Day 148...HAPPY 2007!!! "Judges, Proverbs, John"

We begin three new books with 2007. The reason we are starting with John 1:19 is that we read John 1:1-18 on Christmas Day. Judges recalls the beginnings of Israel in Canann. We read in chapter two of Joshua's death and Caleb offering leadership. Soon, in the Book of Judges, a void in leadership will occour and the signs are already present in chapter two. The people of Israel turn to other gods. Judges will begin filling the void of leadership for Israel. If you have read the Old Testament, you will remember leadership is a key issues from Joshua forward. Proverbs is known as a Book of Wisdom and perhaps one signature verse is in chapter one..."The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
This fear is respect, as when God is respected...there is no reason to fear. John begins with John the Baptist, Jesus' baptism, and the calling of the first disciples. Andrew, Simon, Philip, and Nathaniel are called in today's reading. Nathaniel's response is very human..."can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip invited him to "come and see." This way of evangelism works well today, as we invite and let people see for themselves! Cokesbury is this kind of Church.

Day 147...HAPPY NEW YEAR! "Cokesbury and Instruments"...and end to the Psalms and 2006"

We end the Psalms with a challenge to praise the Lord! We have gifted people at Cokesbury! Our worship options feature several instrumentalists. Thank God for all the talent at Cokesbury. I hope the talented people will grow in 2007. I hope we can live out the 150th Psalm in the New Year! "Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary;praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds;praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound;praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance;praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals;praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Day 146..."Psalm 148...Praise the Lord and sing a new song in the new year... Psalm149"

The Lord is to be praised as Psalm 148 is convincing..."Let them praise the name of the Lord,for his name alone is exalted." This Psalm is great for worship! We are two days from a New Year...how about singing a new song? What a great thought..."Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!" I hope we will think about this at Cokesbury every time we have an opportunity to sing literally or metaphorically...we are an assembly of God's people!

Day 145...Psalms 146...celebrating God's Power and 147...the God who made the stars heals the scars"

The celebration of the power of God is exalted in Psalm 146..."The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the sojourners;he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The Lord will reign forever,your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!" God knows how to heal individual wounds and knows the names of the stars by name. "He heals the brokenheartedand binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars;he gives to all of them their names." WOW! God is both particular and all powerful. The God who made the stars also heals our scars!

Day 144.."Psalm 144...A vision of thanksgiving...Psalm145..a vision of God's greatness"

The 144th Psalm offers a vision of thansgiving and blessing...May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown,our daughters like corner pillarscut for the structure of a palace; may our granaries be full,providing all kinds of produce;may our sheep bring forth thousandsand ten thousands in our fields; may our cattle be heavy with young,suffering no mishap or failure in bearing; may there be no cry of distress in our streets! Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord! The despair of Psalms 140-141 is disappearing with hope for the future. The 145th Psalm is also hopeful..."Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,and his greatness is unsearchable." One of the most familiar passages can also be found in 145..."The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made." Again, we see God is merciful, patient, and gracious...even in the Old Testament.

Day 143..."Psalm 142 and Psalm 143"

The Psalmist admits in 142, his enemies are strong and he is overmatched...I cry to you, O Lord;I say, “You are my refuge,my portion in the land of the living.” Attend to my cry,for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors,for they are too strong for me!" We can feel overmatched with our lives. The good news is these are the times we rely on God's power. The bottom line is when we recogize our need of God's strength we are stronger than our times of self-suffiency. The Psalmist is reflective in 143... "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done;I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land." Our soul is also thirsty for God. When we neglect our soul, we are parched. As we grow in the Word, we are refreshed as cases of bottled water.

Day 142..."Psalms 140 and 141"

The Psalmist is praying for protection from his enemies. He is very dramatic in saying..."Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heartand stir up wars continually." In Psalm 141, he seems to be praying for protection against himself..."Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil,to busy myself with wicked deedsin company with men who work iniquity,and let me not eat of their delicacies!" Even in these times the Psalmist saw himself as potentially his worst enemy. Pogo may be right!

Day 141...Christmas Day Reading Matthew and John's Christmas Day

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Today, we focus on the birth of Christ accounts from Matthew and John. Matthew focuses on genealogy and John the "big picture" from Creation to Bethlehem with the mystery, message, and miracle of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. May the good news of the birth of Christ be with you on this Christmas Day. I pray our 365 day voyage will make Christmas even more special. The next few days we will focus on the Psalms.

Day 140..."For Christmas Eve...Luke's Account"

We pause today from our regiment of an Old Testament, Psalm, and Gospel reading to fully engage the birth story of Christ. Today...is Luke's version of the birth of Jesus. Mary was caught in the awe, fear, and wonder of God when she heard...“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” The shepherds also shared the loft announcement...“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” I pray the celebration of Jesus' birth for us will evoke wonder, excitement, and worship!

Day 139..."Joshua states the "big picture"...The Psalmist states the "big picture"...Jesus states the "big picture"

Joshua, as Moses previously, states the Lord's power has brought Israel this far and God is faithful in His covenant. As Moses, Joshua is getting old and preparing the people future leadership. Joshua challenges strongly to place God first and never to worship other gods. One of the most quotes passages of Joshua appears on walls and doors of households today...
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua is effective in honoring God first in his life and building leadership that does the same. He dies at 110 years of age. The 139Psalm is powerful and beautiful...
"Where shall I go from your Spirit?Or where shall I flee from your presence?If I ascend to heaven, you are there!If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morningand dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me,and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you;the night is bright as the day,for darkness is as light with you." I preached on the last passage last Sunday..."Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting!" What a lofty Psalm to see the big picture! Jesus also in this post resurrection encounter states the "bigger picture." “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” God teaching through the Scriptures is quite lofty today.

Day 138..."Land allotments..Altar as a witness...Road to Emmaus"

Joshua continues in the allotment of pastureland to the tribes of Levi. There is a dispute about an altar built by the Eastern Tribes. Initially, this action was received defensively and as a threat to future generations. Later,upon explanation, the altar was understood as a sign of unity for future tribes..."The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the Lord is God.” The altar was a witness. Today, altars are also a witness to our commitments to the Lord. The Psalmist is sure of God's faithfulness..."Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life." Luke is the only Gospel with the Road to Emmaus account. What a story! The disciples were so down they did not even recognize Jesus was walking with them. When they ate bread, their eyes were opened. Notice also how their hearts burned, when Jesus talked of the Scripture. A spiritual growth weekend (crash course in Christianity) is based on this text...the Emmaus Walk. If you should be interested in attending, Cokesbury has many sponsors who would love tell you more.

Day 137..."More Inheritances...City of Refuge...Resurrection"

Joshua continues with the inheritances and gives a detailed account...including his own. Provisions for the city of refuge (for those who accidently kill) is also set up in the promised land. Psalm 137:9 is a troubling Biblical passage. In the NIV notes, one explanation of the passage is war is cruel. (Obviously this passage does not in any way change the blessedness of children in God's sight) After reading Psalm 137:9, Luke's resurrection is very special about life...“Why do you seek the living among the dead?" A good message for every day and not just Easter!

Day 136..."More Land Allotments...twenty-seven repeats...Jesus' death"

In Joshua 17-18, there are more land allotments. Joseph's allotment was questioned as too small and hilly. Only the Canannites had chariots at the time. The use of iron for chariots would not take place for Israel, as of yet, according to the footnotes in the NIV. Otherwise...the land distribution and geography is presented in a "matter of fact" fashion. From "matter of fact" to dramatic, the Psalmist uses an intensification twenty-seven times..."the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever." There is also a link in the Psalm with the land distribution in Joshua..."and gave their land as a heritage,for his steadfast love endures forever; a heritage to Israel his servant,for his steadfast love endures forever." Luke gives an account of Jesus'd death and burial. One of the distinctive discriptions of Luke is the crowds reaction..."And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts."
Another is the reference to the Sabbath rest.

Day 135..."Allotments, Jerusalem, Redemption, Promised Land and Peace"

Chapters fifteen and sixteen of Joshua in great detail describe the allotments of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh. How incredible is all the detail in the geography? After forty years of wandering in the wilderness...the allotments represent home and stabililty. In this week leading up to celebating Jesus' birth, Jerusalem is mentioned by name. The Book of Joshua is the first to name Jerusalem. Praise and blessings are on the Psalmist's mind today and Jerusalem is also mentioned..."Blessed be the Lord from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!" In Luke we move from allotments to jurisdictions. The promised land of Joshua would become a people and land in need of redemption. Jerusalem is mentioned and this time with Herod who has jurisdiction over Jesus a Galilean. The decision is to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus. All of the events today are in the same region. The human condition seems to constantly be in flux...from promise to the need of redemption. Jesus provides "peace for the soul." Is this not the real promised land? Just a thought for our week leading into Christmas!

Day 134..."Inheritances for tribes...Caleb and the fountain of youth...Jesus and Gethsemane"

Chapter thirteen of Joshua provides a recap of land distribution, as according to Moses..."These are the inheritances that Moses distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan east of Jericho. But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance, just as he said to them." Chapter thirteen also acknowledges that Joshua is becoming advanced in years. Chapter fourteen deals with more inheritances west of Jordan. Caleb reenters the scene forty-five years later saying..."I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me." Caleb has not lost his spunk. His resolve is quite sure! Joshua also says the land was given a rest from war. After thirty-one Kings are defeated, sounds like they could sure use the peace in the Promised Land. Psalm 134 is brief, only about fifty-sixty words, and the theme is "bless the Lord." Luke offers an account of the Garden of Gethsemane. (What a contrast to the birth of Christ and the peace and goodwill of Bethlehem) An angel comes to give Jesus strength in Luke's version. Later, Jesus is arrested and Peter denies three times. We will read more tomorrow of Jesus' trial and suffering. In reading this part of the Gospel now, how can one not prepare even more to worship Christ the new born King! Bethlehem and the cross are connected. I will write more later this week.

Day 133..."Israel prevails against mighty armies...Unity...Upper Room"

Israel is able to prevail over mighty armies. The last sentence, in chapter eleven, summarizes well... "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war." In the scorecard of victories, thirty-one Kings were defeated by Joshua. The occupation of the promised land was only after countless battles. In a contrasting message, the Psalmist says..."Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" The Old Testament deals with war times and times of unity. Luke version of the passover also includes the Last Supper, Judas's betrayal, a debate about who is the greatest, and Peter's denial. There is also contains a distinctive story of how they made it to the Upper Room. “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover."

Day 132..."War Time...The Day Time Stopped...End of Time"

Gibeon is intimidated by Joshua and Israel. They bring bread to make peace and not war. They deceive Joshua in saying they live far away but actually will be neighbors. As a result, Gibeon will be given two duties..."But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord."
As Israel fights the Amorites who had invaded Gibeon, Joshua called for the sun to stand still. The Lord granted the request. Some scholars point to this day with interest, as there is some evidence that the rotation of earth with the sun is off one day. Could it be? Many of the battles of Israel are accompanied with the phrase... "the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel." Abe Lincoln once prayed to be on God's side as opposed to having God on his side. The Psalmist speaks of covenant today as well..."If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.” Jesus tells of the destruction of the temple, Jerusalem, nation against nation to prepare for the future end of time. As other Gospels, the theme is be prepared...for no one knows the day or hour.

Day 131..."Get Up...Why have you fallen on your face? The size of the heart makes a big offering!"

Joshua is to lead as Moses. After crossing the Jordan, the people grumble as they did crossing the Red Sea. As Joshua begins to feel down, God challenges him by saying...“Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? Spiritual leadership must arise on such occasions. In chapter 8 a similar challenge is is given to Joshua..."Do not fear and do not be dismayed." A strategy of ambush was then planned against Ai. The stategy worked and Israel prevailed. A very short Psalm 131 concludes with a beautiful line about hope..."O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore." The widow's offering is one of my favorite stories. Two small coins proved larged than wealth. She gave all. The others gave larger offerings but still had more to give. In God's Kingdom, offerings are seen through the size of the heart.

Day 130..."The sights and sounds of Jericho...Sad Saducees"

In Joshua we read the dramatic story of the walls of Jericho falling down. This is an exciting text to read with the imagination of our five senses.

#1 Sound (Horns blaring, people shouting, marching
and a wall falling) )
#2 Sights (Imagine a large wall and multitudes of people
gathered in anticipation. What a "buzz"
and "stir" this would create!
The Psalmist is confident there is hope in the Lord for those who wait..."I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lordmore than watchmen for the morning,more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love,and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities." Jesus encounters questions about an absurb hypothetical story by the Saducees. Jesus elevated a silly question into a profound answer... (God) "He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him." I am reminded of a childrens song about the Saducees. Why is it they (Saducees) have a bad attitude? THEY ARE "SAD YOU SEE."

Day 129..."Who are you for? Victory is in the Air. Jesus' Authority questioned and He silences critics"

A dramatic story today comes at the end of chapter five...."Joshua asks a man with a sword...Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” This event in Joshua's life is similar to Moses' call at the burning bush. The climax of 40 years of wandering in the wilderness is at hand...victory is in the air! The Psalmist, though temporarily in affliction also sees victory. Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—let Israel now say— “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,yet they have not prevailed against me. Jesus is challenged by the scribes and cheif priests on "whose" authority He teaches. He responds with the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. This stirs more anger in realizing they are in the story. Jesus' victory will come on the cross but we see a growing tension with the religious people. In reponse to the question about taxes, Jesus answers to turn away wrath with a profound truth.

Day 129..."Who are you for? Victory is in the Air. Jesus' Authority Questions

A dramatic story today comes at the end of chapter five...."Joshua asks a man with a sword...Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” This event in Joshua's life is similar to Moses' call at the burning bush. The climax of 40 years of wandering in the wilderness is at hand...victory is in the air! The Psalmist, though temporarily in affliction also sees victory. Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—let Israel now say— “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,yet they have not prevailed against me. Jesus is challenged by the scribes and cheif priests on "whose" authority He teaches. He responds with the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. This stirs more anger in realizing they are in the story. Jesus' victory will come on the cross but we see a growing tension with the religious people. In reponse to the question about taxes, Jesus answers to turn away wrath with a profound truth.

Day 128..."Two Grand Entrances...Amazing Story of Crossing the Jordan...Jesus into Jerusalem...Significant Stones"

Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground as priests, one from each of the twelve tribes, set foot in the water. As they carry the sacred Ark of the Covenant, people are also permitted to cross on dry land. (Red Seaesque') As a sign of this amazing story, twelve stones are collected by each of the twelve tribes. When the children ask the reason for the stones the amazing crossing of Jordan shall be retold and remembered. The Psalmist has a view of everyone being blessed who fears/respects the Lord. This theme is consistent with the story of Israel. In Jesus entrance into Jerusalem, (see days 42, 79 ) we see another use of stones. When the Pharisees ask Jesus to rebuke His disciples for their chanting...Jesus says "if they are silent even the stones will cry out!" Symbolic stones in both Joshua and Luke today. One is a sign of awesome power of God and the other the glorious presence of the Lord.

Day 127..."Can you imagine filling Moses' shoes? Got Talent?

Joshua does succeed Moses and receives instructions from the Lord. The Lord challenges Joshua to be strong and courageous several times..."Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Can you imagine filling Moses' shoes? Perhaps this is the reason the Lord challenges Joshua's courage. God does use all kind of people for His purposes. An unlikely person to protect Israel's spies was Rahab the prostitute. This is a lesson...God loves everyone and can use anyone. Psalm 127 sounds like Jesus' Words in the Sermon on the Mount..."Unless the Lord builds the house,those who build it labor in vain." Is this not similar to the "Wise and Foolish Builders" and the different outcomes based on hearing God's Word? We can expect this teaching to be true in the Church and in our personal lives. Luke's Gospel contains the story of Zaccheus. In this adorable account of the "wee man in the tree" to see Jesus, we may miss his dramatic conversion. He came out of the tree offering half of what he had to the poor. Now that is a conversion of the pocket book as well! The parable of talents is a glaring account of use or lose your talent! In God's arithmatic, we mulitply talents used and diminish the unused. Got talent?
Use or lose!

Day 126..."Death of Moses and End of Pentateuch...Rich Young Ruler"

Moses sees the promised land and will die at Moab. Moses is praised as the greatest prophet. He also is outstanding personally considering his age of 80-120 in leading Israel. The comments about Moses..."His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated." Israel wondered in the wilderness 40 years and we have been reading through the Pentateuch (five books of Moses) for 126 days. The Psalmist has hopes that fortunes will be restored. This comes out clearly in this short Psalm. Hope is believing good will come! The story of the Rich Young Ruler we read earlier. (See Day 39 in blog) This story is actually more hopeful for rich people than it sounds on the surface. "All things are possible with God" with salvation. Compassion for the poor is one of the dominant themes of the Bible. Jesus heals a blind man and restoration of sight can also be a spiritual matter!

Day 125..."Moses blesses Israel...Trust God...Three Lessons on Discipleship"

Moses, chapter 33, blesses Israel...the twelve tribes of Israel. He is preparing to die and the people preparing for the promised land. We are almost done with Deuteronomy, and, consequently; the final chapter of Moses will be tomorrow. The trusting of God is a central theme of the Bible and is the signature passage in Psalm 125..."Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,which cannot be moved, but abides forever." The ability to trust and being solid do belong together. Distrust makes a person and situations weak and unstable. The Gospel of Luke provides three points of discipleship...1) Be persistent (widow who wore down the judge). 2) Be humble not proud ("Lord be merciful to me a sinner"). 3) Enter the Kingdom with a love for children and being childlike.

Day 124..."Moses Song...Give Thanks"

The 32nd chapter of Deuteronomy is long and a song. Moses wrote a song filled with imagery like rain, dew, rocks, and "apple of the eye." The chapter also speaks of the disarray for those who do not follow the Lord with images like doom, calamity, and plagues. Moses is told of the mountain in which he will die. Psalm 124:18 is one of my favorite passages..."Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." The story of the ten lepers is also one of my favorites. How absurd that only one 0ut of ten healed lepers returned to give thanks. The absurdity of the story as in that was a Samaritan that gave thanks. Is this not revealing of today? How many of us fail to return to give thanks? God is so good! How can we ever forget to give thanks to all He has done for us?

Day 123..."Moses makes transition to Joshua...Increase our Faith"

As was earlier reported, Moses would not be able to enter the land of Canaan...Joshua will assume the leadership. (See Day 95 for some more comments) Again, the journey seemed as important as the destination.
I like the passage about courage..."Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” The 123 Psalm is short but does have a point of keeping eyes on the Lord..."so our eyes look to the Lord our God,till he has mercy upon us." Luke addresses Jesus' warning about those who lead others to sin and then teaches forgiveness should alway be extended. Forgiveness is more than a "one time chance." The disciples ask to "increase our faith." This is a wonderful prayer.

Day 122..."Blessing or Curse?...Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...Life or Death"

Deuteronomy 30 lays it out there for the reader. Choose God and you will live and be blessed. Turn away and expect death and a curse. The chapter concludes..."I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” The Psalmist prays for the peace of Jerusalem..."Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!“May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,I will seek your good." Ashley Wilkinson led our staff study time today and shared her quest for peace. Thousands of years later...peace in Jerusalem is still a relevant prayer. The Rich Man and Lazarus have different outcomes on earth and Heaven. Jesus teaches even returning from the dead would not lead persons to repentance...If they did not listen to the prophets and Moses.
Luke offers another life and death consequence as Deuteronomy.

Day 121..."Covenant...Lofty...Shrewd Manager"

Israel had a covenant relationship with God. In honoring the covenant they were blessed. By dishonoring the covenant, they were subject to God's anger and judgement. Covenants are actually stronger than contracts. A contract is binding legally but a covenant in binding from the heart. Our Cokesbury staff has a covenant that we seek to honor. The 121rst Psalm is one of my favorites. IT IS LOFTY!!! "I lift up my eyes to the hills.From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth." What an awesome statement! I have used this countless times and also the passage that God watches over our coming and going. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager may baffle a reader. Is Jesus commending dishonesty? No. According to Betty Hendricks there are three important points...1) the man was dishonest and fired and this is not commendable 2)
he made the best of bad circumstances (more commendable) 3) he was resourceful. This man made the best of his future, instead of despairing, by his wisdom (shrewdness). Children of light can make a great impact if resources are used wisely! Notice also the teaching of those who are "faithful with little will be faithful with much." How true! The test of character is in small matters as well as large matters. The teachings on divorce is understood more fully when exploring all of the contexts of Jesus' teachings. (See Day 38)

Day 120..."Choice of Blessing and Curse...Come Home To Peace"

The 28th chapter of Deuteronomy presents a choice...obey God and expect to blessed or disobey God and expect a life of curse. In this wordy writing of two choices...the cursed life gets most of the attention. I was inspired by the choice of obedience and blessing...“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out." The Psalmist does ask to dwell with people of peace..."Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace." Cokesbury was presented by Ashley Wilkinson a "peace candle" today from Bethlehem. Do we long in this time of Advent for peace?" ...globally, locally, and in the heart? The quest for peace began "feeding the pigs" for the prodigal son. The elder brother's quest for peace was lost in jealousy. The greatest peace comes from the Father who has open arms for us all.

Day 119...Preparations of an altar of stones,,,171 verses of law reminders...Lost Sheep"

Israel prepares entering in the land of "milk and honey" and uncut stones are to be used for reminders of the law and an altar. There is also a liturgy that warns those who transgress. Israel was very intentional in reminders of the law...tradition, teachings, stones, and liturgy.
Likewise...the 119th Psalm has 171 passages reminding to keep the law. Some of the tips are...First, memorizing scripture..."I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you." Second, a growing heart... "run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!" Third...a most familiar inspiration about meditating on God's Word..."Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Fourth...obedience to God's Word brings life..."Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live." As if 170 passages about the importance of keeping the law is not enough...the closing word fears forgetting the law... "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments." Speaking of lost sheep! Luke speaks of being lost from God in the famous fifteenth chapter. A lost sheep illustrates God seeks 100 percent! A lost coin illustrates a diligent search for the lost.

Day 118..."Teachings of Tithing...the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever...Planning to grow as a disciple"

Tithing is offering to God first and the first ten percent. This is also a sign of gratitude. Is it not absurd that God asks for only the first ten percent when He owns all? And even with the ten percent we are making a difference that honors God, helps us grow, and enables the Church to reach ministry potential. If we have not comprehended yet about God ...“His steadfast love endures forever.” Notice this phrase both opens and closes the 118th Psalm. We are also to give thanks. The disciple is one who can pay the ultimate cost. Like the man who builds a tower...he must make sure he can complete the work or he will be ridiculed. Unfinished discipleship is likewise unappealing. Someone going to war must also strategize to make sure he can win. Discipleship is not done by emotions and whims but has a plan. Do we have a plan for our growth? Glad you are reading through the Bible...this is one way to grow!