I feel like I have been learning a lot the last couple of weeks. I am really enjoying my time in the Word and God has been so faithful to teach me through the Scriptures. He is also teaching me through other people, which is always fun to see how God is working in other's lives. As I sit here this morning fretting slightly about all the things I still need to accomplish during my ever-shortening break, I still know there is no place I'd rather be or other way I would want to start my day than with my King.
Leviticus 16:28-18:30
The Lord is giving laws about the place of sacrifice, eating blood, and unlawful sexual relations. When He talks about these things He is speaking to "you or the strangers who sojourn among you." It makes me wonder if they were picking up "strays" as they wandered in the dessert. Were they evangelizing in a way and teaching people about God and their ways of serving Him? Just an interesting thought.
Mark 7:24-8:10
A woman approached Jesus and asked Him to heal hear daughter who was possessed by a demon. He gives her an answer about feeding children first and not giving their food to the dogs. I have never fully understood this remark, but I think He was saying that because she was a Gentile, she did not have first "dibs" on His time. Her answer back to him, though, was that even the dogs eat the crumbs from the children's table. Jesus saw incredible faith in this statement (which I also do not fully understand) and healed her daughter. I guess maybe her faith was just that she realized she didn't need the full meal, or Jesus full attention, but rather she knew that even just a scrap of His power would be enough to heal her daughter. Thank you, Lord, for making your Word clear!
Psalm 41
This psalm talks about protection from enemies and ends with "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen."
Proverbs 10:15-16
About wealth and wages. The righteous leads to life.
Pray- Operation World
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Routine
When I am not at home I can never seem to keep my usual routine. For Christmas, I was at my parents' house, which was great, but which also meant that I never did my reading first thing in the morning. I did keep up with it, just in the evening. But now I am back home and have gotten back to my morning reading and finally today, back to my blog. The reading has been going well, and I have gotten to the end of the countries in Operation World. I am now going through the appendixes at the end and they are full of great information!
Leviticus 15-16:28
Brief recap: There have been more gory details of offerings, two of Aaron's sons have died, and there were detailed instructions for those with leprosy. The first part of today's reading was about bodily discharge. It was nice and specific just like the rest of the book, but I think the thing that struck me the most is the fact that something that is just a natural part of a woman's life made her unclean. There was nothing she could do to stop it, but it made her unclean for at least seven days. What is it that I have in my life now that "naturally" makes me unclean? What in my flesh causes me to not be presentable to the Lord? I know that there is not one answer to this question, but many. Lord, make me aware of the things in my life that are unclean before You.
The second part of today's reading was about the day of atonement. This is the first time the concept of a scapegoat is introduced. Aaron had to place the sins of the Israelites on a goat that was then sent out into the wilderness to carry them away. It is overwhelming to think that Jesus did that for me. That all the things in my flesh that cause me to sin have been removed from me and I am made righteous and pure. Praise God!
Mark 7:1-23
I have really been enjoying Mark a lot. There have been several lessons that I have needed to hear as I have read through the book. The first was when Jesus' family came after Him because they thought He was out of His mind. Not that my family really thinks I'm crazy, or that they treat me any differently, but sometimes I wonder how much of what I do they really understand. Then Jesus calms a storm while in a boat with the disciples. When He does so He questions them and says, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" This was really convicting for me because I had been worrying about certain aspects of my life and it was good to have the Lord put me in check. He has always provided abundantly for me, so why am I fearful? Why do I still not trust Him? I do trust Him, I just loose perspective sometimes.
Today Mark wrote about traditions in the church and how sometimes they can make the Word of God void. Jesus tells the Pharisees, "This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me." verse 6 May that never be me! I desire nothing more than for my heart to honor the Lord. Jesus then goes on and explains that nothing that goes into a person, physically, can make him unclean, but only the things that come out of a person are able to defile him. The things that come out are what is in your heart. It is interesting to read this now because just a couple of days ago in Leviticus, the Israelites had been given laws about what they could eat that was clean and unclean. I'm so thankful for the new covenant!
Psalm 40:11-17
A psalm of praise and pleading. David is asking for deliverance from his enemies but also recognizing the greatness and steadfast love of the Lord.
Proverbs 10:13-14
These and the last few verses have had many references to what we speak. The wise man speaks life and understanding, but the foolish man babbles and brings ruin. I also liked verse 12 which says, "love covers all offenses."
Pray- World Leaders
Leviticus 15-16:28
Brief recap: There have been more gory details of offerings, two of Aaron's sons have died, and there were detailed instructions for those with leprosy. The first part of today's reading was about bodily discharge. It was nice and specific just like the rest of the book, but I think the thing that struck me the most is the fact that something that is just a natural part of a woman's life made her unclean. There was nothing she could do to stop it, but it made her unclean for at least seven days. What is it that I have in my life now that "naturally" makes me unclean? What in my flesh causes me to not be presentable to the Lord? I know that there is not one answer to this question, but many. Lord, make me aware of the things in my life that are unclean before You.
The second part of today's reading was about the day of atonement. This is the first time the concept of a scapegoat is introduced. Aaron had to place the sins of the Israelites on a goat that was then sent out into the wilderness to carry them away. It is overwhelming to think that Jesus did that for me. That all the things in my flesh that cause me to sin have been removed from me and I am made righteous and pure. Praise God!
Mark 7:1-23
I have really been enjoying Mark a lot. There have been several lessons that I have needed to hear as I have read through the book. The first was when Jesus' family came after Him because they thought He was out of His mind. Not that my family really thinks I'm crazy, or that they treat me any differently, but sometimes I wonder how much of what I do they really understand. Then Jesus calms a storm while in a boat with the disciples. When He does so He questions them and says, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" This was really convicting for me because I had been worrying about certain aspects of my life and it was good to have the Lord put me in check. He has always provided abundantly for me, so why am I fearful? Why do I still not trust Him? I do trust Him, I just loose perspective sometimes.
Today Mark wrote about traditions in the church and how sometimes they can make the Word of God void. Jesus tells the Pharisees, "This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me." verse 6 May that never be me! I desire nothing more than for my heart to honor the Lord. Jesus then goes on and explains that nothing that goes into a person, physically, can make him unclean, but only the things that come out of a person are able to defile him. The things that come out are what is in your heart. It is interesting to read this now because just a couple of days ago in Leviticus, the Israelites had been given laws about what they could eat that was clean and unclean. I'm so thankful for the new covenant!
Psalm 40:11-17
A psalm of praise and pleading. David is asking for deliverance from his enemies but also recognizing the greatness and steadfast love of the Lord.
Proverbs 10:13-14
These and the last few verses have had many references to what we speak. The wise man speaks life and understanding, but the foolish man babbles and brings ruin. I also liked verse 12 which says, "love covers all offenses."
Pray- World Leaders
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Day
Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. I love getting to spend time with my family and remembering all the wonderful blessings I have in my life. I'm so thankful that the Lord has chosen me to know Him. I have done nothing to deserve it and I fail so many times. Today, I celebrate His coming to live a sinless life on my behalf. Praise Jesus!
Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Aaron and his sons are still learning about the offerings and how to perform them. They have now been consecrated and given all their instructions. Two of his sons make an incorrect offering and are consumed by the fire. And following that, Moses questions some of the things they have done with the offerings. I suppose I can relate to their failings. How many times do I not follow the instructions given me in God's word? I don't trust Him enough, or listen to Him enough, or believe Him enough... "but He gives more grace." James 4:6
Mark 4:26-5:20
Jesus is teaching in parables. I still do not always understand the things He says or was trying to get across. One of the stories (not a parable) is about Jesus and the disciples taking a boat across the lake when a storm came up and really scared the disciples. Jesus was asleep in the boat and when the woke Him he calmed the storm and then said, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" verse 40 This is really hitting home with me today. The Lord has provided for me over and over again in my life. Why would I think He will be any less eager to come to my aid and guide me in a new situation? I'm sorry my faith is so small. Please teach me to trust in You!
Psalm 37:30-40
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. verses 30-31
Proverbs 10:6-7
Blessings to the righteous.
Pray- Zimbabwe
This country has very fertile farm land but because of government seizure of the land they have become food-import dependent. Pray that the land would be redistributed so that this country may recover and those who have moved away will be able to return. Pray also for the young people who do not see much hope due to the actions of the government.
How sweet it was to be the the Word today!! Merry Christmas!
Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Aaron and his sons are still learning about the offerings and how to perform them. They have now been consecrated and given all their instructions. Two of his sons make an incorrect offering and are consumed by the fire. And following that, Moses questions some of the things they have done with the offerings. I suppose I can relate to their failings. How many times do I not follow the instructions given me in God's word? I don't trust Him enough, or listen to Him enough, or believe Him enough... "but He gives more grace." James 4:6
Mark 4:26-5:20
Jesus is teaching in parables. I still do not always understand the things He says or was trying to get across. One of the stories (not a parable) is about Jesus and the disciples taking a boat across the lake when a storm came up and really scared the disciples. Jesus was asleep in the boat and when the woke Him he calmed the storm and then said, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" verse 40 This is really hitting home with me today. The Lord has provided for me over and over again in my life. Why would I think He will be any less eager to come to my aid and guide me in a new situation? I'm sorry my faith is so small. Please teach me to trust in You!
Psalm 37:30-40
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. verses 30-31
Proverbs 10:6-7
Blessings to the righteous.
Pray- Zimbabwe
This country has very fertile farm land but because of government seizure of the land they have become food-import dependent. Pray that the land would be redistributed so that this country may recover and those who have moved away will be able to return. Pray also for the young people who do not see much hope due to the actions of the government.
How sweet it was to be the the Word today!! Merry Christmas!
Zimbabwe
It's Christmas Eve and I have made it to my parents' house! I love getting to spend time with the fam, especially on holidays.
Pray-
Zimbabwe
My heart is breaking while reading about this nation. Nothing seems to be going right there. The economy is ridiculously bad, which means education and health systems are basically nonexistent. There is a 90% unemployment rate and those who do work are not paid in useful currency. There is religious freedom, but politics still get in the way. It is overwhelming when trying to pray. Pray for leaders, for courage, for resilience, for change.
**I did actually finish the reading for today, but forgot to blog it. I will catch up with tomorrow's reading.
Pray-
Zimbabwe
My heart is breaking while reading about this nation. Nothing seems to be going right there. The economy is ridiculously bad, which means education and health systems are basically nonexistent. There is a 90% unemployment rate and those who do work are not paid in useful currency. There is religious freedom, but politics still get in the way. It is overwhelming when trying to pray. Pray for leaders, for courage, for resilience, for change.
**I did actually finish the reading for today, but forgot to blog it. I will catch up with tomorrow's reading.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Sin Offering
Leviticus 4-5
These are instructions for sin offerings. If anyone sinned unintentionally there were certain rules to follow and offerings to be made. As I read through this, I was struck by how simple things are for us now. When Jesus became our offering so that we no longer had to give these sacrifices, He made a way for us to be connected to God even when we struggle with our sins. All we must do is ask for forgiveness. I know I take that for granted and don't even realized my sin sometimes. Lord, open my eyes to see the things I need to bring before You remove from my life.
Mark 2:13-3:6
Jesus is teaching and healing. The scribes want to know why He would eat with sinners and tax collectors and Jesus explains that those are the people He has come to save. How many who don't know Jesus sit at my table regularly? I hope there are many who might be able to see Christ in me and be healed by Him.
Psalm 36
Steadfast love- how I need to be reminded of this and choose to believe it!
Proverbs 10:1-2
This chapter begins the proverbs of Solomon. They are like one-liners of wisdom. Today's are about a wise son and righteousness.
Pray-
Yemen. I have been very humbled today in my time of reading about and praying for this country. It is such a dark place to live and they face very hard situations and here I am concerned only about myself and what I want to do with my holiday break time that will serve me best. Thank you, Lord, for some perspective this morning. So in Yemen, there is lots of fighting. There are at least 3 guns for every person in the country. Also, their agriculture is dominated by the growing of qat, which is a mild narcotic. Crazy statistics- 40% of national economy, 55% of the country's water usage, 20 million working hours a day, negative effects on productivity, social, and family life. Another issue is openly believing in Jesus. The worst persecution comes from their own families. Pray for softened hearts and restored families.
These are instructions for sin offerings. If anyone sinned unintentionally there were certain rules to follow and offerings to be made. As I read through this, I was struck by how simple things are for us now. When Jesus became our offering so that we no longer had to give these sacrifices, He made a way for us to be connected to God even when we struggle with our sins. All we must do is ask for forgiveness. I know I take that for granted and don't even realized my sin sometimes. Lord, open my eyes to see the things I need to bring before You remove from my life.
Mark 2:13-3:6
Jesus is teaching and healing. The scribes want to know why He would eat with sinners and tax collectors and Jesus explains that those are the people He has come to save. How many who don't know Jesus sit at my table regularly? I hope there are many who might be able to see Christ in me and be healed by Him.
Psalm 36
Steadfast love- how I need to be reminded of this and choose to believe it!
Proverbs 10:1-2
This chapter begins the proverbs of Solomon. They are like one-liners of wisdom. Today's are about a wise son and righteousness.
Pray-
Yemen. I have been very humbled today in my time of reading about and praying for this country. It is such a dark place to live and they face very hard situations and here I am concerned only about myself and what I want to do with my holiday break time that will serve me best. Thank you, Lord, for some perspective this morning. So in Yemen, there is lots of fighting. There are at least 3 guns for every person in the country. Also, their agriculture is dominated by the growing of qat, which is a mild narcotic. Crazy statistics- 40% of national economy, 55% of the country's water usage, 20 million working hours a day, negative effects on productivity, social, and family life. Another issue is openly believing in Jesus. The worst persecution comes from their own families. Pray for softened hearts and restored families.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Yemen Yemen Yemen
I decided this morning that the word Yemen is particularly funny if you say it several times very quickly. (That was for free.)
Pray-
Yemen
Poorest Arab country in the world. They have oil, but it doesn't account for much. There is very high unemployment. They have a history of wars and unstable politics. The official religion is Islam. It is very conservative with little religious freedom. Praise the Lord that there have been increasing numbers who are learning about Jesus!
Leviticus 1-3:17
Right from the get-go this book is full of laws. The first 3 chapters tell the laws for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. I sure how Aaron and his sons had strong stomachs. The descriptions of what they had to do to the animals and what parts of them to use are very graphic and specific. Let's just say I would have passed out if it had been me.
Mark 1:29-2:12
Jesus is healing many people and drawing large crowds. They are amazed by Him. The first time someone questions Him in this book is after he tells a man his sins are forgiven. They do not openly question, but Jesus knows what they have in their hearts and addresses it... then he heals the man who was paralyzed. His friends had lowered him down from the roof.
Psalm 35:17-28
In this psalm, David is talking about the ways his enemies treat him and is asking the Lord to rescue him from them.
Proverbs 9:13-18
These verses personify Folly as another woman who calls to the simple and tries to persuade those who lack sense.
Pray-
Yemen
Poorest Arab country in the world. They have oil, but it doesn't account for much. There is very high unemployment. They have a history of wars and unstable politics. The official religion is Islam. It is very conservative with little religious freedom. Praise the Lord that there have been increasing numbers who are learning about Jesus!
Leviticus 1-3:17
Right from the get-go this book is full of laws. The first 3 chapters tell the laws for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. I sure how Aaron and his sons had strong stomachs. The descriptions of what they had to do to the animals and what parts of them to use are very graphic and specific. Let's just say I would have passed out if it had been me.
Mark 1:29-2:12
Jesus is healing many people and drawing large crowds. They are amazed by Him. The first time someone questions Him in this book is after he tells a man his sins are forgiven. They do not openly question, but Jesus knows what they have in their hearts and addresses it... then he heals the man who was paralyzed. His friends had lowered him down from the roof.
Psalm 35:17-28
In this psalm, David is talking about the ways his enemies treat him and is asking the Lord to rescue him from them.
Proverbs 9:13-18
These verses personify Folly as another woman who calls to the simple and tries to persuade those who lack sense.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Day 44
Yesterday was the last day of school for the fall semester. It is hard to believe how fast it went! And now I have two weeks for Christmas break. Lord, help me to be smart with the use of my time so that is may glorify You in all ways.
Pray:
Vietnam
I am loving learning about this country because I have a student from Vietnam. She is actually going to visit next month, so I will know what to pray for while she is there! This is a communist county with strong authoritarian rule. They have a constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, but there are Religion Police and churches are required to register but are often denied. Praise the Lord that the church is growing in spite of persecution. Also, there have been increased numbers of Bibles printed in Vietnamese with permission from the government. That is so important!!
Exodus 35:10-36:38
The Israelites bring their offerings of supplies for the tabernacle and construction is begun. Bezalel and Oholiab are the two main craftsmen for construction.
Matthew 27:32-66
Jesus is crucified. This is such an awful death and hard to read about, but thankfully there is so much hope in His act of sacrifice. When He died the curtain of the temple was torn in two, meaning that we no longer need anyone to go to God on our behalf. Jesus made a way for us to go directly to God ourselves. Such good news!!
Psalm 34:1-10
So much good in these few verses! Here are some highlights:
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord...
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him...
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
... those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Proverbs 9:7-8
These verses say that if you try to teach a scoffer, or wicked man, that he will only hate you, but if you teach a wise and righteous man, his wisdom will increase. How I long to be one who increases in wisdom and knowledge rather than one who scoffs at it!
Pray:
Vietnam
I am loving learning about this country because I have a student from Vietnam. She is actually going to visit next month, so I will know what to pray for while she is there! This is a communist county with strong authoritarian rule. They have a constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, but there are Religion Police and churches are required to register but are often denied. Praise the Lord that the church is growing in spite of persecution. Also, there have been increased numbers of Bibles printed in Vietnamese with permission from the government. That is so important!!
Exodus 35:10-36:38
The Israelites bring their offerings of supplies for the tabernacle and construction is begun. Bezalel and Oholiab are the two main craftsmen for construction.
Matthew 27:32-66
Jesus is crucified. This is such an awful death and hard to read about, but thankfully there is so much hope in His act of sacrifice. When He died the curtain of the temple was torn in two, meaning that we no longer need anyone to go to God on our behalf. Jesus made a way for us to go directly to God ourselves. Such good news!!
Psalm 34:1-10
So much good in these few verses! Here are some highlights:
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord...
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him...
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
... those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Proverbs 9:7-8
These verses say that if you try to teach a scoffer, or wicked man, that he will only hate you, but if you teach a wise and righteous man, his wisdom will increase. How I long to be one who increases in wisdom and knowledge rather than one who scoffs at it!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Blinding powers be bound
Pray-
Venezuela
They are the worlds 4th largest oil producers, which accounts for most of their economy. There are a few elite rich, and mostly everyone else struggles financially. The people are largely secular and strongly influenced by Spiritism. "Pray that the powers blinding Venezuelans to the truth might be bound."
Exodus 34-35:9
When Moses came down off the mountain to find the people worshipping a golden calf, he threw down the stone tablets the Lord had written on and they were broken. So now, he has taken new tablets back up the mountain and the Lord is retelling him what to write. When Moses goes back up the mountain, God says of Himself, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty..." verses 6-7 I love this statement of His character. Moses stays another 40 days and nights and when he finally comes down off the mountain his face is glowing... literally.
Matthew 27:15-31
These are some intense parts of the gospel. Pilate offers two men to the crowd to be released, but they choose Barabbas and yell for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate's wife tells him to have nothing to do with Jesus' death because He is innocent. Then it begins- Jesus is scourged (beaten), stripped, given a crown of thorns, mocked, spat upon, and finally led away to be crucified.
Psalm 33:12-22
I love the idea of God's steadfast love for us. That is what this whole chapter is about.
"Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you." verse 22
Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom is referred to as a "she" and is calling those who lack sense to herself.
Venezuela
They are the worlds 4th largest oil producers, which accounts for most of their economy. There are a few elite rich, and mostly everyone else struggles financially. The people are largely secular and strongly influenced by Spiritism. "Pray that the powers blinding Venezuelans to the truth might be bound."
Exodus 34-35:9
When Moses came down off the mountain to find the people worshipping a golden calf, he threw down the stone tablets the Lord had written on and they were broken. So now, he has taken new tablets back up the mountain and the Lord is retelling him what to write. When Moses goes back up the mountain, God says of Himself, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty..." verses 6-7 I love this statement of His character. Moses stays another 40 days and nights and when he finally comes down off the mountain his face is glowing... literally.
Matthew 27:15-31
These are some intense parts of the gospel. Pilate offers two men to the crowd to be released, but they choose Barabbas and yell for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate's wife tells him to have nothing to do with Jesus' death because He is innocent. Then it begins- Jesus is scourged (beaten), stripped, given a crown of thorns, mocked, spat upon, and finally led away to be crucified.
Psalm 33:12-22
I love the idea of God's steadfast love for us. That is what this whole chapter is about.
"Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you." verse 22
Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom is referred to as a "she" and is calling those who lack sense to herself.
Amazing
Yesterday, I, along with my friend Tim, auditioned for The Amazing Race. The whole experience was crazy and spontaneous and exciting and so much fun!!! I could not ask for a better partner and I really hope we get to continue. :) Because of our little adventure, though, I am a little behind in blogging and a lot behind in praying for the world.
I would like to report a renewed sense of purpose in this Radical process. Last night at Bible study we discussed James 5 and the Lord really spoke to me through verse 8. It says to be patient and establish your heart. This whole process of living radically for a year takes patience, but is establishing my heart, or building a foundation in me to be the woman God has called me to be. And the result of this patience and establishing my heart will be steadfastness, which I have come to realize in the last couple of days is really what I long for. I want and need to be steadfast as life changes. When changes happen around me at work, at home, at church, with friends, with family, with anything... I want my foundation to be so firm that nothing changes it.
Exodus 32-33
The Israelites make a golden calf because Moses is gone for a while. They actually make it so they can say it brought them out of Egypt. That blows my mind. How can they even rationalize that something they have made in the wilderness brought them there? I guess I trust in myself too much sometimes as well, though. Then God tells Moses that the people can leave Sinai but He isn't going along. But Moses pleads with the Lord saying, "If your presence will not go with me, do no bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is is not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?" That has been a prayer of mine many times, and continues to be- Lord, do not send me from here if you will not go with me!
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Judas betrays Jesus and His questioning begins. He says very little.
Psalm 33:1-11
I love this verse and how it expresses the bigness of God:
"He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
he puts the deeps in storehouses." verse 7
Proverbs 8:33-36
This is still Wisdom speaking as in the first person. In the last couple of verses it concludes with "for whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord." verse 35
Pray
Vanuatu- In the Pacific. A group of islands with at least 108 languages. Here is a crazy statistic: more than 60 languages are spoken by less than 1,000 people. There is religious freedom. Many are followers of Christ and the country itself has been dedicated to the Lord. But they still must battle ethnic religions, an influx of other faiths, and a lack of Bible understanding.
I would like to report a renewed sense of purpose in this Radical process. Last night at Bible study we discussed James 5 and the Lord really spoke to me through verse 8. It says to be patient and establish your heart. This whole process of living radically for a year takes patience, but is establishing my heart, or building a foundation in me to be the woman God has called me to be. And the result of this patience and establishing my heart will be steadfastness, which I have come to realize in the last couple of days is really what I long for. I want and need to be steadfast as life changes. When changes happen around me at work, at home, at church, with friends, with family, with anything... I want my foundation to be so firm that nothing changes it.
Exodus 32-33
The Israelites make a golden calf because Moses is gone for a while. They actually make it so they can say it brought them out of Egypt. That blows my mind. How can they even rationalize that something they have made in the wilderness brought them there? I guess I trust in myself too much sometimes as well, though. Then God tells Moses that the people can leave Sinai but He isn't going along. But Moses pleads with the Lord saying, "If your presence will not go with me, do no bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is is not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?" That has been a prayer of mine many times, and continues to be- Lord, do not send me from here if you will not go with me!
Matthew 26:69-27:14
Judas betrays Jesus and His questioning begins. He says very little.
Psalm 33:1-11
I love this verse and how it expresses the bigness of God:
"He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
he puts the deeps in storehouses." verse 7
Proverbs 8:33-36
This is still Wisdom speaking as in the first person. In the last couple of verses it concludes with "for whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord." verse 35
Pray
Vanuatu- In the Pacific. A group of islands with at least 108 languages. Here is a crazy statistic: more than 60 languages are spoken by less than 1,000 people. There is religious freedom. Many are followers of Christ and the country itself has been dedicated to the Lord. But they still must battle ethnic religions, an influx of other faiths, and a lack of Bible understanding.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Oops!
*So apparently I never finished this post and left it to be edited later, but here's what I wrote on Saturday.*
'Tis the season... for parties and baking and presents, oh my! Not to mention work, and sickness, and service projects, and, and, and... Lord, find me faithful in this season that is all about You!
Matthew 24
I really liked this chapter. It's not one that we look to often for "advice." It's all about the end times and signs of the coming age. Basically, things are going to get really bad, and false teachers and prophets will come saying that they are the Christ, but Jesus tells us there will be no missing Him when He does show up. Also of note is the fact that after the time of tribulations, "the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven..." I hadn't realized that before! We must be on our guard and be ready because no one knows the day or hour of the coming of the Son of God. I hope I'm ready and caught doing something valuable with my time, rather than wasting my time. Probably the most exciting verse of this chapter is verse 14- "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Psalm 29-30
Oh man, I am loving the Word today! I'm so thankful it is living and active, and able to speak to me no matter what might be going on in my head and heart. 29 is all about the power in the voice of the Lord. How His voice breaks cedars and flashes forth flames of fire. 30 is about the joy that He brings. He is able to turn our mourning into dancing. I love it!!!
Proverbs 7
Warning Against the Adulteress. There has been much warning against adultery in the last couple of chapters, but this is specifically about the woman who would entice a man to commit adultery and how she seems so appealing and the ways she would lure him in. I wonder if Solomon as much as he did about this because of personal experiences. Or it could just be because he knew how much we struggle with sexual sin in our flesh. Either way, he is adamant that we should avoid it.
Exodus 23:14-25:40
'Tis the season... for parties and baking and presents, oh my! Not to mention work, and sickness, and service projects, and, and, and... Lord, find me faithful in this season that is all about You!
Matthew 24
I really liked this chapter. It's not one that we look to often for "advice." It's all about the end times and signs of the coming age. Basically, things are going to get really bad, and false teachers and prophets will come saying that they are the Christ, but Jesus tells us there will be no missing Him when He does show up. Also of note is the fact that after the time of tribulations, "the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven..." I hadn't realized that before! We must be on our guard and be ready because no one knows the day or hour of the coming of the Son of God. I hope I'm ready and caught doing something valuable with my time, rather than wasting my time. Probably the most exciting verse of this chapter is verse 14- "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Psalm 29-30
Oh man, I am loving the Word today! I'm so thankful it is living and active, and able to speak to me no matter what might be going on in my head and heart. 29 is all about the power in the voice of the Lord. How His voice breaks cedars and flashes forth flames of fire. 30 is about the joy that He brings. He is able to turn our mourning into dancing. I love it!!!
Proverbs 7
Warning Against the Adulteress. There has been much warning against adultery in the last couple of chapters, but this is specifically about the woman who would entice a man to commit adultery and how she seems so appealing and the ways she would lure him in. I wonder if Solomon as much as he did about this because of personal experiences. Or it could just be because he knew how much we struggle with sexual sin in our flesh. Either way, he is adamant that we should avoid it.
Exodus 23:14-25:40
Three Trees
Every year at our church we host an event called Three Trees where we help out needy families with Christmas gifts. That event was yesterday, and it was fantastic! We had tons of volunteers and plenty of toys left over. Usually when it gets down to the end, most of the toys are picked over and parents don't have much to choose from. I heard someone say that the toys were kind of like the loaves and fish that just kept multiplying so that there were many basketfuls left over. It was a wonderful day of serving with friends and loving on people who need it.
Exodus 28
This chapter sets out the specifications for the priests' garments.
Matthew 25:31-26:13
Jesus talks about people who did and did not feed him when he was hungry, or clothe him when he was naked, or minister to him when he was in prison. The people cannot recall having done or not done any of these things for Jesus, but He explains that if we do this for anyone, we are doing it for Him. May I not pass up an opportunity to minister because of my selfishness!
Then a woman pours her very expensive ointment on Jesus to honor Him. The disciples think this is a waste, but Jesus corrects them and honors her sacrifice. Am I willing to give my material possessions in the same way this woman did? The answer should be yes, and I want it to be yes, but if I am honest I would hesitate with some things.
Exodus 28
This chapter sets out the specifications for the priests' garments.
Matthew 25:31-26:13
Jesus talks about people who did and did not feed him when he was hungry, or clothe him when he was naked, or minister to him when he was in prison. The people cannot recall having done or not done any of these things for Jesus, but He explains that if we do this for anyone, we are doing it for Him. May I not pass up an opportunity to minister because of my selfishness!
Then a woman pours her very expensive ointment on Jesus to honor Him. The disciples think this is a waste, but Jesus corrects them and honors her sacrifice. Am I willing to give my material possessions in the same way this woman did? The answer should be yes, and I want it to be yes, but if I am honest I would hesitate with some things.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Uruguay
Today I am praying for Uruguay. I love this statistic: the effort to double the number of congregations between 1998 and 2005 was completed- also doubling the number of believers in the process!!! How great is that?! Even with the number doubled, though, Uruguay still faces some major godlessness in society. There are other types of "religious" groups that are springing up, so pray for religious deceptions to be exposed. Also pray that the written Word would be a powerful tool in this highly literate country.
Exodus 26-27
It is no wonder that Moses stayed up on the mountain so long when you consider how much stuff he had to write down!! These chapters are outlining how the temple is to be built. God gives them such great detail! He tells them what color threads to use, how many poles for each side, the type of metal to use for each pillar, exact construction of the altar, and on and on. It is pretty amazing to me that He took such care with the details.
Matthew 25:1-30
Jesus is speaking about the kingdom of heaven in parables. The first one is about ten virgins who are waiting for the wedding party to go to the feast. Five of them were not prepared with oil for their lamps so they had to go back and get more, but the party came and them missed getting to go in with them. The next parable is about servants who were given different amounts of money from their master. The two receiving the most money doubled what they had been given, but the one receiving the least hid the money and it did not increase at all. The one who hid is money was chastised and then thrown out because he did no work with what he was given.
Psalm 31:1-8
"I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place." verse 8
Proverbs 8:1-11
About Wisdom:
"All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them." verse 8
"Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."
Exodus 26-27
It is no wonder that Moses stayed up on the mountain so long when you consider how much stuff he had to write down!! These chapters are outlining how the temple is to be built. God gives them such great detail! He tells them what color threads to use, how many poles for each side, the type of metal to use for each pillar, exact construction of the altar, and on and on. It is pretty amazing to me that He took such care with the details.
Matthew 25:1-30
Jesus is speaking about the kingdom of heaven in parables. The first one is about ten virgins who are waiting for the wedding party to go to the feast. Five of them were not prepared with oil for their lamps so they had to go back and get more, but the party came and them missed getting to go in with them. The next parable is about servants who were given different amounts of money from their master. The two receiving the most money doubled what they had been given, but the one receiving the least hid the money and it did not increase at all. The one who hid is money was chastised and then thrown out because he did no work with what he was given.
Psalm 31:1-8
"I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place." verse 8
Proverbs 8:1-11
About Wisdom:
"All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them." verse 8
"Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
...not what they do.
Exodus 17:8-19:15
Moses' father-in-law helps him to delegate, and then Moses meets with the Lord on Mount Sinai. The Lord has told Moses to prepare the people because in three days He will come to the mountain in a cloud and the people will hear His voice so they will believe Him forever.
Matthew 22:34-23:12
Now the Pharisees and Sadducees are working together to try to catch Jesus in His words, but He answers them so well that "from that day no one dared to ask him any more questions." verse 46 Then He tells the crowds and His disciples to be careful to not be like the ones who kept asking Him questions. Jesus said to do what they tell you, but not what they do because their actions are not only for show. My prayer is that I would not only serve Him with my words, but that my actions would be consistent with what I say.
Psalm 27:7-14
Asking the Lord for protection.
Proverbs 6:27-35
There are consequences for our actions. We cannot hold fire and not get burned. In other words, we should not expect for our sins to not effect us in some negative way.
Moses' father-in-law helps him to delegate, and then Moses meets with the Lord on Mount Sinai. The Lord has told Moses to prepare the people because in three days He will come to the mountain in a cloud and the people will hear His voice so they will believe Him forever.
Matthew 22:34-23:12
Now the Pharisees and Sadducees are working together to try to catch Jesus in His words, but He answers them so well that "from that day no one dared to ask him any more questions." verse 46 Then He tells the crowds and His disciples to be careful to not be like the ones who kept asking Him questions. Jesus said to do what they tell you, but not what they do because their actions are not only for show. My prayer is that I would not only serve Him with my words, but that my actions would be consistent with what I say.
Psalm 27:7-14
Asking the Lord for protection.
Proverbs 6:27-35
There are consequences for our actions. We cannot hold fire and not get burned. In other words, we should not expect for our sins to not effect us in some negative way.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
So Good
I read but didn't blog yesterday. But some of the reading was just so good that I had to come back and write about it! I will be praying for the USA over the next few days and will include info about that later.
Exodus 15:19-17:7
There were a couple of things that struck me about this passage. First, God is revealing His nature to His people. It's almost like they are having to get reacquainted after all those years of slavery. At the end of chapter 15, God tells the people to listen to Him and do what's right in His eyes and in return He will not afflict them with the diseases the Egyptians had to endure. ..."for I am the Lord, your healer." verse 26 He also becomes their provider when they are lacking food. He sends manna and quail every day to sustain them.
The other thing that got my attention was the fact that the Israelites were less than two months into their journey when their grumbling began. They complain to Moses and Aaron and say that things were better in Egypt. Less than two months... almost the same amount of time I have been on this journey of trying to live my life in a radical way. Moses told the people, "Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord." 16:8 How I hope that I have not been grumbling! Maybe not even out loud, but what is it that is truly in my heart?
Matthew 22:1-33
Jesus speaks the parable of the wedding feast, then the Pharisees and Sadducees are trying to trap Him in His words.
Psalm 27
So many good things in this psalm, but here's my fav:
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
verse 4
Proverbs 6:20-26
More warnings about adultery, and the thought-provoking verse of the day:
"but a man's wife hunts down a precious life." verse 26
Exodus 15:19-17:7
There were a couple of things that struck me about this passage. First, God is revealing His nature to His people. It's almost like they are having to get reacquainted after all those years of slavery. At the end of chapter 15, God tells the people to listen to Him and do what's right in His eyes and in return He will not afflict them with the diseases the Egyptians had to endure. ..."for I am the Lord, your healer." verse 26 He also becomes their provider when they are lacking food. He sends manna and quail every day to sustain them.
The other thing that got my attention was the fact that the Israelites were less than two months into their journey when their grumbling began. They complain to Moses and Aaron and say that things were better in Egypt. Less than two months... almost the same amount of time I have been on this journey of trying to live my life in a radical way. Moses told the people, "Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord." 16:8 How I hope that I have not been grumbling! Maybe not even out loud, but what is it that is truly in my heart?
Matthew 22:1-33
Jesus speaks the parable of the wedding feast, then the Pharisees and Sadducees are trying to trap Him in His words.
Psalm 27
So many good things in this psalm, but here's my fav:
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
verse 4
Proverbs 6:20-26
More warnings about adultery, and the thought-provoking verse of the day:
"but a man's wife hunts down a precious life." verse 26
Monday, December 6, 2010
One Month Down
I have officially made it through one month of this experiment. It has been great so far. The Bible reading is going really well. I love getting to spend time reading through large sections of the Word. Praying for the world is really cool! I have learned a lot about several countries I didn't even know existed. I will admit, though, that my prayer for them has become a bit stagnant. I will read about a country because I need to do it to keep on schedule, but my prayers have not been as diligent for the countries I am reading about. This needs to be fixed. I also need to continue working on spending my money for a specific purpose. With the holidays, there have been several opportunities to give and bless people, but I'm not sure what spending my extra money will look like after they are over. And I need to spend ALL my extra money. Give sacrificially, not just a little bit. So this one is still a learning process for sure. Spending time in a different context actually came up yesterday and I got some advice on how to go about rocking babies here in the states. Hopefully I will pursue looking into this and will not just put it on the back burner until I am "less busy." And I'm thinking that I will just travel around my country this summer instead of going out of the country again. But who knows... the Lord may have bigger plans for me! I heart my multiplying community!!!!! The church I attend is in the midst of a big service project and my Sunday school class and small group and both helping to grow me in many ways. Not to mention, I will be taking on more commitment in a leadership role for the next year.
So, all things considered, I like the way my thoughts are being pulled by trying to live out this radical experiment. Obviously I am not there by any means. But I am still excited about what the Lord will teach me throughout this process. I listened to a sermon by David Platt about his whole challenge and he was adamant at the end that the whole point of this is to know Christ. That's it. Not to see how good we can be. Not to check things off of a list. Not even to see what can be accomplished in or through us. It is simply to know Christ. To know the Savior. To know Him. If after 11 more months I can say I know Him much better than I did today, this will have been a success.
Pray: United Kingdom
England- most secular of the four countries. Only 6% are church goers. London might be the most international city in the world, making it a place of global impact. Pray for church life in London and ethnic minorities.
Northern Ireland- experiencing a time of fragile peace. Church attendance is in decline.
Scotland- lots of moral issues: 1/2 of children are born out of wedlock, drugs, alcohol... Pray for transformation through the gospel. Pray also for the church to return to Biblical teaching.
Wales- economic changes are causing a decline in population and church attendance. They are known for revival, but the most recent one was in 1904. Pray for revival and the return of the people singing God's praise.
Isle of Man- completely self-governing, but dependent on England for certain things. They have a long Christian tradition, but like the other countries in the UK, they are moving away from this. Pray that they would return to their roots.
Channel Islands- another independently ruled nation that relies on Britain for defensive protection and international representation. Materialism is prevalent. Pray for awakening.
Genesis 13:17-15:18
Pharaoh let the Israelites go. They followed a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. Sometimes I wish I had one of those pillars showing me where to go. Then they walk across the dry ground in the middle of the Red Sea, and when the Egyptians follow them, the Lord causes the water to wash them away basically. After they have been saved, they sing a song of praise!
Matthew 21:23-46
I am having more difficulty with the meaning of some of what Jesus says lately. I know He talks in parables, but I don't always understand how the lesson goes with the story. For instance, today I read the parable of the tenants who killed servants and even the owner's son thinking that they would receive the inheritance instead, but Jesus asks what the master will do when he arrives and says "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..." verse 42. I don't really understand the connection. Another thing going on in this part of the book is that the Pharisees are wanting to arrest Him, but they feared the crowds.
Psalm 26
"...I will bless the Lord." verse 12 In my midweek Bible study we questioned whether we bless the Lord enough or not. Obviously, most of us do not. I want to bless Him, though, with my words and actions and money and time management and labor...
Proverbs 6:16-19
Seven things the Lord hates.
So, all things considered, I like the way my thoughts are being pulled by trying to live out this radical experiment. Obviously I am not there by any means. But I am still excited about what the Lord will teach me throughout this process. I listened to a sermon by David Platt about his whole challenge and he was adamant at the end that the whole point of this is to know Christ. That's it. Not to see how good we can be. Not to check things off of a list. Not even to see what can be accomplished in or through us. It is simply to know Christ. To know the Savior. To know Him. If after 11 more months I can say I know Him much better than I did today, this will have been a success.
Pray: United Kingdom
England- most secular of the four countries. Only 6% are church goers. London might be the most international city in the world, making it a place of global impact. Pray for church life in London and ethnic minorities.
Northern Ireland- experiencing a time of fragile peace. Church attendance is in decline.
Scotland- lots of moral issues: 1/2 of children are born out of wedlock, drugs, alcohol... Pray for transformation through the gospel. Pray also for the church to return to Biblical teaching.
Wales- economic changes are causing a decline in population and church attendance. They are known for revival, but the most recent one was in 1904. Pray for revival and the return of the people singing God's praise.
Isle of Man- completely self-governing, but dependent on England for certain things. They have a long Christian tradition, but like the other countries in the UK, they are moving away from this. Pray that they would return to their roots.
Channel Islands- another independently ruled nation that relies on Britain for defensive protection and international representation. Materialism is prevalent. Pray for awakening.
Genesis 13:17-15:18
Pharaoh let the Israelites go. They followed a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. Sometimes I wish I had one of those pillars showing me where to go. Then they walk across the dry ground in the middle of the Red Sea, and when the Egyptians follow them, the Lord causes the water to wash them away basically. After they have been saved, they sing a song of praise!
Matthew 21:23-46
I am having more difficulty with the meaning of some of what Jesus says lately. I know He talks in parables, but I don't always understand how the lesson goes with the story. For instance, today I read the parable of the tenants who killed servants and even the owner's son thinking that they would receive the inheritance instead, but Jesus asks what the master will do when he arrives and says "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..." verse 42. I don't really understand the connection. Another thing going on in this part of the book is that the Pharisees are wanting to arrest Him, but they feared the crowds.
Psalm 26
"...I will bless the Lord." verse 12 In my midweek Bible study we questioned whether we bless the Lord enough or not. Obviously, most of us do not. I want to bless Him, though, with my words and actions and money and time management and labor...
Proverbs 6:16-19
Seven things the Lord hates.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Moving Mountains
Back on schedule! :)
Pray:
United Kingdom
Christian leadership is facing a lot of pressure- discipleship and new leaders are both needed.
Students are greatly influenced by society- Christian students have an opportunity to witness.
The world has come to the UK- pray for local churches to open their hearts to these people.
There is a huge Muslim population who "see the conversion of England to Islam as a key strategy for winning the West."
Proverbs 6:12-15
Traits of a worthless, wicked man.
Psalm 25:16-22
A plea for help.
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Two blind men have such faith in hearing that Jesus is passing by that they cry out for Him until He comes and heals them. Then Jesus goes into the temple and drives out the money changers and others who are selling things. After that, upon coming to a tree that has no fruit on it, Jesus causes it to wither immediately. The disciples apparently are still not used to this type of thing and marvel at Him, wondering how He has done this. He explains that if they have faith, even they will be able to do what they saw Him do. Not only that, but "if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen." verse 21 He also tells them that "whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." verse 22
Exodus 12:14-13:16
After 430 years, the Israelites are free from Egypt!! The Lord brought them up out of the land as He said. Pharaoh decided the death of his firstborn was finally enough and let the people go.
Pray:
United Kingdom
Christian leadership is facing a lot of pressure- discipleship and new leaders are both needed.
Students are greatly influenced by society- Christian students have an opportunity to witness.
The world has come to the UK- pray for local churches to open their hearts to these people.
There is a huge Muslim population who "see the conversion of England to Islam as a key strategy for winning the West."
Proverbs 6:12-15
Traits of a worthless, wicked man.
Psalm 25:16-22
A plea for help.
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Two blind men have such faith in hearing that Jesus is passing by that they cry out for Him until He comes and heals them. Then Jesus goes into the temple and drives out the money changers and others who are selling things. After that, upon coming to a tree that has no fruit on it, Jesus causes it to wither immediately. The disciples apparently are still not used to this type of thing and marvel at Him, wondering how He has done this. He explains that if they have faith, even they will be able to do what they saw Him do. Not only that, but "if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen." verse 21 He also tells them that "whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." verse 22
Exodus 12:14-13:16
After 430 years, the Israelites are free from Egypt!! The Lord brought them up out of the land as He said. Pharaoh decided the death of his firstborn was finally enough and let the people go.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Catching Up
Oh boy have I fallen behind in some of the reading... especially the Old Testament. But I am catching up today and it really was pretty cool to read several chapters of Exodus all together. I read all the way from when the Lord tells Moses to go back to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of captivity, through most of the plagues sent because of Pharaoh's hard heart, to the instructions for the Passover. The plagues that happened really were terrible. I can't imagine being just an average Egyptian who had no clue why all these crazy things were happening: frogs, flies, boils, darkness, etc. There must have been no doubt in the minds of those who heard Moses speak, though, that his God was the only true God.
Matthew 19:13-20:28
Jesus tells a young man that to truly become His follower he must sell everything and give to the poor because "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven." 19:24 This is a bit of a scary thought in our society. We all have in abundance. We may not see ourselves as "rich," but we have more than most. Then Jesus tells about laborers who worked all day, and some who worked only in the last hour but all got paid the same amount. He used this story to illustrate "the last will be first, and the first last." 20:16 I must confess the connection between the story and the lesson are not perfectly clear for me.
Psalm 24, 25:1-15
"Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory!" 24:10
"Make known to me your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long." 25:4-5
"All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep to his covenant and his testimonies." 25:10
Proverbs 6:1-11
This portion of the Scriptures has the title "Practical Warnings." Not only are they practical, they are convicting. First he says if your words have gotten you in trouble to not sleep until you have fixed it. Then he talks about being a sluggard:
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man." verse 11
Pray:
United Arab Emirates
I had to look up what emirate means. It is the area that an emir rules. So then I had to look up emir. This is a person who is a ruler in an Islamic country. One definition even said a descendent of Mohammed. This country went from a poor economy to a "playground of the ultra-rich." As you can imagine, there are all sorts of issues that arise from that. There is religious freedom, but many don't know about Christ. There are many expatriates in the country who could potentially be shared with.
United Kingdom
The UK has a strong Christian history but is becoming more and more diversified in its faith. There are minority groups that get more and more attention from the media and government and Christianity is increasingly frowned upon in the public realm. Pray for confidence in the gospel and boldness and passion to share it.
Matthew 19:13-20:28
Jesus tells a young man that to truly become His follower he must sell everything and give to the poor because "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven." 19:24 This is a bit of a scary thought in our society. We all have in abundance. We may not see ourselves as "rich," but we have more than most. Then Jesus tells about laborers who worked all day, and some who worked only in the last hour but all got paid the same amount. He used this story to illustrate "the last will be first, and the first last." 20:16 I must confess the connection between the story and the lesson are not perfectly clear for me.
Psalm 24, 25:1-15
"Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory!" 24:10
"Make known to me your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long." 25:4-5
"All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep to his covenant and his testimonies." 25:10
Proverbs 6:1-11
This portion of the Scriptures has the title "Practical Warnings." Not only are they practical, they are convicting. First he says if your words have gotten you in trouble to not sleep until you have fixed it. Then he talks about being a sluggard:
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man." verse 11
Pray:
United Arab Emirates
I had to look up what emirate means. It is the area that an emir rules. So then I had to look up emir. This is a person who is a ruler in an Islamic country. One definition even said a descendent of Mohammed. This country went from a poor economy to a "playground of the ultra-rich." As you can imagine, there are all sorts of issues that arise from that. There is religious freedom, but many don't know about Christ. There are many expatriates in the country who could potentially be shared with.
United Kingdom
The UK has a strong Christian history but is becoming more and more diversified in its faith. There are minority groups that get more and more attention from the media and government and Christianity is increasingly frowned upon in the public realm. Pray for confidence in the gospel and boldness and passion to share it.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Just Keeps Going and Going and Going...
Life simply never stops. Some weeks are slower than others, but this is definitely not a slow week. It is December, and in the music education world, that automatically means your schedule is going to be jam-packed with lots of stuff. With this being the case, I have fallen behind in my reading and prayers. That being said, I find myself with a few extra minutes this morning and am hoping that it will be a sweet time of "catching up" with the Lord. I'm not giving in, yet!
Pray: Ukraine
In Eastern Europe with an unstable economy, but potential for growth. They are dealing with the aftermath of communism having only gained political freedom in 1991. There is a strong Christian heritage, but the Church faced much persecution during communist times. I prayed for righteousness, justice, and compassion in dealing with the effects of communism. I prayed for reconciliation and unity in the Church after the divisions caused by the era of communism. And I prayed for the tens of thousands of street children and over 100,000 orphans of this country.
Proverbs 5:15-23
These verses are a warning against adultery, a warning about that "forbidden woman" that was mentioned earlier. He is instructed to rejoice in his wife and "be intoxicated always in her love." verse 19 A lack of discipline in this area will lead to death.
Psalm 22:19-31, Psalm 23
The end of 22 basically talks about how the Lord rescues us from those we consider enemies.
23 is very well known and just speaks peace to me. It is a beautiful image of the Lord leading us and providing for us.
Matthew 18-19:12
So many great things in these chapters! First, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest. And far from the answer they expected, I'm sure, Jesus tells them it is the one who humbles himself like a child. Then He is very adamant about not causing a child to sin, or to even be tempted to sin. He uses such strong language when talking about these subjects- He even tells us to get rid of a part of the body if it causes you to sin. Next, He talks about a shepherd who will leave the entire flock to go after just one sheep. I saw real life shepherds on a mountain in Romania this past summer, and this absolutely is true. There were two shepherds with a giant flock of sheep and one of them literally left the flock and went back for a couple of sheep that had not followed and were left behind. He then tells us how to deal with those who sin against us by speaking with the instead of passing judgement, and follows that by explaining that we should forgive those who sin against us over and over and over again. Finally, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and how it was never intended to have any part in marriage. He also says that only certain people can receive the saying that it is better not to marry. "Let the one who is able to receive this, receive it." verse 9:12
Pray: Ukraine
In Eastern Europe with an unstable economy, but potential for growth. They are dealing with the aftermath of communism having only gained political freedom in 1991. There is a strong Christian heritage, but the Church faced much persecution during communist times. I prayed for righteousness, justice, and compassion in dealing with the effects of communism. I prayed for reconciliation and unity in the Church after the divisions caused by the era of communism. And I prayed for the tens of thousands of street children and over 100,000 orphans of this country.
Proverbs 5:15-23
These verses are a warning against adultery, a warning about that "forbidden woman" that was mentioned earlier. He is instructed to rejoice in his wife and "be intoxicated always in her love." verse 19 A lack of discipline in this area will lead to death.
Psalm 22:19-31, Psalm 23
The end of 22 basically talks about how the Lord rescues us from those we consider enemies.
23 is very well known and just speaks peace to me. It is a beautiful image of the Lord leading us and providing for us.
Matthew 18-19:12
So many great things in these chapters! First, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest. And far from the answer they expected, I'm sure, Jesus tells them it is the one who humbles himself like a child. Then He is very adamant about not causing a child to sin, or to even be tempted to sin. He uses such strong language when talking about these subjects- He even tells us to get rid of a part of the body if it causes you to sin. Next, He talks about a shepherd who will leave the entire flock to go after just one sheep. I saw real life shepherds on a mountain in Romania this past summer, and this absolutely is true. There were two shepherds with a giant flock of sheep and one of them literally left the flock and went back for a couple of sheep that had not followed and were left behind. He then tells us how to deal with those who sin against us by speaking with the instead of passing judgement, and follows that by explaining that we should forgive those who sin against us over and over and over again. Finally, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and how it was never intended to have any part in marriage. He also says that only certain people can receive the saying that it is better not to marry. "Let the one who is able to receive this, receive it." verse 9:12
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