Pray- Asia
The Church in East Asia varies greatly from country to country. Some, like North Korea, have intense persecution of Christians. Others, like South Korea, are still a minority, but are strong and growing and sending out missionaries. And then some have seen Christianity become more acceptable, but still are very small in number. The Church is also battling the societal evil of materialism, basing their worth on their success in the world.
Deuteronomy 11-12
I am loving Deuteronomy. So far it has been lots of recapping the journey of the Israelites, but there has also been lots of God expressing His love for His people. Here are some things that have caught my attention: "the Lord set his heart in lover on your fathers and chose their offspring after them... the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe... He is your praise. He is your God, who had done great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen... You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates..."
Luke 8:22-39
Jesus just told the parable of the seeds that are scattered and fall on different types of soil. He then explains to the disciples that not everyone is supposed to understand His stories (which I don't completely understand). Then they set out in a boat, Jesus falls asleep, there is a storm, the disciples think they will die, Jesus rebukes the wind and waves, and then asks His disciples where their faith is. He also heals a demon possessed man. The people of the town were afraid and asked Him to leave.
Psalm 70
David is asking for quick deliverance.
Proverbs 12:4
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones." This one hits pretty close to home. How I hope to be a crown and not rottenness!!!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
A Thousand Generations
Pray- Asia
The Church in South Asia- there is decline in Christian population on some areas and growth in others. The growth is hard to measure due to vast numbers of people and little change in lifestyles after conversion. Persecution is face in every country in this region. And the mission vision is growing. India has the largest number of national missionaries in the world.
Deuteronomy 7-8
God is reminding the Israelites that they are a chosen people. They are to completely destroy the nations and people whose land they will take. He tells them the reason He has rescued them is because "the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery... Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep is commandments, to a thousand generations." 7:8-9 He then warns against forgetting all that He has done once they have received the blessings of the land. "Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers..." 8:17-18
Luke 7:36-8:3
Jesus is invited to a Pharisee's house to eat and a woman comes to see Him. She weeps and with her tears, washes Jesus' feet. Then she anoints his feet with ointment. The Pharisee thinks that Jesus must not realize what a sinner this woman is, but Jesus knows his thoughts and tells him (without having been asked) that her many sins are forgiven. He gives an example of two people owing a debt, one much greater than the other, and both are forgiven. The one with the bigger debt would love the lender more because he was forgiven more. "But he who is forgiven little, loves little." 7:47
Psalm 69:1-18
David is crying out to be saved from his enemies. But these are not enemies of war. These are enemies that have come from David's following God. They hate him because of the Lord.
Proverbs 12:1
Discipline and knowledge go hand in hand.
The Church in South Asia- there is decline in Christian population on some areas and growth in others. The growth is hard to measure due to vast numbers of people and little change in lifestyles after conversion. Persecution is face in every country in this region. And the mission vision is growing. India has the largest number of national missionaries in the world.
Deuteronomy 7-8
God is reminding the Israelites that they are a chosen people. They are to completely destroy the nations and people whose land they will take. He tells them the reason He has rescued them is because "the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery... Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep is commandments, to a thousand generations." 7:8-9 He then warns against forgetting all that He has done once they have received the blessings of the land. "Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers..." 8:17-18
Luke 7:36-8:3
Jesus is invited to a Pharisee's house to eat and a woman comes to see Him. She weeps and with her tears, washes Jesus' feet. Then she anoints his feet with ointment. The Pharisee thinks that Jesus must not realize what a sinner this woman is, but Jesus knows his thoughts and tells him (without having been asked) that her many sins are forgiven. He gives an example of two people owing a debt, one much greater than the other, and both are forgiven. The one with the bigger debt would love the lender more because he was forgiven more. "But he who is forgiven little, loves little." 7:47
Psalm 69:1-18
David is crying out to be saved from his enemies. But these are not enemies of war. These are enemies that have come from David's following God. They hate him because of the Lord.
Proverbs 12:1
Discipline and knowledge go hand in hand.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Cannot Shake It
Pray- Asia
Some issues facing the continent include an ever-scarcer supply of clean water, unstable divisions within and between countries, very little democracy, and the severity of AIDS in certain regions. Today I also read about the church in the Middle East/West Asia. The church is declining so pray for new life and vigor in the body of Christ. The number of believers with Muslim backgrounds are greatly increasing, which is amazing, but they face many issues. Pray for courage! There is also a great need for trained leadership. This area just does not have places to provide the training needed.
Deuteronomy 5-6
Moses goes over the commandments again- the ten commandments, and then the greatest commandment. When he recalled the Lord speaking to him on the mountain in fire and the people hearing God's voice as well, he also said that the leaders of the the tribes came to him and asked him to speak with God on their behalf because they knew that if they continued to hear the voice of God, they would not be able to still live. God's response to the people was favorable. He said they were right and added, "Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!" 5:29 It's good to see that they got it right sometimes! Then they are instructed to "love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." 6:5 Such important words!
Luke 7:11-35
Yesterday Jesus spoke about a tree bearing good fruit. I want very much for the fruit in my life to be good fruit so that people may see it and know the Lord. Then he spoke about building a house. How if it is built on a rock, a firm and solid foundation, it will not be shaken in stormy times. I am beginning to understand more what this means, and am working more diligently to ensure that my foundation is made of rock. Today Jesus raised a widow's son, which caused quite a stir and He addressed the issue of John the Baptist for the people.
Psalm 68:19-35
This psalm is about the power of the Lord and the way He scatters enemies and is victorious.
Proverbs 11:29-31
I think we always think of strongholds as a bad thing. They certainly can be! But, this tells that "the way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless." verse 29 I want that kind of stronghold!!
Some issues facing the continent include an ever-scarcer supply of clean water, unstable divisions within and between countries, very little democracy, and the severity of AIDS in certain regions. Today I also read about the church in the Middle East/West Asia. The church is declining so pray for new life and vigor in the body of Christ. The number of believers with Muslim backgrounds are greatly increasing, which is amazing, but they face many issues. Pray for courage! There is also a great need for trained leadership. This area just does not have places to provide the training needed.
Deuteronomy 5-6
Moses goes over the commandments again- the ten commandments, and then the greatest commandment. When he recalled the Lord speaking to him on the mountain in fire and the people hearing God's voice as well, he also said that the leaders of the the tribes came to him and asked him to speak with God on their behalf because they knew that if they continued to hear the voice of God, they would not be able to still live. God's response to the people was favorable. He said they were right and added, "Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!" 5:29 It's good to see that they got it right sometimes! Then they are instructed to "love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." 6:5 Such important words!
Luke 7:11-35
Yesterday Jesus spoke about a tree bearing good fruit. I want very much for the fruit in my life to be good fruit so that people may see it and know the Lord. Then he spoke about building a house. How if it is built on a rock, a firm and solid foundation, it will not be shaken in stormy times. I am beginning to understand more what this means, and am working more diligently to ensure that my foundation is made of rock. Today Jesus raised a widow's son, which caused quite a stir and He addressed the issue of John the Baptist for the people.
Psalm 68:19-35
This psalm is about the power of the Lord and the way He scatters enemies and is victorious.
Proverbs 11:29-31
I think we always think of strongholds as a bad thing. They certainly can be! But, this tells that "the way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless." verse 29 I want that kind of stronghold!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Asia
Pray- Asia
Asia is a vast place: it contains 60% of the world's population. There are 4860 ethno-linguistic peoples and over 80% of the world's least reached peoples live here. There are varying degrees of economic wealth across the continent as well as all types of political systems. It is very religiously diverse and is the only continent where Christianity is not the largest religion.
Deuteronomy 2-3
Moses is recapping the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the promised land. Then he is forbidden to go into the land. God told him in Numbers that this would happen, but he asks again if he can go in, but God basically tells him there will be no more discussion about it and He isn't changing His mind. The Lord has appointed Joshua to lead the people into the land.
Luke 6:12-38
Jesus calls the 12 disciples, but this is a little different account from the other gospels. Luke tells us that Jesus went on a mountain and prayed all night, and when He came down, called His disciples to Him and chose 12 from among them. Just interesting to me. Then Jesus begins teaching. He goes through the blessings for those who exhibit certain qualities and the woes for those who exhibit the opposite qualities. He then instructs us to "love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return..." verse 35 Talk about living radically in our society today! If we really did these things, people would not be able to mistake us as different from them.
Psalm 67
"May God be gracious to us and less us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations." verse 1-2
Proverbs 11:27
Evil comes to those who seek favor, or acceptance.
Asia is a vast place: it contains 60% of the world's population. There are 4860 ethno-linguistic peoples and over 80% of the world's least reached peoples live here. There are varying degrees of economic wealth across the continent as well as all types of political systems. It is very religiously diverse and is the only continent where Christianity is not the largest religion.
Deuteronomy 2-3
Moses is recapping the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the promised land. Then he is forbidden to go into the land. God told him in Numbers that this would happen, but he asks again if he can go in, but God basically tells him there will be no more discussion about it and He isn't changing His mind. The Lord has appointed Joshua to lead the people into the land.
Luke 6:12-38
Jesus calls the 12 disciples, but this is a little different account from the other gospels. Luke tells us that Jesus went on a mountain and prayed all night, and when He came down, called His disciples to Him and chose 12 from among them. Just interesting to me. Then Jesus begins teaching. He goes through the blessings for those who exhibit certain qualities and the woes for those who exhibit the opposite qualities. He then instructs us to "love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return..." verse 35 Talk about living radically in our society today! If we really did these things, people would not be able to mistake us as different from them.
Psalm 67
"May God be gracious to us and less us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations." verse 1-2
Proverbs 11:27
Evil comes to those who seek favor, or acceptance.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Redemption
Yesterday in Sunday school, we looked at a word study for redemption that gave the definitions from the original Greek uses in the Bible. Each definition involved payment of some sort, and several of them included the language of ransom payment. So many times when I think of my redemption, I think of my salvation, but not the payment that was given to redeem me. Jesus. The Son of God. The perfect man. He died as payment for me and my sins. So why, when such a great price was paid for me, can I not seem to follow as I should in obedience? Why do I let less important things get in the way? And then I remember the rest of the lesson. It is by grace I was saved, through faith- and this not of myself- so that I cannot boast. I have done nothing to earn my redemption, nor will I ever be able to. It is a gift that is offered freely. Praise God for His mighty work.
Pray- The Americas
Numbers 30-35 (I was slightly behind)
The Israelites are just about ready to cross the Jordan and go into the land of Canaan. God is giving them instructions on boundaries and telling them to drive out all the people who are there so that they do not become barbs that cause problems.
Luke 4-5
Jesus resists temptation from Satan. He combats him with Scripture. Lord, hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against You! Jesus is rejected in His hometown as He begins His ministry. He begins healing and teaching and then begins calling disciples. They immediately left everything they had and followed Him. Would I do that? Do I do that? When He calls, do I listen and obey right away? He healed a leper who said to Him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." Jesus responded with, "I will; be clean." His will is for us to be clean! Jesus also heals the man whose friends lowered him through the roof that he might see Jesus. I want to be the kind of person who has that much faith and will do whatever it takes to bring others to Jesus.
Psalm 65
"Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion...
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!"
Proverbs 11:22-23
"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion."
"The desire of the righteous ends only in good."
Pray- The Americas
Numbers 30-35 (I was slightly behind)
The Israelites are just about ready to cross the Jordan and go into the land of Canaan. God is giving them instructions on boundaries and telling them to drive out all the people who are there so that they do not become barbs that cause problems.
Luke 4-5
Jesus resists temptation from Satan. He combats him with Scripture. Lord, hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against You! Jesus is rejected in His hometown as He begins His ministry. He begins healing and teaching and then begins calling disciples. They immediately left everything they had and followed Him. Would I do that? Do I do that? When He calls, do I listen and obey right away? He healed a leper who said to Him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." Jesus responded with, "I will; be clean." His will is for us to be clean! Jesus also heals the man whose friends lowered him through the roof that he might see Jesus. I want to be the kind of person who has that much faith and will do whatever it takes to bring others to Jesus.
Psalm 65
"Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion...
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!"
Proverbs 11:22-23
"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion."
"The desire of the righteous ends only in good."
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Perfect Sacrifice
In my Wednesday night Bible study, we are going through Hebrews. We were in chapter 2 last night and were discussing God's perfect sacrifice for our salvation. Jesus fulfills every bit of payment that is needed on behalf of our sin. Praise the Lord! And on top of that, when He became man, he suffered every kind of temptation so that He could relate to us. That means everything I deal with, He overcame. And simply because I know Him, I can claim that victory in my life, too. I do not have words enough to praise Him, or thank Him, or truly express my love for Him. Sometimes my heart is so full I think it will explode! (figuratively speaking, not literally.)
Pray- The Americas
Caribbean- made up of 26 states. Each one has culture according to the country that originally settled there. Even though the islands are small and close together, there are 73 peoples and 47 languages. The economy is dependent on exporting goods and tourism, which has many negative effects. Politics and religion are both based, again, on original settlers.
Numbers 26:52-28:15
There is a count of the Levites, and we learn that Moses was a Levite himself. Moses' mother was named Jochebed and Levi was her father. Then the Lord instructs the Israelites how to divide up the land according to the tribes. He also details who will inherit the land of those who die. Then, Moses asks the Lord to appoint a man to take his place since he will not be able to enter the land, and Joshua is chosen to stand before Eleazar and the whole congregation to be commissioned by the Lord through Moses.
Luke 3:1-22
John prepares the way for Jesus. Many people listen to his teaching and ask him questions. Some think that he is the Christ, but he tells them that he only baptizes with water and they need to be ready for the one coming after him who will baptize with the Spirit. Herod puts John in jail because John is speaking against some of his corrupt practices.
Psalm 61
David is just asking God to stay with him forever. "Let me dwell in your tent forever!" verse 4
Proverbs 11:16-17
Graciousness and kindness lead to blessing.
Pray- The Americas
Caribbean- made up of 26 states. Each one has culture according to the country that originally settled there. Even though the islands are small and close together, there are 73 peoples and 47 languages. The economy is dependent on exporting goods and tourism, which has many negative effects. Politics and religion are both based, again, on original settlers.
Numbers 26:52-28:15
There is a count of the Levites, and we learn that Moses was a Levite himself. Moses' mother was named Jochebed and Levi was her father. Then the Lord instructs the Israelites how to divide up the land according to the tribes. He also details who will inherit the land of those who die. Then, Moses asks the Lord to appoint a man to take his place since he will not be able to enter the land, and Joshua is chosen to stand before Eleazar and the whole congregation to be commissioned by the Lord through Moses.
Luke 3:1-22
John prepares the way for Jesus. Many people listen to his teaching and ask him questions. Some think that he is the Christ, but he tells them that he only baptizes with water and they need to be ready for the one coming after him who will baptize with the Spirit. Herod puts John in jail because John is speaking against some of his corrupt practices.
Psalm 61
David is just asking God to stay with him forever. "Let me dwell in your tent forever!" verse 4
Proverbs 11:16-17
Graciousness and kindness lead to blessing.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Faithful Like Anna
Pray- The Americas
This includes North America, Canada, Greenland, and some islands surrounding this area. There are over 400 languages spoken and religions are the most diverse here out of the whole world.
Numbers 26:1-51
Just in case you lost count, there was another census today and the Israelites number 601,730.
Luke 2:36-52
Anna rejoices and gives thanks when Jesus is presented at the temple. She was a widow of 84 years who never left the temple, but filled her days with worship through fasting and praying. What a faithful woman! I hope my legacy is all about the Lord and not about me at all. Later, Mary and Joseph return to Jerusalem for the Passover feast and when they leave, they forget Jesus. Well, ok, they actually thought he was with relatives, but still. Once they figured out he was not there, they looked for three days before finding Him in the temple teaching the leaders who were amazed by Him. (obviously!)
Psalm 60
"With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes."
Proverbs 11:15
I don't always understand what these mean. I think this one is saying to be cautious of strangers because they can bring harm.
This includes North America, Canada, Greenland, and some islands surrounding this area. There are over 400 languages spoken and religions are the most diverse here out of the whole world.
Numbers 26:1-51
Just in case you lost count, there was another census today and the Israelites number 601,730.
Luke 2:36-52
Anna rejoices and gives thanks when Jesus is presented at the temple. She was a widow of 84 years who never left the temple, but filled her days with worship through fasting and praying. What a faithful woman! I hope my legacy is all about the Lord and not about me at all. Later, Mary and Joseph return to Jerusalem for the Passover feast and when they leave, they forget Jesus. Well, ok, they actually thought he was with relatives, but still. Once they figured out he was not there, they looked for three days before finding Him in the temple teaching the leaders who were amazed by Him. (obviously!)
Psalm 60
"With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes."
Proverbs 11:15
I don't always understand what these mean. I think this one is saying to be cautious of strangers because they can bring harm.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Africa
Today is the final day of prayer for Africa. Just a little more info and then some big prayers. Islam is a big challenge to Christianity in all of Africa. Their numbers are increasing rapidly. There are also several countries with less than 1% evangelicals. These people need the opportunity to be reached. Another thing to pray about and consider is the rapid growth of cities. Urban population has increased greatly over the last 20 years and has brought with it a whole slew of economic and social issues.
Numbers 24-25
A man named Balaam (with a talking donkey) three times blesses the Israelites, even though he has been called on to curse them by one of their enemies. Then a grandson of Aaron kills an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were in the camp in order to remove a plague from the people.
Luke 2:1-35
Jesus is born! The shepherds came to visit. Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple to present Him to the Lord. Simeon saw Him and blessed Him.
Psalm 59
God demonstrates steadfast love.
Proverbs 11:14
Counselors produce safety.
Numbers 24-25
A man named Balaam (with a talking donkey) three times blesses the Israelites, even though he has been called on to curse them by one of their enemies. Then a grandson of Aaron kills an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were in the camp in order to remove a plague from the people.
Luke 2:1-35
Jesus is born! The shepherds came to visit. Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple to present Him to the Lord. Simeon saw Him and blessed Him.
Psalm 59
God demonstrates steadfast love.
Proverbs 11:14
Counselors produce safety.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Fullness of Joy
Psalm 16 is a beautiful picture of the God's nature of being good.
Pray- Africa- Unreached Peoples
There are so many different people groups in Africa and many of them have no Christians among them. Pray for a movement of salvation through the whole continent.
Numbers 21-22:20
The Israelites are doing what they do best... wandering. They are all over the place! When they came to Moab, the king was afraid of their numbers and sent for a man called Balaam to come curse them so he could defeat the people. Stay tuned!
Luke 1:26-56
The angel visits Mary and she believes the message he gives her. Then she goes to visit Elizabeth and they rejoice together. Mary sings a song. :)
Psalm 57
Let your glory be over all the earth!
Proverbs 11:9-11
If we are righteous, people will rejoice when it goes well for us. But if we are wicked they will rejoice when we die. Is there rejoicing over me now, or will it be later?
Pray- Africa- Unreached Peoples
There are so many different people groups in Africa and many of them have no Christians among them. Pray for a movement of salvation through the whole continent.
Numbers 21-22:20
The Israelites are doing what they do best... wandering. They are all over the place! When they came to Moab, the king was afraid of their numbers and sent for a man called Balaam to come curse them so he could defeat the people. Stay tuned!
Luke 1:26-56
The angel visits Mary and she believes the message he gives her. Then she goes to visit Elizabeth and they rejoice together. Mary sings a song. :)
Psalm 57
Let your glory be over all the earth!
Proverbs 11:9-11
If we are righteous, people will rejoice when it goes well for us. But if we are wicked they will rejoice when we die. Is there rejoicing over me now, or will it be later?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Hello, Nell
Dear Nell,
Thank you for always reading my blog. I'm so glad I got to see you last weekend and that you told me you'd been reading. I had no idea! I didn't really think anyone was reading, so it's good to know someone is keeping up with me. It helps keep me accountable to writing about what I'm reading and learning. I'm also really glad you got to meet Tim. He really enjoyed his visit with you and Barbara! I know I haven't written in a few days, but I have been keeping on schedule with reading my Bible and praying for the world. So, I'll pick up with what I read today.
Love you!
Sarah
Africa- For several days now I have been praying for the continent of Africa. There is a lot of devastation due to war and one of the saddest things is that they used to export large amounts of food but because of the state of the land, they now have to import food and generally don't have enough for their people. Religion is also very important and defining throughout the continent. Generally speaking, the south is Christian and the north is Muslim. There is a very distinct geographical line between the two which is very volatile. Today was prayer for the Church in Africa. There is a great need for discipleship because even though the Church is growing, they are not maturing. African culture, including witchcraft and evil spirits, are still present in the Church.
Numbers 19-20
Laws for purification- who is clean/unclean and when. Miriam died. The Israelites complained about not having any water and God told Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock for water. But, Moses struck the rock and did not follow the Lord's instructions so he and Aaron were told they would not enter the promised land. Not only that, but the Lord instructed Moses to take Aaron and Eleazar, his son, up on a mountain, to strip Aaron of his clothes and give them to his son, and that Aaron was to die there. The people of Israel wept for Aaron when he died.
Luke 1:1-25
Luke was a doctor, and I think you can tell in his writing. It is very different from Mark. He says himself in verse 3 that he wanted to write and "orderly account" for Theophilus. The name Theophilus means lover of God... it's one of my favorite names in the Bible. After the brief introduction, Luke describes Zechariah's visit from Gabriel and how he became mute for the duration of Elizabeth's pregnancy.
Psalm 56
David has been captured by enemies, but he says, "What can man do to me?" verse 11 His trust was fully in God. May I trust You as well!
Proverbs 11:8
"The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked falls into it instead."
Thank you for always reading my blog. I'm so glad I got to see you last weekend and that you told me you'd been reading. I had no idea! I didn't really think anyone was reading, so it's good to know someone is keeping up with me. It helps keep me accountable to writing about what I'm reading and learning. I'm also really glad you got to meet Tim. He really enjoyed his visit with you and Barbara! I know I haven't written in a few days, but I have been keeping on schedule with reading my Bible and praying for the world. So, I'll pick up with what I read today.
Love you!
Sarah
Africa- For several days now I have been praying for the continent of Africa. There is a lot of devastation due to war and one of the saddest things is that they used to export large amounts of food but because of the state of the land, they now have to import food and generally don't have enough for their people. Religion is also very important and defining throughout the continent. Generally speaking, the south is Christian and the north is Muslim. There is a very distinct geographical line between the two which is very volatile. Today was prayer for the Church in Africa. There is a great need for discipleship because even though the Church is growing, they are not maturing. African culture, including witchcraft and evil spirits, are still present in the Church.
Numbers 19-20
Laws for purification- who is clean/unclean and when. Miriam died. The Israelites complained about not having any water and God told Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock for water. But, Moses struck the rock and did not follow the Lord's instructions so he and Aaron were told they would not enter the promised land. Not only that, but the Lord instructed Moses to take Aaron and Eleazar, his son, up on a mountain, to strip Aaron of his clothes and give them to his son, and that Aaron was to die there. The people of Israel wept for Aaron when he died.
Luke 1:1-25
Luke was a doctor, and I think you can tell in his writing. It is very different from Mark. He says himself in verse 3 that he wanted to write and "orderly account" for Theophilus. The name Theophilus means lover of God... it's one of my favorite names in the Bible. After the brief introduction, Luke describes Zechariah's visit from Gabriel and how he became mute for the duration of Elizabeth's pregnancy.
Psalm 56
David has been captured by enemies, but he says, "What can man do to me?" verse 11 His trust was fully in God. May I trust You as well!
Proverbs 11:8
"The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked falls into it instead."
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The World
Pray for the world. The idea of praying for the entire world is overwhelming to me. But I have a great resource for doing just that. Sadly, I have fallen behind in my praying, though. My goal today is to catch up in the Operation World book so that I can begin effectively spending time in prayer for the world again.
Numbers 8-9
The Lord gives instructions for the cleansing of the Levites and also tells the people to keep the Passover. Then the cloud that covered the temple is describes. The Lord would dwell in the appearance of a cloud by day and fire by night when the people were supposed to remain in camp. When the cloud lifted, the people knew it was time to move. Sometimes I wish the Lord still showed Himself to us physically, but I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice Jesus made so that I have received salvation.
Mark 13:14-47
This section is all about the return of Jesus. He tells about the trials that will happen and then also makes sure to explain that no one knows when His return will happen. His instructions are to stay awake. To be diligent in watching for the return. Stay awake!
Psalm 50
God desires an offering of thanksgiving rather than the sacrifice of an animal or a burnt offering. He wants us to call to Him, rather than going through rituals. It has to do with the intentions of our hearts.
Proverbs 10:29-30
"The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless,"
Numbers 8-9
The Lord gives instructions for the cleansing of the Levites and also tells the people to keep the Passover. Then the cloud that covered the temple is describes. The Lord would dwell in the appearance of a cloud by day and fire by night when the people were supposed to remain in camp. When the cloud lifted, the people knew it was time to move. Sometimes I wish the Lord still showed Himself to us physically, but I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice Jesus made so that I have received salvation.
Mark 13:14-47
This section is all about the return of Jesus. He tells about the trials that will happen and then also makes sure to explain that no one knows when His return will happen. His instructions are to stay awake. To be diligent in watching for the return. Stay awake!
Psalm 50
God desires an offering of thanksgiving rather than the sacrifice of an animal or a burnt offering. He wants us to call to Him, rather than going through rituals. It has to do with the intentions of our hearts.
Proverbs 10:29-30
"The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the blameless,"
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 64
That's a lot of days! I'm still really excited about spending this time in the Word and learning to live a radical life. I still have a long ways to go, for sure!
Numbers 4-5
The Levites are counted and given specific jobs of what to carry when the tabernacle moves. It must have been some sight to see all the Israelites moving across the desert. Then God gives some instructions for the people. If they are unclean for any reason they must go outside the camp. When a person sins, they must make restitution for it, and God gives instructions on that. Then He tells how to determine if a woman has been adulterous. She has to drink "the water of bitterness" and if she is guilty it will cause her much pain, but if she is innocent, she will not be effected. Honestly, that seems a little weird to me. Just the whole idea of this type of ritual, but it was ordained by the Lord!
Mark 12:18-37
I still sometimes don't really understand what Jesus was teaching us when He spoke. He quotes David and asks the people how Christ could be the son of David if David himself called Him Lord. I'm not really sure what His intentions were with this passage. The Sadducees asked Him questions about the resurrection and Jesus responded with, "Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" verse 24 Lord, don't let me turn into a Sadducee! I want to know the Scriptures and Your power!!! Jesus also tells them the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then to love your neighbor as yourself. Teach me to love You, Lord.
Psalm 48
"We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,"
That is my prayer today- may I think on your steadfast love!
Proverbs 10:26
Note to self: Don't be a sluggard.
Numbers 4-5
The Levites are counted and given specific jobs of what to carry when the tabernacle moves. It must have been some sight to see all the Israelites moving across the desert. Then God gives some instructions for the people. If they are unclean for any reason they must go outside the camp. When a person sins, they must make restitution for it, and God gives instructions on that. Then He tells how to determine if a woman has been adulterous. She has to drink "the water of bitterness" and if she is guilty it will cause her much pain, but if she is innocent, she will not be effected. Honestly, that seems a little weird to me. Just the whole idea of this type of ritual, but it was ordained by the Lord!
Mark 12:18-37
I still sometimes don't really understand what Jesus was teaching us when He spoke. He quotes David and asks the people how Christ could be the son of David if David himself called Him Lord. I'm not really sure what His intentions were with this passage. The Sadducees asked Him questions about the resurrection and Jesus responded with, "Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" verse 24 Lord, don't let me turn into a Sadducee! I want to know the Scriptures and Your power!!! Jesus also tells them the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then to love your neighbor as yourself. Teach me to love You, Lord.
Psalm 48
"We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,"
That is my prayer today- may I think on your steadfast love!
Proverbs 10:26
Note to self: Don't be a sluggard.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Amazing God
Yesterday was rough. I found myself caught in the midst of defeat and doubt, but praise the Lord, He is faithful, and when I took the time to get in His word, He rocked my world! Thank you, Jesus, for overcoming the world! Also, I have not been keeping up with the blog, but I have been keeping up with my reading. Notice I just said reading, not praying. I need to get back on track with my prayers for the world. The first 11 days of January are all for the opening section labeled "The World" and I simply have not done it. I also have not called a hospital yet to see about rocking babies. I am, however, doing pretty well with being mindful of how I spend my money and giving it for a specific purpose. More details to come...
Numbers 2-3
Yep, that's right! I've made it into numbers. Chapter One was all about the census that the Moses and 12 of the leaders took. It is crazy to think that each man who was old enough for war had his name recorded. There were hundreds of thousands of them. That's a lot of detail. But then, I thought of Psalm 139 which says, "In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." So, not only had God written my name down for the count, but he has written every one of the days of my life. They were formed for me. That's nuts! Talk about some detail! Ok, ok, on to the reading for today...
This book is very aptly named- there are so many numbers! But it's kinda cool. God is arranging the camp of the Israelites around the tabernacle by tribes. On the east side (the front side with the gate) are three tribes totaling 186,400. On the south side are three tribes totaling 151,450. On the west side are three tribes totaling 108,100. And on the north side are three tribes totaling 157,600. So picture if you will the shortest side opposite the longest side with two (basically) equal side opposite each other: a cross. And the tabernacle- the dwelling place of God- was right in the center of it all. I love it! Then God separates the Levites for service to Him and gives them all their jobs of what parts of the tabernacle to carry. He also says that He is taking the Levites instead of the firstborn in the nation. So they do a count of the Levites and the firstborn and there is only a 273 difference. Out of thousands. That's pretty amazing. God accepts five shekels for each of the extra firstborns.
Mark 11:27-12:17
The priests, scribes, and elders are trying to trap Jesus in His words. They ask about His authority and about paying taxes, but obviously, He is far more clever than they are. And He knows their hearts' intent. So He answers them in such a way that causes them to marvel. Even His enemies marveled at Him! He also told the parable of the tenants who thought they could kill the heir and so inherit his share.
Psalm 47
"Shout to God with loud songs of joy!"
"Sing praises to God, sing praises!"
Proverbs 10:24-25
"the desire of the righteous will be granted...
the righteous is established forever"
Thank you for making me righteous. It is only by your Son, and nothing I have done.
Numbers 2-3
Yep, that's right! I've made it into numbers. Chapter One was all about the census that the Moses and 12 of the leaders took. It is crazy to think that each man who was old enough for war had his name recorded. There were hundreds of thousands of them. That's a lot of detail. But then, I thought of Psalm 139 which says, "In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." So, not only had God written my name down for the count, but he has written every one of the days of my life. They were formed for me. That's nuts! Talk about some detail! Ok, ok, on to the reading for today...
This book is very aptly named- there are so many numbers! But it's kinda cool. God is arranging the camp of the Israelites around the tabernacle by tribes. On the east side (the front side with the gate) are three tribes totaling 186,400. On the south side are three tribes totaling 151,450. On the west side are three tribes totaling 108,100. And on the north side are three tribes totaling 157,600. So picture if you will the shortest side opposite the longest side with two (basically) equal side opposite each other: a cross. And the tabernacle- the dwelling place of God- was right in the center of it all. I love it! Then God separates the Levites for service to Him and gives them all their jobs of what parts of the tabernacle to carry. He also says that He is taking the Levites instead of the firstborn in the nation. So they do a count of the Levites and the firstborn and there is only a 273 difference. Out of thousands. That's pretty amazing. God accepts five shekels for each of the extra firstborns.
Mark 11:27-12:17
The priests, scribes, and elders are trying to trap Jesus in His words. They ask about His authority and about paying taxes, but obviously, He is far more clever than they are. And He knows their hearts' intent. So He answers them in such a way that causes them to marvel. Even His enemies marveled at Him! He also told the parable of the tenants who thought they could kill the heir and so inherit his share.
Psalm 47
"Shout to God with loud songs of joy!"
"Sing praises to God, sing praises!"
Proverbs 10:24-25
"the desire of the righteous will be granted...
the righteous is established forever"
Thank you for making me righteous. It is only by your Son, and nothing I have done.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Too Good
The Lord has blessed me abundantly. Throughout my life. He has always taken great care of me and provided for me every step of the way. So why am I surprised that He is doing it again? I am being courted by the best man ever! He is so wonderful and I am giddy with delight!
Leviticus 24-25:46
God has laid out His calendar of feasts for the Israelites. My favorite part about all of them is that they are intended to be done with rest. Without working. So many times we approach God while still super busy with things that we think are important or must get done, instead of just spending time with Him in a slow, restful way. God also institutes the year of Jubilee, which happens every 50 years and intrigues me because it is a year intended for no work. We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves.
Mark 10:13-31
Jesus is teaching a lot in this section. He says those who are last and servants will be first, the one who is not against Him is for Him, get rid of whatever is causing you to sin (body parts), divorce is not a good idea, let the children come, and it is difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Psalm 44:9-26
"for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them." verse 3
This psalm starts by stating what the Lord has done for His people, but then it goes on to say that He is not presently helping. The psalmist is crying out for help against his foes.
Proverbs 10:20-21
Many words mean transgressions, restrained lips are prudent.
righteous tongue is silver, heart of wicked is of little worth.
righteous feeds many, fools die for lack of sense.
Pray- The World
Leviticus 24-25:46
God has laid out His calendar of feasts for the Israelites. My favorite part about all of them is that they are intended to be done with rest. Without working. So many times we approach God while still super busy with things that we think are important or must get done, instead of just spending time with Him in a slow, restful way. God also institutes the year of Jubilee, which happens every 50 years and intrigues me because it is a year intended for no work. We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves.
Mark 10:13-31
Jesus is teaching a lot in this section. He says those who are last and servants will be first, the one who is not against Him is for Him, get rid of whatever is causing you to sin (body parts), divorce is not a good idea, let the children come, and it is difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Psalm 44:9-26
"for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them." verse 3
This psalm starts by stating what the Lord has done for His people, but then it goes on to say that He is not presently helping. The psalmist is crying out for help against his foes.
Proverbs 10:20-21
Many words mean transgressions, restrained lips are prudent.
righteous tongue is silver, heart of wicked is of little worth.
righteous feeds many, fools die for lack of sense.
Pray- The World
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
