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

August Reflections

Sunday 8/1/2004
1 Corinthians 16 - Paul ends this letter - They are taking a collection to support the church in Jerusalem of money and letters. It says something to me of how we should support other churches like we do with our money to the ELCA to help start missions and so forth. The letters are to encourage them. Then he talks about his travel plans. It reminds me of the Nouwen book I just read about compassion. How we must leave behind some part of our old ways to accept the call. Some people do this physically in leaving what they are doing now to work in service and some do it by leaving behind something they have been doing to move on to other things God calls them to do. The end is a little disturbing until I thought about how much more persecution there was at that time - In verse 22 he says “I pray that God will put a curse on everyone who doesn’t love the Lord. And may the Lord come soon.� I never viewed cursing those who don’t love God - but I guess I would think differently if these people were trying to stop Christianity. Then he tells the Corinthians he loves them. This is agape love. A great way to end the letter.
2 Kings 12-13 - Since Joash was young when he became king he ruled for a long time. He had the priests collect money to repair the temple. The workers and the supervisors were honest people who worked hard and didn’t cheat with the money. Sounds like a good group of maintenance guys to me - what an example. Then King Hazael of Syria decided to attack Jerusalem and Joash paid him off. In the end Joash was murdered by Jozabad. Now we switch back to Israel. Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king. He wasn’t so great and God let King Hazael of Syria take a lot of things from them in battle but didn’t let Hazael completely defeat them. Then Jehoash became king of Israel. - he disobeyed God. Now a couple of stories from Elisha. Elisha was sick and King Jehoash went to see him - Elisha told him to grab an arrow and shoot it out the window facing east. Jehoash shot the arrow and Elisha said that the LORD will help him completely defeat the Syrian army. Elisha told Jehoash to pick up the arrows and hit the ground with them. Jehoash did but only hit the ground three times. Elisha told Jehoash if he had hit the ground more times than that the LORD would have allowed him to completely defeat the Syrians. Now he will only let Jehoash defeat the Syrians three times. Elisha died. When King Hazael of Syria died his son Benhadad became king. King Jehoash of Israel attacked and defeated the Syrian army three times just like Elisha had said. Then there is this weird story of when the Israelites were burying a man’s body and some Moabites came by - the Israelites quickly threw the body into Elisha’s tomb since the Moabites would raid them and they needed to hurry to defend themselves I guess. When the dead man’s body touched the bones of Elisha , the dead man came back to life and stood up. Ain’t that weird -- this one’s a little hidden in there - they don’t seem to talk about it much more -just one verse -- verse 21. Oh the power of God - how can we understand? It gives great hope in that God is committed to giving us life - not death. Will I believe? - Yes!
Micah 3 - Oh boy -- Rulers of Israel - prefer to do evil - skin the people alive- strip off their flesh, break their bones , cook it in a pot and gulp it down! - Don’t ask God to help you when you act like that! Micah has to tell this bunch they have sinned and he does. This again reminds me of the compassion book of Nouwens - sometimes we have to take a stand and speak out about injustice. This is what Micah is doing - speaking the LORD’s message.
We pray “our� but confess I. As a church we are united in prayer - yet our relationship with Jesus is both personal and corporate. Prayer is central to the faith and belief.
Thanks for bread - especially today I think of Your Bread of Life through Jesus - It gives me everything I need!
Luke 12 - If I store treasures for myself - I am focusing inward. I am not placing God at the center of my being as Jesus is in my heart present even when I don’t know it. I must trust and obey God - not go about my own selfish ways.
Acts 10 - When you hear or see God’s call - act.
Psalm 89 - If you hear God’s word in a vision - tell it to someone!
Prayer - Lord - help me today. I sin every day and deserve to be punished. I deserve death. Forgive me I pray. Lead me in your way. Give me the love you have so that I may love the church. The people in the church - the congregation and those outside the church who seek. Those who are lost - Those who are hungry - Those in prison - Those who are homeless - Those who are ill. Teach me to reach out beyond my comfort places - teach me to have compassion - teach me to serve - teach me to be patient - teach me to love - teach me to speak out - teach me to see what you have done through Jesus. Teach me the separation that you took when Jesus came to earth - what an ultimate act! What an act of love! You didn’t have to do this- it would have been easier for the potter to start over. Thanks for your love that is so great that you chose not to start over with me - not to throw me out - not to destroy me. But instead you chose to forgive me and to love me beyond anything I can imagine! You are Creator - you are Savior - you are the mighty Spirit sent to empower me to serve in love - to give me gifts to use in service to you. Thank you Jesus! Thank you Father! Thank you Spirit! I am here to play because you have made me happy, you make it fun. Even when it gets tough in the play you are there to pull me from the pile and get me ready to play again. We huddle and you give me direction and we go back at it. Give me your play - the direction I need to take - tell me who to block - tell me how to open a hole that you may burst through to the other side and all may see your glory. -- Amen
(Comment to those who may wonder about that prayer - As I was typing - I started to see football - God giving the plays - I was a guard on the line - the image in my head went beyond the words of the prayer - but I guess this just happened when I was typing this prayer)
Monday 8/2/2004
2 Corinthians 1 - Paul gives greetings and talks about travel plans. In the commentaries there is much discussion as to how many letters are really included in this book. Some think very many - most think maybe two. The order of the letters isn’t clear. This points out the importance of trying to understand the setting of the book - the culture - the people and such. It will help apply the teachings to my life today - the more I can understand.
2 Kings 14 - King Amaziah of Judah wasn’t too bad - it seems the measuring rod for kings was David - and none of them measure up. Amaziah won many battles with the Edomites so he got a little cocky and threatened the King of Israel Jehoash. - but he told Amaziah just to stay home and not to think he was such a big shot. Well Amaziah couldn’t do this so Jehoash attacks - defeats Amaziah - goes into Jerusalem and takes everything of value from the temple. Joash later died and so did Amaziah after he was killed in a plot by people in Jerusalem to eliminate him. -- King Jeroboam of Israel - ruled for forty-one years. He expanded the kingdom of Israel.
Micah 4 - God judges - God will punish evil - But his intent for his faithful is redemption and peace. Someday we will change our instruments of war into instruments of peace and care and love one another.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Don’t let the devil, the world, or your sinful self deceive you.
Romans 11 - Be part of the remnant. Accept God’s grace.
Isaiah 30 - “And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.� -- God will care for you -- trust him.
Psalm 95 - Make a joyful noise to God! - Everything is God’s. Worship God your maker.
Prayer - God- you are the Maker- Let me see the joy in this. Let me focus my life and actions and all I have on you. For I must serve you in your kingdom. Forgive me for the times I have chosen to serve myself and made myself the maker. When I turn to you and keep myself from becoming too confident in my own ways I see how you lead and guide me. Let me hear your voice and direct my way today and forever. -- Amen
Tuesday 8/3/2004
2 Corinthians 2-3 - Forgive each other. Let others smell the perfume of God on you. Be like a letter from God to others. God will give you what it takes to be his worthy servant. -- This is a positive servant image -- I like the lead in of worthy. The Lord’s Spirit sets us free. Your face shows the bright glory of the Lord. Paul uses imagery here and I love it. I think the smell of perfume is the message of Jesus saving forgiveness and grace.
2 Kings 15-16 - King Azahirah of Judah - ok - but didn’t destroy the shrines - started to rule at 16 - LORD punished Azariah with leprosy so he couldn’t live in the palace. His son Jotham lived and ruled there. King Zechariah of Israel - ruled only 6 months - disobeyed God - Murdered by Shallum son of Jabesh - then Shallum became king of Israel - was murdered after one month of rule by Menahem - he then became king of Israel - he ruled fro tem years. - Pehahiah then became king on Menahem’s death - - he was murdered by Pekah who became king of Israel - Pekah ruled for twenty years - During Pekah’s rule King Tiglath Pileser of Assyria took over much of Israel- Pekah was murdered by Hoshea -- what a bunch of rottenness! -- King Jotham of Judah - pretty good one -- King Ahaz of Judah - rotten - he was a suck up to King Tiglath Pileser of Syria. Ahaz also sacrificed his own son which was a custom of foreign nations and was disgusting. -- Strikes me as odd - Did God the Father sacrifice his own Son? - Or maybe the better way to think of it - God sacrificed himself for us -- that feels better to me - but the first question lingers in my mind - if it is true - I don’t find it disgusting - I find it as a wonderful gift! --- hmmmmm
Micah 5 - God’s going to come in and clean things up - he will restore you and give you hope. Witness Jesus - he’s the one to do this - in the earthly kingdom - and in your heart.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Lord take me to yourself - Seventh Petition of Lord’s Prayer
Romans 11 - Be glad God has grafted me in with his redeemed - Feed from the life giving water and be nourished.
1 John 2 - Do the will of God and live - Don’t cherish worldly goods or desires but love the Father
Psalm 62 - For God alone my soul waits in silence - from him is my salvation. Trust in God at all times. Pour out your heart before him. I need to wait and listen sometimes. Sometimes it is in the silence I will hear. Open my heart to God and all so that they may see Jesus presence inside.
Prayer - Lord - you are my perfume - let your smell of grace linger in my life - let others smell the grace you have given me and come to smell the grace in their lives. But at times I can be rotten. This sin of rottenness separates me from you and brings about a murder of my soul. Forgive me my sins - especially when I murder your Son before others. When I move them away from the wonderful smell of what Jesus has done for me. You send your Spirit into my life and forgive me. Thank you - I am glad for all you have given me - life, family, friends, your church and above all the sacrifice you sent into my life through your Son to save me and forgive me. Graft me into this life giving nourishment that I may joyfully serve you in your kingdom. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/4/2004
2 Corinthians 4 - Don’t preach about yourself - tell others about Jesus - I like this one - “Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.� - This glory is stored in us - “clay jars� - Our real power comes from God - within - Jesus is present in your heart even when you feel like a clay jar rather than a clear glass where his light can beam forth to others. Then he talks about our bodies being tents. Finally God has prepared an eternal body or home for us. This reminds me of the tabernacle and the wilderness - the Israelites were wondering in the wilderness whorshipping God in a tent alnd living in a tent - but when they got to the Promised Land they built the Temple to worship God in. Our life on earth is like the wilderness wandering and we live in tents - it is temporary - soon we will not wander and live in homes built by God eternally - what a promise - and all from what Jesus had done for me - I deserve to die in the wilderness - but Jesus saves me.
2 Kings 17 - So it looks like Hoshea is the last king of Israel. The Assyrians took over. Took the people out and scattered them. Then brought other people in to settle in Samaria and surrounding area of Israel. This would help break the will of the people allowing the government control. Why did God let this happen? The Israelites continued to worship other gods and set up worship sites for these gods along with worshipping God. God is God and the only God - we are not to dilute him by worshipping other gods. But don’t we do this also today? I’m sure I do and need to recognize how and stop. So here God rescued these people from slavery in Egypt - led them through the wilderness - gave them the Promised Land - they split into two kingdoms - and now half of them are in exile in Assyria. But God still give hope or return to the faithful. Help me to learn and remain faithful - God is God!
Micah 6 - So God has given Israel gifts - rescued them - saved them in times of trouble - fed them - gave them wonderful land - gave them water when needed - and they still worshipped other gods. So they are on trial - God will have to punish them so they can learn - but there is still a ray of hope - God loves them and will let the faithful return -- Isn’t that like me too -- help me to remain faithful.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Doxology - Yes! It shall be so.
Romans 11 - We can’t give anything to God - he is the giver and his riches and wisdom and knowledge are deep. What a thought - I can’t give to God - why would he need anything from me. So God gave me all - and I am thankful - yet I can give to others as a response to what God has done for me.
John 10 - The sheep hear his voice. He will lead. Jesus will go out ahead of me. Jesus came so I may have life by laying his life down for me.
Psalm 29 - God is powerful. Regard God as glorious and strong.
Prayer - God- powerful and wise forgive me for not letting your light shine from within me brightly and clearly - forgive me when I become a clay jar and hold your light in - forgive me when I am blind and don’t hear you. Call me out of my blindness of sin - my closed heart with your voice to lead and guide me in your ways. Let me hear the voice as I blindly follow you. For you give hope and salvation. Lead me to give my love to others and to show your love to them - to lead and guide them in your direction until they clearly hear your Word and see your Son. -- Amen
Thursday 8/5/2004
2 Corinthinas 5-6 - It is more important to be devoted to God than looking for religious experiences. Respond in faith to Jesus death and accept life as a gift freely serving others. Change - in Christ I become a new creation - Jesus love has claimed me and the church - Jesus has reconciled me and the church - and Jesus saving power is here and now through the cross. Be reconciled to God. God’s love is with me and all people weather I respond to it or not. His love is always present.
2 Kings 18 - We are with Judah not - King Hezekiah - he was a good king - he was like David. Purged Judah of idols and their shrines. He even got rid of the snake on the pole that God had Moses show the Israelites in the desert for healing. I always wondered about that . I know that when the Israelites were in the desert it was a good thing because it showed God active - but it seemed to me it was dangerously close to being an idol. If you worshiped the pole and snake itself instead of God. Well later on this is what the Israelites were doing - instead of worshipping God - they began to worship the pole and snake itself. I suppose even today I could do the same type of thing -- like the Bible - or Luther - instead of worshipping God - I go off the deep end and put my faith in the Bible or Luther -- Both sound like a good thing - but I can only worship God - The Bible and Luther are not God but are ways that God speaks to me. Assyria is going to try to invade Judah now and take it over. There is a whole line of Assyria trying to convince the people to give in first - even after King Hezekiah tired to buy them off.
Micah 7 - When everything is at the lowest you can imagine - trust God to save you. Confess your sins and God will lead you to the light - there is hope. You will be rebuilt. God freely forgives my sin and guilt and throws sin away.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 1 - Go-Make disciples-Baptize -- But Go!
Psalm 33 - God watches over me - I can’t save myself - only God saves me- wait for God and be happy and glad and trust and love him.
Romans 6 - Be dead to sin but alive in Christ. For I live in Christ. I have been brought from death to life through Jesus.
Psalm 119 - Seek God with your whole heart - treasure his Word in your heart.
Prayer - Lord - purge me of my sin -- remove the idols of my life - the high places I set up that do not honor you. Forgive me - renew me and save me. For you claim me. May I be devoted to you - not seeking the extraordinary - but able to see you all over the place - in my life - through others and present in this world. I must trust you to lead me to your light. I will love you in your light. I will serve you in your light. I will go- when you tell me to go. I will seek you with my whole heart - the center of my being - and treasure your Word. -- Amen
Friday 8/6/2004
2 Corinthians 7 - This section is thought to be a remnant of another letter. The style and subject seem to drastically change. Paul tells us that we are to separate ourselves from evil. A disturbing part to me and also my suspicion was confirmed after reading the commentary - was the advice to stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord. This doesn’t make sense. And Jesus didn’t exhibit this character either. And it didn’t match Paul’s character. So some believe that this may be added by someone else and not be from Paul. It seems the point of it though is to help avoid temptations that one may encounter and separation from God.
2 Kings 19 - Assyria is threatening to take over Jerusalem and defect King Hezekiah. King Hezekiah depends and trusts completely in God. And God defeats the Assyrian army with an angel of God killing one hundred eighty five thousand of them. Then King Sennacherib of Assyria went back - and was later murdered by his sons.
Nahum 1 - God demands loyalty. God is powerful and patient. God will punish the guilty. Don’t plot against the God! - He will wipe you out! When you think of the book of Jonah and the stories I hear as a child it makes me think Ninevah wasn’t that bad of a place. But as I read more of how the Assyrians tried to take over and rule Judah and Jerusalem and how they didn’t take over Israel -- the notion of Ninevah not being so bad disappears. Ninevah was somewhere in today’s Iraq. The Assyrian rule was all about power and control of people. I can understand now why Jonah didn’t want to go to Ninevah. Ninevah was the capital of Assyria - why would you want to go into the center of the enemy -- No wonder he was mad when God did not destroy the city - he probably felt betrayed by God -- But the people in the city of Ninevah did repent and God had mercy on them -- But from Jonah’s point of view - as I have heard many people today express frustration with enemies - the simple answer of “nuke em� shows how even today we don’t understand the mind of God.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 2 - Believe and be baptized -you will be saved - if not you will be condemned.
Genesis 15 - Count the stars - so shall your descendants be -- Abram believed - Sometimes it takes a little talk with God to help our belief.
Nehemiah 13 - Work and serve in God’s house
Psalm 126 - God allows us to laugh and be joyful.
Prayer - Lord you are awesome and powerful. May I glory in your creation and promises and believe. Without you I am condemned to death and punishment which I deserve. But you gave me a chance - Jesus left his place and came to me to live with me and lead me. It’s all the reason to laugh and be joyful. Amen
Saturday 8/7/2004
2 Corinthians 8 - Give yourself first to God then to others. Jesus gave everything - riches and himself. It doesn’t matter how much you have - but how much you are willing to give from what you have. This particular section is basically an appeal for money to go to Jerusalem to support the church.
2 Kings 20-21 - Hezekiah gets sick and thinks he is going to die. God heals him through Isaiah having some servants putting some crushed figs on the sore. As proof the Hezekiah would be able to worship God in three days - God had the shadow move back 10 steps on a stairway. Some people equate this to a loss of ten hours of time in history. Isaiah tells Hezekiah that one day all will go to Babylonia. The prophecy comes true later during the exile. Hezekiah dies and Manasseh bcomes kings at age twelve. He reversed all the good Hezekiah did and rebuilt all the shrines to foreign gods. He also built altars in the temple of God to worship pagan gods. He also sacrificed his own son in pagan worship. So God was completely disgusted with all this and decided to destroy Jerusalem and Judah. Manasseh died and Amon became king at the age of twenty-two. He didn’t improve things and was murdered by some of his officials. Then Josiah became king.
Nahum 2 - God speaks that Ninevah will be destroyed. It’s interesting after I looked in the Bible Atlas that Ninevah is just a couple of miles from today’s Baghdad. So some think - I’m not sure if anyone alive today really knows for sure.
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 3 - God’s Word with water and our trust in the Word will renew us in the Spirit
Hebrews 11 - FAITH!!!! LOUD AND CLEAR!
Ephesians 1 - “the eyes of your heart� - Faith again - we see clearly the grace and promise God has given us through the “eyes of our hearts� - It give us hope that is rich and glorious beyond anything here on this earth.
Psalm 51 - I need God to forgive me and keep me straight!
Prayer - Lord, help me to give away the gifts you give me. Help me to have faith. Help me to see the wonderful healing your bring in life and especially the awesome healing you bring in eternity. Let the eyes of my heart see you and clearly proclaim your love to the world. For you are the great creator and giver of everything I have. Forgive me when I abuse your gifts and renew me daily in the saving grace of your waters of baptism and grace and trust. Amen
Sunday 8/8/2004
2 Corinthians 9 - God will take care of you - if you give to others - God will give you even more and will still take care of you - so don’t worry - trust God.
2 Kings 22-23 - King Josiah became king when he was eight years old. When he got a little older he told Hilkiah the high priest to collect the money the people had donated and have the temple repaired. Sounds familiar to me. Hey this search thing works well - I love computers - that’s what King Joash did too - They must be bad maintenance management - they wait until the temple is a mess each time then decide to repair it - sounds like GE - cut back all the money then spend way too much to bring it back in a hurry! -- Well enough of that - back to the Bible. So while they are rooting around the temple they find the Book of God’s Law - shows what a mess things must have been - they forgot the whole purpose of the temple - then Josiah reads the book and is sorry! They figure out why God is mad at them -- get a clue! They decide they better find out what God wants them to do. Well God is so mad by this time that he has had enough of it and will still destroy the place but will let Josiah die in peace since he was sorry. Josiah reads the book to everyone and they agree to follow what is written in the book. Josiah removes all the pagan worship stuff and has it burned. He cleaned up like this all over Judah. He even cleaned up Israel of pagan worship. Josiah sounds pretty good to me - but it was all too late for God to change - Josiah was killed in battle against Egypt. Jehoahaz became king at twenty-three. King Neco of Egypt has Jehoahaz thrown in jail and made the people pay money for him. Neco appointed Josiah’s son Eliakin king of Judah and changed his name to Jehoikim who forced the people to pay high taxes.
Nahum 3 - Wow -- I better keep God God! - You sure don’t want to cross him - He will judge and take action against evil - But then I think of God’s love and realize his forgiveness - but as for evil - look out!
God gives - Prioritize - Don’t focus on yourself but give outward. God demands your life - freely give into this change.
Listen to God’s word daily - it brings hope, love, life, truth and renewal.
Baptism 4 - Drown your sinful self daily through repentance - then arise new and live with God forever
Luke 12 - Give it all back to God - this is where my treasure needs to be - if my treasure is in my heart as Jesus is in my heart I will be ready to joyfully serve God and others with thanksgiving and praise for what Jesus has done for me.
Hebrews 10 - Keep your heart of faith - provoke one another to love and good deeds and worship God.
Psalm 38 - Lord help me in my pain - for I wait for you - make haste and save me.
Prayer - Dear God, Watch out for me - keep me from forgetting you - keep me from going away from you - punish me if you see me going astray - this would be better than being hopelessly lost - turn me around and forgive me I pray. For you are God - look at all you have done for me - look at creation and how you are active - you created me to praise you to honor you and you take pleasure in me - be with me that I may do your will - serve you in your kingdom - love others as you have loved me. What an example of love you gave to me in your Son Jesus. You left the heavenly realms to feel my pain in Jesus - you experienced my life and then gave your life for me. How grateful I am of all you have done for me. I will put all my treasure in you. For you are my one and only treasure. All of this world are only on borrowed time for me. You give me hope of eternal life and I realize that this time I have on this earth is short. Help me to value my time and use it to it’s fullest in service, praise and honor to you. Through me reach out to your children that they may come to realize all you have in store for them. Build your kingdom through the mighty power of your Spirit. As I worship today receive my praise and thanks for all you have done. May my worship be pleasing to you. For I worship not to get something out of it for me but to praise and honor only you. Send me forth this day back into your world to proclaim the love of God through Jesus. I want to play with you and your friends this week. I can come to your house or you can come to mine - either was is fine - let me know. -- I Love You, Billy -- Amen

Monday 8/9/2004
2 Corinthians 10 - Paul tries to convince the Corinthians that his apostleship is valid. That his authority is valid and his message is form Jesus. He encourages them to reach out to the people around them. Then the world. And if any may brag - brag about the Lord.
2 Kings 24 - During King Johoiakim’s rule King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia invaded and took control of Judah. When Johoiakim died his son Jehoiachin became king. The Babylonians were pretty much starting to control all of the surrounding area at this time. During his reign he surrendered Jerusalem to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia. They took most everything to Babylon including stripping of the temple. Nebushadnezzar appointed Johoiashin’s uncle Mattaniah king of Juadah and changed his name to Zedekiah.
Habakkuk 1 - I like Habakkuk - He has a conversation with God and wants to know why he uses Babylon to take over Judah. It seems to Habakkuk that the Babylonians are more evil than the Chosen of Judah - and it doesn’t make sense - so he asks God why?
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 1 - Jesus gives us Communion with his body and blood. We become one with him.
Psalm 82 - God will judge
Ephesians 1 - God chose me before the foundation of the world - and I have been marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit - Thanks be to God!
Psalm 138 - God will fulfill his purpose for me.
Prayer - I love you Lord and I love to talk to you - to listen to your Word. For it always amazes me how you have prepared everything for me. You chose me - you blessed me with your Spirit and I don’t know why you made me so special. I praise you and honor you and glorify you. For all comes from and through you. I know you will fulfill your purpose for me. Lead me and guide me and show me how I can serve you each day. For all I have is yours - I will hang on to the foot of the cross and focus my sights on your ways not mine. --- Amen
Tuesday 8/10/2004
! Corinthians 11 - Paul is competing for the ears of the Corinthians with the Gnostics who believed the body and world were evil while spiritual knowledge was good. This made them look down on the cross of Christ as if they were above this type of thinking. Paul believes that those who follow Christ are God’s real people now. There is where I heard the forty lashes bit -- According to the Law of Moses, them maximum number of lashes a person could receive was forty (Deut 25.3) -- I remember thinking of this when watching The Passion - wondering if since these were guards is they didn’t obey this rule - but I think the movie went beyond interpretation to make a point. Although I really don’t know how much they whipped Jesus - I think the movie exaggerated this part. -- This is also Paul’s speech when he says he is a fool -- I have changed it to a fool for Christ - but as I read it today - I sense sarcasm in it towards the Corinthians for following other false apostles.
2 Kings 25 - Babylonia captures Jerusalem -- King Zedekiah’s sons were killed in front of him and hew was put in chains and drug off to Babylon. Seems unfair since he was appointed king anyway by Nebuchadnezzar. What follows are details of the ruin of the temple and the deaths of the priests. Jerusalem-Judah and Israel have all fallen due to their separation from God and insistence on worship of idols.
Habakkuk 2 - Don’t be proud - the LORD will not accept you - Live by faith.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 2 - Receive forgiveness, life and salvation. Where there is forgiveness of sins there is life and salvation. -- Believe!
God centers - he envelopes - he surrounds - he encompasses me with joy-life and salvation! - (Luther Rose)
Jeremiah 23 - God is near - yet fills all space-heaven and earth - speak God’s Word faithfully - His Word is like Fire - let it burn in you and be passionate about it!
Romans 7 - Who will rescue me? -- Jesus - Thanks be to God!
Psalm 88 - God - hear me when I cry to you! - You are my salvation
Prayer - God - make me a fool for you. I can only trust in you -- all else fails. I feel your presence and can sense how great you are - look at the universe - how vast and huge it is - You fill the universe yet are present in my heart. Thank you for being so great yet so specific. Lead me this day. Hear me when I cry for your direction. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/11/2004
2 Corinthians 12 - Paul talks about visions he says a man had about paradise. Others think he is actually referring to himself. He doesn’t give much detail - just that it happened and he can’t really talk about it - but it was wonderful. Then he goes on to talk about how he is just as good as the “super-apostles� -- it sure seems to me he has an image issue with the Corinthians that he is taking a little too far - I feel like I’ve heard enough about his insecurities in this area that it is beginning to make me wonder about him and why he is so hung up on his own image - it seems he has brought this subject up at least one too many times.
1 Chronicle 1-2 - A list of descendants from Adam to David -- It is important especially when you consider the time that these books were believed to have been written. It is around the time of the exile or afterwards. So the Chosen People of God may be wondering -- are they really Chosen -- so this list of family helps to reinforce that God still does care for them and family is important. I like to see the side comments made about certain people and to think about how having their name presented makes them special -- even to God today. Is my name in here somewhere? It doesn’t matter but I know there is something special between the relationship of God and his people.
Habakkuk 3 - A prayer - Boy does he praise God and all his power! How God saved Israel in the past from enemies. God will defeat evil.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 3 - Believe the words given and shed for you as you drink - you will receive forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 11 - We are surrounded by a great cloud of Faithful witnesses. - run the race - persevere - focus on Jesus!
Colossians 1 - Pray for others to be filled with God’s knowledge and to be fruitful in God’s work. Pray for their strength and endurance to be centered in the power of Christ.
Psalm 15 - Speak the truth from your heart.
Prayer - Lord let me walk with you in your kingdom - let me peek at the glory of your saints - let me see Jesus face - bring me the comfort of your grace. Fill all with your knowledge that we may see what you have done for us through Jesus - what a gift - what a life - center us in the power of Christ and enable us to challenge the evil in this world by keeping our focus on you. You are God! -- Amen
Thursday 8/12/2004
2 Corinthians 13 - In weakness comes strength. In Jesus death comes the power of resurrection. Paul warns the Corinthians who had been following the wrong leaders - that if they don’t change - when Paul visits he won’t be weak with them - they will see power and will be admonished for their actions. They need to test themselves before Paul arrives to make sure they have corrected themselves and are following Jesus.
1 Chronicles 3-4 - Descendants from David to Simeon - It is one of the most boring parts of the Bible - But it is interesting to see some of the names I have been seeing in the previous books of Kings -- then also it makes me think of my cousin Tom’s work in the couple of books he has written documenting my family origin - I love the comments here and there about how someone did something special - or even mundane. It is kind of homey -- like God’s family should be.
Zehpaniah 1 - God’s message is that he promises to destroy everything on earth. -- All your possessions will be worthless at this time. “I’ll strike you blind! Then your blood and your insides will gush out like vomit.� - how descriptive can you get --- When we separate ourselves from God - sin and worship ourselves or something else - God gets mad!
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Communion 4 - For you! -- Jesus gives himself for you! How awesome!
Luke 12 - Jesus came to bring fire to the earth - kindle that fire in my soul that I may act and serve and witness of his glory!
Romans 12 - Love and honor others - Pray and serve - welcome strangers - bless others, even enemies - be compassionate
Psalm 108 - Wake up! Give thanks to God!
Prayer - Lord forgive me - show me my weakness - for I know when I am weak you rescue me - you give me strength and forgiveness - you will love and correct me when I stray - and for all this I give you thanks and praise. Yes you could and I wonder why you don’t just destroy me and start over. But I see in Jesus my friend that you love me - for this I give thanks. Kindle within my soul the fire of your Spirit - that I may serve you in joy - may serve others - loving them in your love and showing them your grace - and telling them the story of how you have come into my heart - for you are in all hearts if we only realize how loving you are. Wake me up today to see you in all your creation and to rejoice. --- Amen
Friday 8/13/2004
John 1 - I love the book of John and how he tells the Gospel. He tells it not so much out of recording details of Jesus life and ministry but the details of how Jesus has a relationship with your heart - the details are insignificant - it is the emotion and the work of God in my heart that John leads me most to feel -- I love this! I could care less who said what when and where and was everything literally correct - I care about how Jesus/Father/Spirit have come into my heart even though I am undeserving and what I am called to do with this joy given me. --- The Word was with God at creation - Everything receives life through God - Jesus/Word. This life freely given to us gives light - Jesus is that perfect light that darkness can never put out -- This light already defeated sin before sin was in the world - what a thought - we were saved before we even needed to be saved! - The light leads us to faith - Give me this faith! And this light shines on everyone coming into the world -- all are part of it - not just the chosen people of God but all are chosen - when Jesus was born this true light that shines on everyone is coming into the world. Jesus is light - It makes me think about the star the wise men followed -- I still have to wonder - if that was really a star -- I know that a star can’t exist that just stayed above a particular spot on earth - it just doesn’t make sense physically - not that God couldn’t do something like this - not that at all -- but God didn’t need to do this -- Jesus was light - so I think that the light glowing from Jesus at his birth was so bright that it radiated towards heaven and lit up the sky above him no matter where he moved -- to someone approaching from a distance the reflection of whatever was above Jesus at the time would look like a star shining brightly -- I like to thing about Jesus as Word/Light/Life - John brings much meaning to me in the way he writes and frees my mind to think beyond the words - I see the bright light of Jesus shining through each one of us - maybe somewhat distorted by our sins - but I must strive to let Jesus light shine brightly through me to the world that all may see Jesus light and be drawn to it --- kinda like a moth to a light bulb - I hope people smack right into the light - the light wakes them up - they realize their sins - they ask to be forgiven - they believe in Jesus saving grace and receive life from Jesus light and Word. “The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us undeserved kindness and truth.� -- Thanks be to God!
1 Chronicles 5-6 - Descendants of Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi - then about the towns the Levites were given. I still like all the small comments - made like someone familiar to the family - small talk but nice to read. But also in other respects points out those who paid attention and were thankful to God for all he had given them in life. I find it interesting that the Levi tribe of priests is in the middle of the genealogies presented -- properly so - God should be at the center of us and our Church.
Zephania 2 - God will take revenge on his enemies - his wrath is great - don’t misunderstand.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Let go of things I want to hold on to. Let go of things I am afraid to let go. Trust in God. Prepare for Christ.
Forgive the sins of those who repent
Psalm 45 - Hear - Listen to the beauty of the Spirit of God in the Church - the bride
Matthew 26 - If a friend asks to pray - then pray - don’t sleep!
Psalm 32 - Be happy - I am forgiven
Prayer - Jesus - you are Word, you are Light, you are Life -- Thank you for all you have given me. For the freedom you have granted - for sins forgiven - for food - for work - for family - for friends - for church and for life. Be with me today as I live for you. Lead and guide me on the way. Stay close - use me as your ambassador. Be with my friends in trouble and sickness - heal them and return them in joy. -- Amen
Saturday 8/14/2004
John 1 - I like the humbleness of John the Baptist - although in the book of John he is not referred to as the Baptist - just John - I think this adds to his position of humbleness- When the Jewish leaders were questioning John as to who he was -- he told them “I am only someone shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord!’ “ -- and then “Even though I came first, I am not good enough to untie his sandals.� - John knows who is God and he has his “vector� pointed in the right direction. -- John recognizes Jesus - he knows God told him that the one he baptizes and the Sprit comes down on them and stays on them - that person is Jesus. Jesus pours out this Spirit on me! Jesus is the Son of God -- a human -- like me - his love is so deep he took on flesh! John the Baptist also refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God -- Jesus was killed on the cross on the afternoon before Passover - at this time the people would have been slaying the paschal lambs for the Passover feast. Jesus became the lamb given up for my sins.
1 Chronicles 7-8 - How would you like to be the father of Shuppim and Huppim? Or how about Peresh and Sheresh? -- A female named Sheerah built the towns of Lower Beth-Horon, Upper Beth-Horon, and Uzzen-Sheerah -- I wonder what they mean by built? - Maybe she was “built� and all the guys worked like crazy for her! -- Organized-Constructed-Planned??? Sounds neat to me anyway you think of it. -- Hey there is a daughter Serah! -- Well that is kinda like walking through the Pet Cemetery looking for names of pets -- I guess it would be the Jew cemetery - but I’m not sure why I would name anyone most of any of those names - I don’t think there are many more of these chapters left - whew!
Zephaniah 3 - God will punish -- but he will also gather the faithful to serve only him. He won’t destroy the people who are truly humble and turn to him for safety. Then we will celebrate and shout with all our hearts. God will refresh my life with his love.
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Let go of things I want to hold on to. Let go of things I am afraid to let go. Trust in God. Prepare for Christ.
Receive the Spirit - Forgive
Galatians 4 - Because I am a child of God - he sent the Spirit of Jesus into my heart.
Ephesians 3 - I pray God will strengthen me in my inner being with power through his Spirit and that Jesus may dwell in my heart through faith grounded in love. I want to understand! I want to love!
Psalm 16 - The LORD is my cup. Let my heart instruct me - Jesus is there.
Prayer - Lord - I remember the night you woke me from sleep - early - Sue thought I was sleep walking - you told me that you are in my heart - you told me to go look at the message you gave to me during Lent - you told me to believe - you told me to listen - you told me to obey - you told me to follow. I hear it again today - over and over- you are in my heart. You infuse your Spirit within me. Help me to let go - help me to hear - help me to serve - help me to obey and follow. Forgive my sin of doubt and defiance and lead me forward in your ways. -- Amen
Sunday 8/15/2004
John 1 - So John’s two followers recognized Jesus and followed him - they wanted to know where he lived - Jesus told them to come and see and they stayed where he lived for the rest of the day. -- Where does Jesus live - the question seems to go unanswered - I think it is in your heart -- I’ve never noticed this passage before. There is that “Come and see� phrase - Jesus used it when he told them to come and see where he lived -- Philip answered Nathaniel about if anything good could come from Nazareth - to “Come and see.� -- I need to “Come and see� -- I think here Jesus is leading all of us on to come and see where he really lives - I don’t think it was just a simple home on earth that he was talking about - it is the place in our lives that Jesus lives- I think he is talking about so much more - Jesus lives in my heart - seek and search your own heart - believe and you will see - even the blind in this case can see with wonderful eyes - Jesus lives in you! The book of John is so powerful with images!
1 Chronicles 9 - So the Israelites finally get to return to Jerusalem from being in exile in Babylonia -- this would have been Judah -- this chapter tells of the priests and all the workings of the temple being set back up - who did what etc. -- this concludes the family tree part of the book -- there is a little portion at the end of this chapter that goes back to Saul’s descendents -- preparing for the rest of the book about the story of King David.
Haggai - So finally the Jews have been allowed to return to Jerusalem after being in exile in Babylon. Remember that some of the poor has stayed in Jerusalem and the priests and more influential people went to Babylon. So they were to rebuild the temple. They started and due to some political reasons - fear of power from the outside - they stopped. Haggai shows up - after 20 years of no temple re-building -- Haggai has a message from God - chewing them out for stopping -- They live in nice homes - but have stopped rebuilding the temple -- God is ticked about this - get with it and work for the Lord. -- So it all gets me to thinking - how have I stopped building God’s temple -- have I stopped working for God -- am I turning inwards and taking care of myself instead of serving God??? --- It’s time to serve and build!
Prepare, get ready, don’t fear, change you values to match God’s and let yourself go - Hang on to the cross for support and guidance.
Let go of things I want to hold on to. Let go of things I am afraid to let go. Trust in God. Prepare for Christ.
Firmly believe that when you confess - your sins are forgiven before God in heaven
Luke 1 - God lifts the humble and lowly and uses them gloriously in his kingdom -- Are you ready to hear your place and call?
Psalm 98 - Sing a new song! Make a joyful noise! Sing God’s praises with and in everything around -- musical instruments - nature and life!
Prayer - Lord prepare me - as you spoke to me this morning I see preparation - you ask for me to Come and See where you live -- you show me how the people prepare the temple after exile - you scold those who stop in their preparation and rebuilding of the temple - then you prepare Mary for the coming of God in human flesh. Prepare me -- straighten out all the evil desires I have - I confess my sins to you and believe with all my heart that you have forgiven me --- but I must trust only in you -- prepare me - prepare me for your call to action - prepare me and give me the gifts I need to work in your kingdom here and now -- prepare me to live in the kingdom you will fulfill in your return - prepare me in my dealings with others this coming week - prepare me to worship you this morning at Church - prepare me to receive the body and blood and saving grace of life and joy - prepare me to serve in your temple this morning as deacon - prepare me to keep me humble - prepare me to love others - prepare me to love you - prepare me to honor you - prepare my heart for you to be present now and always - prepare me to let your light shine brightly from the depths of my heart to the world - prepare me to let your light shine in me for all to see - prepare me to shout your name to all in every situation possible - prepare me to sing the joy of your salvation to the world - prepare me Lord - prepare me Lord! --- Amen
Monday 8/16/2004
John 2 - Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding feast - I think that is what he does with us -- as we are baptized in the waters and chosen he takes us as water blessed and called and turns our life into the wine of his blood - we live for him - we die with him - we rise again in newness of life through the wine of his blood. -- Jesus goes into the temple early in John’s account -- he is upset with what the people are doing - making money off of sacrifice -- he tells them the temple will be destroyed and a new one built in three days - they say he was talking about his body -- but I think he may also be talking about the church or me -- if you see the power of Jesus and realize truly who he is and what he has done - you will change - and not fool around - he will turn your world upside down as in the sermon - but we have to follow and not tarry.
1 Chronicle 10-11 - A story of how Saul was killed in battle - actually here it says he killed himself - they made David king -- Jerusalem was called Jebus at that time - David led an attack of the city and captured it and rebuilt it - That’s why it is called the City of David. -- Hey how would you like to be known as the son of Dodo? Eleazar was one of the three warriors - he was the son of Dodo. -- So David is thirsty and wants a drink from a well by the gate to Bethlehem - these three warriors sneak through the Philistine camp and get some water from the well near Bethlehem’s gate and bring it back - they risked their lives for this goofy request - what does David do - he pours it out and says drinking the water would be like drinking the blood of the guys who risked their lives for him -- If I was one of those three - that would be the last drink of water I ever brought back to David - what a low life!!! -- Hey Elhanan was the son of Dodo too! - here we go again - another list of crazy names! - Jonathan was the son of Shagee- wonder is he was related to Scooby? - Eliphal was the son of Ur - Ur had a hard time making up his mind - then there was Hepher - wonder if he/she was a fine looking one? - Enough of this stuff! -- these passages seem to contradict the idea that David took over a united kingdom - in Samuel - the kingdom was still not really united with some of the people supporting one of Saul’s sons.
Zechariah 1 - Zechariah encourages the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon. He starts out with a couple of visions - In a valley among myrtle trees he sees some people on horses - one red-one brown and one white horse - A man standing among the myrtle trees tells that these are the people sent to find out what is happening on earth. The horse riders discovered that the world was at peace. The angel tells us that God will rebuild Jerusalem and comfort the people -- Then he had another vision - four animal horns - the horns are the nations that scattered the Jews - then he saw four blacksmiths - they are will crush the horns. - Sounds even crazier than some of my own!
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Before God confess all sin - even those not known to us - In private confession confess those sins that trouble our heart and mind.
Romans 13 - Love each other - love is the fulfilling of the law -- look at Jesus love for us
John 14 - Don’t let my heart be troubled - God gave the Holy Spirit to me
Psalm 23 - God leads me - even through hard times - so no big deal - mercy will follow me and I will live with God
Prayer - Oh visions of a saving God - saving Jerusalem - bringing people home - rebuilding - Rebuild my life Lord - forgive my sin - forgive my complacency and inactivity - lead me in your way and calm me down I pray -- For you are at the feast -- you are the feast - in the wine you bring happiness and salvation. Give me this wine - feed my your bread and restore my path to your path. Send me in your love to love others. For you have given me the Holy Spirit to lead me - to console me - to comfort and guide me -- Thanks! --- Amen
Tuesday 8/17/2004
John 3 - Nicodemus visits Jesus and learns about being born again - He is told to believe that God loved people so much that Jesus would die for their sins as a sacrifice. We must lift Jesus up for the world to see and praise his glory - it also reminds me of the image of the cross - live in the truth and come to the light.
1 Chronicles 12 - Various names of warriors in David’s army are mentioned. Finally everyone in Israel was very happy with David as king.
Zechariah 2 - I love this vision of someone going to measure Jerusalem - he can’t because God will encircle the city - they can’t have a wall around it because it will be too full of people and animals -- let me be there! -- God will be present in Zion -- Everyone be silent! The LORD is present and moving about in his holy place. --- God is with us now!
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Examine your life and confess your sins - how have you sinned against God or another?
Romans 16 - More names -- what is it with names lately? -- I guess when you think about it God loves us all -- by name - individually -- and even here in this passage corporately - as a church of individuals gathered in the love of Christ -- Thanks be to God for all those names!
Acts 17 - “so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him - though indeed he is not far from each one of us. --- Oh how I search and grope - yet you are here in my heart -- forgive me.
Psalm 6 - Be gracious to me God!
Prayer - God - you call me by name - you pick me out - send me with clear direction today and tomorrow - lead me and show me the actions I must take. For you lead me into the light - you lead me through the trees to a wide open place of love and life in you. Oh how I grope and search for you - but all I have to do is look near - you are here - help me to listen carefully and follow. Be gracious to me for my sins are great - Forgive me and renew me and give me new life through Jesus. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/18/2004
John 3 - John wasn’t in jail yet (John the Baptist) - It’s funny to me that it is pointed out that he was around a lot of water - and people were coming to him . He is so humble he still point out the Jesus must become more important, while I become less important. God gave Jesus everything - I think this is pointed out for our benefit -- Jesus is truly God - one with the Father - But this John surrounded by water - Baptism - when we are baptized - daily we should remember our baptism - we are surrounded by water like a baby wrapped in a blanket (uhggg- makes me think of Michael Jackson) - oh well - wrapped with the saving grace of God’s water -cleansed and called to be one of his - then as we come out of all the water -- we are surrounded with - we are free to love, serve and obey our Lord in joy --- Surrounded by water----
1 Chronicle 13-14 - David decides the ark needs to be centralized in Jerusalem so a group goes to the house of Abinadab - put the chest on a new ox cart and Aninadab’s Sons Uzzah and Ahio guide the cart . Well as they are going along the oxen stumble and Uzzah reaches out to take hold of the chest to stop it from falling - God killed Uzzah right there because this made him mad. Wow! Seems pretty cruel - the guy was just trying to help -- I’m not sure about the punishment - that’s Gods reasoning - but when you think about trust - God wants us to fully trust him - Uzzah didn’t have enough trust to think that the ark falling wouldn’t mean a thing in God’s eyes - God can take care of that -- that is expecting a whole bunch of trust - I think this is what God wants me to understand - trust - really trust -- and if I don’t - it will make God mad -- God killed Uzzah -- of course maybe too God kills me - especially daily to a sinful life without trust in God - Jesus give life and salvation -- hmmmm. Well anyway I suppose David had some of these same thoughts - cause he figured well maybe I’m not ready to have this ark in Jerusalem just yet - and they drop it off with Obed-Edom in Gath for three months till they sort things out on this deal. Then there is a pause in the ark story and a couple of battles which seem to unite and seal Israel’s support of David as king -- And seal David’s honesty and dependence of God - you can see David’s trust in God.
Zechariah 3 - Another vision - I love this guy! -- anyway Zechariah sees Joshua standing in front of God’s angel - Satan is standing on Joshua’s right side, ready to accuse him - then angel tells Satan that God chose Jerusalem and that Satan is wrong -- about what I don’t know -- and that Joshua is like a stick rescued from a flaming fire. Then they talk about Joshua’s clothes being filthy - So the angel told the people to take Joshua’s clothes off - he is dressed in priestly clothes and told that if he obeys he will be put in charge of the temple and can talk to the angels any time he needs to -- and that God is going to bring back my servant, the Chosen King. -- Well remember Satan is an angel a fallen angel -- so here is Joshua standing before the angelic host with Satan ready to accuse him - he becomes a priest - you talk about called - this guy was called! -- it makes me think of how Jesus was tempted before his ministry began - there is that old Satan again - ready to work his tricks - but Jesus knows his purpose - and then God removes the dirt of Joshua’s sins in his clothes and blesses him with clean clothes - a new life - turns it all around - Joshua is told of a Chosen King -- I like how you can see Jesus in the O/T - see his glory and he isn’t even born yet - but Jesus still exists - God took care of our salvation before we even knew we needed it!
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
I name my sins before you - I repent and promise to do better with your help
Romans 16 - Watch out for the smooth talking Christians who may mislead you - see if they are serving Jesus or themselves. Follow God!
Isaiah 30 - Wait for God - in quietness and in trust
Psalm 130 - I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope
Prayer - Well that sort of clears things up -- I will wait for you Lord - I will wait in quietness and trust. I see how David needed to wait and trust - he couldn’t force the ark to his own home of Jerusalem -- you will come in your time. Forgive me for being forceful of my time - I will wait. Remove the dirty clothes of my sin and wash me in your baptismal water clean - put your clothes on me that I may serve you in your kingdom. I wait for the Chosen King to act in your time. For what I may think is a long time is a snap of the fingers to you - I will wait. I will wait surrounded by your waters. I will trust - forgive me for reaching out to catch the ark - who do I think I am - I must trust! -- Amen
Thursday 8/19/2004
John 4 - I didn’t realize until now that Jesus disciples baptized people during his ministry. Jesus meets the woman at the well. They talk about life giving water just after this statement on baptism. I always related the water to baptism and Jesus saving grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit in baptism - but this lead in verse makes it clearer. Jesus points out that true worship is lead by the Spirit not the place - like to worship in Jerusalem - which to Jews was very important - but left the Samaritans out. I found that in Greek the living water also means running water. This is a different view - this even points to water that gives eternal life - never ends.
1 Chronicles 15 - So David tries to move the ark the right way this time - he seeks God’s advice ahead of time - It sounds like a celebration this time - the ark is moved to Jerusalem. Michal - David’s wife was disgusted with David’s dancing and celebration -- I think she was really jealous of the love of God David was showing and wanted this all for herself. Commentators and others feel it is because she thought it was because this action was unfitting for a king. Could be - but I like my explanation better. She was focusing on herself and not God -- like all of us do from time to time.
Zechariah 4 - Ok so he sees a solid gold lamp stand with an oil container above it and olive trees on each side of the oil container - the lamp stand has seven lamps. The angel explains that the lamps are God’s eyes - he can see everything - seven is usually symbolic of completeness - the olive trees are two chosen leaders whose oil flows from their branches into the oil container. Some believe these leaders to be Joshua nd Zerubbabel. Zerubbable was governor of Judah and Joshua was the high priest (don’t get confused with the Joshua that took the Israelites into the Promised Land -- this setting is after the exile). -- So the olive oil was used to light the lamps - the lamps gave light to the trees and the trees give oil to the lamps. This shows the Spirit will guide the leaders. - So is someones explanation. Two sources agree with this -- I find it interesting to think that the main point is that the leaders find their direction from God -- If only I followed this always and all leaders also today - what a difference it would make in the world.
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Don’t torture yourself with imaginary sins.
Psalm 103 - Bless God - he takes care of all my needs.
Luke 10 - Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit - I like this thought! - Jesus reveals himself as God to the lowly disciples -- not to big time prophets or high priestly - but to the common people. Kinda neat!
Psalm 8 - God exults the regular people - he makes them just a little lower than God - Kinda neat!
Prayer - Lord, thank you for coming to the lowly people - to the common people - to the humble people - to those who serve - you have revealed yourself to me and I give you thanks. You bring me up - you build respect in others and show your love. May I always see and show this respect to all who serve - to all who society deems as the lowly servants. For they are the proud ones - their pride is in you - Keep my focus on you and my pride on you and away from myself. May I rejoice in the Holy Spirit this day and see your love in my world. May I give your love to others I see this day that they may see you shining brightly. May I tell the story today of your place in my life - of how you are active with me and how you can be active in any person’s life. If it be your wish - show me an image - give it meaning and bring me to your understanding of my place here and now. -- Amen
Friday 8/20/2004
John 4 - So here is Jesus with Samaritans - hated by Jews -- He talks to the woman and the woman realizes who he is and immediately goes and tells all the people she knows. I have met Jesus too. - I must tell everyone I know about Jesus - sometimes I sin and don’t do this with the enthusiasm this woman had -- why? - the story is so wonderful - if the faith is truly present and the belief is honest and true - I should tell the story loudly and clearly - help me to do this Lord - and not only to friends but to everyone - for you send me into the world to proclaim my story of how you are in my life - make me bold! -- Then the disciples begin to worry about weather Jesus has ate or not - this passage is sited as one in which Jesus must have been fasting. Jesus tells them that his food is to do what God wants. In the same way Jesus feeds our spirit - he provides all we need both for body and spirit - to do God’s work. I am to do God’s work - that is why God created me and feeds me with everything I need daily - to do God’s work - not to feed myself and do what I want but to do God’s work. Many Samaritans had faith and were certain that Jesus was the Savior.
1 Chronicles 16 - David sings praises to God. The tent is set up in Gibeon about six miles northwest of Jerusalem in the area of Benjamin. It is here until Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem. David sings tell everyone what he has done. Then David chooses those priests who will serve and the musicians. I am told here to tell everyone what God has done for me - he created me and sustains me -- even the trees will sing God’s praise. This is what God created the world for - to praise and honor him and worship only him - may I do this all my life - praise the Lord for what he has done - God provides everything needed in life - use it to the Lord and serve in his kingdom.
Zechariah 5 - Two more visions - the first is of a very large scroll - it tells of the people who lie in God’s name and rob -- the people in exile returning will not all be faithful - sin will still exist and God is warning them of this. The next vision is of a basket with a lead lid - inside is an evil woman - The angel opens the lid then puts the woman back in and slams the lid closed. Then a couple of women come from the sky and take the basket to Babylonia. The evil must stay here and the Jews returning to Jerusalem should leave their sins behind. They won’t completely has demonstrated by the huge scroll. I am to trust in the Spirit - throw my sins into the basket and leave them behind -- God forgives sins and changes my life -- Even though the sin doesn’t completely leave me - I continue to sin and do that I don’t want to do -- help me to repent and day after day through the waters of my baptism bury the evil of my sin in the basket and leave them behind - try to change myself with the help of the Spirit.
Show obedience fron the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
Receive God’s forgiveness and be reassured through God’s word.
Isaiah 58 - Take care of the poor, hungry, and needy - this is what God would have us do. Honor God and not yourself - go God’s way not my own.
Philippians 1 - Be together as Christians - live in one mind and spirit and stand firm in the faith - not intimidated by opponents.
Psalm 35 - If I am threatened by this world - remember God will deliver me.
Prayer - Lord - you give me your word - you give me images with meaning - I see how you have worked through the ages and praise your wisdom, power and strength. You alone I praise - the entire world you created for praise to you. I see the trees sing your praises. Forgive me when I fail to trust in all you have provided. You are giving and gracious and I give you thanks. You defend me and take care of me when in trouble or danger and I give you thanks. You show me my sin - but you go way beyond that and forgive it and change me and send me into your world to proclaim the story to all of your saving grace in my life - in a personal way yet in a corporate way. You come to me and are in me and I give you thanks. Be with the poor and needy - help me to reach out to all and be compassionate and providing them with the gifts you give - help me to level it out - help me to raise the resources needed to care for all and provide for all in all the ways you have provided for me - both physically and spiritually. Lead me in this day and direct my actions and words. In Jesus name I pray. --- Amen
Saturday 8/21/2004
John 4 - This is about the official whose son was ill at home. Jesus does heal the son but there is a twist to this one. Usually Jesus asks for the person to have faith and believe then the healing takes place -- this time Jesus realizes that this man won’t have faith until he sees the healing. So Jesus heals anyway. Once the man realizes what has happened his whole family has faith. I guess Jesus wants to save us anyway he can. Just think of the sacrifice and the unnecessary suffering he endured on the cross - he wants to save us anyway he can. It’s hard - I think impossible to understand this kind of love. But I want Jesus to help me with this love so I can love others as he loved me. For me that’s a huge change!
1 Chronicles 17 - Here Nathan brings word to David from God - David is not to build the temple - that would be what Solomon does - however God does tell David that his family will always rule Israel. When you look back you think maybe this didn’t happen since the kingdom split up - one half was overtaken by Assyria and the other half overtaken by Babylonia -- but the promise held true then and will always hold true - Jesus was from this same family. Now here is the strange thing to think about - Jesus was with God at creation - so this ruler has always been in place. God takes provides for us before we even know we need provided for -- wow!
Zechariah 6- Another vision - this one has four chariots with different colored horses coming through a gap between two mountains. I find it interesting to read this at this time as I sit in the Appalachian Mountain range in the small town of Blowing Rock -- Both commentaries state that it is believed that God exists on the other side of those mountains. Then I relate that somewhat to the image I had of the trees and the light and this brings more meaning. It seem they get this idea because the four chariots and horses had just met with God and their job was to split up in each direction and patrol and protect the earth. This is the time after the exile - the Jews are returning to Jerusalem and I’m sure they still felt very vulnerable to the political powers of the day. So God brings them comfort and protection. -- The next passage his how Joshua will be the new ruler of the Jews - This is a good thing.
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
God protects me.
Hebrews 12 - God appeared to Moses in amazing ways on the mountain - I think he appears to me in amazing ways - maybe not the same way with Moses - but in my spirit - in his Word - in other people - if I really think about all the ways it is amazing - through prayer - through actions of myself and others - God appears in nature all around me - in things I daily take for granted -- God appears in amazing ways - always has and always will - Believe and have trust and faith in God.
Isaiah 42 - Sing to the LORD a new song -- just as in Hebrews above -- think of all the ways God sings to us through creation - creation sings to God in return a new song - Let me be in that choir!
Psalm 150 - Let everything that breathes praise the LORD -- praise him in every way you can think of.
Prayer - Lord you heal - you even prove it to me so I can believe. You care for your children in great and awesome ways. Even when we sin and separate ourselves from you - go our own way - think we can take care of ourselves - think we can rule over each other - think we can judge and control one another - forgive my sin and change and renew me. Work your Holy Spirit in my life to redirect me - to change me and make me as you would have me to be. I praise and sing songs of you and all you have done -- really you don’t need to do anything but you do - you care for all of my needs and I give thanks and praise. Use me this day in your service here on this earth. I would be so honored to serve you! -- Amen
Sunday 8/22/2004
John 5 - Jesus heals a man who couldn’t walk. This man would stay beside the pool at Bethseda. The man told Jesus he couldn’t be healed because no one would help him when the waters were stirred up. It was thought that an angel stirred up the water in the pool and the first person in the pool would receive healing. Jesus told him to pick up his mat and walk and the man did. This was on the Sabbath. So the Jewish leaders, when they saw the man, asked him who healed him and why he was carrying a mat which was illegal on the Sabbath. The man didn’t know who Jesus was - later when he saw Jesus the man reported to the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus that had healed him. This made the Jewish leaders so mad that they wanted to kill Jesus - because Jesus told them he was the son of God and had told the man to carry his mat. The man is healed by Jesus command and not by the man’s faith in Jesus - Jesus instructs the man to go and not sin -- not that his sin had caused his earlier disability. But the man still goes and tells the Jewish leaders about Jesus. Jesus seems to do much healing on the Sabbath. Doesn’t he still today - when we gather in fellowship and the Holy Spirit is present - I think we receive healing too -- but we must go into the world forgiven of our sins and sin no more - but we still sin and need Jesus throughout our lives -- heal me Jesus!
1 Chronicles 18-19 - David and his commanders and troops went to battle many times. As long as they focused on God for their source of strength they would win. They brought back precious metals that would be later used in the temple that Solomon would build for God. Some enemies would send gifts to David to try and avoid attack by the Israelites.
Zechariah 7 - Ok - so now the Jews are rebuilding the temple after the exile. There was a custom to fast for a while in remembrance of the destruction of the temple. Joshua wanted to know if they should still do this. He is told that the fasting that was done in the past was for the wrong reasons - it was more of a selfish fast -- that now we should take care of the widow, the orphan, the poor etc. and not fast at this time. I think it was an attempt to tell the Jews to turn around and not follow any of the bad habits of their ancestors that did not focus belief on God. It appears to me that possibly the fast was more of a worship of the old temple - and the Jews in exile were mourning the loss - so they were no longer looking to God but having a pity party for themselves in this type of fast.
Show obedience from the heart. Expect God to turn you upside down and inside out. Take the bread and wine knowing that Jesus will change you.
May I serve you and please you
Luke 13 - Jesus heals a woman who had lived a hard life and had become crippled and bent over on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders got ticked off again because Jesus was healing on the Sabbath. Jesus pointed out that even on the Sabbath if an animal had some problem we would take care of it -- why won’t we even more so take care of each other - even if it is the Sabbath? It makes me give thanks that this idea has changed - can you imagine all the pain and suffering if we literally kept this law today and wouldn’t help any of the sick and dying in our hospitals, nursing homes, on the battlefield and on and on. I think that Jesus is showing us how to love each other - yes the laws are important but God also sent us to serve and love one another and keep correct focus on our purpose - show God to each other - let your light so shine that others may see your good gifts and glorify their Father in heaven -- Go - heal - serve. Even on the Sabbath - it is how God would have us love each other. Stop being bent over - praise God for what he has done - Jesus will bring you health and salvation and life so that you may gladly serve him in his kingdom.
Colossians 3 - “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.� -- “Above all, clothe yourselves with love� -- This is the healing theme again - Go into the world - I especially think of this after praising and worshipping God on a Sunday - Go into the world and act right - what’s wrong with you boy? - Get with it - God gives a pep talk every Sunday and sends us out of the huddle to the world to love others.
Psalm 103 - Bless the Lord O my soul -- you ever sit and think of all God has given you? - The list goes on and on - even in the painful times - I can see a lesson taught - a new skill learned - a new gift given. It’s amazing - you can go from the physical things of this world - to people - family, friends, church etc - to spiritual and on and on -- how can we not “Bless the Lord O my soul� -- ?
Prayer - Lord when I think about my life at this point in time - I see that right now I am being refreshed - given rest - give time with family - given time away. These are all good gifts from you. But as you renew me - as you feed me with your Word - with your body and blood - you also heal me. May I receive this healing - run off into the world and loudly praise your name - serve you in all the work you have set before me - fulfill the calls you have given me for even the next few months - it is fun to play with you - it is fun to serve with you - it is fun to pray with you - it is fun to gather all the other kids on the block and play together - it is fun all the games you think up - it is fun to try new things with you - to try new games - some I am good at - some I see where one of my other friends are good at and I’m not so good at that - but if we don’t play together the games and try out your new games - how would I ever know - thanks for letting me play - thanks for not caring if I win or lose the game - thanks for showing me the games I’m good at and the games one of my other friends are good at. When we pick sides - with all my friends we can choose each other for how we can help each other - no one is left out - all can kick, pass, block or run and after we combine all of our efforts I can see how they show your love to the world. Let me play and serve with you and my friends this week - so that the orphan, widow, poor, hungry and all may see and feel the love of Jesus as we play in your kingdom. For you gave me the freedom to play - you came to my house and wanted to know if Billy could come out and play - I saw and now know who your friends were that were at the door with you -- I want to play -- Mom! I’ll be back sometime later! I’m going to play! - Bye! -- Amen
Monday 8/23/2004
John 5 - Jesus tells the people how he and God are one - The message and ministry he has is from and of God. That everyone who hears the message and has faith in Jesus has eternal life. He tells how the scriptures (O/T) told about him. This whole passage seems very serious to me - it looks as if there is deep meaning in every word. Every time I read it I always feel like I am missing something in the message. But I continue to have a simple faith. I find it interesting that Jesus tells them that if you hear the message you must have faith in Jesus -- it would be easy to make the mistake of having faith in the message. I think many people today have faith in the message but may not have faith in Jesus - huge difference - and an easy trap for me to fall into also -- So keep the focus on Jesus - then have faith in Jesus.
1 Chronicles 20-21 - Joab went to battle with the Ammonites - David went to Rabbah and took the jewel from the crown and put it in his crown. Much gold was taken here. Then Israel fought a battle against the Philistines at Gezer and won. This opened a route between Israel and the sea which would be important for delivery of goods and supplies. The Rephaim are mentioned here - they are believed to be a nation of giants - one of them had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. Here Goliath is mentioned to have been killed by David’s nephew Jonathan. Is this the same Goliath? Some think so - others think not. David decides to count the people in Israel so he can get an idea of how large his army could be. Joab told David not to do this but he did it anyway. The first verse in chapter 21 states that Satan decided to cause trouble for Israel. This showed that David was depending on the strength of himself and men to protect Israel and not on God. God didn’t like this and gave David a choice of three different kinds of punishment. David chose the punishment that would least likely hurt the people of Israel - three days of horrible disease to strike David’s people. David repents and asks for God’s forgiveness and prays. The LORD’s angel tells the prophet Gad to tell David to purchase some land at Araunah’s threshing place and build an altar there. David does so - Araunah wanted to give the land to David but David insisted on buying it. God sends fire on the altar - David offers sacrifices there and decides that the temple must be built here. I find a couple of interesting points here - the altar and the subsequent temple were built on a threshing place - this is where wheat was separated - it was sometimes a rock where a board with sharp stone on it that would separate the stalks from the kernels - the bundles were beaten and crushed to make this separation. This being where the temple would be built reminds me of the presence of God - even when Jesus is beaten - even when Christians are persecuted - the valuable kernels are separated and made holy - I know this may be stretching the text some - but it makes me wonder. This rock is believed to be the flat rock under the Done of the Rock in Jerusalem today -- then I think of how the church is built on the rock of Jesus - and how Jesus renamed Peter - Petros - Rock - the first to lead the church after Jesus resurrection.
Zechariah 8 - The Jews now will finally live in a happy Jerusalem. The fasting is to be fasting of joy and happiness - the few remaining are blessed again by God - they still must obey and serve only him but God promises that the nations that had persecuted the Jews and taken them into exile will look up to them for favor with God.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Fear love and trust God above everything else.
2 Samuel 7 - Nathan speaks to David who wants to build a temple for God -- but I think God means that this temple will actually be within each one of us -- God will reside in us through the Holy Spirit - In Jesus - In our hearts - not in some temple - God promises David that a member of his family will always rule Israel - that family member is fulfilled in Jesus - Jesus temple is within us - in our hearts - As Christians we are given the Holy Spirit - to empower us - give us gifts and send us forth to serve and love and minister and fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel -- that is where God really resides -- not just in some temple inside of some box.
1 Samuel 15 - If you reject the Word of God -- repent - hurry up and correct yourself - ask God to forgive you and worship only him.
Psalm 110 - God is always with me.
Prayer - Jesus my friend - I come to you this day - You are the center of the temple in my life - you are in my heart - I don’t need a box to put you in - Send your Spirit to me to give me the power, gifts, love and compassion to serve in the world this day and this week. Lead and guide my speech and actions. I praise you for the Word sent through others yesterday in worship and praise services all over the world and in our nation and home towns. I thank you for being so easy to approach in worship. Bless all this day returning to their places of work, school and life that they may reflect the glory you show them in you. You are life and you change hearts and you change lives. You forgive and send us -- thanks! --- Amen

Tuesday 8/24/2004
John 6 - Feeding five thousand with a few loaves of bread - it reminds me of a couple of things - one in which Luther was commenting about how God has no problem with space or time - the space portion fascinates me - like turning bread into enough for five thousand people - appearing to have walked through doors -- etc. -- Then this passage also reminds me of the manna given to the Israelites in the wilderness - God will provide when needed - trust and obey and believe. -- Afterwards Jesus went up to pray while the disciples went out in the boat - this one is a little different - the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water - wanted to take him into the boat - but the boat suddenly reached shore where they were headed. Jesus still assured them that he was Jesus and not to be afraid. I’m not sure what to make of this difference - many times I think the book of John means so much more than is at first obvious - but this difference puzzles me. Why is it so different from the other accounts of this same story?
1 Chronicles 22-23 - So David is preparing things so his son Solomon can build the temple - he is trying to get everything ready - I would do the same with Bryan - I would try to get everything ready for him to take over and continue ministry - I think this is a natural thing for fathers. Then here we go again with another list of names of the Levites to serve in the temple taking care of everything needed. The planning and organization. A couple of other things occurred to me here also. They brought in bronze - tin mixed with copper - David uses many of the people he captured in battle to help with the temple - it makes me think of how God has included us as his chosen people also - mixing us together - melting our lives with his peoples lives and making all creation one in service to God -- then the use of olive oil to be mixed in with the sacrifices to be made to God -- olive oil is made by crushing the olives and pouring the pulp into a cloth basket - the oil drips through the cloth - in our own sacrifice to God - God takes us and crushes us - removes all the pulp of sin and uses the pure parts of our lives in a sacrifice of service and praise to him and to serve others in his kingdom.
Zechariah 9 - Healing and restoration for Jerusalem -- “Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout! You king has won a victory, and he is coming to you. He is humble and rides on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a donkey.� -- Jesus comes to me - humble - yet powerful -- Jesus comes into my life with salvation - Choose life!
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Call on God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving.
John 1 - See Jesus - he is the one - run and tell others - believe in him - Jesus will show you many things!
1 Peter 1 - “love one another deeply from the heart.� -- I think this is the deep deep love God is trying and does show us -- I just can’t figure it out - this is a very different kind of love - I get peeks of it now and then and feel it now and then - but can’t quite figure it out - I don’t think anyone else has either except Jesus - all the explanations and definitions I have seen “man� write about it fall short of the feeling it gives. This may be a good thing though - it keeps me on my toes - it makes me hope for the future - it makes me get a glimpse of the kingdom to come.
Psalm 5 - “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.�
Prayer - Lord - you feed me with bread I can’t even imagine - you pray and come to me in miraculous ways - I see you on the water of my baptism - you come to me in life - you come to me humble in this simple water - with your powerful Word and Spirit you save and lead and guide me. Restore my life from exile - melt me in with all your people and enrich my life with your church and Christian fellowship. I choose you joyfully and accept your grand gift of grace and love - be my guest in my life - I focus on you - Change me - You set me free to stand up and praise you to and with others - you allow me to see you in others - You show me a love so deep I can’t even describe it - you show this love in your church and friends and in the deep places of my heart - I will watch and listen for you all day long. Thank you God for being God. -- Amen
Wednesday 8/25/2004
John 6 - Jesus confused the people when he showed up on the other side of the lake - they knew he didn’t leave in a boat but somehow got to the other side. The people asked what God wanted them to do - Jesus told them to have faith - then the people wanted a miracle to show that they can have faith in him. Jesus told them that he was the bread of life - like the manna that came to the Israelites - but better - by eating his flesh and drinking his blood you will never be thirsty or hungry again. He was sent from God - well I imagine this about blew their minds - he wasn’t speaking of physical hunger - but of spiritual hunger - It’s true though - when I take communion I am accepting Jesus into my life and physically into my being - I allow Jesus and the Spirit to work in me - life is given - but I must receive it and believe it and have the faith Jesus was talking about. In this passage the Eucharist becomes common place - a new spiritual ritual of the church instituted by Jesus - and new beginning with very new meaning for the people of this day and into the future.
1 Chronicles 24 - Here’s another exciting chapter where David assigns priests to the temple and gives all their wonderful names along with their wonderful family names too - boy! This stuff seems to give theologians something to argue over. I wonder if they ever considered that the person writing all this detailed stuff down may have gotten a little confused - what’s the big point?
Zechariah 10 - God will take care of the Jews and make them strong once again - If they need anything like rain for their crops they are to pray to God - may I pray to God for all of my needs and trust in him.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Don’t neglect God’s Word!
Acts 3 - Peter and John heal a crippled man - not with silver and gold but with the power of the name of Jesus - yes we have this power too - it is given to us through the Spirit if we only believe and use it God can change anything - but only if God wants to - we are not the ones in control - God is - we cannot forget - God is God - it’s so easy to get that all screwed up. -- Oh there it is again - A quote from Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - “Christ in our Home� -- “God put us in a view creation each day. The covers we throw off each morning are the beautiful gate into a world where God is working and playing, singing and dancing, praising and leaping --- and inviting us into the wonder and joy of it all.� --- Hey! Let’s play!
Ezekial 21 -That’s a little weird - It is about the attack of Nebuchadrezzar on the Jews - he uses some weird ways I like to read about to make decisions - like how they used to read shapes in sheep livers to make decisions -- now I wonder who thunk that one up!?
Psalm 2 - Serve God - fear his wrath - if you truly reject God - look out!
Prayer - You are the Bread of Life - I believe - I have faith - I have trust in you. But I know all things won’t just be great all the time. I will trust in you and look to you for you are there - I know it and feel it. Forgive me when I make a mess of things - forgive my sins and renew me - Change me and place your feed the flame of your Spirit in my life. -- Amen
Thursday 8/26/2004
John 6 - Well this revelation form Jesus about his body and blood and being the Son of God really put the disciples of Jesus at odds. Some of them even left - but the twelve stayed with him. A couple of verses struck me “The Spirit is the one who gives life! Human strength can do nothing.� and “Then Jesus said, “You cannot come to me, unless the Father makes you want to come.� --- It kind of straightens things out - If we think we can save ourselves by coming to Jesus - then who do we think we are - we already have the answer - but God makes us want to come - we don’t want to come on our own. That’s a difficult thought to think about.
1 Chronicles 25-26 - David set up all these different people in the temple - I like one of the comments about music - “Music was part of the offering of praise to God and helped people experience worship and hear God’s word more easily.� - -- “Everyone was responsible for something, whether young or old, teacher or student.� - You talk about church organization - here is a good reference. “andd they let the LORD show them what he wanted done.� -- Another interesting thought is that all of these people were referred to as Levites -- like priests - or like ministers. We are all called to ministry the same.
Zechariah 11 - This passage about the worthless shepherd is puzzling to me. I can see where we need to obey God - and that there may be some leaders who value money above God -- but it seems there is some reference to Judas here but not clear in my mind “So they handed me my wages, a measly thirty pieces of silver. Then the LORD said, “Thorw the money into the treasury.� So I threw the money into the treasury at the LORDS’s temple. Then I broke the stick named “Unity�� --- sounds like Judas betrayal to me - but I didn’t see any comment in the commentaries - this surprised me. -- Maybe a deeper search.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Respect obey, love and serve your parents and those in authority.
Psalm 112 - Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Roman 12 - Be transformed by the renewing of your minds - so that you may discern the will of God - then the gifts God give us are mentioned and the idea of the body of Christ --
Psalm 116 - lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD - I am your servant - you have loosed my bonds
Prayer - Jesus - you present to me deep concepts - body-blood-bread-wine - yet you feed me and sustain all life - you cause many people to deep thought and to be either convicted by their faith or they turn the other way - I choose to follow you - trusting you and having faith in you. Help me to keep my values straight - to not betray you for money - to see where the priorities must fall. Forgive me and straighten me out when I wander off the path - transform my mind so that I can hear and discern you will and call in my life. I am your servant - but it is easy to serve because of the joy and happiness you give me by what you have already done for me and all people. Thanks --- Amen
Friday 8/27/2004
John 7 - It was time for the Festival of Shelters Jesus brothers were trying to convince him to go so he could let his disciples see what he is doing. But Jesus didn’t want to go yet - it wasn’t his time. So the brothers went on without him. Then Jesus decides to go secretly. I think what is going on here is that Jesus doesn’t want people to believe in him only because of his miracles - so he doesn’t want to make a show of things in this way - but he wants them to understand the message more than just come for healing and miracles. So Jesus shows up in the temple- Of course the Jewish leaders are in an uproar over all he has done and question Jesus about how he knows what he is teaching. They know Jesus doesn’t hadn’t been taught or anything. Jesus is great though - he tells them that what he teaches comes from the one who sent him (God) -- not some other man who thunk somthin up. Jesus didn’t want to bring honor to himself like Professor Upandcoming would -- he just wanted to lay out the truth for the people from God. Well this fired the whole bunch up and they brought Moses into the picture and the Law and told Jesus he was crazy. So Jesus wanted to know why they wanted to kill him. The crowd replied your crazy - who wants to kill you? Then Jesus tells them about how they judged him for healing on the Sabbath and tells them toe not judge by appearances but to judge by what is right. You can see many people doubt Jesus - even with the miracles - it seems the whole miracle thing turned in to something selfish - heal me!- not on the basis of belief but just to be healed - Jesus teaching was much deeper than this - He came from God and was trying to get that through - but it seems all the people want is either to maintain their religious power or to be rescued from some sickness or out of poverty. Maybe I don’t get it all today either and am the same way - I’m listening though.
1 Chronicles 27-28 - David sounded like a good manager - the assignment of all the people to tasks divided up so everyone could serve - then he called a special meeting - after following the LORD’s commands and directions he put the plans together for the temple - all the planning work and organization was done - he turned them over to Solomon. I like this statement which shows a good example of how maybe Zion whould operate - David is speaking “The LORD showed me how his temple is te be built. But you must see that everything is done according to these plans. Be confident, and never be afraid of anything or get discouraged. The LORD my God will help you do everything needed to finish the temple, so it can be used for worshiping him.� - Sounds like good timely advice for Zion today.
Zechariah 12 - God will protect Jerusalem - he will show that he is all powerful and that he is the source of strength. Then Zechariah starts talking about how the people and the land - the men and women will mourn for the one they pierced - sounds like Jesus to me - when they pierced his side - some debate that it may be Zechariah -- but I think it is referring to Jesus.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Help your neighbor
Proverbs 25 - Be humble
Philippians 1 - “This is my prayer, that you love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best…�
Psalm 119 - Teach me good judgment and knowledge - keep me humble
Prayer - Lord - keep me humble - forgive me when I look to you for displays of healing and miss the point - You are God - you teach - you give wisdom - you humble me - let me hear the message and not just look for the selfish action of receiving healing. You will heal but not because of me - I see your healing in your love - a love so deep it is beyond human understanding. May I reflect some tiny ray of this love today to my neighbor - whomever that may be - today. Keep me humble in the process - for it will be your ray of light and not my own - your message of salvation - not my own. You are God and I thank and praise you. --- Amen
Saturday 8/28/2004
John 7 - Jesus really confused these people - especially the common people of the day - some thought he was the Messiah some thought a prophet or both. The Jewish leaders did not believe he was the Messiah. Nicodemus had some doubt and being on of the Jewish leaders - he wanted them to listen to him but he was put down by the others saying that the Messiah won’t come from Galilee. But it seem many didn’t realize Jesus was born in Bethlehem - they only saw him as coming from Nazareth - and they didn’t realize he was also from the line of David. The crowd of people were split - some wanted to kill him - some put their faith in him. Some figured he must be the Messiah because of all the miracles he had worked. But God didn’t let their hands come against Jesus because it wasn’t his time yet. During this festival and towards the end of it a group of priests would go to the pool of Siloam and fill a container of water to bring it back to the temple and the people would follow the priests back to the temple with the water. Jesus stood up and shouted to them that if they had faith in him they would have life-giving water flowing from deep inside them. They would have the Holy Spirit - but this didn’t make sense to many of the people either and it made some of them mad because they were hearing the truth from Jesus which to them sounded like he was trying to be God. This Spirit and life-giving water is powerful for me - especially the “deep inside� part. I can feel the Spirit help me realize this “deep� love and I can’t explain it - but it must be given to all I come in contact with and my explanation must be based on faith in Jesus. Another point that stands out since the Chronicles readings have been about how David set up all the people/priests in the temple is the use of the temple police that David mentioned - the Pharisees heard all the people arguing about Jesus and sent the temple police to arrest them - this is the very same group of people that David set up years earlier to work in the temple - it is unfortunate that they didn’t see Jesus as the Messiah - but then I wonder again if this wasn’t all part of God’s plan - because Jesus time had not yet come - were they blinded by what they were seeing ? Am I blinded by times when I see Jesus? Maybe - sometimes - but God leads me to believe and for those times God let’s me see that I am blinded I repent and ask forgiveness - So maybe the whole controversy is a little deeper than I can imagine - If we realize we are blinded we will look much deeper - very deep - and beyond miracles to seek Jesus and our faith will grow - this can be a blessing from God.
1 Chronicles 29- David led by example - he gave from his riches to build the temple to give to God - because it is God’s temple - then others responded the same way. God is special and our gifts are actually returning the gifts God has given us. Then again David leads by example - he praised God for all he has done - then told the people it was their turn to give God the praise and glory. Then Solomon is crowned king. It is neat that David went out and finished his reign as king praising God and giving God the glory - yet sending his son to act on his faith in honor of God for God to be held high as the real King. I like to thing about David’s prayer - It begins with praise - then a reflection on self - then a confirmation of why he took the actions he did - then a call to action. It begins with God - looks inward and then looks outward back to God -- seems like a good model for some prayers. What a model David gives for leading people - don’t just lead them with words - be an example and lead them with your actions then put forth a challenge for the people to respond -- sounds like Jesus ministry - he led by action and put forth a challenge to me - will I believe and follow? Yes!!
Zechariah 13 - How things seem to tie together sometimes amazes me! - “In the future there will be a fountain, where David’s descendants and the people of Jerusalem can wash away their sin and guilt.� After reflection of today’s reading from John this fountain must contain the life-giving water Jesus was talking about - Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit -- Wow! - You, LORD, are our God! -- what more can we say - we will be like gold and silver purified - this is through smelting - when the metals are melted together and the impurities are burnt off - so it won’t be easy but in the end we know God will purify us - we won’t purify ourselves because God forgives us through Jesus crucifixion, death and resurrection of our lives - no more are visions or prophets needed because we have Jesus and through the Spirit all the visions will point straight to his grace on the cross - God has come and has come to us! - Thanks be to God!

Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
In matters of sex - keep my words and conduct pure and honorable.
Hebrews 13 - This chapter is good advice on how to live. Let mutual love continue - this is a deep statement and I wonder if many of us misunderstand the love of God and twist it into something worldly - God’s love is hard to understand but we have Jesus to look at and see that love in action to help us understand this love. Compassion is deep in this passage - our love for each other must have this compassion. With this love we will confess God’s name as the fruit of lips and we will continually praise God.
Revelation 22 - Hey! The “Tree Song� - there it is the Tree of Life -- I love that song ! Wash my robes - I want to have the gith to the Tree of Life and enter by the city gates! - Forgive me and wash me with you Life-Giving water that I may feed from the Tree of Life!
Psalm 39 - I am silent; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
Prayer - Jesus - Life-Giving Water - Tree of Life - come to me this day - dwell within my heart -set me straight - show me my sins - forgive my sin - fill my heart with that deep love only you can show - fill me with your Spirit - show me your creation - show me life - give me compassion - develop the gifts you have filled me with - accept my praise - puncture my heart so that your blood may bleed forth in my world to those around me - show your glory to all I see today - work miracles in my life - confuse me - work on me - work in me - work through me - let me listen - let me be silent - let me hear your Words - let me see your Spirit - let your light shine bright - shine your light through me - feed me - fill me with your drink - hear my praise - hear my prayer - feel my faith - feel my love for you - guide me - direct me - put me in action for you- show me how to serve - show me who to serve - be specific - call me - heal me ---Amen
Sunday 8/29/2004
John 8 - The Jewish leaders bring a woman to Jesus who committed adultery. According to the law she was to be put to death. But the man she slept with was to be put to death also - they didn’t bring him. Jesus tells them that whoever hasn’t sinned to throw the first stone. They all left beginning with the oldest. I guess the oldest knew he had sinned. Then Jesus tells the woman to go and don’t sin anymore. Forgiveness - yet we a are to correct ourselves. Then Jesus tells the people that he is the light of the world - reminds me of creation. Jesus is the light in my life. The light gives life - how true. Jesus tells the Pharisees about his Father - but I think they are thinking about an earthly father. Jesus is talking about God and they don’t get it. Still no one arrested him - his time had not yet come.
2 Chronicles 1-2 - Now it’s Solomon’s turn - he offers sacrifices to God at the old place where the ark used to be. In a dream God decides to bless Solomon - God gives him wisdom which Solomon asks for -- Is this his Spiritual Gift from God for that time - I think so. So Solomon reaches out to his neighboring countries for wood and another skilled worker in return for food. Now everything is in place to start construction. I wonder if God gets everything in place in my life - then starts construction?
Zechariah 14 - God will protect and defend Jerusalem -- and the LORD will have his day - and that day will be a bright day - no clouds and unending day - and in both summer and witner, life-giving streams will flow from Jerusalem -- hmmm -- light -life-giving water - Sounds like Jesus reign to me.
Choose life - Choose Jesus - Change your focus and rely on God with trust - God chooses you and the choice changes everything.
Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Don't let the protection of what is holy prevent you from seeing the miraculous healing/transformation of Jesus. As we are bent over with the weight of life, Jesus comes to us and sets us free to stand up and praise God allowing us to see the needs around us.
Don’t take your neighbors money or property in a dishonest way.
Luke 14 - Be humble and take the place of the humble - serve the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind they are exalted in God’s eyes.
Job 42 - God can do all things
Psalm 33 - rejoice in the LORD!
Prayer - Lord - forgive my sin. You are a loving, caring God and bring joy to my life. Prepare me and plan for my construction in my life - keep me humble and loving of the poor, crippled, lame and blind. For all my joy is in you. -- Amen
Monday 8/30/2004
John 8 - Jesus is very mysterious with the people at this point. “I am going away - you will look for me - you cannot go where I am going- you will die with your sins unforgiven� -- I don’t blame some for being confused -- They probably thought he was living in some other world - But Jesus is a mystery - to us - but not to himself -- and that’s where the leap of faith comes in - we have to listen with different ears and listen with spiritual ears to hear his words - then Jesus seems to make some sense and it’s like those Wow times when we finally hear him. Then it’s stated that the people put their faith in Jesus - -but did they really? -- Next is a dispute over Abraham - and knowing the truth. It seems the people had more faith in being children of Abraham that they did in Jesus -- the people disputed that the truth won’t set them free - because they are not slaves - they are children of Abraham. The uproar built to the point that there was talk of Jesus death again. Jesus mentions his Father - then Jesus is accused of having someone else as his father - you can easily read into this that they figured Jesus was a child born out of wedlock -- they were thinking all the time of an earthly father -- What a disconnect in communication - Jesus was talking about God as his Father. -- But -sometimes I think God wants us to figure it out - he doesn’t want it to be completely clear all the time - if it were clear and we didn’t have to think and wrestle with some issue - we wouldn’t need to seek him - it’s kinda like my Dad teaching me a lesson - letting me learn to solve - so that I can deal with other issues in life - Dad would be there for advice but not for the solution - the solution was mine. -- Maybe God is like that.
2 Chronicles 3-4 - This is wonderful descriptions of items in the temple -- The winged creatures whose wings spanned the thirty foot room. The huge bowl called the Sea and all the gold and other precious metals - special cloth etc. This was for God - intended to praise God -- I wonder if the buildings we build today are for God or are rather to serve man’s needs.
Malachi 1-2 - God reassures Israel that they are loved by God - apparently they wanted to know in what way God loved them. He sights history and his choice of Jacob over Esau - then God tells them that they need to worship him and offer appropriate sacrifices. They were not giving of the best - but of the left over unhealthy animals -- This demonstrates again a lack of trust in God that he will tend to their needs especially when they give their best to him -- This trust issue seems to be coming up all the time lately in the readings - at least for me - some message for me I think.
Don’t betray, slander or lie about anyone.
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame and blind.
Judges 12 - Cross over - God will lead, protect, defend and guide you - speak God’s language loud and clear.
Jeremiah 23 - Speak the Word of God - His Word is like fire.
Psalm 119 - “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple (that’s me!)- “Make your face shine upon your servant. And teach me your statutes.� -- My eyes shed stream of tears because your law is not kept.� -- forgive me!
Prayer - Lord help me in your mystery - you are amazing yet puzzling all at the same time. I don’t understand why you chose to love me - to die for me - to use me - to let me serve - to heal me -- but you did - and I can’t stop giving you thanks. Help me to offer my best - not some sloppy service but my best - because I love you. Help me to speak your Word - not my word - your Word is like fire - I can feel it and it gives me passion for your love. Your Word gives light to the world. For all you give is precious - much greater than gold or anything earthly. When I fail - forgive me and keep me humble. Help me to overcome my sin and correct me. Let me serve you in reaching out to the poor, crippled, lame and blind. For you are God and are to be exalted above all else. Thanks be to God! -- Amen
Tuesday 8/31/2004
John 8 - Jesus is trying to tell the people that he is the Messiah - but I think hoping they figure it out. It doesn’t go that way at all. They accuse him of having a demon in him - but he tells them he doesn’t. That he honor’s his Father. Jesus is not seeking honor but his Father is giving him honor. Everyone who obeys Jesus word will not die. So this makes them mad again because Abraham died and so did a bunch of other people. Who does Jesus think he is? Well - the Messiah -- Jesus tells them that they don’t know God - but he knows God - If Jesus told them that he didn’t know God he would be a liar. Then he tells them that “Your father Abraham was really glad to see me.� -- Well how could Jesus have seen Abraham -- Jesus says “ I tell you for certain that even before Abraham was, I was, and I am.� -- I think this whole conversation would have blown me away too -- it would have required a great faith to believe.
2 Chronicles 5 - The priests carry the ark into the Temple and set it in place under the wings of the cherubim -- They play music and sing “The LORD is good and his love never ends� -- God shows his presence in a cloud and the light from is was so bright that the priests couldn’t stay inside to do their work.
MalachI 2 - God is pointing out the sin of the people - they must repent -- Verse 15 seems to speak to me on the marriage issue in society today -- “Didn’t God create you to become like one person with your wife? And why did he do this? It was so you would have children, and then lead them to become God’s people. Don’t ever be unfaithful to your wife.� -- Seem male/female to me - since creation.
Remain humble and reach out to the poor, crippled, lame and blind.
Don’t scheme to get what is your neighbor’s
Judges 13 - An angel came to the parents of Samson - telling them of the upcoming birth of Samson - how they were to take no wine and how Samson was to be a nazirite from birth. Moanoah wanted more specific direction from the angel - but the angel just told him to give heed to what the angel told her. Patience and trust of God come to mind here.
Philippians 3 - Jesus makes me his own. Press towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus - His goal is the call - I wonder if for a Christian their entire life is a call.
Psalm 121 - My help comes from the LORD.
Prayer - Jesus sometimes your words just confuse me -- but I have faith in your truth and continue to listen. You come to me in the center of my temple and reign in my life - It is hard sometimes to be in your presence - your light is so bright - I can’t work - but when my times are dark - your light shows me the way and you bless me. Help me as I press on towards the goal of the heavenly call of God. -- Amen