but Jesus will return and kill him with a breath --the breath part reminds me of the Spirit - ruah - gentle wind - we can rest assure that God loves us - thanks be to God!
Isaiah 27-28 - Sometimes Isaiah (the book) is irritating - it seems to go all over the place -- people punished for turning from God -- priests drunk and covered in vomit - God killing the sea monster Leviathan - God speaking to his people in strange languages - but God will lay a firm foundation in Jerusalem -- makes me think of the cornerstone - Jesus -- through all this confusing crap - finally some message - I guess life is confusing crap sometimes - but I must come back through the confusion to the cornerstone -keep my focus on the grace of the cross through Jesus.
Psalm 118 - God is merciful - thank him for this - when you hurt - pray to God - he will take my worries away -hey!! -- This day belongs to the LORD! Let’s celebrated and be glad today. -- and there’s that cornerstone stuff in verse 22 - “The stone the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone.�
It’s not about me -- It’s about God!
At my last hour - take me to be with you
1 John 4.1-6 - God came to me in Jesus - I believe this
Jude 17-25 - build my faith - pray in the Spirit - keep me in the love of God - Jesus is merciful and gives eternal life - have mercy on others
Psalm 104.24-34 - there’s Leviathan for the second time this morning - there is breath - spirit - ruah again too - Sing praises to God - rejoice in him
Prayer - Leviathan-Spirit-ruah-cornerstone-Jesus -- thank you Lord for this new day - as I go out let me realize that you defeat the sea monsters in my life - overtake Leviathan for me - I can’t do it but you have defeated sin for me in myself and this world through that cornerstone - the Son you sent into the world and into my life as flesh - Jesus defeated sin and overcomes the power of the monsters in myself and my life -- then graciously you breathed your breath into my life - ruah - you sent your Spirit into me and called me and send me out this day to minister to the world I live in - to proclaim your saving grace - to show all how their monsters can be defeated in their lives through you Son -- I don’t deserve any of this - but you graciously give it to me - ignite the fire in my soul that I may reach out this day in your name --- Amen
Friday 10/29/2004
2 Thessalonians 3 - Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him - pray for his safety. He asks that they have nothing to do with lazy people who don’t work. So I these people sounded to me like good friends of Paul - there was encouragement and he wanted their prayers -- just like good friends should.
Isaiah 29-30 - Jerusalem will suffer - but God will rescue this people -- Prophets have a difficult message to give from God - “These people praise me with their words, but they never really think about me.� -- God will do things that will shock and amaze you -- there is hope - the deaf will hear - the blind will see - the needy will celebrate - the cruel will be gone - God is kind and will help you
Psalm 119.1-32 - Follow God’s commands from deep in your heart - Worship with all your heart - Treasure God’s Word above all else - Study God’s teachings -let God open your mind and discover the wonders of his Law - God’s teachings will breath new life into you - be eager to learn what God want you to do
It’s not about me -- It’s about God!
It’s God’s kingdom -- now and forever -- remember it’s God’s kingdom -- not mine
Jeremiah 31.31-34 - God will write the law of his love in my heart - I am his child - I know him -- what an honor! - God comes to me -- straight into my heart -- wow!
Matthew 24.1-14 - Don’t be lead astray -- things can get pretty bad - you may think it’s the end of the world - but hold on - hang in - keep faith and endure.
Psalm 144 - Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down - Jesus always comes down
Prayer - Help me to hold on today Lord - hold on to your promises - hold on to your grace - hold on to your love - hold on to your law - hold on to your forgiveness - hold on to friends you give me - hold on to your prophets words - hold on to your kingdom - hold on to your love - hold on to you - hold on to your cross - keep my life and priorities straight today and send me out to serve and love --- Amen
Saturday 10/30/2004
1 Timothy 1 - Jesus commanded Paul to be an apostle of Jesus - who gives hope - God’s work can only be done by faith - not senseless stories or long lists of ancestors - people must be taught to have genuine love - good consciences and true faith - not empty talk- the law wasn’t give to control people who please God - but those who don’t - homosexuals are listed in this list of people the law was given for along with wicked, evil people, lawbreakers, criminals, godless people but then also just sinners - seems like a pointed passage but then to include sinners gets all of us - Paul thanks Jesus - he has blessed his life with faith and love just like his (Jesus-how powerful!) own - Jesus came into the world to save sinners - that includes me and like Paul - I’m a good one (sinner) and need saved - Jesus is patient with us - and see how Jesus forgives me - he can forgive you too - put your faith in him
Isaiah 31-33 - Depend on and trust God - God will protect you like a mother bird circling over her nest - turn back to God- throw away your idols - “Slap your breasts�?--what an image that brings!- that sounds painful!- I think it’s more like pounding your chest in anguish - man-what you read in the Bible! - God always saves us and gives true wisdom and knowledge - “The LORD will forgive your sins, and none of you will say, “I feel sick.��
Psalm 119.33-64 - Help me understand the Law - I love to do what you say- take away my foolish desires- let me live by walking with you - show me your love and save me- your laws have stood the test of time- even in the night I think about you - you are my choice - praise God in the middle of the night-wake up to do it even- follow God closely - as soon as you get the command - do it! - choose friends that worship God and follow His teachings- God’s love is seen all over the world
It’s not about me -- It’s about God!
Baptism is more than water- it is water with God’s Word and by his command -- notice Word- and the Word became flesh and is among us.
Romans 3.19-28 - The law brings the knowledge of sin - All fall short of the glory of God -they are justified by grace as a gift through salvation that is in Jesus who was sacrificed terribly for me - I must have faith- only Jesus is righteous - I am justified by faith - not my works -- My works are a result of thanks for what God does for me - Thanks for salvation!!
Psalm 19 - The heavens tell of God’s glory- Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my hear te acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Prayer - Jesus - the law condemns me - I am a sinner- forgive me -- but I rejoice in that great gift you gave me - a gift I truly do not deserve nor could ever earn - you shed your blood for me on a cross of death - you gave your life for me in a world of sin - you came to me to give me life and you gave it completely and freely for me - what a great gift - what an awesome gift - I am truly undeserving of all this love you have given to me -- but I feel better than any kid on Christmas morning -See the complete joy in me - may I run and tell all my friends this really great gift given to me - they can have one too - cause you brought enough of that love with you to give to all - I love you! -- Thank you -- I’ll give just that same gift of myself - my love to all of my friends! -- Amen
Sunday 10/31/2004
1 Timothy 2 - Pray for everyone - Ask God to help and bless them all - tell God how thankful you are for each of them- God wants everyone to be saved- there is only one God- Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God-Jesus was human and gave himself to save all of us
Isaiah 34-35 - God will judge - have no doubt about it - but God will also rescue his faithful - Cheer up! - the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will leap around like deer, deserts will have water - a good road will be there - “God’s Sacred Highway� - a road for God’s people - I see this road leading to the base of the cross- we will walk that road and at the base of that cross - slowly look up and be amazed at what God has done for us
Psalm 119.65-96 - I am your servant- treat me with kindness- I will follow your teachings - correct me - help me learn what you command- punish me when I need it - comfort me with your love- I choose to study your teachings - save me - your word is my only hope- God-you are eternal - you are faithful- I belong to you-nothing is completely perfect, except your teachings
It’s not about me -- It’s about God!
Believe-in baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil and saves me
John 8.31-36 - I am a slave to sin- but wait! - there is one who is also with me in Jesus that has set me free from sin- Thanks be to God!
Philippians 3.12-21 - press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 70 - Save me God - you are great!- don’t delay!
Prayer - Change me today - reform my life to the shape you want it to be - I will gladly serve you - for through your grace you have saved me from my sin - you have released me to hear your call - to live out your grace in the world you send me into - you have called me to spread your good news of salvation to all in my world - you are gracious to me beyond my understanding - take me today and use me in your kingdom - make me bold - take away my fear and release me - for you have taken on my sin - I am free through your grace and ever thankful to you - you are God! -- Amen
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