September Reflections

September 2004 Journal
Wednesday 9/1/2004
John 9 - Jesus saw a blind man as Jesus and his disciples were walking along. The disciples question why he was born blind - did the man sin or his parents? Jesus says no -- but really doesn’t give much detail to his answer after that other that God will work a miracle for him. Jesus spit on the ground and made some mud - rubbed it on the man’s eyes and told him to wash it off in the Siloam Pool. The man does and he can see. Well it was the Sabbath -- people find out and the Jewish leaders question the man - He tells them that it was Jesus but he didn’t see him - remember he had mud on his eyes and was still blind until he washed it off. Then they drag in the previously blind man’s parents and question them - well he is their son but they don’t know how he can see now. -- Spit-Dirt-Water-Light-Sight - there must be something there.
2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon offers a prayer to God before the temple and in front of the people - he looks back at how great and wonderful God has been - then he looks forward to how people will pray to God in this temple - praise and honor God and offer sacrifices. A wonderful prayer - from the heart.
Malachi 3 - God will send a messenger and will come again -- but we should not be caught slighting God - offer God your all - the gifts he has given me are great - respect and honor God and he will protect you.
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame, and blind
Encourage you neighbors wife to remain loyal
Judges 13 - Manoah and his wife talk to the angel and offer sacrifice to God - “When the flame went up toward heaven from the altar, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar while Manoah and his wife looked on; and they fell on their faces to the ground.�
Matthew 5 - Blessed - poor-mourners-meek-hungry-merciful-pure in heart-peacemakers-persecuted.
Psalm 34 - Listen and God will teach
Prayer - Lord spit on the dirt that I am and wash me in your baptismal waters that I may see your light brightly shining in me and give me sight that I may see your clearly. I offer my prayers to you from my heart. Asking forgiveness for my sins and for the opportunity to serve you in your kingdom. Send your messenger to me to lead and guide me this day. Protect me from all evil. Help me to remain humble and to reach out and praise the poor, crippled, lame, blind, mourners, meek, hungry, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and the persecuted. I will listen to you oh God -- Teach me! --- Amen
Thursday 9/2/2004
John 9 - The Pharisees continue the once blind man - They state they know Jesus is a sinner so how de Jesus heal him. Now the man is getting ticked about all this - and gets smart with them - he asks them if they are wanting to become his disciples. No they follow Moses - Well Jesus did something that hasn’t been done before - heal a man born blind. This whole thing goes nowhere and the Pharisees throw the man out of the temple -- Jesus hears what happened and meets the man - Asks him if he has faith - Once Jesus tell the man who he is the blind man has faith and worships Jesus. Jesus state that he came to give sight to the blind and to make blind everyone who can see. I struck me today to think about the last half of that statement. Why would he make blind everyone who could see? I think if they still have faith - it will cause them to want to seek Jesus so badly that their faith will become stronger -- We have to need Jesus to be able to see him - otherwise we will thing that we can survive on our own and make ourselves God.
2 Chronicles 7 - God sends fire from heaven to his temple - sacrifices are offered and the people praised God for his everlasting love. Then God came to Solomon again in a dream and told Solomon that he had heard his dream - God will dwell in the temple and if people humble themselves and turn to him and pray God will forgive them - but if the people turn from God and leave God -- God will leave the temple and the people will become a joke. Worship no other gods.
Malachi 4 - The judgment day is certain - Honor God’s name and victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays -- and we will jump around like calves at play -- let’s play!!
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame, and blind
Don’t disobey God - fear his wrath.
Psalm 2 - Serve the LORD with fear for his wrath is quickly kindled - Happy are all who take refuge in him.
1 John 1 - God is light - in him is no darkness. Walk with him in the light!
Psalm 119 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.- Give me life according to your word - I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end. -- Let my serve you today -- light my path and walk with me!
Prayer - Jesus - show me your light - let me see - forgive my blindness and walk with me --- As I serve you this day my heart wants to perform the calling you give me forever - humble me and give me the hope to come out and jump and play with you in your kingdom - now and forever. -- Amen
Friday 9/3/2004
John 10 - Jesus talks about himself as the Shepherd and the gate for the sheep. The shepherd image seems easy - he takes care of me - the gate is different -all who come through the gate well be saved. Only thorugh Jesus can I be saved. Can’t climb over it or go around it only through it. Through this gate we come and go and find pasture. This tells me that Jesus wants us to go out into the world - to come and go - to find pasture but if I think I can do it alone I will fail - I must come and go through the gate of Jesus. There will be thieves, robbers, and wolves in the world but the Shepherd-Jesus will care for and call me. Jesus has other sheep not in this pen that he will bring together to form one flock - this seems to refer to the Gentiles. Then Jesus abruptly leaves this image with the message about him giving up his lif so that he may receive it back again - more talk of his Father - How Jesus has power to give and receive life -- Jesus seems to take the people from an image and throws that Father and power stuff in which gets them all upset - some think he is crazy - some believe - some think Jesus has a demon - others believe in Jesus only because he healed the blind man. This time it seems to me Jesus caused his own controversy. But that’s the way life is - I think I have it figured out and Jesus switches on me and then I’m confused again.
2 Chronicles 8 - Solomon had finished the temple and his palace. He went out and rebuilt other cities as well. Slave labor was used - but remember his father David set him up for all this success - with all the labor and materials he needed to be successful. Chronicles is nice to Solomon- it doesn’t mention his rotten side. I wonder if the ease of everything was too much of a temptation for Solomon and that is why he sinned so much towards the end of his rule -- but this is only brought out in Kings - Chronicles keeps Solomon looking ok - I think because the focus in this book is not on the kings but more so on the temple and God. Which is the way it should be - focus on God - not on myself-kings- or riches.
Psalm 73 - This guy wanders in his thoughts - Seems pretty normal - He looks around and can’t figure out why all these sinful people seem to get along just fine - they don’t pay for their sins - while he believes in God - he still gets sick and has pain - yet these other sinners around him are just fine - then he sees that God will take care of the judgment side of things - don’t worry about that stuff - stick with God - stay close to God and God will protect you - but don’t get wrapped up in protection of the short lasting things - like your body - God cares for you to go way beyond life here - your life here is like a flash in the pan compared to the total - so live this life I have been given for God not - don’t wait - it’s just a flash in the pan and if wasted it will be gone before I know it. My life is not mine - it is God’s life. In the commentary it is mentioned that eternity is not time - but the endless embrace of God -- I really like that image.
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame, and blind
I believe in the Creator-Son-Spirit
Deuteronomy 30 - Love God - walk in his ways - observe his commands - and live - you will be blessed. I have a choice between life and death - and it all starts with love God first. Choose Jesus -he is the life and light to follow.
Genesis 3 - Eve and Adam had a choice to choose life also - they chose to eat the fruit that brought death -- Choose life - Choose Jesus. This makes me think about the tree - it was in the middle of the garden - we are not to eat from it - it allows us to see good and evil - God is to be the center of my garden - but I must be careful that I am not tempted to take from this tree and think that I can become God in the center of the garden - I’m not God - God is God - so don’t think that I can become God by taking of the tree in the center of the garden - that’s God’s tree - leave it alone! - God is God - if I think I can be like God - I will die.
Psalm 139 - God know me - my thoughts - actions - words - God is always with me
Prayer - Jesus you are the Shepherd - you are the gate - may I enter by the gate - will you open the gate for me? - I want to be with you and the other sheep - I want the comfort of the pen for a little while - I want you to feed me and care for me and give me something to drink. Then send me out into the pasture - I will come and go through you and when you call I will come back to the gate and see what you want. As I go back to pasture keep me centered in you - keep me from wanting the riches of life that I see - it lasts only a little while but the presence of you in that pen with the other sheep lasts forever. I will walk with you in the pen and live for you and choose life in you. I will not try to become the shepherd - that’s stupid! I can’t I’m the sheep. You know all about me - how like a dumb sheep that I am how much I need you. So send me into the pasture today - guide my thoughts - actions - words and be with me till I hear you call me back to that open gate. -- Amen
Saturday 9/4/2004
John 10 - It’s winter now and Jesus is in Jerusalem celebrating Hanukkah remembering how God helped the Jewish people when Antiochus IV Epiphanes set up a statue of himself as god in the temple and how God freed them from this oppression. Jesus is in the temple and all the people gather around him and want Jesus to tell them plainly if he is the Messiah. Jesus tells them that if they were his sheep they would hear him and believe. How Jesus sheep know his voice and follow him. Jesus will give those who hear and believe eternal life - Jesus will take care of them. He tells them plainly the Jesus and the Father are one. Well this made the Jewish leaders so mad they picked up stones to kill him. To them this was blasphemy. Jesus tells them that he has shown them many things that God sent him to do. Which one are they going to stone him for? The leaders tell him that Jesus is just a man and he is claiming to be God. Jesus tells them that God prepared him for his work and sent him into the world. If they would only believe this they would see that Jesus and God are one. So the Leaders wanted to arrest Jesus. But it wasn’t time yet. Many people did come to Jesus and believe and put their faith in him. A couple things come to mind here for me. If I believe I will hear Jesus voice and have faith. Prayer and Bible Study and listening for the voice are important here. Jesus and God are one - the Trinity proven - Jesus gives eternal life - I can’t giet eternal life on my own - I must trust and have faith and believe in this gift of eternal life from God - Jesus know how important the Scriptures are to the Jewish leaders - He tell them “You can’t argue with the Scriptures� - this makes the Bible so important to read, study and listen for God’s voice in my life - God prepared Jesus for his ministry and service then sent him - I think God does this for me also - preparation and send. I must serve and obey that calling.
2 Chronicles 9 - The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon because she wanted to see first hand his wisdom that God had given him. Solomon is brought tons of gold and other gifts - he also sends the Queen of Sheba back to her country with many gifts. This was a good time for Solomon and Israel - they were at peace and God showered them with tons of riches and blessings. It makes me think of the more important way that God showers me with blessings -- his love - eternal life - family - friends - work and life. Never ever turn from God - keep God God and me his servant.
Psalm 74 - The Psalmist looks around at the destroyed temple after the exile -- He wants to know from God how God could let this happen. How God rescued his people in the past from the Egyptians and others but now has fell silent. He points out all the destruction others have caused and the chaos that now exists with this ruined temple -- How could God let this happen ?-- Where is he to rescue them ? - Will he come back to punish those who did this and save his people. This makes me think back to creation - how God created the world out of chaos - how God has the ability to give me life out of chaos - how God can save all people - Certainly God can rebuild that temple - no problem - But I think God was getting ready to do something much more powerful - He was getting ready to give himself - in Jesus to us - not just some building with rich metals and wood in it - but a person - himself - to save us. Jesus will come again in this chaos of a world - Have I seen him? - Will I hear and recognize his voice?
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame, and blind
I believe!
Philemon - Appeal to others on the basis of love - Ask out of love - Paul sends Philemon back home and asks those he is returning to -- out of Paul’s love for Philemon to accept him with love. What a kind thing to do - Philemon was a slave.
Genesis 3 - Adam and Eve heard the sound of God walking in the garden. This stands out for me - I know Adam and Eve were ashamed because of what they did and hid - but sometimes I hear the sound of God walking in my garden and God is there to give me a gift -- like a toad -- that through that toad - God speaks to me through someone else.
Psalm 32 - Be glad in the LORD and rejoice - shout for joy -- thanks for the toad!
Prayer - Jesus - I hear you calling loud and clear today - I hear your voice - even in toads I hear your voice - Thanks for the gift of eternal life - thanks for a gift that far exceeds any gold - for this gift is eternal - Thanks for speaking through friends - thanks for being in my life. Teach me to be humble - Teach me to care for the poor, crippled, lame and blind. Thanks for showing me an example through a friend of how to appeal to others out of love - how to teach others out of love and how to tell your story through the stories of life. May I hear you walking in my garden of life that I may see Jesus and tell others my story - even if it involves a toad. --- Amen
Sunday 9/5/2004
John 11 - Jesus hear news that his friend Lazarus was sick and decides to travel back to Judea. This was a couple days trip and he just left Jerusalem where the Jewish leaders were wanting to kill him for saying that he and God were one and that he could give eternal life. The disciples didn’t see much sense in going back for this reason but give in and Thomas even says let’s go with him so we can die with him. It sounds like they all were convinced that this trip would be the death of Jesus - which it was but a death that would change the world and me. So they go back -- well Jesus delays a couple of days and then it takes a couple of days to get there. By this time Lazarus was already dead. Jesus knew this but said he was sleeping. I guess if you were like Jesus and death was no threat you perspective is completely different from everyone else’s view of death -- so the disciples probably thought Jesus was crazy. Jesus arrives and talks to Martha - she is a believer - but still doesn’t quite get what Jesus is about to do - they talk about eternal life and Martha has the correct understanding but the point Jesus was trying to get across was that He gives life and can do it whenever he wants. Jesus said he is the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. This belief alone can sustain us today -- if we have faith we will never really die - we are already in God’s kingdom - yea we live a life here on earth - have faith - serve - tell God’s story - reach out while we can - our bodies will change but we will never die - through faith we have already started our eternal life because Jesus give life. It’s ironic that this action Jesus took to give Lazarus life was the final miracle that put the Jewish leaders over the edge. They would scheme to take Jesus life to stop all this. Little did they know that the message Jesus gives life would be fulfilled in his death for them and me.
2 Chronicles 10-11 - Solomon is dead now - his son Rehoboam is king - He talks to his advisers about a request from the people to lighten up a little and not make them work so hard. The older advisers tell Rehoboam that he should - the younger advisers tell him that he need to get tougher with them. Rehoboam takes the advice of the younger advisers. In the meantime Jeroboam is in Egypt hiding from Solomon - You have to go back to 1 Kings 11 to figure out why he was hiding - A prophet named Ahijah told jeroboam that God would give him ten of the twelve tribes to rule and that in the future these tribes would be taken away from Solomon - well Solomon found out what the prophet had said from God and got ticked off at Jeroboam - so Jeroboam ran off to hide in Egypt - you ever notice how many times in the Bible people hide in Egypt? - back to the above - Jeroboam hears what is going on. He comes back and appeals to the people in the northern ten tribes and they make him king -- Thus the twelve tribes have divided. But Jerusalem and the ark are still in the southern two tribes. - Judah and Benjamin.
Psalm 75 - God is near to us and gives strength.
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame, and blind
God created me and all that exists
Luke 14 - You have to give up everything to be Jesus disciple - even your life - nothing worldly has any value - this is a tall order - but when you think further - what value does any of the stuff have anyway - life in Jesus has the only value in life. And if you center your thinking on what is valuable it seems to me the point is missed anyway - it doesn’t matter what I value - center only on faith in Jesus - it is what Jesus values that matters - like love for God and others. Then serve in response. For through faith in Jesus he gives life eternal.
Genesis 3 - God punishes sin - you are dust and to dust you shall return - but thanks be to God - if we recognize sin - turn in repentance - and turn from our sin - through Jesus redemptive actions God will give eternal life - but this life only comes through Jesus - not myself.
Psalm 143 - Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Prayer - Jesus - you bring and give life - God you created life and gave Jesus to this world to give me life - Spirit you are the breath of life - the spark and fire that makes active the joy you have given me in this gift of life. Lead me and guide me this day that I may proclaim the acts of God in my life - boldly and openly to others and to the world - to those in need of this life giving grace you have given to all. You give it to all - not just the ones in Church this day - but that gift of life is there for all - may I reach out to those outside - who don’t believe and tell my story - then lead and guide each person to see your power and glory and life. Guide our churches to proclaim boldly and publicly your message. Forgive us when we don’t and put a fire of action in us to turn and go out from the church to the people we see in our lives and let them know what you have done. It’s so hard to give up everything to follow you - but that is your command - let me realize this and take it seriously and follow. I will put my trust in you - Teach me the way I should go! -- Amen
Monday 9/6/2004
Luke 11 - So here Jesus raises Lazarus -- this story reminds me of myself -- I sin and die - I stink because of my sin - but Jesus comes to raise me to life so that I may serve and have eternal life - Jesus comes to me through my stink of sin and saves me - Jesus mourns for me because of my sin but braves my stink of death and comes to me anyway - Jesus is upset with me because of my sin - but comes to me anyway and gives me life - I sin and die - they put me in a dark place and shut me in - get rid of me - throw me out - but Jesus comes to me in that dark place and gives me eternal life -- Jesus prays for me in front of the others because I’m so rotten and stink - and gives me eternal life - I’m wrapped up in cloths to hide my sins to hide the stink of my sin they put perfume on me - but Jesus unties me and gives me eternal life --- Then he tells everyone there - Untie him and let him go! - So I need to go now - I have some work to do for this guy who loves me so much and gives me eternal life. Hey - I don’t stink so bad now!
2 Chronicles 12-13 - Judah and Rehoboam stopped obeying the LORD. So god punished them for their unfaithfulness - King Shishak of Egypt invaded Judah. This attack helped secure some trade routes that were important for that day. King Shishak marched to Jerusalem. Rehoboam and his leaders repented for their sins. Shishak attacked Jerusalem and took valuables from the temple and precious metals. But since Rehoboam repented God didn’t let Shishak completely destroy Judah. Then Abijah became King of Judah - He went to battle against Jeroboam - the Israelites - Abijah was outnumbered two to one -- he gave a big speech about how Judah worshipped God correctly and Israel made up their own religion with priests and all. As he was blabbing -- Jeroboam sent troops around the back and trapped Abijah and his army. Abijah put his trust in God to save him and God saved Judah in this battle. Trust in God and follow him. Even if the odds are way against me.
Psalm 76 - God - you are famous and can be trusted - you are more glorious than anything.
Am I willing and ready to give it all to God when he calls? Say yes, and put priority where it belongs.
Make God a priority. Give up everything for the sake of attaining the promise of the cross. I am ready to go!
Jesus died for me at great cost and saved me - not with silver and gold but with his precious blood - He saved me - a condemned person - Now I can serve him eternally - What a joy!
Judges 17 - Keep me from setting up my own religion - for you are God - I can’t substitute anything for that.
Luke 10 - Let me sit at those beautiful dirty, worn, torn feet and listen! Those feet took on my sin and were pierced for me. Thanks be to God!
Psalm 14 - There is no one who does good -- no, not one! -- Only God can restore me.
Prayer - Lord - forgive my stench - save me from my sin - take those cloths off me and send me forth to serve you in joy - for you paid a great price for me - I thank you and love you and will serve you - I am ready to give everything up for you - show me and teach me your ways - When I trust in you- you rescued me from all my enemies - for you have saved me at a great cost and redeemed me - thank you! - As I sit at your pieced feet teach me and send me - even if it is tough I know you will lead me and care for me. For you show me through your Word how awesome your power is. Only you can restore me from the stench of my sin. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Tuesday 9/7/2004
John 12 - Things begin to move quickly now - Six days before Passover - Martha serving - Mary pouring expensive perfume on Jesus feet - Judas claiming it was a waste - Jesus declaring again that he will be going away. -- Chief Priests plot to kill Lazarus because he is proof of Jesus giving life - Jesus enters Jerusalem - the people praise him - Then Jesus tells the people that he will die - he will give his life for us - we must be willing to give our lives to serve him. Can I leave it all? Yes!
2 Chronicles 14-15 - Asa became king of Judah - he destroyed all the temples to foreign gods and has the people center the LORD in their lives and worship only him. God protected Asa and his army in battle - because Asa put all his trust in God. Here is a king that saw what needed to be done - took action and did it - trusting God all along the way. A good leader and a good example.
Psalm 77 - Everything God does is right - God is present and more powerful that any act of nature - Just think about it
Am I willing and ready to give it all to God when he calls? Say yes, and put priority where it belongs.
Make God a priority. Give up everything for the sake of attaining the promise of the cross. I am ready to go!
I believe that I can’t on my own believe - but the Holy Spirit takes care of me and keeps me in true faith.
Judges 18 - Inquire of God - make sure what you are doing is what God wants you to do - not just something you thought up on your own.
1 John 1 - I’m a sinner and need forgiveness.
Psalm 61 - God is my rock and refuge. He will protect me. Always praise God.
Prayer - Jesus - I sin - Forgive my sin - protect me and let me seek refuge in you - thank you for giving your life to me - I will give my life to you - follow you - seek your direction in my life- and serve only you - Help me this day to see your direction and take decisive action in service to you in your kingdom - It is a joy to serve because of what you have done for me - how involved you are in my life. -- Amen
Wednesday 9/8/2004
John 12 - Jesus tells the people that he will suffer and deals with the temptation to ask his Father to keep him from the suffering. But he doesn’t give in to this and realizes that he came into the world to suffer and asks the Father to bring glory to himself. What an example of keeping God centered. Jesus is God - yet he shows me the way to keep God centered - let god bring glory to God - and be willing to suffer to allow God to bring glory to God through yourself. Then there was a voice from heaven which reassured Jesus that the Father has already brought glory to himself and will do it again. -- Do it again and again and again….through all Christians who have faith and believe. Jesus tells the people how he will be lifted up and put to death. Jesus will be above the world and stay above the world in the hearts of all who have faith. I will always slowly look up above the world and kneel in awe at that cross and see Jesus . Jesus is the light in this dark world - just as at his birth - he lights up the universe and the heavens so that the stars even point straight to him. May he light up my life so that I may point straight to him. Still there were some people that wouldn’t put their faith in Jesus - there always will be. They are blinded by their own light and can’t see. Then Jesus explains again - that he is here to save the people - to bring eternal life. How many times has he told them this - some will believe - some will want to kill him. Am I willing to risk it all like Jesus? -- Yes!
2 Chronicles 16-17 - Asa wasn’t all good - King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah - so Asa bribed King Behhadas of Syria to break his treaty with King Baasha of Israel forcing Israel to leave Judah to defend themselves against Syria. -- Sounded pretty clever to me -- but the point was that Asa didn’t depend on God to defend him he put his trust in the King of Syria. -- Then a comment about Asa’s death -- he died of a foot disease - but the interesting part again was that Asa put his trust in doctors and refused to ask the help of God -- Jehoshaphat become king of Judah. He is a good king too - he strengthens the military of Judah - the interesting comment I saw here - Jesoshaphat sent out people to teach God’s law to the people - They carried along with them a copy of the LORD’s Law wherever they went and taught the people form it. -- Well for today - that would be the Bible -- do we carry it around so we have it to teach the people from it?
Psalm 78 - Don’t keep secret the glorious deed and the mighty miracles of God.
Am I willing and ready to give it all to God when he calls? Say yes, and put priority where it belongs.
Make God a priority. Give up everything for the sake of attaining the promise of the cross. I am ready to go!
Forever it is God’s kingdom - now and forever….
Judges 18 - Turn away from my own idols - my own religion - leave it behind and follow God and only worship God.
Psalm 46 - God is powerful and I need not fear anything - Just be still and know he is God.
Psalm 48 - Praise God in Zion the beautiful city.
Prayer - Jesus you brought glory to god - center my life in you - let me see your light that brings eternal life - let me have the faith that I need to hear your calling to understand your direction. Send the Spirit to gather, enlighten and give me direction this day. I will put my trust in you - and not build kingdoms of my own. I serve in your kingdom to your glory - even if I suffer - I will go. For I put all my trust in your power not my own. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Thursday 9/9/2004
John 13 - Jesus sets for me the example of service and love for others. The feet of Jesus day took a beating - dirty - tired- sore. Jesus takes it on himself to wash the disciples feet - to give them comfort - to cool their hot, tired feet - to show them how to love and serve each other. Everything is turned around - Jesus - the King is serving the servants. What an example of love - but that’s just the tip of it. Welcome Jesus into your life - accept the gift - not matter how senseless it seems - Jesus gives this gift out of a deep deep love that’s beyond my understanding - accept it - then go and serve your neighbor and let Jesus love flow through.
2 Chronicle 18 - Jehoshaphat had made peace with King Ahab of Israel - they got together and decided to attack Ramoth - but first check with some prophets - the first group of prophets said it was a good idea - that God said ok -- then Jehoshaphat had Micaiah brought forward - he told the kings that the other prophets were a trick - that God would let Ahab die if they went to battle - This made King Ahab mad so he had Micaiah thrown in jail and the kings went to battle together against Ramoth anyway. King Jehoshaphat wore the purple robe so every one would think he was King Ahab and King Ahab dressed as an ordinary soldier. During battle the king of Syria ordered his troops to hunt down Ahab - they saw Jehoshaphat in his robe - thinking he was Ahab and started to attack- Jehoshaphat prayed to God that they would stop and when the soldiers saw he wasn’t Ahab they stopped. Off to the side somewhere - an un-aimed arrow had been shot and hit Ahab between two pieces of armor. This would be hard to do -- Ahab dies just like Micaiah had told.
Psalm 78 - Trust in God daily - he provides for all my needs - Trust daily
Am I willing and ready to give it all to God when he calls? Say yes, and put priority where it belongs.
Make God a priority. Give up everything for the sake of attaining the promise of the cross. I am ready to go!
Teach God’s Word in truth and purity.
Psalm 51 - I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me -- teach me wisdom in my secret heart - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Matthew 14 - Jesus made the disciples get in the boat and leave him behind - Jesus went to pray - then walked to the boat on water - Peter walks to Jesus in faith but gets scared and looses faith and begins to sink. -- Jesus made them leave - I guess he has to make us leave - if we love him we will just stay around him and enjoy his company and listen to his stories - but he makes me leave - this way I can share Jesus story and love with others - then I must have faith that as I am out in the deep waters alone in the boat - Jesus comes to me - I must have faith that Jesus is in the world with me - I am not alone - if I lose that trust and faith - I will sink into the deep waters of my sin - but thanks be to God - Jesus will save me and raise me out of that water of baptism - forgive my sin and lead me to eternal life. -- But Jesus will make me go again day after day. Wow!
Psalm 4 - Answer me when I call of God.
Prayer - Jesus - you have shown me how to love and serve - it is way beyond my understanding - I need your forgiveness for my faith turns weak - my trust turns weak and I center myself not on you but inward - forgive my sins of selfishness- of pride - of greed. Turn me around - for I see how you turn all around - Help me as I turn to you to show your love to the world I live in - to tell my story of how you are active in my life - to live in your glory and serve you in joy and happiness. Pull me out of the water of my sin and make me get in that boat - day after day to show your love to the world. -- Amen
Friday 9/10/2004
John 13 - The book of John is a little different here. It doesn’t really mention the last supper - just the washing of feet. But they were at a meal - there is reference to Jesus favorite disciple - this is left a mystery - some interpreters think it is John but they don’t know for sure - maybe it is the faithful reader - then Judas is specifically identified - Jesus dips bread and gives it to the one who will betray - Judas. “Right then Satan took control of Judas.� then Jesus tells Judas to do what he ahs to do. It makes you wonder about Judas - did he even have any control over his actions? -- Then Jesus gives a new command -- Love each other as I have loved you --- sounds so simple - but think of the second part - I don’t even think I can understand the depth of love God has for me let alone love someone else like that - but I’m willing to die trying to do it and figure it out -- then Jesus brings some of this point home - Jesus is willing to die for Peter - and all of us to - Jesus asks Peter if he is willing to do the same -- this is where Jesus tells Peter he will deny him three times. Forgive my sin too.
2 Chronicles 19 - The prophet Jehu warned Jehoshaphat that God was angry with him for making friends with Ahab - but Ahab was now dead. Jehoshaphat went throughout Juday setting up judges and reforming the judicial system of the day. He focused their efforts on the realization the God is to be faithfully served.
Psalm 78 - God is kind and remembers that I am made of flesh - like a wind that blows once and then dies down - this is humbling yet comforting - to know that there is a God so great that even when I think I’m something good -- this God knows that I am made of flesh like a short breeze in time - humble yet an awesome God who chooses to care about that short breeze.
Am I willing and ready to give it all to God when he calls? Say yes, and put priority where it belongs.
Make God a priority. Give up everything for the sake of attaining the promise of the cross. I am ready to go!
Give my your kingdom - give me your Spirit so that I may believe
Exodus 32 - Moses talks to God - talks to God like a friend - but God is God - it can be fearful - but God is still a friend - Moses talks to God - So do I
John 5 - Jesus asks me - Do I want to be made well? Jesus heals me and commands me to go - even if that command breaks a law -- I must go now.
Psalm 41 - God be gracious to me - heal me for I have sinned
Prayer - Jesus - there was a time back when you had to go - you had to go and do what you were called to do. It was hard - people wouldn’t believe what you were telling them but you had to go and do it. Each day you send me out into the world to go - to do what you want me to do. Each day you heal me and forgive my sins - each day we talk - each day you send me out to go and do what you command - even if it is hard or breaks the norms of the day. I gotta go now - talk to you along the way. -- Amen
Saturday 9/11/2004
John 14 - Jesus tells his disciples not to worry. To have faith in him and God. That there are many rooms prepared for them in God’s house. That Jesus is going there and he will come back and take them there. That they know the way to God’s house. Jesus tells the disciples that he and God are one. That the Father lives in him. Have faith in Jesus because Jesus and the Father are one. Ask Jesus and he will do whatever is asked. What comfort - the way to God is in and through Jesus.
2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat and Judah are about to be attacked by a combined army that could easily defeat Judah. Jehoshaphat turn to God in prayer and community at Jerusalem and pleads for God’s help. God’s Spirit takes hold of Jahaziel and he tells them to trust in God - they won’t have to fight. Jehoshaphat obeys and when they approach the enemy the enemy troops begin to fight against each other and destroy themselves. Judah goes in and takes everything left of value. As they were marching back to Jerusalem they stop in Beracah Valley and praise God - Then when they got to Jerusalem they went straight to the temple. Trust in God - he will care for me.
Psalm 78 - Through trials God will treat me fairly and guide me with wisdom.
Am I willing and ready to give it all to God when he calls? Say yes, and put priority where it belongs.
Make God a priority. Give up everything for the sake of attaining the promise of the cross. I am ready to go!
Stay firm in God’s Word and may God’s kingdom come to me.
1 Timothy 1 - Jesus appoints me to his service. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner - like me. Make me an example.
1 Peter 1 - I love him even though I have not seen him and am receiving an indescribable and glorious joy.
Psalm 86 - Save your servant who trusts in you. You are gracious - slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Prayer - Jesus - I believe in you - I believe that God is in you - I believe that you and the Father are one- give me a peek at your wisdom. For I will put all my trust in you. Prepare that room for me - that I may be there forever with you. I pray for your guidance in my life - I ask you to forgive me where I have not trusted you as I should- where I have not put priority on you. Appoint me to your service and lead me by your example -- Amen
Sunday 9/12/2004
John 14 - Jesus goes on to tell his disciples that god will send the Holy Spirit to help, lead and guide them when Jesus is gone. The Spirit will keep on living in you. Jesus will come back - If I love Jesus - God loves me and will show me what he is like. If I love God I will obey him. The Spirit will take Jesus place while he is gone - so don’t be worried or afraid. Jesus obeyed his Father so that everyone will know God. -- “It is time for us to go now.� (14:31b)
2 Chronicles 21-22 - Jehoram becomes King of Judah -- Jehoram had his brothers killed and some of the nation’s leaders. Jehoram married Ahab’s daughter - Ahab was king of Israel - Jehoram disobeyed God and set up shrines to other gods. Elijah sent Jehovah a letter about all this telling him that he had done terrible things and would be punished with a painful stomach disease and die. After Jehovah - Ahaziah became King of Judah - Ahaziah’s mother was Athaliah a grandaoughter of King Omri of Israel. Ahaziah appointed some of Ahab’s relatives to be his advisors - this led to Judah’s downfall - After a battle Ahaziah went to Jezreel to recover - while he was in Jezreel he went to meet Jehu - god had already told Jehu to kill every male in Ahab’s family. Jehu put Ahaziah to death. Queen Athaliah of Juday heard that King Ahaziah was dead and decided to kill nay relative of his who could become king. But Jehosheba rescued Joash son of Ahaziah and hid him in the temple. If it wasn’t for her - the line of David’s descendants would have been broken - Jesus is a descendant of this line - So God worked through this woman to keep his promise and keep the line to Jesus -- This stresses to me the importance of women in the work of our church today.
Psalm 79 - have pity on me God as I struggle with the battles of the day. I am like a sheep with you as my shepherd and will always praise you.
Am I willing and ready to give it all to God when he calls? Say yes, and put priority where it belongs.
Make God a priority. Give up everything for the sake of attaining the promise of the cross. I am ready to go!
Thanks for your daily gift of the Bread of Life
Luke 15 - Repent - God has found me - rejoice in his kingdom
Matthew 5 - “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.�
Psalm 3 - God will protect me and deliver me.
Prayer - Jesus you promised to send the Holy Spirit while you were gone - thank you for this gift - thank you for this life you place inside me - help me to let this light and gift shine brightly in my world today. Forgive me when my sin clouds this vessel and that light can not shine through. As I repent I ask your forgiveness so that I may return in joy to my world and be your servant. Bless the work I do - make it fruitful for you and let it shine forth your love. May all see your glory and your grace and come to believe in you as their Savior - for you paid the sacrifice and have given all of us the gift of the Spirit. -- Amen
Monday 9/13/2004
John 15 - Here is one of my favorite images that Jesus gives - Jesus tells the disciples that he is the main vine -- we are the branches - we feed from him - apart from Jesus we are only good for fire - but with Jesus we will produce the fruit of love and live --- when we are branches we are pretty plain - but when connected to Jesus - through love and love for each other we produce a fruit that would be beyond the branches imagination - fruit - maybe you could think likewise of flowers - could the branch ever imagine that the power of love could produce a flower? -- Love each other and feed off the main vine the gift of life.
2 Chronicles 23 - Jehoiada the high priest knew he needed to take the hidden Joash and declare him king -After six years in the temple Jehoiada set up some people to support Joash as officials. Remember Joash was still very young. There were people set up to protect Joash - he was the only heir left to the throne of David. Joash was crowned. Then Queen Athaliah heard the crowd cheering - well the shit hit the fan then! -- She got mad at everyone and called them all traitors. So Jehoiada had the army commanders capture her so she couldn’t stir up any more trouble. Jehoiada went around and started tearing down the altars to Baal and the other gods. The Queen tried to escape - so she was killed. - Everyone celebrated.
Psalm 80 - Put new life into me - make me strong - smile on me and save me
I’m so lost! - But joy abounds because God made a special effort to find me and bring me home -- Now, I must go and tend to my friends and show them the way back home.
Lord - give my everything by grace - for I sin every day
Job 4 - I am in awe of God and his power - for I am just a house of clay whose foundation is in the dust. But God still cares for me -- Why?
Exodus 34 - Moses approaches God -- how awesome that must have been - but now God is present with us through the Spirit - every day - how awesome that is.
Psalm 87 - All springs are in Zion - the water of life freely flows from God’s holy city.
Prayer - God you give life - you feed me with the life giving water - through baptism and the gifts of the Spirit you call me to service and to love others. Forgive my sin - hear me when I repent - renew me and send me -- I want to bear fruit - make it so - make this plain old branch beautiful with fruit - put new life in me and make me strong. Help me to serve others in my world and the places you have put me. Be with all your people and protect them from the evils and dangers of this world. For you are an awesome loving God -- thanks!! -- Amen
Tuesday 9/14/2004
John 16 - Jesus tells the disciples that he will go away and then come back again. He must go away so that the Spirit can come. The Spirit will show the world the truth about sin . The Spirit will bring glory by telling Jesus message to the world. -- “While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.�
2 Chronicles 24 - Joash was seven years old when he became king. After he was older, Joash decided to repair the temple. After a false start because the people weren’t seriously listening to Joash the money was raised and the temple repaired. Then Jehoiada the priest died. Right away the people stopped worshipping God and started worshipping idols. God let Syria invade Judah with a small army and Joash was killed. If it wasn’t for Jehoiada - I think the entire rule of Joash would have been evil.
Psalm 81 - Start off your festivals with a full orchestra - praise God for he will make you strong
I’m so lost! - But joy abounds because God made a special effort to find me and bring me home -- Now, I must go and tend to my friends and show them the way back home.
Even though we are tempted we pray that we may still win the final victory
John 3 - Believe and have eternal life
Isaiah 1 - God will forgive my sin - Learn to do good - seek justice - rescue the oppressed….
Psalm 22 - Even through sin and tough times -- tell all of the glory of God
Prayer - Lord - you send your Spirit to bring glory to you by telling your message to the world - your message of love - your message of hope- your message of salvation - What a gift you have given. Keep me on the path you would have me on - keep me in your ways - as the world misunderstands me - strengthen my faith and resolve to remain on your path and not to stray. For I know that even through my sin you have won the final victory - In you I place my faith. -- Amen
Wednesday 9/15/2004
John 17 - I wonder why Luther didn’t study this prayer in his catechism - for me Jesus prayer equals the Lord’s prayer - What an example -- Jesus glorifies God - prays for his disciples then prays for the whole church. -- 17.3 “Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.� - I want to know him, hear his voice now. --When I read this prayer I feel like Jesus is praying for me individually sometimes - he is an example of how we should pray for each other - to care for each other and to show God to each other -- 17.26 “I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love that you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.�
2 Chronicles 25 - King Amaziah orf Judah - his reign starts out good but ends bad - he goes to battle with the Edomites - wins then worships their gods - like this is some great thing to do - I don’t quite get it but supposedly it was an honor to do this -- so his kingship ends in separation with God - I wonder if there were any kings that started out bad and then changed to rely on God and put God right in their lives? -- Seem like many are either all good - all bad - or start out good and go bad.
Psalm 82 - I know this is a twist on the meaning - but I wonder if sometimes we think that all of us are gods and also God’s children -- If we think so - I think we sin - God is God
I’m so lost! - But joy abounds because God made a special effort to find me and bring me home -- Now, I must go and tend to my friends and show them the way back home.
Deliver me from evil and in my last hour take me from the troubles of this world to the base of that cross in heaven.
Job 7 - “What are human beings, that you make so much of them, that you set your mind on them, visit them every morning, test them every moment?� --But then I think - well God didn’t promise it would be easy -- but he is mindful of me - he is with me - even in the struggles -- trust God!
2 Corinthians 1 - God consoles in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console each other. - If we are afflicted it is for consolation and salvation. - Share in each other’s sufferings and share also in consolation.
Psalm 13 - Trust in God’s steadfast love - let my heart have joy in his salvation - sing to God because he is good to me.
Prayer - Lord Jesus - thanks for your prayers for me - thanks for bringing your glory into my world - thanks for praying for me your disciple - thanks for praying for the church - thanks for showing yourself to me each morning and letting me hear your voice and letting me get to know you a little better each day - thanks for walking through life with me - holding me up - sustaining me through temptation - giving me life and bountiful love that is way beyond anything I can begin to understand - send me into the world with your mission - send me forth with your love to take it out to all I come into contact with this day - use me in your service and receive the joy you fill me with in praise and singing and wonder at your mighty acts that I can witness every day - It’s all a miracle - Thanks be to God! --- Amen
Thursday 9/16/2004
John 18 - Jesus is arrested - it is interesting to notice that Judas did not point out Jesus - he didn’t kiss him in this account - pretty much - Jesus gave himself up - “Who are you looking for?� -- “I am Jesus!� -- So Jesus is brought in after the whole scene of Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus - it doesn’t mention that Jesus healed his ear either -- I think the major differences in John and the other Gospels can be attributed to how John stresses the mystery of Jesus and not all the details - John shows me how Jesus is revealed to human kind in a spiritual sense - details aren’t as important.
2 Chronicles 26 - Here is one of the kings - Uzziah - started out good - then became too proud of his power - Uzziah went into the temple and burnt incense to God - well this was for the priests to do only - Uzziah had leprosy the rest of his life in punishment and couldn’t even live in the palace or worship in the temple -- boy this one seems like such a high price for such an insignificant action - the action must have been something drastic at the time - but in my mind of today - the punishment doesn’t even come close to matching the crime - Uzziah was present in the temple in a place he wasn’t allowed -- So I guess the point is -- when he became proud of his power - Uzziah became so bold he may have thought he was like or close to being God. That’s the only sense I can make of it.
Psalm 83 - This psalm strikes me different from many other psalms -- the writer is begging God to take revenge and destroy his enemies -- not the spiritual kind of enemies - but people - I could understand if it was asking God to defeat sin - but this seems too personal and people related.
I’m so lost! - But joy abounds because God made a special effort to find me and bring me home -- Now, I must go and tend to my friends and show them the way back home.
God hears me.
Psalm 113 - Praise God
Philippians 4 - Don’t worry - turn to God in prayer - God will give your heart and mind peace.
Psalm 65 - Shout for joy and recall how good God has been to me
Prayer - Jesus-you were willing to go - to go to your death for me. Forgive me when I back away from the hard things that I need to do - make me willing to go - push me out of the nest - I must go when you tell me to go. Keep me from being proud and judgmental - you are God. I will praise you in joy and thanksgiving for all the bounty you have poured upon me. Amen
Friday 9/17/2004
John 18 - Jesus is questioned- he hasn’t done anything wrong - people just can understand a love that is this deep. Then Jesus is sent to Pilate - I find the differences in John and the Synoptic Gospels interesting. This was before the Passover meal - it was in the morning - so it was still on a Friday - but not the Friday after the Passover meal - this would explain why Jesus just washed the disciples feet and there was no mention of the Last Supper. In John the questioning and crucifixion would have been the Friday before Passover. Not that it makes a huge difference - but it does say something to me about the whole inerrancy concept of scriptures that some people put to much weight on -- who cares? - God works through us errant people and turns it into good - the point isn’t human accuracy it is God’s message that is important - so if the Bible has errors it is no less valid - humans are the one with the errors - not God.
2 Chronicles 27-28 - Jotham became King of Judah - he was good - built things up and worshiped God. When Ahaz became King of Judah he disobeyed God - destroyed all the good things Jotham did even to the point of shutting down the temple and locking the doors - setting up altars all over the place to foreign gods. Imagine how Jotham would have felt if he were still alive - Imagine how God felt.
Psalm 84 - Deep in my heart I long for your temple - Won’t you smile on me?
I’m so lost! - But joy abounds because God made a special effort to find me and bring me home -- Now, I must go and tend to my friends and show them the way back home.
Go-Make disciples-Baptize
Amos 8 - God won’t forget when we serve faithfully
Deuteronomy 31 - God will go before me - he will lead me.
Psalm 22 - I am a worm and not human - but you take me and keep me safe and are near me
Prayer - Lord you were questioned and condemned for a love that no one could understand - Forgive me when I fail to recognize this love and twist it and turn it - for I am a worm and need your forgiveness. Deep in my heart I long to be with you in your temple to praise you and sing in joy because of the special effort you made to bring me back to you - you call me home then send me out to make disciples and baptize. Bless my journey. Amen
Saturday 9/18/2004
John 18 - This is the section where Barabbas is set free in place of Jesus -- I always think of myself here - I was set free in place of Jesus - Jesus took on the punishment I deserved. The CEV translates Barabbas as a terrorist - I’m not sure about this translation - but it does speak to today -- Pilate succumbs to the crowd and the Jewish leaders even though he can’t see reason to crucify Jesus - do I give in - I do - and need forgiveness.
2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah becomes king of Judah - unlocks the doors to the temple and has it repaired. - I like verse 11a “Let’s not waste any time, my friends.� -- there was a sense of urgency to make things right with God -- The temple was cleaned up and they worshiped once again as they should have always. Show God all honor and praise.
Psalm 85 - Love and loyalty will come together - goodness and peace will unite -- Justice will march in front -- Nice visual word images to think about
I’m so lost! - But joy abounds because God made a special effort to find me and bring me home -- Now, I must go and tend to my friends and show them the way back home.
In Baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what he has promised.
1 Timothy 2 - There is one God - there is one mediator between God and me -- Jesus - who gave himself for me.
Matthew 6 - Have faith and trust in God - Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 12 - The promises of God are promises that are pure.
Prayer - Lord - release me from my sin - I confess my sin to you - release me and save me -- Help me to clean up my temple - to unlock the doors and put things right - release me in the joy of worship, praise and honor to you. You care for me and provide for all my needs. I will trust in you for all your promises are true. In all this and more I give you thanks. --- Amen
Sunday 9/19/2004
John 19 - The crucifixion - how meaningful! -- Jesus was executed between two criminals - could those criminals be any one of us? - maybe so - that is why I need forgiveness -- Pilate had a sign posted in three languages so that everyone could understand that Jesus is the King - Soon the message will be clear through the Spirit in any language - Jesus is King and sent the Spirit for me to testify what he has done for me and how I received eternal life through Jesus sacrifice for my sins - Some mysterious people seem to come out at the crucifixion - I just noticed Jesus aunt was present - or was Mary of Clopas one in the same as Mary Magdalene - some think so - but the point I see is that important women in Jesus life were loyal to Him to the end -- Jesus favorite disciple was present - may I be that favorite disciple - Jesus was so intense in his job he refused to take the wine - which was traditionally mixed with gall to relieve pain - Jesus felt all the pain and didn’t want any relief - He felt the full pain of being human - then the soldiers saw he was dead - it was also common to break the person’s legs - this would not allow the person to push up for air and cause death to come faster - but Jesus didn’t need this because he had already died - so the soldier pierced his side - the blood of communion and the water of my baptism flowed from my God and Savior - what a gift! - More secret disciples now came forward - Joseph from Arimathea - he had kept his discipleship secret - enough of the secrecy - now it was time to proclaim the salvation of God - Nicodemus, who met Jesus in the night - no more night time hiding - time to come out and take a stand -- I think this is a message to all of us at some point in life - Once we realize the full impact and gift of what God has done for us - it’s time to come out of secrecy and tell the world of what God has done for us.
2 Chronicle 30 - The people celebrate the Passover in joy - even the tribes from the northern kingdom of Israel are invited along with Judah. This is one of the greatest Passover celebrations since Solomon. God saves his people.
Psalm 86 - Always keep me faithful. With all my heart I thank you. Your love for me is so great that you protected me from death and the grave. Your love can always be trusted. I serve you, LORD. Make me strong and save me.
I’m so lost! - But joy abounds because God made a special effort to find me and bring me home -- Now, I must go and tend to my friends and show them the way back home.
You poured out that water richly through Jesus Christ my Savior - that life giving water!
Luke 16 - You cannot serve God and wealth - Forgive me and let me serve only you.
Matthew 7 - Hear God’s Word and act on it.
Psalm 127 - God - build my “house� !
Prayer - Jesus - you offered your life for mine that I may have eternal life. Speak to me today through your water, blood and Word. Make me bold to come out and play - to proclaim your saving grace to a world of hungry people - burst out of my heart and the walls of my church so that all may see your glory and awesome power. Keep me faithful and receive my heartfelt thanks today. Make this day a celebration with your entire kingdom - on earth and in heaven - for you are to be greatly praised. As I serve this week guide me in the hearing of your voice and the action to take. Build your house in me and the world. Amen
Monday 9/20/2004
John 20 - Mary Magdalene discovers the tomb empty and the stone rolled away and runs to tell the disciples. Peter and another disciple look and discover the same thing . Mary Magdalene was crying outside the tomb when she sees two angels - one at the head of where Jesus lie and one at the foot of where he was laid. They asked her why she was crying? Then she saw jesus - but mistook her for the gardener until he spoke to her. The angels at the head and foot in the tomb remind me of the ark of the covenant -- At one time there were angels on each end with their wings spread above the ark that touched forming the mercy seat where God was said to have presided. This reminds me of the same thing here - the ark contained manna -- for the Israelites - this was life giving bread - the tomb contained Jesus - since the last supper - our life giving bread. I’m sure there are other similarities that could be made here also. Then to think that Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize Jesus until he spoke -- I must be able to recognize Jesus when he speaks to me. Jesus spoke her name - a simple Mary! - I notice the exclamation point - I think he calls each of us by our name with an exclamation point - an exclamation point showing his love for us.
2 Chronicles 31 - Here King Hezekiah sets up the processes that return the reform to what God intended. This is a King that knows his place and obeys God’s commands and worships God - may we so lead in this way.
Psalm 87 - All who sing or dance will say, “I too am from Zion.� -- hmmm
Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Jesus-Thanks-Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Others-Thanks
Repent daily and drown that evil self so that a new self can rise day after day after day
Job 12 - God can do or undo anything
1 Corinthians 3 - This world’s wisdom is foolishness to God -- God is great!
Psalm 1 - Meditate on God’s Word - day and night
Prayer - Lord - I hear your voice and then the light goes on - especially when you call my name - help me to act in love towards others this day - to forgive them - to be with them and to thank you for all you have done. For you are great -- and your Word is a constant guide. Amen
Tuesday 9/21/2004
John 20 - Jesus appears to his disciples in a locked room - I love the mystery of this - how - do I lock the door of my heart? - yet Jesus still appears and challenges me to believe that he has forgiven my sins? - He sends me into the world with his Spirit - Thomas doubted and wanted proof - a week later Jesus gave him proof - I don’t need to be able to see Jesus to have faith - I can feel him though - even without touching - it never said that Thomas actually touched Jesus - but Thomas did proclaim Jesus to be his God,-- “If you have faith in him, you will have true life.�
2 Chronicles 32 - King Sennacherib of Assyria moves in to invade Judah - But King Hezxekiah’s faith and trust in God remain true - even though out numbered - King Hezekiah still formulates his battle plans but puts his final trust in God and God defeats the Assyrians. Hezekiah got sick and almost died - he prayed and God gave Hezekiah a sign that he would recover. Well this went to Hezekiah’s head - he never thanked God for what he had done - Later Hezekiah realized this and asked God to forgive him. Hezekiah is turning into one of my favorite kings the more I read about him.
Psalm 88 - What a depressing Psalm - basically accusing God of not being there when needed - but we can go to God and pray to him when we are down - he will listen - even if we just belly-ache.
Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Jesus-Thanks-Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Others-Thanks
Believe Jesus - don't just believe "in" Jesus. God told me to tell you that He loves you. Jesus is coming back!!!!! I love you, I forgive you, supper's ready! Tell others Jesus has food for the soul - life. We, as Christians, are the elder brothers and sisters to our fellow non-Christians who are infants in the faith.
Remember Jesus death - his body - his blood - given for you - remember often
Matthew 9 - Get up and follow him.
Jonah 1-2 - Jonah ran from God’s hard command to speak to a people Jonah didn’t want to speak to -- but it didn’t work - God will use you in whatever way he intends -- get ready.
Psalm 107 - Give thanks to God for his everlasting love.
Prayer - Lord you give proof- you are present in my life - I believe Jesus and what he tells me - have faith and have true life - When I begin to trust in myself - forgive me - turn me back - hear my repentance - for you are the body and blood - When I run away - turn me back - take me under the water and bury me then send me forth in your forgiveness to serve and work in your kingdom - here in this place - right now. I give thanks to you for your love is forever. --- Amen
Wednesday 9/22/2004
John 21 - A wonderful end to the book - some of the disciples have returned to the work they know - they are fishing - notice someone on shore with a fire - the disciples are not having a good night of fishing - the person on shore tells them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat -- they haul in 153 fish - 153? - who counted? - anyway they figure out the person on the shore is Jesus - he is there to greet them with breakfast of bread and fish - sounds like a good reunion and a good time to me - I want to be there - Then Jesus so kindly forgives Peter for his denial of him three times -- He repeats the question to Peter do you love me -- three times -- kind of like he is reversing the denial three times - and shows Peter that even though we sin - we can be forgiven if we love Christ -- but then we need to do some things - Care for each other - Feed each other - and expect to give up our lives and follow Jesus - that’s the gift of eternal life and it starts now.
2 Chronicles 33 - Finally a king that starts out bad and repents and changes to good - Kin Manasseh of Judah - he started out setting up shrines to gods and making a mess of things -- turning from God - away from the good the King Hezekiah had done -- seems like they just keep going back and forth from generation to generation - God let the Assyrian army invade Judah and capture Manasseh - he warned Manasseh ahead of time about all the evil he was doing - While Manasseh was captive - he asked God to forgive him - yea sure - say uncle - but he must have been sincere because God listened to him and saw how sorry he was and forgave him. Then Manasseh was freed and he rebuilt Judah to honor God -- repaired the altar and tore down the shrines to other gods and worshipped God. -- So then his son Amon became king -- well - he undid everything that Manasseh had just fixed - what a waste - Amon’s officials plotted against him and killed him and mad his son Josiah king.
Psalm 89 - I will sing of your love forever -- Everyone yet to be born will hear me praise your faithfulness -- God’s love can always be trusted -- We are happy all day because of you, and your saving power
Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Jesus-Thanks-Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Others-Thanks
Believe Jesus - don't just believe "in" Jesus. God told me to tell you that He loves you. Jesus is coming back!!!!! I love you, I forgive you, supper's ready! Tell others Jesus has food for the soul - life. We, as Christians, are the elder brothers and sisters to our fellow non-Christians who are infants in the faith.
Receive forgiveness of sins, life and salvation through Jesus
Job 14 - I am born of woman - few of days - come up like a flower - wither and die -- God’s love is forever - I must trust in God
Isaiah 41 - Through struggle God will protect and strengthen
Psalm 105 - Call on God - Sing to God - Praise God - Seek God -- Remember God
Prayer -- Lord you come to me in the morning and feed me your bread of life - your fish and rnew my soul- I so happy for this - it’s like a new breakfast of joy - you forgive me when I deny you and send me out into the world to love and feed your sheep. Help me to see my errors and turn to you for help. For all my trust must be in you - because you show that your love is forever - even into the unknown future - you strengthen and protect - I hear you call - I sing to you - I praise and seek you and remember all you have done -- Thanks be to God --- Amen
Thursday 9/23/2004
1 John 1 - The Word or Jesus that gives life was from the beginning - This person has appeared in human form - Jesus shared his life with us - died for us and forgives us and gives us life - Because of this - we are truly happy. God is light - I think of all the images of God being light - especially the light in the cloud that led the Israelites and the fire by day - Jesus has no darkness within him - no sin - we are children of the light and are to live in the light - but we still sin - if we confess our sin - God will forgive our sin and take our sins away - but we do sin and must be able to recognize this and not deceive ourselves into thinking we don’t sin and don’t need to confess and be forgiven - smell the stench of sin and confess and accept forgiveness - move on trying to correct the sin - but more so move on in joy and service not letting the sin get in the way or slowing you down in God’s work in God’s kingdom.
2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah became king of Judah when he was eight years old - by the time he was sixteen he began cleaning up the land that was ruined by his father Amon - destroyed all the shrines to Gods and set up the temple once again to worship God -- As the temple was being repaired the book of the Law was discovered. It was read to Josiah and he set about to have the people and himself follow the law and instruction contained within the book.
Psalm 89 - One of David’s descendants will always be king -- Jesus is our eternal King -- of life and love
Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Jesus-Thanks-Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Others-Thanks
Believe Jesus - don't just believe "in" Jesus. God told me to tell you that He loves you. Jesus is coming back!!!!! I love you, I forgive you, supper's ready! Tell others Jesus has food for the soul - life. We, as Christians, are the elder brothers and sisters to our fellow non-Christians who are infants in the faith.
Fasting serves a good purpose - but to receive the feast you are prepared if you believe - given and shed for you for the remission of sins - don’t doubt them - have a believing heart
Psalm 146 - I will praise the LORD as long as I live - trust only in God
Matthew 7 - Look at the fruits of people who are leading you to see if they are true or false - Their actions will display a release of joy in response to God’s salvation - they will do the will of God in heaven.
Psalm 37 - Trust in God - take delight in God - Commit to God - Be still and wait before God - Don’t fret
Prayer - Lord - thank you for Word - Light - Direction and Salvation - For you are God - Help me to clean up my temple - forgive my sins and lead me in joyful responsive service in your kingdom this day. -- Amen
Friday 9/24/2004
1 John 2 - Try not to sin - but if you do sin - Jesus does the right thing and forgives us - He takes away our sins - we belong to him and if we truly love him we will obey him and turn from our sin. A nice thought - Jesus knows I will sin - he forgives - I’m happy because of this and know that I love him that I will continue to try to correct my sin and ask to be forgiven and obey Jesus - but he knows I will sin and takes care of me anyway. Don’t love the world - pride and selfish desire within us comes from this world - neither comes from God - Stay one in heart with Jesus
2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah observed one of the greatest Passover’s ever - then he was killed in battle - Josiah led his troops to meet the Egyptians in battle - Neco sent a message that he wasn’t there to attack Josiah- King of Judah - they weren’t even at war and that God was on Neco’s side -- well this message was from God and Josiah didn’t realize it or believe it - Josiah dressed as a common soldier to disguise himself and was still killed in battle. Josiah was one of the great kings of Judah - he had faith and trust in God all his life.
Psalm 89 - How much longer LORD?-- I will praise you forever
Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Jesus-Thanks-Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Others-Thanks
Believe Jesus - don't just believe "in" Jesus. God told me to tell you that He loves you. Jesus is coming back!!!!! I love you, I forgive you, supper's ready! Tell others Jesus has food for the soul - life. We, as Christians, are the elder brothers and sisters to our fellow non-Christians who are infants in the faith.
Christ gave us the authority to forgive sins to those who repent
Amos 6 - If you’re all so comfortable in life - maybe you ought to think about it and wonder why
Genesis 37 - Joseph being sold for twenty pieces of silver by his brothers reminds me of how Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver - When have I betrayed and sold- God? -- forgive me
Psalm 59 - God shows steadfast love
Prayer - Lord - it seems today you teach me about forgiveness - sin - I sin and ask your forgiveness - keep me with you - teach me to obey and serve - teach me to trust only in you - not in this world’s desires or things - help me to listen to you - to hear your Word and obey - keep me from betrayal and lead me today with the power of your spirit to serve in love my friends and neighbors. --- Amen
Saturday 9/25/2004
1 John 3 - This chapter talks about real love - God’s love for us is real love - he was willing to give his son as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Even though we are children of God - we still find ourselves sinning - but we know that God’s love is so great he has forgiven our sins - with this we can live in God’s love and learn to love each other - our response is to separate ourselves from sin because we know that when Christ returns we will be like him - so why keep on sinning? - have faith and trust God to take the sin away and to stop sinning - Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life - we will see the other person in need and act on that need by showing love - not just the emotion but a true action - not just talk but action - our faith and trust in God takes “feet� for the other person and we become more like Jesus. God is greater than our feelings and he knows everything. God knows we will sin and give his Son and his Spirit to help us until Jesus comes again and we will truly be like him -- I look forward to this day knowing that God will finally release me from this circular pattern of sin and forgiveness and then I will be fully released from this sin.
2 Chronicles 36 - Jehoahaz becomes king - King Neco of Egypt captured Jehoahaz and put heavy taxes on Judah. Then Neco appointed his brother Eliakim as king and changed his name to Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim did not obey God and King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia invaded Judah and raided the temple. Next Jehoiachin became king at eighteen years of age - he ruled for three months and ten days. He was arrested by King Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylonia. Then Nebuchadnezzar appointed Zedekiah as king. In a twist- Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah promise to be loyal to God - but Zedekiah refused to turn back to God and was unfaithful. God sent prophets to warn the people of their sins but they just laughed at them and ignored them. Then God sent King Nebuchadnezzar to attack Jerusalem - he carried off everything in the temple back to Babylon. -- burned down the temple and destroyed the city. Survivors were taken to Babylonia as prisoners and Judah was empty -- then a little glimmer of hope - Cyrus was king of Persia - God had Cyrus send a message to all parts of his kingdom - Cyrus was chosen to build a temple for God in Jerusalem - God will watch over his people who want to go back to Judah. -- Even when we sin so bad - God gives us a glimmer of hope -- Our temple can be rebuilt - let it happen to me!
Psalm 90 - God is my home - what a nice thought - I will die and turn to dust -- but a thousand years is like a day gone by to God -- (Sarah - this is the one I was talking about - in the literal interpretation of a day - time doesn’t mean anything to God - vs. 4) --- God knows all our sins and what we do in secret - Teach me to use wisely the time I have - Time is the great equalizer amongst us humans - it is a gift from God to be used in his honor - Give time to God - “when morning comes, let your love satisfy all my our needs� -- I like my time in the morning especially -- “Then we can celebrate and be glad for what time we have left� -- This is the going out into the world to serve God and love others to me -- the action part of my life.
Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Jesus-Thanks-Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Others-Thanks
Believe Jesus - don't just believe "in" Jesus. God told me to tell you that He loves you. Jesus is coming back!!!!! I love you, I forgive you, supper's ready! Tell others Jesus has food for the soul - life. We, as Christians, are the elder brothers and sisters to our fellow non-Christians who are infants in the faith.
Receive the Holy Spirit
1 Timothy 6 - Pursue righteousness, godliness, fiath, love, endurance, gentleness
Acts 8 - I like this one - Philip - an angel told Philip to go out on a wilderness road -- Philip went - then the Spirit told Philip to go talk to the eunuch (poor guy - why would you do that to yourself???) -- Philip went to talk to him -- Philip helped the eunuch with scripture and told of Jesus - baptized the eunuch and disappeared -- It’s God’s work not mine - follow the Spirit in trust and faith and disappear - It’s not about me -- it’s about God.
Psalm 119 - How sweet are your words to my taste
Prayer - God - you show me your love in so many ways - true love in your love for me - help me to display this love to my friends and the people I touch this day - As I repent of my sins this morning - grant me your forgiveness - for in your forgiveness you give me new life - day after day - I look in hope to that day when Jesus will return and I will be like him - free from sin. But until then use me to love and serve in your kingdom - lead me - guide me - point out my errors and help me as I try to live a new life in you - correcting the sin in my life -- Send now you Spirit to me -- show me the wilderness path to walk on this day and the person you wish me to tell my story of Jesus in my life and how Jesus can be in theirs also - it’s not about me -- it’s all about you -- I love you! --- Amen
Sunday 9/26/2004
1 John 4 - One of my favorites - A great chapter to live by - Jesus was truly human and this makes him so much closer to us - God felt and experienced all we experience - we are truly united to God through Jesus - Jesus was the human display of God’s love for us -- God is love - God proved that to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus - our forgiveness of sins - true love -God’s love for us is true love - Our response to this deep deep love is to love others - If we love others in this way we don’t need to worry about judgment - real love for others chases all those worries away -- “We love because God loved us first.� -- But if our actions of loving others does not exist - then we don’t truly love God -- Love and action in love. -- “Love God and love each other!�
Ezra 1-2 - King Cyrus of Persia was led by God to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem from Babylon and rebuild the temple- God is rescuing his people again -- The second chapter is a list of names and families of those who are returning - I have to wonder if - since the time of Adam and Eve -- God is setting up another return -- but this return is a reverse return - I won’t return to God -- God is coming to me - In a cloud through Jesus -- Is my name in chapter 2 of that return? - I have faith that it is. -- But then again - I think Jesus has already returned to get me and gave the Spirit to guide me now -- I look forward to the next return - Not mine - but Jesus return.
Psalm 91 - I have written all over this Psalm my issues with a bleeping stomach in September of 2003 - This Psalm brought me comfort then and I’m sure would bring comfort to others -- I live under God’s protection - God is powerful and I can trust in him - I don’t have to fear disease that strikes - I can run to God for safety - God will carry me in his arms - When I’m in trouble I can call out to God - I will see his saving power - How much closer can God get to one that this - He is there! - believe and trust in God - God may not remove my struggles -- but He is surely there with me in the struggles - leading and guiding my way.
Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Jesus-Thanks-Love-Forgiveness-Supper-Others-Thanks
Believe Jesus - don't just believe "in" Jesus. God told me to tell you that He loves you. Jesus is coming back!!!!! I love you, I forgive you, supper's ready! Tell others Jesus has food for the soul - life. We, as Christians, are the elder brothers and sisters to our fellow non-Christians who are infants in the faith.
Do not doubt when God forgives your sin.
Luke 16 - I only have so much time - time is a gift from God - how much time? - who knows - prioritize my time - listen to the Word - listen to God - respond in love to others and love to God - I can’t return time spent - it’s gone - return my time given to God and live - begin eternal life now - don’t wait! - hear the words of eternal life and go now!
Hosea 6 - Let us return to the God - God comes to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth - like the waters of that great Bath in Baptism - God comes to me - God wants my love - that is my purpose - to love God and to love others -- don’t wait!
Psalm 25 - Turn my eyes to you God - for I wait for you! - now is the time for me to act and not wait on myself - don’t wait! - give the love God gives to me to others.
Prayer - God - I can’t wait! - I can’t wait until you return for me - I can’t wait to see my name in chapter 2 - I can’t wait to see you at that cross in your glory - I can’t wait to have that great feast with all the saints in glory - I can’t wait to be like you - I can’t wait to walk towards your cross with friends and family and community- I can’t wait to see the lame leap and the blind see - I can’t wait to feel your complete healing power - I can’t wait to tell my story to my neighbor - I can’t wait to worship you this day - I can’t wait to have compassion for the poor, hungry and lame - I can’t wait to act on your call - I can’t wait to work in your kingdom here and now - I can’t wait to love you and love others today - I can’t wait to teach and learn and hear you in Word - I can’t wait - I can’t wait! -- Give me patience but fill me with action as I wait. -- Amen
Monday 9/27/2004
1 John 5 - If we believe - we will respond by showing our love for God by obeying his commandments. With God we can defeat the world without God we will fail. Water and blood came out of Jesus side when he was crucified. Jesus was truly human yet at the same time spiritual -- water-blood-baptism-communion -- Spirit -- God will hear our prayers - the one deadly sin is not believing in Jesus saving grace - you will be left under the power of the devil. Jesus give eternal life.
Ezra 3-4 - The people are so happy to be rebuilding the temple- the altar is set up and sacrifices were being made - while the temple foundation and the walls were being built -- Everyone was shouting and praising God in joy that they could be heard a long way off. Enemies heard these shouts of joy and wanted to join in with the Jews in construction of the temple - But they weren’t allowed to help - Well this made the outsiders mad -- So they sent a letter to the Persian government telling them of the history and power of the Israelites throughout time -- in the letter was the threat that the Jews would begin to rule themselves and refuse to pay taxes -- Since money was involved the government put a stop to rebuilding the temple. -- What a twisted plot and a get even strategy.
Psalm 92 - “It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love� -- “You do great things, LORD. Your thoughts are too deep for an ignorant fool to know or understand.�
Forget the earthly values and pursue God’s values- Trust in God to provide.
I am guilty of sin and must confess
Job 29 - Oh - how great I was yesterday --- in the past - boy what a big head! -- Forget all that crap and let God lead your big head through the door into today - let God humble you and serve him.
Romans 10 - Call and believe in Jesus -- talk about it - you will be saved - this is available to all and given to all
Psalm 145 - God is gracious and merciful -- compassionate -- give thanks!
Prayer - Lord - this morning seems to be confusing and disjointed - bring it together for me - join the water - blood - love - joy - threat of enemies - sin - big head - thoughts together and send me into the work week knowing that when I call on you and proclaim your name I am doing your will -- be gracious and compassionate to me this week. For I give you thanks for all the blessing you have given. -- Amen
Tuesday 9/28/2004
2 John - Truth and Love -- Love because of the truth in your heart - Love means that we do what God tells us - Love him -- then God tells us to love each other. God’s love was displayed in the truly human form of Jesus. God’s love in Jesus is true love.
Ezra 5-6 - God told the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to speak to the people of Judah and Jerusalem and start building the temple again. The government looked up the old command from Cyrus that had told the people to rebuild the temple. They found the document (scroll) in Ecbatana -- a summer retreat for the rulers of that day -- So the temple was rebuilt with support from the Persian government. The temple was dedicated and Passover was celebrated. God had never left his people but they returned to God in worship and praise. Oh how we wander back and forth from God. Keep us in your care.
Psalm 93 - God you are King and eternal - your temple will always be beautiful and holy
Forget the earthly values and pursue God’s values- Trust in God to provide.
Examine your everyday life for sin and repent
Job 32 - God alone can save you from hell.
James 2 - Faith will result in works -- Go!
Psalm 31 - I am nothing - but God loves me and I will put my trust in him for he will preserve me.
Prayer - Love and truth - God you show me both - As I examine myself this morning I repent of my sins and ask, beg and plea for forgiveness. I trust in your forgiveness. Build my faith this day - restore my spiritual temple - I praise you for your glory and blessings you give to me each day and give you thanks. You alone are King and I put my trust in you. -- Amen
Wednesday 9/29/2004
3 John - A lwtter written to Gaius - talking about Diotrephes wanting to be number one leader - not paying attention - attacking with gossip- refusing to welcome any of the Lord’s followers who come by putting them out of the church --- funny and I’m confused -- sounds like gossip about gossip. But really I think it was more of a warning to Gauis to accept people.
Ezra 7-8 - Ezra leads the people from Babylon back to Jerusalem -- reminds me of Moses - it is disappointing that he had to beg for Levite priests -- seems they became too comfortable in Babylon and weren’t sure if things would be better in Jerusalem.
Psalm 94 - God will protect you from enemies and save you
Forget the earthly values and pursue God’s values- Trust in God to provide.
I repent of all my sins and pray for mercy. I promise to do better with God’s help.
Revelation 12 - The Devil will be conquered by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimonies.
Habakkuk 1 - LORD how long???
Psalm 101 - Sing to God - hate evil
Prayer - Lord - How long - how long will it be till you come again and restore your kingdom - how long will we have to live in this broken world - how long will it be until we are made like you - how long --- thanks for forgiving my sins now - thanks for providing for blessing now - thanks for giving me my daily bread now - thanks for friends and family now - thanks for being with me now - how long? - I don’t know - but I will trust in you - how long? - in your time ---- Amen
Thursday 9/30/2004
Jude - Watch out that the greedy and selfish don’t lure you into their thinking. Build on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Spirit helps you pray. Be helpful, rescue others, with fear in your own heart have mercy on others. Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful - trust and praise God for his glory, honor, power, and authority. Keep in step with God’s love - love others.
Ezra 9-10 - So the Jews rebuild the temple - return from Babylon and are very happy -- then they sin against God once again by taking foreign wives that worship other gods. This causes the whole community to have to repent. But they come up with a plan to change their ways. Thank God that he forgives us --- but come up with a plan to try and change your ways - resist the sin and put all your trust and love in God.
Psalm 95 - Sing joyful songs to the LORD! - Listen to Gods’ voice today!
Forget the earthly values and pursue God’s values- Trust in God to provide.
Don’t torture yourself over imaginary sins!
Psalm 37 - Trust in God - take delight in God - Commit your way to God - God will act - Wait patiently and be still - Don’t fret
Daniel 6 - Trust completely in God - while even in the lion’s den of life - God will save you!
Psalm 18 -Call out to God - he is your strength and rock and will hear your voice.
Prayer - Lord hear my voice as I cry to you this day to heal me , to guide, me to let me serve and love my friends with compassion and understanding - with your sight - with your mind - with your voice. Be with the church this day - those people who do your work - who serve you and work in your kingdom - Keep us in step with your love and trust and praise you. I rejoice and praise you for the community of faithful that you have given to me - I sing to you today and listen to your voice. For even while I sit in the lion’s den you save me. You are my strength and rock and I must call out to you in supplication and praise. --- Amen