1 Peter 4:7-5:14
Today Peter begins by telling us how to act toward one another. The main thing he says to do is "love one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." He goes back briefly to suffering for the name of Christ and how it will lead to blessing. Then he tells the elders to "shepherd the flock" that has been given to them. We are to be humble toward one another and humble before God. Give your cares to the Lord and resist the devil who tries to devour like a lion.
Daniel 2:24-3:30
Daniel interpreted the king's dream. I knew the story of Daniel, and that the dream was part of it, but I did not know what the dream was. The king saw an image of a man whose head was made of gold, chest was made of silver, middle was made of bronze, legs were made of iron, and feet had iron and clay. Then a stone hit the feet and it cause the whole image to shatter. Basically, each of the different metals was a different kingdom that would reign, and the stone was the nation that would shatter them all and be established forever. The king was so grateful for the interpretation that he made Daniel and his friend in charge of parts of his kingdom. Then king Nebby made a golden image and commanded that everyone bow down to it. Daniel's three friends refused and got thrown into a fiery furnace, but an angel came and stayed with them in the fire so that they could come back out when the king called them. There was not even the smell of fire on them!
Proverbs 28:15-16
A bad ruler can be compared to a roaring lion, a charging bear, or a cruel oppressor.
Psalm 119:81-96
Both sections today talk about the desire for salvation and for the Lord to deliver them from enemies.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Always Be Prepared... which came first, the boy scouts or the Bible? :)
Palestine
The country is basically a little bit of land inside Israel. Both nations lay claim to Jerusalem as their capital. The majority are Muslim with very little outreach effort from Christians. Pray for Christians to demonstrate love and concern.
Psalm 119:65-80
The first little section today begins by saying that people are opposing the writer, but he is able to find his hope and delight in the Lord. The second section talks about being made by the Lord and desiring to follow His ways.
Proverbs 28:14
"Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity."
1 Peter 3:8-4:6
Again, Peter has so much to say. I find myself rereading to make sure I got everything... and I still don't feel like I did! He begins by saying that we should not repay evil with evil, "for to this you were called." He then talks about suffering on behalf of Christ. He says we should always be ready to "make a defense" to people who ask why we have such hope. And he reminds us that the suffering we will endure is nothing compared to the suffering Christ endured for us. Then Peter says that it is because of our sufferings that we are able to live in the Spirit. Because Jesus suffered in the flesh, we are able to follow His example and live not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Daniel 1-2:23
Well, first off, this takes place during the time of King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon, and he has taken the nation of Judah captive. After doing so, he commanded that the young, healthy, good-looking men be brought to the palace to be trained for him. They were to be given the food the king ate and were to be in training for three years. Daniel and his three friends refused the king's food and asked for veggies and water. The chief eunuch was nervous, but gave them 10 days of their preferred diet. At the end of those days, the four boys were much better off and more healthy, so everyone was given the "Daniel diet." A little while later, the king had a dream and demanded that is be interpreted. His men were unable to do it so he was in the process of having them all destroyed when Daniel found out what was going on. He agreed to interpret the dream and then immediately went home to his three friends and asked for them to pray. The Lord answered and revealed the dream to Daniel.
The country is basically a little bit of land inside Israel. Both nations lay claim to Jerusalem as their capital. The majority are Muslim with very little outreach effort from Christians. Pray for Christians to demonstrate love and concern.
Psalm 119:65-80
The first little section today begins by saying that people are opposing the writer, but he is able to find his hope and delight in the Lord. The second section talks about being made by the Lord and desiring to follow His ways.
Proverbs 28:14
"Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity."
1 Peter 3:8-4:6
Again, Peter has so much to say. I find myself rereading to make sure I got everything... and I still don't feel like I did! He begins by saying that we should not repay evil with evil, "for to this you were called." He then talks about suffering on behalf of Christ. He says we should always be ready to "make a defense" to people who ask why we have such hope. And he reminds us that the suffering we will endure is nothing compared to the suffering Christ endured for us. Then Peter says that it is because of our sufferings that we are able to live in the Spirit. Because Jesus suffered in the flesh, we are able to follow His example and live not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Daniel 1-2:23
Well, first off, this takes place during the time of King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon, and he has taken the nation of Judah captive. After doing so, he commanded that the young, healthy, good-looking men be brought to the palace to be trained for him. They were to be given the food the king ate and were to be in training for three years. Daniel and his three friends refused the king's food and asked for veggies and water. The chief eunuch was nervous, but gave them 10 days of their preferred diet. At the end of those days, the four boys were much better off and more healthy, so everyone was given the "Daniel diet." A little while later, the king had a dream and demanded that is be interpreted. His men were unable to do it so he was in the process of having them all destroyed when Daniel found out what was going on. He agreed to interpret the dream and then immediately went home to his three friends and asked for them to pray. The Lord answered and revealed the dream to Daniel.
Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater
Ezekiel 47-48
Today the Lord told Ezekiel where each tribe is to have their inheritance, and what belongs to the priests and the prince. He set up the boundaries on all sides of the land promised to them. Then He named the gates to the city and the city itself calling it "The Lord Is There." And that's the end.
1 Peter 2:11-3:7
I must say that Peter is making me think. I'm having a bit of trouble getting my groggy mind to focus on all the wonderful things he has to say. I've read most of these verses more than once, just to make sure I'm getting some of it! So today Peter says that we should live in such a way that shows others what we believe and brings glory to God. He also says to submissive to authority. When we do what is right and suffer for it, we are following Christ's example. We cannot suffer as greatly as Him because he died for us and bore our sins so that we could be healed. Peter goes on to say that wives should be submissive to husbands and not worry about their outward appearances, but adorn themselves with "the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit." And other ladies have a hard time with that one besides me? This is something I have to think about often as a wife. Peter also tells husbands to honor their wives.
Today the Lord told Ezekiel where each tribe is to have their inheritance, and what belongs to the priests and the prince. He set up the boundaries on all sides of the land promised to them. Then He named the gates to the city and the city itself calling it "The Lord Is There." And that's the end.
1 Peter 2:11-3:7
I must say that Peter is making me think. I'm having a bit of trouble getting my groggy mind to focus on all the wonderful things he has to say. I've read most of these verses more than once, just to make sure I'm getting some of it! So today Peter says that we should live in such a way that shows others what we believe and brings glory to God. He also says to submissive to authority. When we do what is right and suffer for it, we are following Christ's example. We cannot suffer as greatly as Him because he died for us and bore our sins so that we could be healed. Peter goes on to say that wives should be submissive to husbands and not worry about their outward appearances, but adorn themselves with "the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit." And other ladies have a hard time with that one besides me? This is something I have to think about often as a wife. Peter also tells husbands to honor their wives.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pakistan
Pakistan
Majority Muslim with many different people groups. Pray that the government would find just leaders and that the extreme Muslim groups would stop persecution. The Church is small, but growing. Pakistan has the world's second largest concentration of unevangelized people. Pray for local believers and missionaries.
Proverbs 28:11
"A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out." Wealth can't hide the truth.
Psalm 119:33-48
This psalm is very long and split into several sections. Have you ever wondered what the sections are? I know the answer!! Our pastor told us once that the divisions are marked by the Hebrew alphabet. Each section of verses corresponds with the letter. It was a teaching tool they used to help their kids memorize the scriptures. How cool! Makes me feel like I've got quite a bit of work to do in the memorizing department. So far they talk a lot about desiring to know the law of the Lord and following after Him.
1 Peter 1:13-2:10
Peter is reminding the people of the calling they have received. Jesus' sacrifice was made for us and we ought to live like we remember that. Peter is speaking to all who have heard the good news. And because we have this knowledge we should live in a way that is not like the world. The Lord has chosen us to be built up in Him.
Ezekiel 45:13-46:24
Ezekiel is still having a vision and learning all about the temple. Today the Lord is telling him what the prince must do and how all the offerings are to be given.
Majority Muslim with many different people groups. Pray that the government would find just leaders and that the extreme Muslim groups would stop persecution. The Church is small, but growing. Pakistan has the world's second largest concentration of unevangelized people. Pray for local believers and missionaries.
Proverbs 28:11
"A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out." Wealth can't hide the truth.
Psalm 119:33-48
This psalm is very long and split into several sections. Have you ever wondered what the sections are? I know the answer!! Our pastor told us once that the divisions are marked by the Hebrew alphabet. Each section of verses corresponds with the letter. It was a teaching tool they used to help their kids memorize the scriptures. How cool! Makes me feel like I've got quite a bit of work to do in the memorizing department. So far they talk a lot about desiring to know the law of the Lord and following after Him.
1 Peter 1:13-2:10
Peter is reminding the people of the calling they have received. Jesus' sacrifice was made for us and we ought to live like we remember that. Peter is speaking to all who have heard the good news. And because we have this knowledge we should live in a way that is not like the world. The Lord has chosen us to be built up in Him.
Ezekiel 45:13-46:24
Ezekiel is still having a vision and learning all about the temple. Today the Lord is telling him what the prince must do and how all the offerings are to be given.
Ezekiel 44-45:12
God is giving Ezekiel all the measurements for the new temple. He sees a vision and basically walks around with an angel who measures everything so Ezekiel can write it down. Then the glory of the Lord fills the temple. It appears again like it did in the beginning of the book and later on during another vision. You know, the creatures with four heads and fiery bodies.
1 Peter 1:1-12
Peter is writing to specific exiles. He begins with rejoicing because of the salvation that they have been offered. "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading."
God is giving Ezekiel all the measurements for the new temple. He sees a vision and basically walks around with an angel who measures everything so Ezekiel can write it down. Then the glory of the Lord fills the temple. It appears again like it did in the beginning of the book and later on during another vision. You know, the creatures with four heads and fiery bodies.
1 Peter 1:1-12
Peter is writing to specific exiles. He begins with rejoicing because of the salvation that they have been offered. "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading."
Friday, September 23, 2011
TGIF
I'm headed out! We are going on a retreat this weekend with a group from our church, so I will not have my computer or internet. (Wahoo!) I will be keeping up with my reading though, and will see you Monday. :)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Just Do It
Nigeria
This country has high numbers of Christians, but is still one of the most corrupt nations in the world. Pray for unity in the Church, stopping of persecution, training for leaders, and the separate issues facing the vastly different three regions of the country.
Ezekiel 37-38
God takes Ezekiel to a valley filled with bones. They are all dried up. So the Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy to them, and of course, they all assemble themselves back together and grow sinews and muscles and skin! All Ezekiel has left to do is prophecy the breath into them. God said the bones were like the whole of Israel and that he would do the same thing for them. God was going to breathe His Spirit into His people. Then E got two sticks to represent Judah and Israel. Next, he bound them together so they were as one stick to symbolize that God would united the people again.
James 1:19-2:17
The book of James was written by James, not to him the way several of the other New Testament books got their names. James was a wise man... plus he was inspired by God! Today he tells us to act on what we hear. What good does it do if we listen to God's word but never do anything about it? He talks about not showing partiality to anyone, and then returns to the idea that we should act on what we are taught. He says, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." I want my faith to be very much alive!!!
Psalm 117
This psalm is all of two verses. Two verses of praise! Praise for the Lord's steadfast love and faithfulness.
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." I love that! Do you know the feeling of being paranoid, or afraid that someone might catch you in your sin so you run? If we are among the righteous, we have nothing to hide and can be bold as a lion. :)
This country has high numbers of Christians, but is still one of the most corrupt nations in the world. Pray for unity in the Church, stopping of persecution, training for leaders, and the separate issues facing the vastly different three regions of the country.
Ezekiel 37-38
God takes Ezekiel to a valley filled with bones. They are all dried up. So the Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy to them, and of course, they all assemble themselves back together and grow sinews and muscles and skin! All Ezekiel has left to do is prophecy the breath into them. God said the bones were like the whole of Israel and that he would do the same thing for them. God was going to breathe His Spirit into His people. Then E got two sticks to represent Judah and Israel. Next, he bound them together so they were as one stick to symbolize that God would united the people again.
James 1:19-2:17
The book of James was written by James, not to him the way several of the other New Testament books got their names. James was a wise man... plus he was inspired by God! Today he tells us to act on what we hear. What good does it do if we listen to God's word but never do anything about it? He talks about not showing partiality to anyone, and then returns to the idea that we should act on what we are taught. He says, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." I want my faith to be very much alive!!!
Psalm 117
This psalm is all of two verses. Two verses of praise! Praise for the Lord's steadfast love and faithfulness.
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." I love that! Do you know the feeling of being paranoid, or afraid that someone might catch you in your sin so you run? If we are among the righteous, we have nothing to hide and can be bold as a lion. :)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Hebrews 13
This chapter is full of practical advice. We are to have brotherly love, be hospitable, remember prisoners, hold marriage in honor, do not love money, don't be led away by strange teachings, do good, share what you have, obey leaders, and pray for other believers.
Psalm 115
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" v.1
Proverbs 27:21-22
A man is tested by his praise, and even when a fool is crushed his folly will not depart from him.
Ezekiel 33-34
This chapter is full of practical advice. We are to have brotherly love, be hospitable, remember prisoners, hold marriage in honor, do not love money, don't be led away by strange teachings, do good, share what you have, obey leaders, and pray for other believers.
Psalm 115
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" v.1
Proverbs 27:21-22
A man is tested by his praise, and even when a fool is crushed his folly will not depart from him.
Ezekiel 33-34
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Cloud of Witnesses
Nicaragua
This country is a secular state with freedom of religion. There has been much devastation from natural disasters as well as civil war, but these things are causing many to seek the Lord and turn to Him. The Church is seeing unity and mission work is beginning.
Niger
Mostly made up of the Sahara desert. 50% of the population is under the age of 15 and literacy is at 29%. This is one of the poorest nations in the world. There is considerable freedom of religion here, but there are tensions between the Muslims and Christians. Many Muslims are open to the gospel, though. Pray that Christians would share their faith and that churches would grow to be unified.
Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Psalm 112
"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord." The psalm goes on the explain the many ways he is blessed.
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
So many good things in these verses! Chapter 11 finishes up the list of so many great people of faith, and chapter 12 begins by saying, "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus..." To me, these verses are so encouraging. I can do it, too! Then it goes on to say that we have not had to endure anything like Jesus did when He died for us, so we need to keep our lives in perspective. The Lord disciplines us for our own good, just like an earthly father would.
Ezekiel 29-30
Today Ezekiel prophesied against Egypt and the Pharaoh. God said He would scatter the people and Egypt would be brought low. Then He also told Ezekiel to lament over Egypt.
This country is a secular state with freedom of religion. There has been much devastation from natural disasters as well as civil war, but these things are causing many to seek the Lord and turn to Him. The Church is seeing unity and mission work is beginning.
Niger
Mostly made up of the Sahara desert. 50% of the population is under the age of 15 and literacy is at 29%. This is one of the poorest nations in the world. There is considerable freedom of religion here, but there are tensions between the Muslims and Christians. Many Muslims are open to the gospel, though. Pray that Christians would share their faith and that churches would grow to be unified.
Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Psalm 112
"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord." The psalm goes on the explain the many ways he is blessed.
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
So many good things in these verses! Chapter 11 finishes up the list of so many great people of faith, and chapter 12 begins by saying, "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus..." To me, these verses are so encouraging. I can do it, too! Then it goes on to say that we have not had to endure anything like Jesus did when He died for us, so we need to keep our lives in perspective. The Lord disciplines us for our own good, just like an earthly father would.
Ezekiel 29-30
Today Ezekiel prophesied against Egypt and the Pharaoh. God said He would scatter the people and Egypt would be brought low. Then He also told Ezekiel to lament over Egypt.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Beginning Of Wisdom
Ezekiel 27-28
Yesterday, God told Ezekiel to be a demonstration for the people again, and that he would lose the delight of his eyes. Ezekiel's wife died. And the demonstration for the people was that he was not able to mourn or weep for her. It made me sad. Today God is speaking about Tyre and what will come if it.
Hebrews 11:17-31
This chapter is called the "hall of faith" because it lists several people and the things that they did by their faith. Really it lists the things that God accomplished through them because they had faith. I wonder if anyone will ever be able to remember me as one who had great faith. I hope so!
Psalm 111
Praise the Lord, great are His works, He shows His power, He is faithful and upright, wisdom comes from fearing the Lord.
Proverbs 27:15-16
"A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one's right hand."
Yesterday, God told Ezekiel to be a demonstration for the people again, and that he would lose the delight of his eyes. Ezekiel's wife died. And the demonstration for the people was that he was not able to mourn or weep for her. It made me sad. Today God is speaking about Tyre and what will come if it.
Hebrews 11:17-31
This chapter is called the "hall of faith" because it lists several people and the things that they did by their faith. Really it lists the things that God accomplished through them because they had faith. I wonder if anyone will ever be able to remember me as one who had great faith. I hope so!
Psalm 111
Praise the Lord, great are His works, He shows His power, He is faithful and upright, wisdom comes from fearing the Lord.
Proverbs 27:15-16
"A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one's right hand."
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Whoring Cities
Netherlands Antilles
Caribbean islands that are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The population of just over 200,000 has a majority of Christians but their faith is nominal. The Bible was published in their native language several years ago. Pray for its effectiveness in reaching the people.
New Caledonia
Several islands northeast of Australia. They are rich in nickel deposits. This is a French territory. There is a high percentage of Christians, but they country is growing more and more secular. There are several different groups of people on the islands who do not have much outreach.
Ezekiel 23
Today God uses the image of two women who are whores to describe Samaria and Jerusalem. They chase after the men of other countries and invite them in. They continue their whoring through their whole lives, which end in destruction.
Hebrews 10:18-39
Because Jesus is our High Priest and has made His sacrifice once for all and our sins have been forgiven, we are able to come to God in confidence. We have been cleaned and should be encouraging one another. And once we know the Truth, if we continue sinning and living in our old ways, the Lord will punish us. But even when trials come because we believe in God, we need to keep our confidence. "We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." v. 39
Psalm 109
My women's Bible study has started a new series where we are looking at the life of David through Psalms. It is so good to see how David responds to the circumstances he faces. Today he asks God to take care of his enemies. He has very specific things that he would like to happen to them. But what really gets me is that even in his plea for deliverance, he still recognizes the steadfast love of the Lord. His desire in God rebuking his enemies is so that they might know He is God. I want to learn from David and have the perspective he did!
Proverbs 27:13
I don't really get it- "Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress."
Caribbean islands that are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The population of just over 200,000 has a majority of Christians but their faith is nominal. The Bible was published in their native language several years ago. Pray for its effectiveness in reaching the people.
New Caledonia
Several islands northeast of Australia. They are rich in nickel deposits. This is a French territory. There is a high percentage of Christians, but they country is growing more and more secular. There are several different groups of people on the islands who do not have much outreach.
Ezekiel 23
Today God uses the image of two women who are whores to describe Samaria and Jerusalem. They chase after the men of other countries and invite them in. They continue their whoring through their whole lives, which end in destruction.
Hebrews 10:18-39
Because Jesus is our High Priest and has made His sacrifice once for all and our sins have been forgiven, we are able to come to God in confidence. We have been cleaned and should be encouraging one another. And once we know the Truth, if we continue sinning and living in our old ways, the Lord will punish us. But even when trials come because we believe in God, we need to keep our confidence. "We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." v. 39
Psalm 109
My women's Bible study has started a new series where we are looking at the life of David through Psalms. It is so good to see how David responds to the circumstances he faces. Today he asks God to take care of his enemies. He has very specific things that he would like to happen to them. But what really gets me is that even in his plea for deliverance, he still recognizes the steadfast love of the Lord. His desire in God rebuking his enemies is so that they might know He is God. I want to learn from David and have the perspective he did!
Proverbs 27:13
I don't really get it- "Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress."
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Those Who Are Being Sanctified
Ezekiel 21-22
The Lord declares that He is about to draw His sword and bring His wrath on the people. Then He explains all of the evil deeds the people have done that have caused this to happened. God says He looked for even one good man but found none.
Hebrews 10:1-17
The law did not (does not) lead to perfection. The people were required to make sacrifices of animals, but these sacrifices did not take away their guilt. It was not until Jesus came and offered Himself for us that our sins were atoned for. The Holy Spirit has said that with the new covenant the laws would be written on our hearts and on our minds, and that He will remember our sins no more.
Psalm 108
Begins with singing and praise to the Lord. Then the writer talks about how the armies are no longer successful because God does not go with them, and he asks for help.
Proverbs 27:12
"The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."
Netherlands
Northern European country with a great history of Christianity. Sadly, today's society has turned their back on God and this nation is now know for its tolerance of any kind of lifestyle. Church attendance is the lowest it has ever been and in a couple of years the majority of Church goers will be over 65. Pray for families to teach their children Christ centered values. There is a growing Muslim population and some ministry is effective with them.
The Lord declares that He is about to draw His sword and bring His wrath on the people. Then He explains all of the evil deeds the people have done that have caused this to happened. God says He looked for even one good man but found none.
Hebrews 10:1-17
The law did not (does not) lead to perfection. The people were required to make sacrifices of animals, but these sacrifices did not take away their guilt. It was not until Jesus came and offered Himself for us that our sins were atoned for. The Holy Spirit has said that with the new covenant the laws would be written on our hearts and on our minds, and that He will remember our sins no more.
Psalm 108
Begins with singing and praise to the Lord. Then the writer talks about how the armies are no longer successful because God does not go with them, and he asks for help.
Proverbs 27:12
"The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."
Netherlands
Northern European country with a great history of Christianity. Sadly, today's society has turned their back on God and this nation is now know for its tolerance of any kind of lifestyle. Church attendance is the lowest it has ever been and in a couple of years the majority of Church goers will be over 65. Pray for families to teach their children Christ centered values. There is a growing Muslim population and some ministry is effective with them.
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Soul Who Sins Shall Die
Nepal
Very mountainous country (8 out of 10 of the world's highest peaks!) with a history of monarchy. Democracy was established in 2008. At least one third of the population live in poverty on less than $1 a day. The culture is very strongly Hindu with much emphasis placed on castes. Pray that a strong and just government would be established as they work out their new democracy. Pray for the Church, which is largely indigenous.
Ezekiel 18-19
Today God makes clear that a man will suffer for his own sins. The sins of the father do not transfer to the son if he is righteous and the sins of the son do not transfer to the father if he is righteous. Also, if a man turns from his wickedness, God will deal with him according to the good choice he made. But if he turns away from righteousness to wickedness, he will be judged for his wicked deeds.
Hebrews 9:1-10
A look back at the beginnings of the temple. The front section was used for ritual sacrifices for all the people. The Holy of Holies was a place where only the high priest could go. As long as this was the established means for atonement of sins, no one could be perfected by the sacrifices made on their behalf.
Psalm 106:32-48
The people continued to sin and not live as God desired for them to, but in the end they did repent and the Lord had mercy on them. The people called out to Him and He listened.
Proverbs 27:10
"Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away."
Very mountainous country (8 out of 10 of the world's highest peaks!) with a history of monarchy. Democracy was established in 2008. At least one third of the population live in poverty on less than $1 a day. The culture is very strongly Hindu with much emphasis placed on castes. Pray that a strong and just government would be established as they work out their new democracy. Pray for the Church, which is largely indigenous.
Ezekiel 18-19
Today God makes clear that a man will suffer for his own sins. The sins of the father do not transfer to the son if he is righteous and the sins of the son do not transfer to the father if he is righteous. Also, if a man turns from his wickedness, God will deal with him according to the good choice he made. But if he turns away from righteousness to wickedness, he will be judged for his wicked deeds.
Hebrews 9:1-10
A look back at the beginnings of the temple. The front section was used for ritual sacrifices for all the people. The Holy of Holies was a place where only the high priest could go. As long as this was the established means for atonement of sins, no one could be perfected by the sacrifices made on their behalf.
Psalm 106:32-48
The people continued to sin and not live as God desired for them to, but in the end they did repent and the Lord had mercy on them. The people called out to Him and He listened.
Proverbs 27:10
"Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away."
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Myanmar
Ethnically diverse population with a majority living in poverty. Amphetamines are now the drug of choice for most. In 2008 there was a devastating cyclone that has increased the level of poverty. The military is led by a dictator who lost an election in 1990, but the winner was arrested by the military and has lived as a detainee ever since. The regime recognizes Buddhism, but freedom of religion is constitutionally allowed. However, Christians suffer much at the hands of the military. There is much to pray for: protection from the ruthless military and for justice to be done, recovery from the cyclone, growth and protection of the Church, breaking the strongholds of Buddhism which is simply part of life in this country, and the many refugees.
Ezekiel 14:12-16:41
God tells Ezekiel today, essentially, that Jerusalem is worthless. He paints a picture of a newborn that no one wanted or cared for. God says that he allowed her to live and when she came of age He cleaned her and adorned her with gold and silver and fine clothing and made her beautiful. "But you trusted in your beauty and played the whore because of your renown..." The people did not act royally, but took advantage of their status and are now suffering the consequences. I pray that I would recognize God's blessings and give Him the credit for them and live humbly that He may be glorified.
Hebrews 7:18-28
"For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priest, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself." 26-27
Psalm 106:1-12
A psalm of praise for what the Lord had done. And a request that God would remember them even though their fathers had sinned.
Proverbs 27:4-6
Open rebuke is better than hidden love, and an enemy offers many kisses, but wounds from a friend are faithful.
Ethnically diverse population with a majority living in poverty. Amphetamines are now the drug of choice for most. In 2008 there was a devastating cyclone that has increased the level of poverty. The military is led by a dictator who lost an election in 1990, but the winner was arrested by the military and has lived as a detainee ever since. The regime recognizes Buddhism, but freedom of religion is constitutionally allowed. However, Christians suffer much at the hands of the military. There is much to pray for: protection from the ruthless military and for justice to be done, recovery from the cyclone, growth and protection of the Church, breaking the strongholds of Buddhism which is simply part of life in this country, and the many refugees.
Ezekiel 14:12-16:41
God tells Ezekiel today, essentially, that Jerusalem is worthless. He paints a picture of a newborn that no one wanted or cared for. God says that he allowed her to live and when she came of age He cleaned her and adorned her with gold and silver and fine clothing and made her beautiful. "But you trusted in your beauty and played the whore because of your renown..." The people did not act royally, but took advantage of their status and are now suffering the consequences. I pray that I would recognize God's blessings and give Him the credit for them and live humbly that He may be glorified.
Hebrews 7:18-28
"For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priest, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself." 26-27
Psalm 106:1-12
A psalm of praise for what the Lord had done. And a request that God would remember them even though their fathers had sinned.
Proverbs 27:4-6
Open rebuke is better than hidden love, and an enemy offers many kisses, but wounds from a friend are faithful.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Hebrews 7:1-17
Jesus and Melchizedek are being compared. There are many similarities, but what sets M apart from other high priests was that he was also a king. Some facts about M: his name meant king of righteousness and peace, Abraham gave him a tenth of everything (like a tithe), he had no end of days (at least no one knows about it!). All these things can be paralleled with Jesus. Then it goes on to say that the law was not enough to save people and that there was a need for another priest in the order of Melchizedek to fulfill all the requirements for us.
Proverbs 27:3
"A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both."
Psalm 105:37-45
The finale of a recounting of what the Lord did for Israel. In today's portion, they are delivered from Egypt and given everything they need in the wilderness.
Ezekiel 12-14:11
Today Ezekiel had to pack his bags like he was in exile and go to the middle of the city for the people to see him. Then when evening came, he had to dig a hole in the wall with his hands and leave the city. Apparently, this was the way you did it if you were in exile! So, the people asked him why he was doing all this and he was able to tell them that this would be their fate since they had turned away from the Lord. He also called out the false prophets, the magic women, and the elders.
Jesus and Melchizedek are being compared. There are many similarities, but what sets M apart from other high priests was that he was also a king. Some facts about M: his name meant king of righteousness and peace, Abraham gave him a tenth of everything (like a tithe), he had no end of days (at least no one knows about it!). All these things can be paralleled with Jesus. Then it goes on to say that the law was not enough to save people and that there was a need for another priest in the order of Melchizedek to fulfill all the requirements for us.
Proverbs 27:3
"A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both."
Psalm 105:37-45
The finale of a recounting of what the Lord did for Israel. In today's portion, they are delivered from Egypt and given everything they need in the wilderness.
Ezekiel 12-14:11
Today Ezekiel had to pack his bags like he was in exile and go to the middle of the city for the people to see him. Then when evening came, he had to dig a hole in the wall with his hands and leave the city. Apparently, this was the way you did it if you were in exile! So, the people asked him why he was doing all this and he was able to tell them that this would be their fate since they had turned away from the Lord. He also called out the false prophets, the magic women, and the elders.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Mozambique
A very poor country because of a past 30 year history of war and the extremes of flooding and drought. 80% of people are farmers, so these conditions make for hard work. The official language is Portuguese, but only 30% understand this language. (It was a Portuguese colony for 470 years.) Then a Marxist government took over, and finally a multiparty democracy in 1990. During the Marxist reign, Christianity was being rooted out, but now there is freedom of religion. Pray for the government as they lead in peace, for the many overcome by disease, for spiritual responsiveness, for unreached people groups, and for the many Bible translation projects that have been started.
Ezekiel 10-11
Oh man he sees some crazy stuff. Today there was a throne that appeared above the cherubim that was made out of sapphire. God tells the man wearing linen to go in among the cherubim and get a handful of burning coals to scatter across the city. He does this and the wheels with eyes and 4-headed creatures are all present. The Spirit lifts up Ezekiel and takes him to a new place and instructed him to speak of the judgement that was to come on the city. After all this, God says that He will gather the people from the nations and replace their hearts of stone with hearts of flesh so that they will walk with Him and He can be their God.
A very poor country because of a past 30 year history of war and the extremes of flooding and drought. 80% of people are farmers, so these conditions make for hard work. The official language is Portuguese, but only 30% understand this language. (It was a Portuguese colony for 470 years.) Then a Marxist government took over, and finally a multiparty democracy in 1990. During the Marxist reign, Christianity was being rooted out, but now there is freedom of religion. Pray for the government as they lead in peace, for the many overcome by disease, for spiritual responsiveness, for unreached people groups, and for the many Bible translation projects that have been started.
Ezekiel 10-11
Oh man he sees some crazy stuff. Today there was a throne that appeared above the cherubim that was made out of sapphire. God tells the man wearing linen to go in among the cherubim and get a handful of burning coals to scatter across the city. He does this and the wheels with eyes and 4-headed creatures are all present. The Spirit lifts up Ezekiel and takes him to a new place and instructed him to speak of the judgement that was to come on the city. After all this, God says that He will gather the people from the nations and replace their hearts of stone with hearts of flesh so that they will walk with Him and He can be their God.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Great High Priest
Proverbs 26:28
"A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
Psalm 105:1-15
The writer is encouraging believers to give thanks and praise to God for His works. Specifically, he is describing the the covenant God made with Abraham.
Hebrews 5
Earlier in this book, Jesus was talked about in regards to His supremacy, explaining how He was greater than all those before Him. Today's chapter talks about Jesus as our high priest. He was the perfect high priest. All those before Him could sympathize with sin because of their own weaknesses, but they still needed to sacrifice for their own sins as well as the sins of the people. Because Jesus was sinless, He was the perfect high priest. He is able to sympathize because He has been tempted in every way (2:18), but He is perfect and therefore was able to become the sacrifice once for ALL. Jesus was also appointed to this role by His Father, just like all the other high priests. And He was a "priest in the order of Melchizedek," who happened to be the only other priest and king in history. The writer says that he would like to talk more on this subject, but he knows the people would not understand because they are spiritual infants, drinking milk when they ought to be able to handle solid food by now- they should have matured in their faith.
Ezekiel 7-9
Today God tells Ezekiel that they day is coming when He will bring disaster after disaster on the people. Then Ezekiel has a vision of a man of fire who grabs him by his hair and pulls him up between heaven and earth so God could show him the abominations of the people. Then God calls for the six executioners of the city with their weapons. There is also a man dressed in linen who is told to go into the city and place a mark on the forehead of anyone who does not like the abominations happening around them. The rest of the people, without marks, were to be struck down by the six men.
"A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
Psalm 105:1-15
The writer is encouraging believers to give thanks and praise to God for His works. Specifically, he is describing the the covenant God made with Abraham.
Hebrews 5
Earlier in this book, Jesus was talked about in regards to His supremacy, explaining how He was greater than all those before Him. Today's chapter talks about Jesus as our high priest. He was the perfect high priest. All those before Him could sympathize with sin because of their own weaknesses, but they still needed to sacrifice for their own sins as well as the sins of the people. Because Jesus was sinless, He was the perfect high priest. He is able to sympathize because He has been tempted in every way (2:18), but He is perfect and therefore was able to become the sacrifice once for ALL. Jesus was also appointed to this role by His Father, just like all the other high priests. And He was a "priest in the order of Melchizedek," who happened to be the only other priest and king in history. The writer says that he would like to talk more on this subject, but he knows the people would not understand because they are spiritual infants, drinking milk when they ought to be able to handle solid food by now- they should have matured in their faith.
Ezekiel 7-9
Today God tells Ezekiel that they day is coming when He will bring disaster after disaster on the people. Then Ezekiel has a vision of a man of fire who grabs him by his hair and pulls him up between heaven and earth so God could show him the abominations of the people. Then God calls for the six executioners of the city with their weapons. There is also a man dressed in linen who is told to go into the city and place a mark on the forehead of anyone who does not like the abominations happening around them. The rest of the people, without marks, were to be struck down by the six men.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1-6
Let me begin by saying that if you have never read the beginning of Ezekiel, quit reading what I'm writing and go read it now! At least up to 3:3. It is one of the most descriptive and strange portions of scripture, and I'm not going to describe much more except to say that he sees and eats some very strange things. Have I got you wondering?... Go Read It!! Now in the next few chapters God tells Ezekiel to do some rather interesting things. First He tells E that if he doesn't speak what he is told from God that the blood of the people will be on his hands. God tells E to shut himself inside his house and that he would be bound by cords and struck mute. Then, when God allowed, he would be able to talk again and give warning to the people. Just a couple other things: he was told to carve a city on a brick and then lay siege to it, he was to put an iron griddle between himself and the city, he was to lie on his left side for 390 days to represent the number of years of Israel's punishment, and for 40 days on his right for Judah, he was to cut off his hair and divide it into three sections with very specific instructions as to what to do with each section, not to mention being told to cook his bread over human dung... but this was altered to cow dung after he asked politely.
Hebrews 4
This chapter is talking about God's rest. As God's children we are able to enter into His rest and receive the benefits from resting as God did on the Sabbath. BUT we can also lose our ability to enter His rest. If we are not being obedient, or lacking faith, we will not be able to rest in God. We have the Israelites as an example- they were saved by God and then were disobedient, not trusting in Him, and therefore were unable to enter the promised land and wandered for 40 years without rest. But the author reminds us that there is good news. He says as long as there is "today" we still get a chance! David wrote "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." So, if we hear the Lord today and are obedient, even if we've been wandering for a while, He is faithful and will allow us to enter into His rest. That sounds like the best place in the world to me. :) Following this are some well known verses. We are to strive to enter God's rest, "for the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." v. 12 I have found it so true in my own life that the Word is living and God does speak to me through it.
Psalm 104
Written with beautiful language about how great the Lord and His works are. 35 verses of praise to the Lord!
Proverbs 26:27
"Whoever digs a pit will fall in it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling."
Morocco
Country in northwest Africa that also includes Western Sahara. Arabic and Berber are the main two people groups in the country. There are large numbers of poor and unemployed. They would need to create 400,000 jobs a year to keep up with the population growth rate. Sunni Islam is the state religion, but it is legal to talk about Christ and invite friends home to discuss religion, but Christians are carefully monitored. There is a Moroccan Church emerging.
Let me begin by saying that if you have never read the beginning of Ezekiel, quit reading what I'm writing and go read it now! At least up to 3:3. It is one of the most descriptive and strange portions of scripture, and I'm not going to describe much more except to say that he sees and eats some very strange things. Have I got you wondering?... Go Read It!! Now in the next few chapters God tells Ezekiel to do some rather interesting things. First He tells E that if he doesn't speak what he is told from God that the blood of the people will be on his hands. God tells E to shut himself inside his house and that he would be bound by cords and struck mute. Then, when God allowed, he would be able to talk again and give warning to the people. Just a couple other things: he was told to carve a city on a brick and then lay siege to it, he was to put an iron griddle between himself and the city, he was to lie on his left side for 390 days to represent the number of years of Israel's punishment, and for 40 days on his right for Judah, he was to cut off his hair and divide it into three sections with very specific instructions as to what to do with each section, not to mention being told to cook his bread over human dung... but this was altered to cow dung after he asked politely.
Hebrews 4
This chapter is talking about God's rest. As God's children we are able to enter into His rest and receive the benefits from resting as God did on the Sabbath. BUT we can also lose our ability to enter His rest. If we are not being obedient, or lacking faith, we will not be able to rest in God. We have the Israelites as an example- they were saved by God and then were disobedient, not trusting in Him, and therefore were unable to enter the promised land and wandered for 40 years without rest. But the author reminds us that there is good news. He says as long as there is "today" we still get a chance! David wrote "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." So, if we hear the Lord today and are obedient, even if we've been wandering for a while, He is faithful and will allow us to enter into His rest. That sounds like the best place in the world to me. :) Following this are some well known verses. We are to strive to enter God's rest, "for the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." v. 12 I have found it so true in my own life that the Word is living and God does speak to me through it.
Psalm 104
Written with beautiful language about how great the Lord and His works are. 35 verses of praise to the Lord!
Proverbs 26:27
"Whoever digs a pit will fall in it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling."
Morocco
Country in northwest Africa that also includes Western Sahara. Arabic and Berber are the main two people groups in the country. There are large numbers of poor and unemployed. They would need to create 400,000 jobs a year to keep up with the population growth rate. Sunni Islam is the state religion, but it is legal to talk about Christ and invite friends home to discuss religion, but Christians are carefully monitored. There is a Moroccan Church emerging.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
300+
I have made it past 300 days in this Radical challenge! I have still been reading the Bible and praying for the world every day. It has been a major challenge finding time to blog with school starting again and being newly married. Lots of things have changed and one of the most noticeable is how I spend my time. But, when I began this challenge, I decided to blog because I wanted a way to be held accountable. And as I reflect on my time in the Word lately, I realize I have not been following through with that part of my commitment. So, this is me saying that I am going to do my best to get back with it! This is a priority in my life and I don't want to start changing things around to suit me and make it easier. I want to finish this completely and see what the Lord has in store for me.
It's Labor Day weekend and I am in a little cabin out in East Texas with my family for a nice getaway. Therefore, I am headed out to the porch and some surprisingly cooler weather for my time in the Word!
It's Labor Day weekend and I am in a little cabin out in East Texas with my family for a nice getaway. Therefore, I am headed out to the porch and some surprisingly cooler weather for my time in the Word!
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