Day 299..."Amos ends with hope...Jeremiah gets an upgrade...Never feel defeated!"

The Book of Amos assures that it will be impossible to escape the Lord. God will find those who flee and everyone will be accountable. The ending of Amos does conclude with words of hope...“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,“when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed;the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them on their land,and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,”says the Lord your God."
Jeremiah gives a word from the Lord and is removed from the dungeon prison. The "court of gaurd" is an upgrade, as far as prisons go, complete with better food.

Paul writes about the "light of Christ" akin to John 1:1-18. He also writes one of my favorite passages about never being defeated..."But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you." These words are very inspiring in times of struggle or even devastation. Later, Paul writes we are outwardly wasting away but renewed inwardly. The soul is greater than our physical bodies! A message throughout the Bible.

Day 298..."Plumb line...Memo...Freedom"

Amos is a very vivid communicator. In today's reading, he offers a plumb line. Any builder knows the significance of building "plumb" structures. In the spiritual realm, a "plumb" life is righteous before God. Here are Amos's words..."This is what he showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold, I am setting a plumb linein the midst of my people Israel;I will never again pass by them; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.” Jerhoiakim did not want anything to do with Jeremiah's scroll. The message was one of repentance and Jerhoiakim burned the scroll. He missed the "memo."

Paul writes of the "spirit of the law" verses the "letter of the law." He says..."For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Later he relates this to freedom..."Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." We live in a free country that is the result of sacrifice (Memorial Day thoughts) Yet in today's culture...we can be held in bondage by expectations, requirements, habits, and even addictions. Jesus is the source of real freedom. He offers freedom of the soul.

Day 297..."Famous Amos most quoted words...Not a peddler"

Amos is famous for a quote..."But let justice roll down like waters,and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used this often in his life. Jeremiah, chapter 35, reveals the people known as the Rechabites. One of them, Jonadeb, was so devout he instructed his sons to take a vow not to drink wine. The passage later says they kept this vow. The Rechabites were associated with ending the worship of Baal.

Just when you thought Paul would be lacking for images...he comes up with something fresh..."For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. " Paul must have been under constant pressure to justify his actions, words, and his identity. He claimed sincerity and not being a peddler of words. Pastors can relate to such a teaching!

Day 296..."Brand plucked from the burning...the divine yes"

The Book of Amos has a strong connection for John Wesley fans. I had wondered where this phrase quoted by Wesley originated. The founder of Methodism was rescued from a burning house just in the "nick of time" when he was only six years old. In his reflection, he would refer to himself as a "brand plucked from the burning." Amos says it like this..."I overthrew some of you,as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning;yet you did not return to me,”declares the Lord." In Jeremiah, the captives are set free along with the slaves. Yet, the slaves are quickly placed back into slavery. This is a violation of the covenant and is met with the swift action from the Lord..."Therefore, thus says the Lord: You have not obeyed me by proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother and to his neighbor; behold, I proclaim to you liberty to the sword, to pestilence, and to famine, declares the Lord. I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth." Does this account not have some parallels with the parable of the "Umerciful Servant." Paul writes about understanding suffering and providing comfort in his opening words from II Corinthians. Later he talks about a "yes" in
in Jesus that I am still pondering for meaning. It sounds like Paul is speaking strongly about not being "wishy washy" in a "yes" or "no" mentality. Would this not also be in keeping with Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount... "let your "yes" be "yes" and your "no" be "no." If I read this right, God has already given us a "yes" in Jesus!
This action in Jesus offers a divine "yes."

Day 295..."Amos begins...Healing and health...Act like a man"

Amos begins he uses the style of beginning each section with "thus says the Lord." This commands attention to the reader to begin each section with this phrase. He recalls a bit of the history of Israel. Jeremiah offers more words of hope..."Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and rebuild them as they were at first. I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it."

Paul has an intriquing statement in chapter 16 of I Corinthians..."for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Is this not typical of opportunity? There are obstacles, and in this case, adversaries to overcome. Paul also ..."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." Act like a man (be strong) and love! Now that is quite a message!

Day 294..."End of Joel...Hope in the darkest hour and in death"

The Book of Joel is brief but does pack much drama. Those who hurt Israel will stand accountable before the Lord. I like the image of the "valley of decision." Have we not all been there in our lives? "Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of decision." Jeremiah in the lowest most devastating time of exile buys a field. How absurd! Will he ever benefit from the purchase? No. The symbolism is hope for the future. At the darkest moment he put a stake in the future. Amen. This is real faith in the face of despair.

Paul teaches about the resurrection and heaven. These passages are often quoted at funerals..."“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?” We are a resurrection people. Death does not have the final word!
The Jeremiah and Paul readings make it difficult not to hope! There is reason to hope in the darkest hour and in death!

Day 293..."Dreaming Dreams and Seeing Visions...a God of order"

Joel says the day of the Lord is coming! We also read a passage that is quoted in the Book of Acts regarding Pentecost. How appropriate this is Sunday. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit. " Jeremiah says also something very hopeful about the future..."Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the Lord.” These are wonderful images of a better day.

Paul warns of speaking in tongues and confusing persons. He says two things strongly... 1) So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church and 2) For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. These are excellent points for a church...excel in building up the church and do things in order.

Day 292..."Joel begins...Restoration...The Greatest...Love"

The Book of Joel begins with an invasion of locust and a call to repentance.
We are going to be moving through some shorter minor prophet Books at a brisk pace. Jeremiah writes of flagrant sin and no hope of healing. Then.. suddenly he writes of restoration and healing! Is this not typical of Jeremiah? To move from despair to hope? Paul writes perhaps the most eloquent words in the Bible. These words have been quoted by Kings, Presidents, and people of all walks of life. These words have power to bring our world to a screeching halt. What a contrast to Jeremiah! Love is patient, calm, longsuffering and so much more! Love can end hostilities and mend fences. Love is the greatest! Without love we are making a lot of noise! With love we have it all!

Day 291..."Stumbling...Hoping...One Body Many Gifts"

Paul warned of being a stumbling block in I Corinthians. Hosea warns of stumbling period! "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;whoever is discerning, let him know them;for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them." The ways of the Lord are upright. A life of transgression is one of stumbling. In an "about face" of what has been a very abrupt and "in your face" Book, Jeremiah offers some of the most hopeful words in the Bible..."For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Who would have ever thought such hopeful words would be found in Jeremiah? Such is the nature of hope in following devastation and complete despair.

Paul writes eloquently about the Church. This should be required reading for "getting church." The Church is people. The people have different gifts. We form one Body. Read and study this section if possible. It is very important to fully grasp what the Church is all about..."For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."

Day 290..."The Lord's Anger...Hats in Church"

In Hosea 13:11 we read of the expression of God's anger and consequently the key reason for the exile..." I gave you a king in my anger, and I took him away in my wrath." God's anger is holy anger of course. If you have taken Disciple 1, you may remember the two weeks regarding..."The people without a king" and "the people with a king." All thoughts of earthly kingdoms aside...Chapter 13 makes biblical case again of honoring God first with our lives. This worship of God is what is needed the most. Jeremiah yoke of submission was broken in chapter 28, so that he could speak freely again..."Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah." I Corinthians, chapter 11, regards customs of the day of covering or uncovering heads. Men are to not cover their heads but women are to cover their heads. I read this as contextual obedience. Recently, we read of not doing things to cause others to stumble. There are, of course, some who observe this custom today. We in the mainline position usually even show our respect by men removing hats in places of worship. Hats and women tend to be more fashion driven than for religious reasons. There are also some teachings about Holy Communion and not disrespecting the Lord's Supper. Apparently there was problem of getting drunk and gorging food at the Lord's Supper. One commentary (NIV) said the rich left stuffed and the poor hungry. Obviously, this is not in the spirit of Holy Communion.

Day 289..."God loves His people...Under the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar...Paul's quotables"

Today's reading is less harsh. God does love Israel. Images of a parent loving a child are in the reading. There are some of the stories of Israel retold. Jacob's life is recalled about grabbing his brother heel in the womb.
In Jeremiah, the results of exile are now obvious. The Lord says..."But if any nation or kingdom will not serve this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, I will punish that nation with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence, declares the Lord, until I have consumed it by his hand." There is one word of hope at the end of the chapter..."They shall be carried to Babylon and remain there until the day when I visit them, declares the Lord. Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.”

Paul has several
quotable passages today...

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up."

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

"just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved."

Day 288..."Brutal images...Running to win the prize"

Destruction will come with the horrible images of deaths of women and children. (brutally mentioned) The reason for all of this is stated in an agricultural metaphor..."You have plowed iniquity;you have reaped injustice;you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way." Jeremiah when faced with death shows courage and is spared by the King. Urijah, on the other hand, runs and is put to death. The life of a prophet is dangerous. Who wants to tell a message of destruction? Or that the city is doomed. The hope the Lord will relent and the fear of consequences of killing an innocent man keep Jeremiah alive. Paul, works on the side, (I believe as a tent maker to earn a living) he seems a little defensive in having to explain all of this in detail. Other missionaries required support. Paul always seems to give extra explanation...people then and now can get suspicious of something they have not encountered before. I love the image of a runner..."Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." What an image! Running in the Christian life to win. Not filling the air with words! Got to go. An imperishable wreath stands for having a goal beyond the world. Time to do some training! This race is more important than any 5K or 10K.

Day 287..."Forgetting God...Not listening to God...Not being a stumbling block"

Ephraim, the capital city, has turned wicked. Destruction is in the forecast. The primary reason...forgetting God. The altars have become a place of sinning because of worshiping other gods. Jeremiah 25 foretells the 70 years of exile..."This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years." Why exile? The answer is simple...not listening to God. Jeremiah says..."the word of the Lord has come to me, and I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened." Paul warns against being a stumbling block. Those who are strong should not cause the weak to stumble. The setting of a "poor example", "saying one thing and doing another", or "forgetting another persons vulnerability" are all costly in leading others to follow Christ. Paul goes to extremes in saying he will not eat meat if it becomes a "stumbling block." That is pretty serious in my book! How far are we willing to go to keep persons from stumbling? More importantly have we considered the value of setting a good example?

Day 286..."Suffering and returning to God...Bad figs...celebrating marriage or singleness"

Suffering is a complex topic to explain. I am preaching on this Sunday and there are many reasons we suffer. Does God bring suffering? There be one instance in today's reading. Misery brings people back to the Lord..."I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me." Suffering is a complex subject. In Jeremiah there is the image of "two baskets of figs." Faithfulness produces good fruit and unfaithfulness rotten fruit. Jesus teaches with the same metaphor in the Sermon on the Mount.
Paul teaches about marriage, singleness, and ministry in today's reading. This chapter seems to create flexibility for doing whatever is best in your circumstances to glorify God whether married or single. One passage stands out about the controversies of the day..."For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God." Honoring God with our lives is what is most important. The Commandments keep us on track and are a source of freedom.

Day 285..."The Bible is not boring...Our body is God's temple"

Who ever said the Bible was boring had not read Hosea! Listen to what he says..."For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore." I suppose this is as direct as a prophet ever speaks. Later there is a little more hope..."Though you play the whore, O Israel, let not Judah become guilty. Enter not into Gilgal, nor go up to Beth-aven, and swear not, “As the Lord lives.” Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn;can the Lord now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture?" Jeremiah also has an image of a adultery..." For the land is full of adulterers; because of the curse the land mourns,and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. Their course is evil, and their might is not right. “Both prophet and priest are ungodly;even in my house I have found their evil, declares the Lord." Paul, in Romans, teaches of the absurdity of immorality with a prosititute... "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body." Later, Paul says our body actually belongs to God. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." The body is God's temple and does change our attitude, when we take this teaching to heart...in regard to everything!

Day 284..."Hosea begins...Expelling church members?"

Hosea begins with marrying Gomer (unfaithful and very symbolic) and having three children all with negative names...Jezreel (for the blood of Jezreel), Lo-Ru-Hamah (which meant no mercy), and Lo-Ammi (for you are not my people and I am not your God). The second chapter speaks of both punishment and restoration. Jeremiah 22 has plenty of judgment and the why is told again..."Why has the Lord dealt thus with this great city?” And they will answer, “Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God and worshiped other gods and served them.” Paul comes down hard on sexual immorality, greed, slandering, and being a drunkard. He calls for their expelsion and uses the metaphor of yeast in the dough messing up the whole batch. Would expelling church members ever be right today? When the wrong behavior infiltrates the Church, the entire ministry can be impacted. This act should always be rare but may be necessary when the entire body is adversely impacted.

Day 283..."Job restored...Jeremiah still in judgment...Paul the imitator of Christ"

The Book of Job comes to an end with Job's being humble before God and his life restored. His life becomes twice as blessed as his beginning. He has a new family and wealth restored many times over. His friends ironically are reprimanded and need restoration through an offering. Job lives over 100 years. Were his trials and suffering but a season of his life? If the message of Job is interpreted over an entire life, the majority of his life appears blessed instead of cursed. Jeremiah has not reach a time to consider the restoration of Judah...there is still much judgment in today's reading. Hope and restoration will come later. Paul says many wonderful things about the contrast of spiritual and worldly..."We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things." Paul also warns against being "puffed up." He makes a strong appeal to imitate him and not thousands of other teachers.

Day 282..."Job a faultfinder...deep despair for Jeremiah...the reason for growth"

After Job speaks with a series of animal metaphors (donkey, goat, does, eagle, horse, beast, hawk) God again puts Job in his place..."“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.” Faultfinders today still blur the vision of faithfinders. Job obviously backs down. Behemoth is a creature of evil that appears in Job and is likened to a hippopotamus. We are well aware of Job's despair but how about Jeremiah's? Today's reading sounds just as dreadful as Job..."Cursed be the day on which I was born! The day when my mother bore me,let it not be blessed!" We will be more inspired by Jeremiah's hope because of the depth of his despair. Paul gives a great explanation of growth..."I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." We in the Church would do well to always keep this passage handy. Later Paul again points out the folly of placing to much stock in our own abilities..."Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours"

Day 281..."The Lord answers Job....Getting "Faith"

After chapters of reading Job's thoughts and the advice of friends, chapter thirty-eight is very dramatic as God speaks! God puts Job in his place quickly..."Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man;I will question you, and you make it known to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding." As a priest said in the movie "Rudy"... "there is a God and I am not Him." Somehow Job must have felt like this when God answered all of his windy responses. Jeremiah uses a potter's vessel in his image of Israel's destruction..."Thus says the Lord of hosts: So will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, so that it can never be mended." Paul clears up why some people simply do not "get" faith. The understanding of God requires a spiritual mode of operation. Discernment comes from God. Paul states it like this..."The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ." What a wonderful goal! To seek to think like Christ!

Day 280..."Would you be quiet Job!...says Elihu...Foolishness"

What does Elihu think of Job's wordy response? He says..."Job opens his mouth in empty talk;he multiplies words without knowledge.” Is this not telling someone to shut up! Or at the very least not talk so much! In the Book of Jeremiah, Judah is compared to a clay pot that has spoiled. Jeremiah asks a question of God..."O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done?" Paul opens I Corinthians by teaching about unity in Christ... Who is not divided. People then, as now, seemed to focus on personalities more than God. Paul, by opening this letter on this subject of placing humans on a pedestal...must have known this failing of human nature very well. He also states the folly of being human..."For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." How true! A message of maintaining a relationship of humility is throughout the Bible. Paul wastes no time in teaching about this subject in I Corinthians.

Day 279..."More counsel from Elihu...the heart...greetings"

Elihu says to Job... “Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit,that he may be lighted with the light of life." He rebukes Job's self-righteousness. Elihu also points out the folly of Job's wisdom..."Men of understanding will say to me, and the wise man who hears me will say: ‘Job speaks without knowledge;his words are without insight.’" A beautiful section of teaching from Jeremiah today. What is the outcome without God, with God, and the nature of the heart..."Thus says the Lord:“Cursed is the man who trusts in manand makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert,and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick;who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Paul closes Romans with words of greetings. This writing provides ample proof of the value of diplomacy, being ambassadors, and fostering relationships. There is also a warning about those who bring divisions. Paul challenges not to get caught up in being unproductive and divisive.

Day 278..."Elihu chimes in...helping the weak"

Another person chimes in on the Job situation. After Job seeks to justify himself in a "windy" use of words, Elihu blasts Job for one primary reason...he justifies himself. The Scripture says..."He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God." Is this not easy in religion to justify ourself and context? Jeremiah again states the reason for the punishment of the people..."Why has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’ then you shall say to them: ‘Because your fathers have forsaken me, declares the Lord, and have gone after other gods and have served and worshiped them, and have forsaken me and have not kept my law, and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. Therefore I will hurl you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’" This teaching seems redundant. Is this because the people kept forsaking God? Even after such a statement...Jeremiah states a better day is coming in hope he writes about the Lord will restoring Israel. In Romans, Paul speaks of helping the weak..."We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak." What a wonderful teaching of Paul. How good are we in our country? In our church? In our lives? Are we able to help the weak?

Day 277..."From E.F. Hutton to not being taken seriously...Stumbling blocks"

Job reminiscenses of a day when his children were near and everyone hung on his every word. He moved from E. F. Hutton to being despised. He he has sunk so low as evidenced by his "spit upon" comment. Have we ever had a season of respect? Or disrespect? The range of emotions of Job are offers choices for almost all to identify. Jeremiah offers words of hope..."“If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me.If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth.They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them. And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze;they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the Lord. I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.” Paul offers teaching on not being a stumbling block. He says..."Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." If we judge too much, we lose our positive influence on others. We are to not "major on the minors"..."For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." How might the present Church be a stumbling block? How might we be a stumbling block? How might I be a stumbling block? Good questions as we see to "bring Christ to people."

Day 276..."Job is determined...the reason we have laws"

We today read of Job's determination to keep his integrity...no matter what..."Far be it from me to say that you are right;till I die I will not put away my integrity from me." Beautiful words are written about God in chapter 28..."“God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earthand sees everything under the heavens. When he gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure, when he made a decree for the rain and a way for the lightning of the thunder, then he saw it and declared it;he established it, and searched it out. And he said to man,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” I heard one person comment recently about how articulate the Bible is written(considering the limited forms of communication) ...these words of Job are both precise and poetic. Jeremiah's words still sound like a lament in chapter 14. Romans 13 has themes of "owing no one anything but love" and "paying taxes." I had not noticed this chapter before. Notice how goverment leaders are considered ministers of God..."For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God." We also have another teaching of the "loving your neighbor as yourself." Love is fulfillment of the law writes Paul. Have we ever considered the reason we have laws is so we can love more?

Day 275..."Maggots and worms...acknowledged wickedness...One of my favorite chapters in the Bible"

Bildad speaks of man as lower than maggots and worms. Not exactly a motivational speaker! And so much for Job receiving encouragement from a friend. Job responds with awesome words about God..."Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him!But the thunder of his power who can understand?” How about Job responding to Bildad with God's glory! In Jeremiah, a time of drought and famine for Judah leads to a call to repentance..."We looked for peace, but no good came;for a time of healing, but behold, terror. We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, and the iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against you. Do not spurn us, for your name's sake;do not dishonor your glorious throne;remember and do not break your covenant with us." In light of the desperation, repentence is in the air. Romans 12 is one of my all time favorite chapter in the Bible. We are to live in peace, honor each other, and even do good for who can be contrary. We also read of foundational theology regarding gifts in the Church..."For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." There is also intrigue in verse one which appears to be an oxymoron..."living sacrifice." Worship takes on new vibrancy, when we completely offer ourselves to God.

Day 274..."Where is God? Two audiences"

Job ask the question many ponder in times of crises..."where is God?" He says it like this..."“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him." The persistence to keep seeking God is sometimes a part of our growth. Jeremiah also complains saying..." Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? At least part of the messages of Job and Jeremiah remain alike. In Romans, Paul does a history lesson about the salvation of Israel. Paul establishes his roots in Israel..."I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin." He goes to great lengths to not make Jews jealous and still reach the Gentiles. The art of speaking to two audiences was a great challenge for Paul then...and still today.

Day 273..."Job wrestles with tough questions...gods as many as cities...Confessing the Lord and being saved"

Job wrestles with the question..."why do wicked people prosper?" This is a theological question known as theodicy. The question still resonates today. Is the fact we have no answer make God's grace and mercy null and void? Absolutely not! Job speaks to the issues many people use as an excuse to turn away from God. Eliphaz offers advice to "agree with God and be at peace." Jeremiah refers to the covenants broken and says there are more powerless gods than cities. Baal worship is condemned. Paul outlines more easy matters of faith. Romans 10:9..."If we confess Jesus is Lord and God has raised in from the dead, we will be saved." Also on a practical note... we hear through a preacher. (Our reason for being a Church is "Bringing Christ to People and People to Christ." Paul also speaks with eloquence... "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news."

Day 272..."My Redeemer lives...scarecrows and idols....Paul gives a history lesson"

Out of all the despair...Job proclaims..."I know my redeemer lives." He would say this prior to more analysis by a friend. Jeremiah sounds like he is in South Alabama where I grew up. He refers to scarecrows in a cucumber field. (idols are about of the same worth he says) Paul retells history.
Abraham and Isaac have offspring more numerous than grains of sand. The small remnant survives...is the Church to rebuild the number? Paul speaks of children of promise, as through the connection of faith, and not in the way of ancestors. This chapter resembles Hebrews chapter 11.

Day 271..."Three versions of suffering Job...Jeremiah...and Jesus"

Todays three texts all speak of suffering. Job has sunk so low he sees a graveyard instead of hope. Jeremiah relates the suffering to sinfulness and deceit. Paul speaks of the suffering as "working for good" in God's plan. Job and Jeremiah describe agony with the image of fountains of tears. Job weeps for himself. Jeremiah cries for a people gone astray. Paul writes about prayers of groaning. Obviously the Romans words offer the most hope today..."What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." How might Job would have benefited if Romans would have been written in his day?

Day 270..."With friends like this? Not understanding myself!"

What is Job's problem? His friend Eliphaz thinks Job does not fear God enough. Eliphaz counsels Job and says..."Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself,for emptiness will be his payment. It will be paid in full before his time,and his branch will not be green. He will shake off his unripe grape like the vine,and cast off his blossom like the olive tree. For the company of the godless is barren, and fire consumes the tents of bribery. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil, and their womb prepares deceit.” Job wonders..."with friends like this who needs enemies." He responds by saying..."“I have heard many such things;miserable comforters are you all. Shall windy words have an end?" Windy words and miserable comforters are words which are not ringing endorsements for his friends. Another classic verse in Job today the reference to becoming a target..."he set me up as his target; his archers surround me." Job feels so low that he is being used as target practice.

Jeremiah speaks of perpetual backsliding..."Why then has this people turned awayin perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit;they refuse to return." He also sounds like Job when he says..."My joy is gone; grief is upon me; my heart is sick within me." He seeks hope when he asks the question that later would become a hymn..."Is there no balm in Gilead?"

Paul asks a couple of questions. 1) Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? Paul does not understand himself. He responds with the reality of the sinful condition...even for him..."For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good." 2) Who will deliver me from this body of death? He responds with the obvious answer..."Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Day 269..."Job offers ultimate trust...backwards...absurd to sin!"

Job continues to sort through his suffering and offers the ultimate statement of trust..." Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face." We will see many sides of Job's struggles with suffering... this response endears him to us. How easy it is to praise God when the the weather is clear! How difficult when the worst happens! Job is a great Book for those who do not like "pat" answers to life's complex and unanswerable questions. Jeremiah writes in chapter seven primarily confronting the worship of other gods. One phrase I noticed is about going backwards..."But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. " This passage was in reference to Israel refusing to listen to the Lord. Paul writes about how absurd it is to sin to receive grace...in such cases Paul says..."God forbid!" Paul then writes theologically about life begins with the victory over sin. This is in keeping with the resurrection. Paul also speaks of the opposite regarding sin and death. The clincher comes at the end..." For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The stakes are high for Paul in the battle between sin and resurrection. We have life and death riding on our spiritual outcome.