Proverbs 30:24-28
These verses talk about things that are small, but still wise. The ant provides food in the summer for all winter. The badgers make their homes in cliff. The locusts fly in formation. The lizard makes his way into the king's palace. Moral? Maybe that wisdom does not have to come with the fanciest package.
Psalm 143
This is a plea for the Lord to deliver the writer from his enemies. He says, "Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." I love these beautiful words.
Revelation 15
Today John sees seven angels, each with a plague. He says that these are the last plagues, because with them the wrath of God is finished. The angels were in the sanctuary and no one was allowed in until the plagues were over.
Zechariah 6-7
Yesterday while I was reading Zechariah I had to check and make sure I wasn't reading Revelation... he has so many visions! They were about a flying scroll and a woman in a basket and today about four chariots being drawn by horses of four different colors. The angel told Zech that they represented the four winds of heaven. Then the word of the Lord comes and tells him to get some certain people together because they are going to build the temple and there will be peace that reigns. They are told that if they diligently obey the Lord, it will come to be. Next, Zechariah become the messenger to the people and tells them to show kindness and mercy and be without evil. But the people harden their hearts and did not listen. It says the "made their hearts diamond-hard." So the Lord was angry and the land was left desolate.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
So Close
It is hard to believe that I am just days away from completely reading through the Bible and praying for the whole world. So cool! God has been so faithful to allow me to be dedicated to this process and keep me going for an entire year. I'm really excited!
Singapore
This is a small island that has a 100% urbanite population. Singapore is Asia's cleanest and greenest city. There are many different people groups in the country due to immigration. There is freedom of religion. Society faces many problems, including high divorce rates and low birthrates, elderly poor, depression, drug abuse, ineffective Bible training for leaders, and great need for ministry to young people. The internet is a very valuable tool in witnessing.
Zechariah 1
God tells Zechariah to pass a message along to the people: "Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you..." God tells them not to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who heard the prophets but did not listen. Instead, He urges them to come back to Him. When they do choose the Lord, He says that He has returned to Jerusalem and will build His house there. He also says that those who have scattered His people will be cast down.
Revelation 12
Oh man. This stuff is pretty crazy. Today there were two signs. The first sign was a pregnant woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet. She was having birth pains. Then, there was a dragon with seven heads who was waiting for the woman to deliver her son so he could devour it. But the child was taken up to God and the woman fled to the wilderness. The dragon and his angels fought against Michael and his angels. The dragon lost and was cast down to the earth. He tried to pursue the woman, but she was protected everywhere she went. The dragon is Satan, and he is making war on all those who believe in Jesus.
Psalm 140
First off, I think the Lord put Psalm 139 in the Bible as a love letter just for me. You should read it!
Today's verses are especially meaningful after reading about a pursuing dragon. The writer is asking for deliverance from evil and those who are after him. He says that he knows the Lord will be just.
Proverbs 30:17
"The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the raven of the valley and eaten by the vultures." Well, if that's not clear enough for you...
Singapore
This is a small island that has a 100% urbanite population. Singapore is Asia's cleanest and greenest city. There are many different people groups in the country due to immigration. There is freedom of religion. Society faces many problems, including high divorce rates and low birthrates, elderly poor, depression, drug abuse, ineffective Bible training for leaders, and great need for ministry to young people. The internet is a very valuable tool in witnessing.
Zechariah 1
God tells Zechariah to pass a message along to the people: "Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you..." God tells them not to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who heard the prophets but did not listen. Instead, He urges them to come back to Him. When they do choose the Lord, He says that He has returned to Jerusalem and will build His house there. He also says that those who have scattered His people will be cast down.
Revelation 12
Oh man. This stuff is pretty crazy. Today there were two signs. The first sign was a pregnant woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet. She was having birth pains. Then, there was a dragon with seven heads who was waiting for the woman to deliver her son so he could devour it. But the child was taken up to God and the woman fled to the wilderness. The dragon and his angels fought against Michael and his angels. The dragon lost and was cast down to the earth. He tried to pursue the woman, but she was protected everywhere she went. The dragon is Satan, and he is making war on all those who believe in Jesus.
Psalm 140
First off, I think the Lord put Psalm 139 in the Bible as a love letter just for me. You should read it!
Today's verses are especially meaningful after reading about a pursuing dragon. The writer is asking for deliverance from evil and those who are after him. He says that he knows the Lord will be just.
Proverbs 30:17
"The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the raven of the valley and eaten by the vultures." Well, if that's not clear enough for you...
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Rejoice Over You
Zephaniah
The Lord is pronouncing judgement on Judah, then on the nations, then on Jerusalem. He talks about what is going to happen on His day of judgement. Then God also says that He will change the nations so that they worship Him. And He says that those who seek refuge in Him among the Israelites will be safe. While speaking about Israel's restoration He speaks one of my favorite verses, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Revelation 10
Yesterday in the reading there were three plagues told about that will come on the earth. They sound pretty scary. Today, John saw another angel with a small scroll. The voice from heaven told him to take the scroll from the angel. So he went and told the angel that he needed the scroll and the angel told him that he must eat it. He was told that it would taste sweet like honey, but then it would be bitter in his stomach, and so it was.
Psalm 138
David is the writer and he is giving thanks to God for many things. He says at the end, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever."
Proverbs 30:11-14
These verses give some examples of unrighteous living.
Serbia
This country is divided into two areas, one of which is Kosovo. There is much tension between the two provinces, mostly because of religious differences that have caused many problems in the past. Serbians are mostly Christians, while Kosovo has a mostly Muslim population. Pray for peace.
The Lord is pronouncing judgement on Judah, then on the nations, then on Jerusalem. He talks about what is going to happen on His day of judgement. Then God also says that He will change the nations so that they worship Him. And He says that those who seek refuge in Him among the Israelites will be safe. While speaking about Israel's restoration He speaks one of my favorite verses, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Revelation 10
Yesterday in the reading there were three plagues told about that will come on the earth. They sound pretty scary. Today, John saw another angel with a small scroll. The voice from heaven told him to take the scroll from the angel. So he went and told the angel that he needed the scroll and the angel told him that he must eat it. He was told that it would taste sweet like honey, but then it would be bitter in his stomach, and so it was.
Psalm 138
David is the writer and he is giving thanks to God for many things. He says at the end, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever."
Proverbs 30:11-14
These verses give some examples of unrighteous living.
Serbia
This country is divided into two areas, one of which is Kosovo. There is much tension between the two provinces, mostly because of religious differences that have caused many problems in the past. Serbians are mostly Christians, while Kosovo has a mostly Muslim population. Pray for peace.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Schedules
We have been trying to rearrange our morning schedule to fit in some exercise, which is great, but has not left time for me to blog. And normally, I would just be able to blog in the afternoon, but this has been the craziest week! We have had something going on every day this week. But rest assured that I am keeping up with my stuff. :)
Saudi Arabia
This country lives in such darkness. It is the birth place of Islam and they are very much against any other type of religion. This is a situation where even after reading about the country and learning more, I still feel like there is nothing that can be done except to call upon the power of the Lord to show His light there.
Nahum
This book was written to the people of Ninevah. I knew Johan dealt with them, but didn't realize there was another book for them. They are not following the ways of the Lord. First, Nahum describes the Lord and how He deals with things. Then he goes on to what has an will happen to them.
Revelation 8
A couple of days ago in the reading, there was a scroll with seven seals on it. As each seal was opened, something different happened. In today's reading the last seal was broken and the response was total silence for about half an hour. Each seal was also connected with an angel, so there were seven angels and they began to blow their trumpets one at a time. When each one blew its trumpet, something destructive happened on the earth. I read about the first four today.
Psalm 136
After each small statement of this poem, the writer reminds us that all God's works are done because His steadfast love endures forever.
Proverbs 30 7-9
The verses in this section were written by Agur and today's verses are a prayer. He asks for the Lord to "Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God." I hope my prayers are like that of Agur's, who simply asked for enough. He asked for just the right amount of God' provision for him.
Saudi Arabia
This country lives in such darkness. It is the birth place of Islam and they are very much against any other type of religion. This is a situation where even after reading about the country and learning more, I still feel like there is nothing that can be done except to call upon the power of the Lord to show His light there.
Nahum
This book was written to the people of Ninevah. I knew Johan dealt with them, but didn't realize there was another book for them. They are not following the ways of the Lord. First, Nahum describes the Lord and how He deals with things. Then he goes on to what has an will happen to them.
Revelation 8
A couple of days ago in the reading, there was a scroll with seven seals on it. As each seal was opened, something different happened. In today's reading the last seal was broken and the response was total silence for about half an hour. Each seal was also connected with an angel, so there were seven angels and they began to blow their trumpets one at a time. When each one blew its trumpet, something destructive happened on the earth. I read about the first four today.
Psalm 136
After each small statement of this poem, the writer reminds us that all God's works are done because His steadfast love endures forever.
Proverbs 30 7-9
The verses in this section were written by Agur and today's verses are a prayer. He asks for the Lord to "Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God." I hope my prayers are like that of Agur's, who simply asked for enough. He asked for just the right amount of God' provision for him.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Throne of God
What a wonderful weekend we had! My brother-in-law got married and there was lots of family that came in. Most of them are from out of state so I had not met them yet and we had so much fun getting to spend time with them. The wedding went really well, but we are both pretty wiped out from all the festivities.
Obadiah
Obadiah's vision was a message for the people of Edom. They had not been making good choices in regards to following after the Lord. So, He is letting them know what will be the consequences. There is actually information about other groups as well, but the main message was for Edom. This book is only one chapter, and in the end, the kingdom of the Lord is lined out by who will possess which parts.
Revelation 4
This is so cool! John actually gets an open door into heaven and gets to see God's throne. So there's this throne with 24 other thrones for elders around it, as well as four crazy creatures praising God, where the One who sits has an appearance like that of jasper and carnelian. And the elders cast their crown before the throne and bow to worship. What an amazing thing to see!
Psalm 132
This psalm is about David and his wanting to build the temple of the Lord. The writer recalls how even though David was not able to build it, God still promised him that his son would build it and that he would not be forgotten. So the people are asking for God to remember this promise and come dwell in the temple among them.
Proverbs 29:24-25
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
Rwanda
Obadiah
Obadiah's vision was a message for the people of Edom. They had not been making good choices in regards to following after the Lord. So, He is letting them know what will be the consequences. There is actually information about other groups as well, but the main message was for Edom. This book is only one chapter, and in the end, the kingdom of the Lord is lined out by who will possess which parts.
Revelation 4
This is so cool! John actually gets an open door into heaven and gets to see God's throne. So there's this throne with 24 other thrones for elders around it, as well as four crazy creatures praising God, where the One who sits has an appearance like that of jasper and carnelian. And the elders cast their crown before the throne and bow to worship. What an amazing thing to see!
Psalm 132
This psalm is about David and his wanting to build the temple of the Lord. The writer recalls how even though David was not able to build it, God still promised him that his son would build it and that he would not be forgotten. So the people are asking for God to remember this promise and come dwell in the temple among them.
Proverbs 29:24-25
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
Rwanda
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Out Of The Depths
Amos 4-6
Even though the Lord has given them multiple opportunities, the people of Israel have still not returned to Him. He showed His power in many ways, but the people did not see Him, or at least they chose not to follow Him. So the Lord tells them all that if they will seek Him, they will live, but if they continue to follow after other gods they will go into exile, and... you can imagine. Then God speaks woe to those who are comfortable and at ease living in their ways that are sin. They do not grieve over sin, but are just fine living in it.
Revelation 2:18-3:6
More messages for the churches:
To the church in Thyatira, Jesus says He knows their works of love, faith, service, and patient endurance... but He also knows that they have tolerated Jezebel who leads people into sexual immorality. She will have consequences and so will anyone who does not turn away from her. But for those who hold fast until Jesus comes again, they will receive authority over the nations.
To the church in Sardis, Jesus knows their reputation of being alive, but He also knows that they are actually dead. He urges them to wake up or he will come like a thief against them. He also urges these people to keep themselves clean so that they may wear His white garments in the end and have their names in the book of life.
Psalm 130
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!" Ever have a day when you feel like this? I know I have! The writer of this psalm begins with that statement and then goes on to say that if God kept a record of all the things we do wrong we would never be able to stand up for ourselves, but He offer forgiveness that is overwhelming and amazing. Wait and hope in the Lord, for He brings steadfast love and redemption. What hopeful words!
Proverbs 29:21-22
Anger causes sin and strife.
Even though the Lord has given them multiple opportunities, the people of Israel have still not returned to Him. He showed His power in many ways, but the people did not see Him, or at least they chose not to follow Him. So the Lord tells them all that if they will seek Him, they will live, but if they continue to follow after other gods they will go into exile, and... you can imagine. Then God speaks woe to those who are comfortable and at ease living in their ways that are sin. They do not grieve over sin, but are just fine living in it.
Revelation 2:18-3:6
More messages for the churches:
To the church in Thyatira, Jesus says He knows their works of love, faith, service, and patient endurance... but He also knows that they have tolerated Jezebel who leads people into sexual immorality. She will have consequences and so will anyone who does not turn away from her. But for those who hold fast until Jesus comes again, they will receive authority over the nations.
To the church in Sardis, Jesus knows their reputation of being alive, but He also knows that they are actually dead. He urges them to wake up or he will come like a thief against them. He also urges these people to keep themselves clean so that they may wear His white garments in the end and have their names in the book of life.
Psalm 130
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!" Ever have a day when you feel like this? I know I have! The writer of this psalm begins with that statement and then goes on to say that if God kept a record of all the things we do wrong we would never be able to stand up for ourselves, but He offer forgiveness that is overwhelming and amazing. Wait and hope in the Lord, for He brings steadfast love and redemption. What hopeful words!
Proverbs 29:21-22
Anger causes sin and strife.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Hasty Words Are No Good
Russia-
Russia is a very large country and therefore has lots of things to report about, but I am going to keep it brief. For such a big place, the population is relatively small and is declining rapidly. This is due to many factors. There is a very low birth rate, while the abortion rate is one of the world's highest. Alcoholism can turn deadly due to the availability of vodka that is often poisonous. Drugs are prominent in society. And they have Europe's highest and fastest growing rate of HIV/AIDS. There are many people groups. Christianity has limited influence. The strong history of the Orthodox Church means that it has power, even politically, but the faith of the Church is minimal.
Revelation 2:1-17
Messages are being given to each of the seven churches. To the church in Ephesus Jesus says that He knows the good they are doing, but they have abandoned the love they first had. He tells them to repent and return to the works they first did. To the church in Smyrna Jesus says he knows about their tribulations. He tells them that there will be ten days of tribulation and to not fear but be faithful. To the church in Pergamum Jesus says He knows they do not deny Him even though they live where Satan dwells. He also says that He knows how some of them are following the ways of men who were not faithful. He tells them to repent or there will be consequences.
Psalm 129
The writer is asking that Israel would be able to endure affliction from their enemies. He asks for specific things to happen to those who afflict them and recognizes that the Lord is righteous.
Proverbs 29:19-20
v. 20 "Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Amos 1-3
The Lord is pronouncing judgement through Amos. He tells each city or region what He is going to do the them and why. He judges the peoples around Israel and Judah, as well as Israel and Judah. But He definitely goes into more detail with His own people.
Russia is a very large country and therefore has lots of things to report about, but I am going to keep it brief. For such a big place, the population is relatively small and is declining rapidly. This is due to many factors. There is a very low birth rate, while the abortion rate is one of the world's highest. Alcoholism can turn deadly due to the availability of vodka that is often poisonous. Drugs are prominent in society. And they have Europe's highest and fastest growing rate of HIV/AIDS. There are many people groups. Christianity has limited influence. The strong history of the Orthodox Church means that it has power, even politically, but the faith of the Church is minimal.
Revelation 2:1-17
Messages are being given to each of the seven churches. To the church in Ephesus Jesus says that He knows the good they are doing, but they have abandoned the love they first had. He tells them to repent and return to the works they first did. To the church in Smyrna Jesus says he knows about their tribulations. He tells them that there will be ten days of tribulation and to not fear but be faithful. To the church in Pergamum Jesus says He knows they do not deny Him even though they live where Satan dwells. He also says that He knows how some of them are following the ways of men who were not faithful. He tells them to repent or there will be consequences.
Psalm 129
The writer is asking that Israel would be able to endure affliction from their enemies. He asks for specific things to happen to those who afflict them and recognizes that the Lord is righteous.
Proverbs 29:19-20
v. 20 "Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Amos 1-3
The Lord is pronouncing judgement through Amos. He tells each city or region what He is going to do the them and why. He judges the peoples around Israel and Judah, as well as Israel and Judah. But He definitely goes into more detail with His own people.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Sick Days
I am sick. :( I took a sick day yesterday and another today because I am having a major fight with some strep throat. I think I may be feeling a little better today, so I am going to catch up on the reading I missed yesterday!
Psalm 126
When the Lord restored fortunes the people were filled with laughter and joy and the nations said "The Lord has done great things for them." The writer is asking the Lord to bring restoration again.
Psalm 127
If the Lord is not part of whatever you are doing, you are laboring in vain. Children are a heritage from the Lord. They are like arrows in a quiver and blessed is the man who fills his quiver.
Psalm 128
There are many blessings that come from fearing the Lord: eat the fruit of your labor, wife will be fruitful, children like olive shoots, prosperity, see your children's children.
Proverbs 29:12-18
v. 15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."
v. 17 "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart."
Hosea 10-14
The Lord is speaking more about the ways Israel have not been faithful, and how they will receive punishment. But in the end, He graciously describes how He will take them back and love them and they will flourish.
Joel
This book begins by telling about a whole lot of locusts eating everything up. So Joel tells the people to repent and then talks about a great and powerful people that will come on the day of the Lord. Then the people return to the Lord and He has pity on them. He tells them to rejoice and that He will restore them. He tells them He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, meaning all people. God says that when He restores Judah, that He will judge the nations who treated them poorly. The book ends by God telling the people what they have to look forward to in the future.
Jude
Jude wrote his letter to warn about those who did not follow the teachings that were given to everyone. He reminds the believers that they were told not everyone would follow Jesus. He also reminds them that they belong to the One who is able to keep them from stumbling.
Revelation 1
John received this revelation and was told to write it down. He greets the seven churches, whom he was told to send this revelation to and explains that during a time when he was in the Spirit, he heard a loud voice say to him to write what he saw and send it to the seven churches. The first thing he saw was seven golden lampstands with a man standing in the middle who had seven stars in his hand, a double edged sword coming from his mouth, and a face like the sun shining in its full strength. The man tells John in many words that he is Jesus and explains that the seven stars are angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the churches themselves.
Psalm 126
When the Lord restored fortunes the people were filled with laughter and joy and the nations said "The Lord has done great things for them." The writer is asking the Lord to bring restoration again.
Psalm 127
If the Lord is not part of whatever you are doing, you are laboring in vain. Children are a heritage from the Lord. They are like arrows in a quiver and blessed is the man who fills his quiver.
Psalm 128
There are many blessings that come from fearing the Lord: eat the fruit of your labor, wife will be fruitful, children like olive shoots, prosperity, see your children's children.
Proverbs 29:12-18
v. 15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."
v. 17 "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart."
Hosea 10-14
The Lord is speaking more about the ways Israel have not been faithful, and how they will receive punishment. But in the end, He graciously describes how He will take them back and love them and they will flourish.
Joel
This book begins by telling about a whole lot of locusts eating everything up. So Joel tells the people to repent and then talks about a great and powerful people that will come on the day of the Lord. Then the people return to the Lord and He has pity on them. He tells them to rejoice and that He will restore them. He tells them He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, meaning all people. God says that when He restores Judah, that He will judge the nations who treated them poorly. The book ends by God telling the people what they have to look forward to in the future.
Jude
Jude wrote his letter to warn about those who did not follow the teachings that were given to everyone. He reminds the believers that they were told not everyone would follow Jesus. He also reminds them that they belong to the One who is able to keep them from stumbling.
Revelation 1
John received this revelation and was told to write it down. He greets the seven churches, whom he was told to send this revelation to and explains that during a time when he was in the Spirit, he heard a loud voice say to him to write what he saw and send it to the seven churches. The first thing he saw was seven golden lampstands with a man standing in the middle who had seven stars in his hand, a double edged sword coming from his mouth, and a face like the sun shining in its full strength. The man tells John in many words that he is Jesus and explains that the seven stars are angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the churches themselves.
Romania
Romania
In case you didn't know, Romania is very close to my heart. I stayed there for a month last summer and still think of it very often. So, when I read about how to pray for Romania today, it was pretty personal. They are a country of mostly Romanian people with a few others mixed in, including the Romani, or Gypsy, people. There is much prejudice against the Romani and they live in very poor conditions. From 1947-1989 a very oppressive and cruel Communist government took over. They were overthrown by a revolution in 1989-90 but the damage was already done. Things have recovered to a certain extent, but many people still leave the country to look for better opportunities. The Orthodox church is dominant and not very open to evangelism. The younger generations need much prayer. There is a lack of morality since the revolution and abortion, drugs, prostitution, pornography, and human trafficking prevalent- the abortion rates are the highest in the world with three or more abortions for every child born. Pray for those doing ministry to know how best to reach the people. Also pray for unity of the Church and the production of literature and radio.
Hosea 6-9
God is speaking about how the people have rebelled against Him, specifically the people of Ephraim. But all of Israel will receive punishment because it was not just that one group who turned away. They are told that things will not go well for them or their children.
3 John
This book only has one chapter. It was written by John to Gaius, who was apparently a faithful man. He has been very good to those who are traveling in Jesus' name and have no place to go. John tells him about another man named Diotrephes, who apparently is not such a good guy. John says to not imitate evil, but good. Then he closes this very short letter by saying that he has more to write but would prefer to speak to him face to face.
In case you didn't know, Romania is very close to my heart. I stayed there for a month last summer and still think of it very often. So, when I read about how to pray for Romania today, it was pretty personal. They are a country of mostly Romanian people with a few others mixed in, including the Romani, or Gypsy, people. There is much prejudice against the Romani and they live in very poor conditions. From 1947-1989 a very oppressive and cruel Communist government took over. They were overthrown by a revolution in 1989-90 but the damage was already done. Things have recovered to a certain extent, but many people still leave the country to look for better opportunities. The Orthodox church is dominant and not very open to evangelism. The younger generations need much prayer. There is a lack of morality since the revolution and abortion, drugs, prostitution, pornography, and human trafficking prevalent- the abortion rates are the highest in the world with three or more abortions for every child born. Pray for those doing ministry to know how best to reach the people. Also pray for unity of the Church and the production of literature and radio.
Hosea 6-9
God is speaking about how the people have rebelled against Him, specifically the people of Ephraim. But all of Israel will receive punishment because it was not just that one group who turned away. They are told that things will not go well for them or their children.
3 John
This book only has one chapter. It was written by John to Gaius, who was apparently a faithful man. He has been very good to those who are traveling in Jesus' name and have no place to go. John tells him about another man named Diotrephes, who apparently is not such a good guy. John says to not imitate evil, but good. Then he closes this very short letter by saying that he has more to write but would prefer to speak to him face to face.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Perfect Love
Qatar
Small country that is a peninsula off Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. Very diverse population. The majority is Muslim, but practicing Christians are allowed to meet together. They many not share the gospel with Muslims, though. Recently, Christians have been offered land to build their own meeting places. Pray for the media ministry to reach many.
Reunion
African island east of Madagascar that is an overseas department of France. There are some export earnings, but most of the income is from French aid. The history of slavery is hard for many to get over. Several still live in poverty as a result. Leadership among young churches is in great need. Pray for a positive impact from radio, media and Bible distribution.
Daniel 11-12
In the end of Daniel, he sees the man dressed in linen again and is told many things about what will happen to the people and their leader. They are going to turn away from the Lord. When he is finished speaking, he tells Daniel to write all these things down and then to seal them so no one can see them. Daniel tells the man that he doesn't understand what he has been told, but the man says to forget it because it has already been sealed. The end was a little confusing.
Hosea 1-3
Hosea is told by the Lord to marry a whoring woman and have children with her as an example of how Israel has become a whore and forsaken the Lord. His first child was named Jezreel because that was to be the place where the Lord would break Israel. The second child was named No Mercy because the Lord would no longer have mercy on the people. The third child was named Not My People, "for you are not my people and I am not your God," said the Lord. Then Hosea talks to his wife about how she has chosen to turn away from him and follow after the ones she thinks are providing for her, but in reality he was the one who gave her all she needed. She tries to go and return to her other lovers, but is unsuccessful in finding them. She would be punished for a time, but then he would bring her to the wilderness and speak tenderly to her, and she would return to him. This, of course, is how God is going to handle His people so that they will return to Him. When they return this is what the Lord says, "I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord." After God explains all this, he tells Hosea to go and marry his wife again, bringing her back to him. What a wonderful picture of how God pursues us even when we turn away from Him and chase after other things.
1 John 4-5
Both of these chapters have several really good things in them, so I am just going to write a few. "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. ... Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ... No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. ... There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. ... For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith.
Psalm 123
"Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease."
Psalm 124
"If it had not been for the Lord... they would have swallowed us up alive... the flood would have swept us away... over us would have gone raging waters. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Proverbs 29: 2-8
These verses contrast the righteous and wicked man.
Small country that is a peninsula off Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. Very diverse population. The majority is Muslim, but practicing Christians are allowed to meet together. They many not share the gospel with Muslims, though. Recently, Christians have been offered land to build their own meeting places. Pray for the media ministry to reach many.
Reunion
African island east of Madagascar that is an overseas department of France. There are some export earnings, but most of the income is from French aid. The history of slavery is hard for many to get over. Several still live in poverty as a result. Leadership among young churches is in great need. Pray for a positive impact from radio, media and Bible distribution.
Daniel 11-12
In the end of Daniel, he sees the man dressed in linen again and is told many things about what will happen to the people and their leader. They are going to turn away from the Lord. When he is finished speaking, he tells Daniel to write all these things down and then to seal them so no one can see them. Daniel tells the man that he doesn't understand what he has been told, but the man says to forget it because it has already been sealed. The end was a little confusing.
Hosea 1-3
Hosea is told by the Lord to marry a whoring woman and have children with her as an example of how Israel has become a whore and forsaken the Lord. His first child was named Jezreel because that was to be the place where the Lord would break Israel. The second child was named No Mercy because the Lord would no longer have mercy on the people. The third child was named Not My People, "for you are not my people and I am not your God," said the Lord. Then Hosea talks to his wife about how she has chosen to turn away from him and follow after the ones she thinks are providing for her, but in reality he was the one who gave her all she needed. She tries to go and return to her other lovers, but is unsuccessful in finding them. She would be punished for a time, but then he would bring her to the wilderness and speak tenderly to her, and she would return to him. This, of course, is how God is going to handle His people so that they will return to Him. When they return this is what the Lord says, "I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord." After God explains all this, he tells Hosea to go and marry his wife again, bringing her back to him. What a wonderful picture of how God pursues us even when we turn away from Him and chase after other things.
1 John 4-5
Both of these chapters have several really good things in them, so I am just going to write a few. "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. ... Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ... No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. ... There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. ... For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith.
Psalm 123
"Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease."
Psalm 124
"If it had not been for the Lord... they would have swallowed us up alive... the flood would have swept us away... over us would have gone raging waters. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Proverbs 29: 2-8
These verses contrast the righteous and wicked man.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Whoever Practices Righteousness
Psalm 121
"I lift my eyes up to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. ...he who keeps you will not slumber. ...The Lord is your keeper. ...The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in...."
Psalm 122
The writer is rejoicing over being able to go to the house of the Lord. They would have had to make a journey to get to Jerusalem, so I think he was glad about finally getting there. Then he tells us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem!"
Proverbs 29:1
"He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing." Wow! What a verse! How often do we not want to listen to the advice we are given by others? I never want to ignore the wisdom of other, especially not to the point of getting beyond healing.
1 John 2:18-3:24
There will be people in this life who will tell us lies. Don't listen! People who do not believe in Jesus do not have the truth. When we know Jesus we know truth and can live in righteousness. Those who keep on sinning never truly knew Jesus even though they may have heard about Him. And the way we live shows off who we belong to. We are called to love, love, love others. We have been taught love by Jesus and that is the same kind of love we should show to others.
Daniel is going to be read in the car on the way to Tim's soccer game. :)
"I lift my eyes up to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. ...he who keeps you will not slumber. ...The Lord is your keeper. ...The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in...."
Psalm 122
The writer is rejoicing over being able to go to the house of the Lord. They would have had to make a journey to get to Jerusalem, so I think he was glad about finally getting there. Then he tells us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem!"
Proverbs 29:1
"He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing." Wow! What a verse! How often do we not want to listen to the advice we are given by others? I never want to ignore the wisdom of other, especially not to the point of getting beyond healing.
1 John 2:18-3:24
There will be people in this life who will tell us lies. Don't listen! People who do not believe in Jesus do not have the truth. When we know Jesus we know truth and can live in righteousness. Those who keep on sinning never truly knew Jesus even though they may have heard about Him. And the way we live shows off who we belong to. We are called to love, love, love others. We have been taught love by Jesus and that is the same kind of love we should show to others.
Daniel is going to be read in the car on the way to Tim's soccer game. :)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
No Darkness At All
Philippines
Pray for the missionaries sent from this country- they are many and some go to "closed" countries where it is difficult to share their faith. Pray for Manila, which is a gigantic city. There are many who live in extreme poverty here. Pray for the many people who leave the country to find work.
Proverbs 28:23-24
A rebuke is better than flattery. Anyone who robs his parents is a destroyer.
Psalm 119:153-176
The first section asks for deliverance because of how much the writer knows and loves God's laws. The second section, again, speaks about loving the Word and God's law. This section has a little more of a pleading feel to it, but the writer still uses the law as his reason for receiving help.
1 John 1
John is the writer and begins by saying that the things he will write are things he has seen with his own eyes and heard with his own ears and is therefore going to testify about. The message he has to tell is "that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." He says that even if we just have a small amount of darkness in us we do not walk in the truth. When we walk in the light we are cleansed from sin and walk in fellowship with other believers. And here is what I think is the most important verse in this first chapter: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This is super important to understand and very freeing once you experience it!!
Daniel 7
Today Daniel had a vision that would give Ezekiel a run for his money! Daniel's vision came at night and featured four beasts. One had features of a lion, one an eagle, one a leopard, and the last one was terrifying. It had iron teeth, claws of bronze, and 10 horns, three of which were then replaced with another horn that had eyes and a mouth. The cool part, though, was that he got to see the Ancient of Days take his place on the throne. He also saw "one like a son of man" who came to the Ancient of Days and was given dominion over everything. This is a pretty amazing story of Jesus from someone who had never known him! It turned out that the beasts represented four nations that would all be destroyed. Daniel was pretty shaken up by the whole thing!
Pray for the missionaries sent from this country- they are many and some go to "closed" countries where it is difficult to share their faith. Pray for Manila, which is a gigantic city. There are many who live in extreme poverty here. Pray for the many people who leave the country to find work.
Proverbs 28:23-24
A rebuke is better than flattery. Anyone who robs his parents is a destroyer.
Psalm 119:153-176
The first section asks for deliverance because of how much the writer knows and loves God's laws. The second section, again, speaks about loving the Word and God's law. This section has a little more of a pleading feel to it, but the writer still uses the law as his reason for receiving help.
1 John 1
John is the writer and begins by saying that the things he will write are things he has seen with his own eyes and heard with his own ears and is therefore going to testify about. The message he has to tell is "that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." He says that even if we just have a small amount of darkness in us we do not walk in the truth. When we walk in the light we are cleansed from sin and walk in fellowship with other believers. And here is what I think is the most important verse in this first chapter: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This is super important to understand and very freeing once you experience it!!
Daniel 7
Today Daniel had a vision that would give Ezekiel a run for his money! Daniel's vision came at night and featured four beasts. One had features of a lion, one an eagle, one a leopard, and the last one was terrifying. It had iron teeth, claws of bronze, and 10 horns, three of which were then replaced with another horn that had eyes and a mouth. The cool part, though, was that he got to see the Ancient of Days take his place on the throne. He also saw "one like a son of man" who came to the Ancient of Days and was given dominion over everything. This is a pretty amazing story of Jesus from someone who had never known him! It turned out that the beasts represented four nations that would all be destroyed. Daniel was pretty shaken up by the whole thing!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Fair Day
Daniel 6
King Darius set up several men to govern in the land and three presidents over them. Daniel was one of the presidents and found such success in his work and favor with the king that the king decided to put him over the entire kingdom. All the other men were jealous so they made a plan to get rid of Daniel. They got the king to agree that everyone should worship him and that anyone who didn't would be thrown into the lion's den. Well, of course, Daniel did not worship the king and the men ratted him out, so even though he didn't want to, the king had him thrown into the lion's den. But God closed the mouths of the lions and after spending a whole night with them, Daniel was still alive. He was brought out and the king made a new rule that everyone was to worship Daniel's God.
2 Peter 3
Peter is reminding everyone that Jesus will be coming back and that we need to be ready for that day. We should be living in such a way that expects His return.
So today is fair day in my district, which means I have the day off!! As such, I have not been in much of a hurry to get things done this morning and have therefore been very distracted in my reading. So, I am going to stop blogging for the day, but will finish my reading for sure. Happy Monday!
King Darius set up several men to govern in the land and three presidents over them. Daniel was one of the presidents and found such success in his work and favor with the king that the king decided to put him over the entire kingdom. All the other men were jealous so they made a plan to get rid of Daniel. They got the king to agree that everyone should worship him and that anyone who didn't would be thrown into the lion's den. Well, of course, Daniel did not worship the king and the men ratted him out, so even though he didn't want to, the king had him thrown into the lion's den. But God closed the mouths of the lions and after spending a whole night with them, Daniel was still alive. He was brought out and the king made a new rule that everyone was to worship Daniel's God.
2 Peter 3
Peter is reminding everyone that Jesus will be coming back and that we need to be ready for that day. We should be living in such a way that expects His return.
So today is fair day in my district, which means I have the day off!! As such, I have not been in much of a hurry to get things done this morning and have therefore been very distracted in my reading. So, I am going to stop blogging for the day, but will finish my reading for sure. Happy Monday!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Day 330
Proverbs 28:19-20
I liked both of these so here they are:
"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."
Psalm 119:113-128
The first section talks about loving the law and fearing the Lord. The writer is asking to be kept safe because he fears the Lord and not his enemies. The second section the writer talks about doing what is right and following God's precepts.
2 Peter 2
Peter writes today about false teachers. He looks at those who did wrong and right in the past and recalls how God dealt with them, saying that He would do the same for these people. They are blasphemous, sinful, adulterous, sensual people who try to lead others astray. Peter calls them "waterless springs." That is pretty much the opposite of what I want to be. He also says that it would have been better for them if they never heard about Jesus instead of hearing and turning away.
Daniel 5
Nebby is gone, and his son Belshazzar has become king. He does not fear the Lord so God sends a human hand to write on the wall in the palace. Bels wants to know what the writing says and none of his men can figure it out. So his mom tells him about this guy named Daniel who used to help out his father. Daniel is brought to the king and tells him that the words say his time of ruling has come to an end, that he had been found wanting, and that another people will rule in his place. The next day Bels died and Darius took over.
Peru
In South America facing unstable politics, poverty, and the need for social change. The Catholic church is dominant, but has very few active members. Evangelicals have been on the rise, but need unity and discipleship. The Amerindians living in this country are open to the gospel, but face many challenges in their culture.
I liked both of these so here they are:
"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."
Psalm 119:113-128
The first section talks about loving the law and fearing the Lord. The writer is asking to be kept safe because he fears the Lord and not his enemies. The second section the writer talks about doing what is right and following God's precepts.
2 Peter 2
Peter writes today about false teachers. He looks at those who did wrong and right in the past and recalls how God dealt with them, saying that He would do the same for these people. They are blasphemous, sinful, adulterous, sensual people who try to lead others astray. Peter calls them "waterless springs." That is pretty much the opposite of what I want to be. He also says that it would have been better for them if they never heard about Jesus instead of hearing and turning away.
Daniel 5
Nebby is gone, and his son Belshazzar has become king. He does not fear the Lord so God sends a human hand to write on the wall in the palace. Bels wants to know what the writing says and none of his men can figure it out. So his mom tells him about this guy named Daniel who used to help out his father. Daniel is brought to the king and tells him that the words say his time of ruling has come to an end, that he had been found wanting, and that another people will rule in his place. The next day Bels died and Darius took over.
Peru
In South America facing unstable politics, poverty, and the need for social change. The Catholic church is dominant, but has very few active members. Evangelicals have been on the rise, but need unity and discipleship. The Amerindians living in this country are open to the gospel, but face many challenges in their culture.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Daniel 4
Today's chapter was written by king Nebby. He was telling about his second dream from his own perspective. He had another dream and asked Daniel to interpret it because no one else could. Daniel told him, basically, that he would be going crazy. He would be driven away from his people and live in the wilderness for seven periods until he knew the Most High God ruled over him and his kingdom. All of this happened, and Nebby learned to "praise and extol and honor the King of heaven."
2 Peter 1
Peter starts out by saying that because we have been saved, we need to have faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. If you have these qualities, "they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful." Those are two things I do not want to be! And we know that we are able to have all these things because of the greatness of Jesus and His majesty.
Psalm 119:97-112
The first section says that the writer knows the law extremely well and that he likes it very much.
The second section talks about how the Lord's word lights his path and keeps him safe from his enemies.
Proverbs 28:17-18
Anyone who has another's blood on them will be running forever. Walking in integrity leads to deliverance, those who walk crooked will fall.
Paraguay
Today's chapter was written by king Nebby. He was telling about his second dream from his own perspective. He had another dream and asked Daniel to interpret it because no one else could. Daniel told him, basically, that he would be going crazy. He would be driven away from his people and live in the wilderness for seven periods until he knew the Most High God ruled over him and his kingdom. All of this happened, and Nebby learned to "praise and extol and honor the King of heaven."
2 Peter 1
Peter starts out by saying that because we have been saved, we need to have faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. If you have these qualities, "they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful." Those are two things I do not want to be! And we know that we are able to have all these things because of the greatness of Jesus and His majesty.
Psalm 119:97-112
The first section says that the writer knows the law extremely well and that he likes it very much.
The second section talks about how the Lord's word lights his path and keeps him safe from his enemies.
Proverbs 28:17-18
Anyone who has another's blood on them will be running forever. Walking in integrity leads to deliverance, those who walk crooked will fall.
Paraguay
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