Pray- Austria
Austria, like many European countries, has a majority of people who believe in God, but not many who practice their faith. I have been to Austria for a few days, and I think it is the most beautiful place I've ever visited. While we were there, we went to several churches. They are huge and old and beautifully made and empty. Pray for leaders to grow congregations and for the younger generation who do not see a need for church.
Judges 1-3
Joshua has died and the Israelites are still conquering parts of the land, but they have started letting the people live. The Lord has told them that they did not keep the covenant with Him by allowing the people to live in the land with them so He will no longer drive out their enemies before them and they will be snared by false gods. The people wept when they heard this. But, just as God said, the people began to chase after other gods... actually, it says they whored after other gods. Pretty strong language. Because of this, the Israelites ended up serving other nations. When they would finally cry out in repentance to God, He would raise up a judge to save them. The first three mentioned are Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Ehud has the most mention, as a left-handed man. He was able to sneak a sword in when he visited the king (who was REALLY fat) and killed the king, then rallied the people to go and fight the Moabites. And there was peace for a few years with each judge.
Luke 22:14-34
Jesus meets with His disciples in the upper room and gives them bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood. Then they ask who is the greatest among them. Jesus asks if a servant or master is greater. Obviously, among our standards, the master is greater, but He assures them that He has come as a servant and they should make themselves like the youngest and one who serves. Then Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows that day.
Psalm 92-93
92 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your works; at the works of your hand I sing for joy."... "The righteous are like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." I love these verses!
Proverbs 14:1-2
"The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down." Lord, teach me to be wise!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Temptations and Tithes
Can I be really honest today about some stuff? I'm not even going to write about the Bible right now. Just putting down thoughts that are floating around in my head.
First off, I want to address the issue of money. Part of this Radical challenge is that I spend my money for a specific purpose. This doesn't just mean find something worth while to contribute to and then feel better about myself. This means giving my money... all of it, sacrificially... for the purpose of recognizing that it does not belong to me, but is a gift from the Lord. If we are supposed to live like Jesus did, we should not be holding on to worldly possessions. At first, I was really excited about this. I liked to think that I was wise about my spending and saving. I live on a budget (to an extent) and don't spend money unnecessarily. This meant that I always had extra money in my checking account at the end of the month, so I knew that this money was what God wanted me to use to bless others and make Him known. But I also knew that I needed to be wise in my spending and not just throw money away so I could say I was getting rid of it. The first couple of months were around the holidays so I was able to find ministry driven ways to give gifts to people through World Vision, or simply by getting things for people that they needed and not just giving them random stuff. But, even though I was spending in what I thought was a generous way, I still was not reaching the bottom of my bank account.
After the holidays I really needed to evaluate how the Lord wanted me to be spending my money. I really love investing time in people, so I began to see that this could also be a way to spend some of my money. I began taking girls out for dinner or coffee and meeting with them to share in their lives. I also host dinner at my house every Sunday night for my Sunday school group. This has been going on for quite a while, but now I see it as another opportunity for me to bless people financially, by providing a meal, rather than feeling like it is a burden each week. I also just keep my eyes open for ways to help others... like helping with gas, or just being creative with ways to bless people. When the end of January came, I still hadn't reached that bottom line, but was feeling like I was at least spending money in a way that honored the Lord.
And here we are now in February. I have been doing the same things this month and spending in the same ways. And guess what, I have a week left before I get paid again, and I'm lower in my account than I have ever been. Now, if this was the goal, why do I have feelings of, well, basically panic, instead of rejoicing? It is entirely ridiculous how tightly I try to hold on to this money. In all reality, I have a savings account full of money should I actually reach the end of this checking account. What am I afraid of?! Even as I sit and write this, though, I am beginning to get excited about the prospect of actually spending all my money this month. My prayer now is for the Lord to help me see with His eyes over the next week how I can use the blessings He has given me to bring Him glory! God, get rid of worldly possessions in me so that there is more room for You!
Another thing the Lord has been working on with me is the realization that Jesus was tempted in every way, yet lived a sinless life. Because He did this, we can turn to Him and learn from His example and follow Him and know that He is sympathetic. When things were not going His way, Jesus never once gave in to selfish thoughts or ambitions. He always put others before Himself and beyond that, always served others. Lord, teach me to not be selfish. My thoughts continuously jump to how things effect me. I want to see with Your eyes so that I may love as you love and serve as you serve. May my every thought and action be for Your glory!
First off, I want to address the issue of money. Part of this Radical challenge is that I spend my money for a specific purpose. This doesn't just mean find something worth while to contribute to and then feel better about myself. This means giving my money... all of it, sacrificially... for the purpose of recognizing that it does not belong to me, but is a gift from the Lord. If we are supposed to live like Jesus did, we should not be holding on to worldly possessions. At first, I was really excited about this. I liked to think that I was wise about my spending and saving. I live on a budget (to an extent) and don't spend money unnecessarily. This meant that I always had extra money in my checking account at the end of the month, so I knew that this money was what God wanted me to use to bless others and make Him known. But I also knew that I needed to be wise in my spending and not just throw money away so I could say I was getting rid of it. The first couple of months were around the holidays so I was able to find ministry driven ways to give gifts to people through World Vision, or simply by getting things for people that they needed and not just giving them random stuff. But, even though I was spending in what I thought was a generous way, I still was not reaching the bottom of my bank account.
After the holidays I really needed to evaluate how the Lord wanted me to be spending my money. I really love investing time in people, so I began to see that this could also be a way to spend some of my money. I began taking girls out for dinner or coffee and meeting with them to share in their lives. I also host dinner at my house every Sunday night for my Sunday school group. This has been going on for quite a while, but now I see it as another opportunity for me to bless people financially, by providing a meal, rather than feeling like it is a burden each week. I also just keep my eyes open for ways to help others... like helping with gas, or just being creative with ways to bless people. When the end of January came, I still hadn't reached that bottom line, but was feeling like I was at least spending money in a way that honored the Lord.
And here we are now in February. I have been doing the same things this month and spending in the same ways. And guess what, I have a week left before I get paid again, and I'm lower in my account than I have ever been. Now, if this was the goal, why do I have feelings of, well, basically panic, instead of rejoicing? It is entirely ridiculous how tightly I try to hold on to this money. In all reality, I have a savings account full of money should I actually reach the end of this checking account. What am I afraid of?! Even as I sit and write this, though, I am beginning to get excited about the prospect of actually spending all my money this month. My prayer now is for the Lord to help me see with His eyes over the next week how I can use the blessings He has given me to bring Him glory! God, get rid of worldly possessions in me so that there is more room for You!
Another thing the Lord has been working on with me is the realization that Jesus was tempted in every way, yet lived a sinless life. Because He did this, we can turn to Him and learn from His example and follow Him and know that He is sympathetic. When things were not going His way, Jesus never once gave in to selfish thoughts or ambitions. He always put others before Himself and beyond that, always served others. Lord, teach me to not be selfish. My thoughts continuously jump to how things effect me. I want to see with Your eyes so that I may love as you love and serve as you serve. May my every thought and action be for Your glory!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Armenia
Pray- Armenia
Landlocked, devastating earthquake, underemployment and poverty, armed ceasefire, located as a buffer between disputing countries, religious freedom. The church has survived even through harsh oppression. Faith among the Armenian diaspora is resulting in growth.
Joshua 16-18
The Israelites are dividing up the land amongst the tribes. Very detailed descriptions.
Luke 19:1-27
Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he....
Jesus told a parable because the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. He said a man gave money to his servants and told them to put it to work until he returned. One used it and gained 10 more, so the man gave him 10 cities. A second one used it and gained 5 more, so the man gave him 5 cities. A third one put it away because he feared the man, knowing that he was severe. The man took it from him and gave it to the man with 10, saying that to those who have, more will be given. The only way I can make this make sense to me is by making the assumption that Jesus is speaking about laboring for the kingdom of God and not for worldly wealth. He has entrusted us with the knowledge of His gift of grace and we should be sharing it and multiplying His kingdom, not hiding it away.
Psalm 87
Speaks about the city of God. (Zion)
Proverbs 13:11
"Wealth gained hastily (or by fraud) will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it."
Landlocked, devastating earthquake, underemployment and poverty, armed ceasefire, located as a buffer between disputing countries, religious freedom. The church has survived even through harsh oppression. Faith among the Armenian diaspora is resulting in growth.
Joshua 16-18
The Israelites are dividing up the land amongst the tribes. Very detailed descriptions.
Luke 19:1-27
Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he....
Jesus told a parable because the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. He said a man gave money to his servants and told them to put it to work until he returned. One used it and gained 10 more, so the man gave him 10 cities. A second one used it and gained 5 more, so the man gave him 5 cities. A third one put it away because he feared the man, knowing that he was severe. The man took it from him and gave it to the man with 10, saying that to those who have, more will be given. The only way I can make this make sense to me is by making the assumption that Jesus is speaking about laboring for the kingdom of God and not for worldly wealth. He has entrusted us with the knowledge of His gift of grace and we should be sharing it and multiplying His kingdom, not hiding it away.
Psalm 87
Speaks about the city of God. (Zion)
Proverbs 13:11
"Wealth gained hastily (or by fraud) will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Rocking Chairs
I have two rocking chairs on my back porch and the weather has finally turned nice enough to start using them again. I love spending time in those chairs, especially now that I have someone to fill the second one next to me. :)
Pray- Argentina
Great natural resources, but not so great government for a while. In the 80's there were successive presidents who helped restore stability... they just happened to be husband and wife. Some answers to prayer include evangelism and sustained intercession, and an amazing prison ministry that is seeing changed lives throughout the country.
Joshua 13-14
Joshua is getting old, but God tells him there is still land to be conquered. Then the rest of the reading tells the divisions of the inheritance between the tribes.
Luke 18:1-17
Pray persistently.
Pray humbly.
Receive the kingdom of God like a child.
Psalm 85
A plea for the Lord to revive His people.
Proverbs 13:7-8
A poor man is not threatened by wealth.
Pray- Argentina
Great natural resources, but not so great government for a while. In the 80's there were successive presidents who helped restore stability... they just happened to be husband and wife. Some answers to prayer include evangelism and sustained intercession, and an amazing prison ministry that is seeing changed lives throughout the country.
Joshua 13-14
Joshua is getting old, but God tells him there is still land to be conquered. Then the rest of the reading tells the divisions of the inheritance between the tribes.
Luke 18:1-17
Pray persistently.
Pray humbly.
Receive the kingdom of God like a child.
Psalm 85
A plea for the Lord to revive His people.
Proverbs 13:7-8
A poor man is not threatened by wealth.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
In the Promised Land, It's Gonna Be So Grand...
Joshua 9:3-10:43
They're in! That's right the Israelites are in the promised land. Quick recap- Joshua (God) parted the river and the people walked across on dry land. Jericho fell and I guess the people got excited because they rushed off to the next city without waiting for instructions from the Lord. They lost. But God sent them back and they were victorious. Now all the people in the land have heard of them and are gathering together to fight against Israel. Let's see what happens...
Wow. OK, first the Gibeonites were liars and told Joshua they were from very far away and asked for a covenant with the Israelites, which the leaders granted. But when they found out they had been deceived, Joshua made the Gibeonites servants basically. Then begins the conquest of the Israelites. They went to city after city and put them all to complete destruction. No one was left living. It's kind of hard to read, but it happened just as the Lord had promised them. At one point, they needed some more time in the day to fight and Joshua told the sun to stand still... and it did! That's pretty crazy.
Luke 16:19-17:10
A rich man died and was in Hades looking up to Abraham and pleading to be saved. Then he pleaded for Abraham to send someone to his family so that they would believe and not end up with him. But the response was "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." 16:31 We are given all we need to believe. We must listen and believe! Next, the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, and He tells them that even if they had a tiny amount of faith they would be able to do miraculous things. I'm struck by how this is still true for us today. If we will only have faith, we will be able to accomplish so much- not us, but Christ in us! His power is available to us for use, we just have to believe and call upon Him. Finally, we are told to remember our place. We are servants and our response to following the Lord should be "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty." I love that this comes right after Jesus tells the apostles they can do much if they have faith. It is a reminder that when God does begin to accomplish great things in and through us, our response should be one of reverence so that we don't confuse God's work with our own.
Psalm 83
It never ceases to amaze me how the Word fits together! This author of this psalm is asking the Lord to defeat the people that have gathered together against God's people.... which is what happened in my Joshua reading today. So cool!
Proverbs 13:4
Don't be a sluggard... be diligent!
Pray for Angola-
An African, Portuguese-speaking country. Vast natural resources that are not utilized. Previously Marxist government that lead to devastating war- 900,000 died. Past attempts to eradicate Christianity failed, but brought much suffering. There is so much devastation in this country. Landmines are a very big problem. Pray for forgiveness and restoration among the people in this country. Trained Christian leadership is needed desperately. And the role of missionaries will be shifting from aid/relief to development and from evangelism to discipleship. Pray for more missionaries!
They're in! That's right the Israelites are in the promised land. Quick recap- Joshua (God) parted the river and the people walked across on dry land. Jericho fell and I guess the people got excited because they rushed off to the next city without waiting for instructions from the Lord. They lost. But God sent them back and they were victorious. Now all the people in the land have heard of them and are gathering together to fight against Israel. Let's see what happens...
Wow. OK, first the Gibeonites were liars and told Joshua they were from very far away and asked for a covenant with the Israelites, which the leaders granted. But when they found out they had been deceived, Joshua made the Gibeonites servants basically. Then begins the conquest of the Israelites. They went to city after city and put them all to complete destruction. No one was left living. It's kind of hard to read, but it happened just as the Lord had promised them. At one point, they needed some more time in the day to fight and Joshua told the sun to stand still... and it did! That's pretty crazy.
Luke 16:19-17:10
A rich man died and was in Hades looking up to Abraham and pleading to be saved. Then he pleaded for Abraham to send someone to his family so that they would believe and not end up with him. But the response was "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." 16:31 We are given all we need to believe. We must listen and believe! Next, the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, and He tells them that even if they had a tiny amount of faith they would be able to do miraculous things. I'm struck by how this is still true for us today. If we will only have faith, we will be able to accomplish so much- not us, but Christ in us! His power is available to us for use, we just have to believe and call upon Him. Finally, we are told to remember our place. We are servants and our response to following the Lord should be "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty." I love that this comes right after Jesus tells the apostles they can do much if they have faith. It is a reminder that when God does begin to accomplish great things in and through us, our response should be one of reverence so that we don't confuse God's work with our own.
Psalm 83
It never ceases to amaze me how the Word fits together! This author of this psalm is asking the Lord to defeat the people that have gathered together against God's people.... which is what happened in my Joshua reading today. So cool!
Proverbs 13:4
Don't be a sluggard... be diligent!
Pray for Angola-
An African, Portuguese-speaking country. Vast natural resources that are not utilized. Previously Marxist government that lead to devastating war- 900,000 died. Past attempts to eradicate Christianity failed, but brought much suffering. There is so much devastation in this country. Landmines are a very big problem. Pray for forgiveness and restoration among the people in this country. Trained Christian leadership is needed desperately. And the role of missionaries will be shifting from aid/relief to development and from evangelism to discipleship. Pray for more missionaries!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
100
That's right... I'm on day 100! I know it may be silly, but for some reason this number really excites me. I am so thankful the Lord has put me on this journey and am glad for His faithfulness. I have done well with keeping up with the Bible reading and praying for the world. I have also done an OK job with committing to a church- I love the girls I get to hang out with and love seeing growth in our group! I definitely still need to work on spending my money for a specific purpose. I have yet to get down to that bottom line of giving up some of my comfort to help those in need. Lord, show me how to do this! I also am still looking for opportunities to spend my time in a different context. Not sure if this needs to be a weekly thing (which I can't fit in my schedule right now), or if it needs to be a summer thing, where I travel a bit and get outside of my normal surroundings. Either way, I'm excited to see where and when the Lord leads. So, now that I've taken some inventory, I need to catch up on the reading and praying blog. It's not going to be organized today... just a jumble of thoughts that have been rolling around in my head. :)
I'm finally back to praying for countries instead of continents and I'm really excited. I love learning about the countries and very specific things to pray for. The first country was Afghanistan. I recently met a new friend (through Tim) who served in Afghanistan and will be going back pretty soon. It really helped me to have a connection to the country and I look forward to getting to talk with Daniel about getting to pray for him and the country. Yesterday and today were Albania and Algeria. So much has happened in Deuteronomy. In fact, I'm through with it! Moses gave lots of final instructions and tried to teach the people to remember all the things God had commanded them to do. When it was time for Moses to die, he told the people to be strong and courageous. Then in speaking to Joshua about taking his place, he told Joshua to be strong and courageous. And when Moses commissioned Joshua in front of all Israel he said to be strong and courageous. These were the words of the Lord to remind His people that He was going before them into this new land and would drive out all the people. Then Moses teaches the Israelites a song so that they can remember the Lord's teachings. (See, I knew music was a valuable teaching tool!) After he finished the song, he blessed all the tribes and then went up on Mount Nebo to see the land the Israelites would be going into, and then he died. After 120 years full of seeking after the Lord. So that means now I'm reading Joshua. In the first chapter the phrase "be strong and courageous" is used four more times. One of those times it actually says be strong and very courageous! I guess God knew the people would need to hear this over and over. I feel like I need to hear things over and over a lot. I know I should trust when the Lord speaks the first time, but sometimes it just takes me a while to get it. I'm glad that there is Biblical evidence that shows I'm not the only one! So Joshua sends some spies into the land to scout it out and a lady named Rahab (who happened to be a prostitute) took in the men and hid them. She told them that her people had heard of the mighty things God has done on behalf of the Israelites and that they were afraid because of them. She helped them escape the city after they made an oath to protect her and her family. Jesus has been talking quite a lot in Luke and I do not always understand what He is saying. But, here are some things I have picked up on. We are valuable! He sees much worth in us as His creation. He says we are worth more than many sparrows, that He knows the number of hairs of our heads, that we do not need to be anxious about what we will eat or wear because He takes care of the lilies and will take care of us much more than that. This has been good to read and have on my mind as I face the uncertainty of living situations for the next year. I can confidently say, "God will provide!" Jesus also tells us that where your treasure is, there will be your heart also. It's so important to build up or spend your life searching after the right kind of treasure. Like a pirate, or Captain Jack Sparrow, who devotes their entire life only to finding treasure. :) Then there were several more things that just seem a little hard for me to understand, but I love reading them and knowing that Jesus spoke the words. I truly believe His word is living and active, and that even though I may not be gleaning anything from these passages right now, I might in the future. So I have come across a really cool psalm. In Psalm 78, the author recounts the history of the Israelites. It was so cool to read because I'm just finishing the time of Moses and the Israelites in the Old Testament. It was really nice to hear concisely and from another perspective. There were a couple of verses though, that broke my heart and brought much conviction this week. "But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant." I pray that I would be steadfast! That I would not lie! That my words would not be empty! Oh God, teach me to be truthful to you and honor you with my heart! Find me steadfast! And more wisdom about anxiety from Proverbs. I love it when the different parts I'm reading fit so nicely together. "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."
Oh man! See? Lots of thoughts all just spilled out with no organization. But I'm glad the Lord is working in me regardless of how I present it!
I'm finally back to praying for countries instead of continents and I'm really excited. I love learning about the countries and very specific things to pray for. The first country was Afghanistan. I recently met a new friend (through Tim) who served in Afghanistan and will be going back pretty soon. It really helped me to have a connection to the country and I look forward to getting to talk with Daniel about getting to pray for him and the country. Yesterday and today were Albania and Algeria. So much has happened in Deuteronomy. In fact, I'm through with it! Moses gave lots of final instructions and tried to teach the people to remember all the things God had commanded them to do. When it was time for Moses to die, he told the people to be strong and courageous. Then in speaking to Joshua about taking his place, he told Joshua to be strong and courageous. And when Moses commissioned Joshua in front of all Israel he said to be strong and courageous. These were the words of the Lord to remind His people that He was going before them into this new land and would drive out all the people. Then Moses teaches the Israelites a song so that they can remember the Lord's teachings. (See, I knew music was a valuable teaching tool!) After he finished the song, he blessed all the tribes and then went up on Mount Nebo to see the land the Israelites would be going into, and then he died. After 120 years full of seeking after the Lord. So that means now I'm reading Joshua. In the first chapter the phrase "be strong and courageous" is used four more times. One of those times it actually says be strong and very courageous! I guess God knew the people would need to hear this over and over. I feel like I need to hear things over and over a lot. I know I should trust when the Lord speaks the first time, but sometimes it just takes me a while to get it. I'm glad that there is Biblical evidence that shows I'm not the only one! So Joshua sends some spies into the land to scout it out and a lady named Rahab (who happened to be a prostitute) took in the men and hid them. She told them that her people had heard of the mighty things God has done on behalf of the Israelites and that they were afraid because of them. She helped them escape the city after they made an oath to protect her and her family. Jesus has been talking quite a lot in Luke and I do not always understand what He is saying. But, here are some things I have picked up on. We are valuable! He sees much worth in us as His creation. He says we are worth more than many sparrows, that He knows the number of hairs of our heads, that we do not need to be anxious about what we will eat or wear because He takes care of the lilies and will take care of us much more than that. This has been good to read and have on my mind as I face the uncertainty of living situations for the next year. I can confidently say, "God will provide!" Jesus also tells us that where your treasure is, there will be your heart also. It's so important to build up or spend your life searching after the right kind of treasure. Like a pirate, or Captain Jack Sparrow, who devotes their entire life only to finding treasure. :) Then there were several more things that just seem a little hard for me to understand, but I love reading them and knowing that Jesus spoke the words. I truly believe His word is living and active, and that even though I may not be gleaning anything from these passages right now, I might in the future. So I have come across a really cool psalm. In Psalm 78, the author recounts the history of the Israelites. It was so cool to read because I'm just finishing the time of Moses and the Israelites in the Old Testament. It was really nice to hear concisely and from another perspective. There were a couple of verses though, that broke my heart and brought much conviction this week. "But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant." I pray that I would be steadfast! That I would not lie! That my words would not be empty! Oh God, teach me to be truthful to you and honor you with my heart! Find me steadfast! And more wisdom about anxiety from Proverbs. I love it when the different parts I'm reading fit so nicely together. "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."
Oh man! See? Lots of thoughts all just spilled out with no organization. But I'm glad the Lord is working in me regardless of how I present it!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Choose Life
Pray- Church in the Pacific
There is a decline in church attendance and a rise in secularism. Lots of immigrants are in this area and it could be a great place for mission work, but it's just not happening. There are several people groups that could be reached with the Gospel: tribal peoples, Fijian Indians, Chinese, international students, immigrants to Australian and New Zealand.
Deuteronomy 29-30
The Lord is renewing His covenant with the people and reminding them that if they keep the covenant it will go well with them, but if they fall away there will be consequences. Then He tells them that if they return to Him, there is forgiveness and He will be faithful to bless them. The choice is entirely up to the people. He tells them, "Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers..." 30:28-29
Luke 11:37-12:7
Jesus is reprimanding the Pharisees and lawyers. Then he tells His disciples to watch out for them, saying that things said in secret will be revealed and even proclaimed from the rooftops. Jesus also tells us to not fear men because they can only kill the body, but we should fear the Lord who has power to cast us into hell once we have died. He tells us that we are worth much- that even the sparrows who are sold for very little are not forgotten by Him, and we are of much more value than many sparrows. Even the hairs of our heads are numbered!
Psalm 78:1-31
The author of this psalm is wanting to tell the next generation about the Lord and recounts the story of the Israelites and how the Lord provided for them.
Proverbs 12:19-20
The tongue of the wise brings healing, truthful lips endure forever, and those who plan peace have joy.
There is a decline in church attendance and a rise in secularism. Lots of immigrants are in this area and it could be a great place for mission work, but it's just not happening. There are several people groups that could be reached with the Gospel: tribal peoples, Fijian Indians, Chinese, international students, immigrants to Australian and New Zealand.
Deuteronomy 29-30
The Lord is renewing His covenant with the people and reminding them that if they keep the covenant it will go well with them, but if they fall away there will be consequences. Then He tells them that if they return to Him, there is forgiveness and He will be faithful to bless them. The choice is entirely up to the people. He tells them, "Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers..." 30:28-29
Luke 11:37-12:7
Jesus is reprimanding the Pharisees and lawyers. Then he tells His disciples to watch out for them, saying that things said in secret will be revealed and even proclaimed from the rooftops. Jesus also tells us to not fear men because they can only kill the body, but we should fear the Lord who has power to cast us into hell once we have died. He tells us that we are worth much- that even the sparrows who are sold for very little are not forgotten by Him, and we are of much more value than many sparrows. Even the hairs of our heads are numbered!
Psalm 78:1-31
The author of this psalm is wanting to tell the next generation about the Lord and recounts the story of the Israelites and how the Lord provided for them.
Proverbs 12:19-20
The tongue of the wise brings healing, truthful lips endure forever, and those who plan peace have joy.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Snow Week
This week has been crazy! The last time I worked was Monday... it is now Saturday. Everything has been shut down because of ice and then lots of snow yesterday. I am going stir crazy and will be venturing out very soon after I finish my reading for today. After a week in my house the cupboards are bare, and there is someone I would like to go see! :)
Pray- Europe
There is a trend toward cynicism especially among young people in all aspects of life in Europe. Immigration is happening in very large numbers, which is good because the European population is aging and not increasing. Islam is now the second religion of Europe and is growing rapidly. Pray that the Christians would share the love of Jesus with them.
The Church in Europe:
There has been a massive decline in church attendance. Pray for- the Catholic church that has been rocked by sex abuse scandals and the delayed response of the Vatican, a new generation of leaders in several denominations, the skewed moral compass of Europe, better relationships between denominations, and battles of spiritual warfare. Pray also for the many unreached people groups.
Deuteronomy 23-25
Moses is giving his last instructions before the people cross into the promised land, and he is going strong! Today's chapters were full of miscellaneous laws that covered a variety of subjects.
Luke 10:13-37
Backing up a little bit, Jesus had some people say to Him that they wanted to follow Him. His response told them that they would not have a certain place to stay, but He did tell them to follow Him. They kept wanting to take care of other things first, before just following Him, and He said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fir for the kingdom of God." 9:62 Then He sends out 72 believers to go ahead of Him into towns. A little later, they return very excited because they were doing powerful things in Jesus' name. He tells them, however, to not rejoice in the fact that spirits are subject to them, "but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." 10:20 Jesus always gives us such good perspective! Don't get so caught up in here and now, even when great things are being accomplished, but keep an eternal focus. And finally today, Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan in response to the question, "Who is my neighbor." At the end of the story, Jesus says, "You go, and do likewise." 10:37
Psalm 75
"We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds." May I be quick to recount the deeds of the Lord so that others may learn of Him!
Proverbs 12:12-14
The wicked and evil man is contrasted with the righteous.
Pray- Europe
There is a trend toward cynicism especially among young people in all aspects of life in Europe. Immigration is happening in very large numbers, which is good because the European population is aging and not increasing. Islam is now the second religion of Europe and is growing rapidly. Pray that the Christians would share the love of Jesus with them.
The Church in Europe:
There has been a massive decline in church attendance. Pray for- the Catholic church that has been rocked by sex abuse scandals and the delayed response of the Vatican, a new generation of leaders in several denominations, the skewed moral compass of Europe, better relationships between denominations, and battles of spiritual warfare. Pray also for the many unreached people groups.
Deuteronomy 23-25
Moses is giving his last instructions before the people cross into the promised land, and he is going strong! Today's chapters were full of miscellaneous laws that covered a variety of subjects.
Luke 10:13-37
Backing up a little bit, Jesus had some people say to Him that they wanted to follow Him. His response told them that they would not have a certain place to stay, but He did tell them to follow Him. They kept wanting to take care of other things first, before just following Him, and He said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fir for the kingdom of God." 9:62 Then He sends out 72 believers to go ahead of Him into towns. A little later, they return very excited because they were doing powerful things in Jesus' name. He tells them, however, to not rejoice in the fact that spirits are subject to them, "but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." 10:20 Jesus always gives us such good perspective! Don't get so caught up in here and now, even when great things are being accomplished, but keep an eternal focus. And finally today, Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan in response to the question, "Who is my neighbor." At the end of the story, Jesus says, "You go, and do likewise." 10:37
Psalm 75
"We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds." May I be quick to recount the deeds of the Lord so that others may learn of Him!
Proverbs 12:12-14
The wicked and evil man is contrasted with the righteous.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Europe
Praying for a new continent today- Europe
Very ethnically diverse. Economy was really good until after the two world wars. Now there is a big gap between Western and Eastern Europe. People from the East are moving West to try to find better circumstances. The politics of Europe have worldwide impact. Right now they are in a time of peace. The last 250 years have seen a decline of the gospel and Christianity in the continent.
Deut 13-15
If anyone- anyone- tries to convince you to follow a god other than the true God, you must kill him. This seems harsh, but the Lord was very serious about it. Then He describes what is clean and unclean to eat. Tithes are explained, and the sabbatical year. Every seven years the people were to grant release- of slaves and debts.
Luke 8:40-9:6
Stories of faith- a woman who had been sick for 12 years touched the fringe of Jesus' garment and was immediately healed. He asked who touched him and she when fessed up, He told her that her faith had healed her. Jesus was on the way to a man's house because his daughter was sick, but on the way a servant came and said the girl had already died. Jesus' response to the man was for his to not fear and only believe. The man didn't exactly do this (they laughed at Jesus when He said she was only sleeping), but Jesus healed her and they believed. Then He sent out the 12 disciples, giving them power and authority over demon and to cure diseases. Their job was to proclaim the kingdom of God.
Psalm 71
A psalm of praise- "For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust... My praise is continually of you... But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more... So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation..."
Proverbs 12:5-7
Righteous vs. wicked in thoughts, words, and life.
Very ethnically diverse. Economy was really good until after the two world wars. Now there is a big gap between Western and Eastern Europe. People from the East are moving West to try to find better circumstances. The politics of Europe have worldwide impact. Right now they are in a time of peace. The last 250 years have seen a decline of the gospel and Christianity in the continent.
Deut 13-15
If anyone- anyone- tries to convince you to follow a god other than the true God, you must kill him. This seems harsh, but the Lord was very serious about it. Then He describes what is clean and unclean to eat. Tithes are explained, and the sabbatical year. Every seven years the people were to grant release- of slaves and debts.
Luke 8:40-9:6
Stories of faith- a woman who had been sick for 12 years touched the fringe of Jesus' garment and was immediately healed. He asked who touched him and she when fessed up, He told her that her faith had healed her. Jesus was on the way to a man's house because his daughter was sick, but on the way a servant came and said the girl had already died. Jesus' response to the man was for his to not fear and only believe. The man didn't exactly do this (they laughed at Jesus when He said she was only sleeping), but Jesus healed her and they believed. Then He sent out the 12 disciples, giving them power and authority over demon and to cure diseases. Their job was to proclaim the kingdom of God.
Psalm 71
A psalm of praise- "For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust... My praise is continually of you... But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more... So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation..."
Proverbs 12:5-7
Righteous vs. wicked in thoughts, words, and life.
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