Day 329..."Eat your vegetables...Daniel begins...I Thessalonians also"

We move along and make the turn into some new Books today. Daniel is one of my favorite Books. Chapter one deals with diet. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all ate vegetables. They faired better than those eating the King's food. What a special way to introduce God's ways are better than earthly kingdoms. Ezekiel does another recap of Israel's history. I like reading how almost each Book has done a history lesson. The next chapter gives the visual of the Lord with a drawn sword. Obviously, this is a sign of judgment.

Paul opens First Thessalonians with praise for their beliefs even though they previously worshipped idols. Thessalonica was a good example for other faith communities..."And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia." This reading is refreshing in light of all the disobedience to idols in the Old Testament.

Day 328..."A new start...P.S. Remember I am in Jail"

Ezekiel writes about the unjust becoming just and receiving a new start. He also says that when the just become unjust they will become condemned. This writing has more challenge to live just and restore the fallen than most of the messages of the prophets. The ending of chapter is especially touching..."“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.” The writing is very redemptive regarding a "new heart and spirit."

Paul writes of many familiar persons in closing Colossians. I love the passage..."let your speech be gracious and seasoned with salt." Good words for the senior pastor of Cokesbury. Paul slips in a powerful image in the closing line..." I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you." "Remember my chains" is a dramatic way to close!

Day 327..."The Lord's Covenant (different from the rainbow)..."Putting on the new self"

Among the long Ezekiel reading today is a covenant of the Lord (much different from the rainbow)... “For thus says the Lord God: I will deal with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant, yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant. Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you take your sisters, both your elder and your younger, and I give them to you as daughters, but not on account of the covenant with you. I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I atone for you for all that you have done, declares the Lord God.” This covenant regards the consequences of disobedience. This covenant is "to remember and be confounded" and even "shamed".

Colossians has some practical theology..."put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." The contrast of an old self and a new self are pretty clear - much like Paul wrote in Galatians chapter five. What does it mean to put on Christ? Paul acknowledges these qualities..."compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Above all Paul says..."put on love." Completion only comes through love. John Wesley believed in perfection and this passage was one of the reasons. Love is the only way to be a complete person...another sermon idea. (Putting on Love)

Day 326..."More of the same...Our beliefs do matter"

The reading in Ezekiel chapter fourteen was difficult for me to follow today. Is it because we have read these types of accounts over and over? There is one section I grasped to salvage an overall summary...“For thus says the Lord God: How much more when I send upon Jerusalem my four disastrous acts of judgment, sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast! But behold, some survivors will be left in it, sons and daughters who will be brought out; behold, when they come out to you, and you see their ways and their deeds, you will be consoled for the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, for all that I have brought upon it. They will console you, when you see their ways and their deeds, and you shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, declares the Lord God.” Chapter fifteen was extremely short today. A short word about Jerusalem being a fruitless vine. We have a ways to go in Ezekiel yet.

Colossians is theological in speaking of canceled debts in Christ. There is also a reference of being alive in Christ. He also warns against fake religion. Notice the tone in the words..."If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."
Paul was not very tolerant of those distorting the good news of Christ. This is something for our consideration today! The message...the Apostles' Creed and our beliefs do matter!

Day 325..."Do no listen to false prophets...Holding everything together through Christ"

Ezekiel warns of false prophets..."Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! Your prophets have been like jackals among ruins." A jackal is in the wolf family. The imagery of the exile is desribed as carrying baggage through the wall.

Paul begins Colosians with more of a theological tone..."And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." He later describes the preeminence of Christ. (the highest rank) Christ is supreme..."For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church." Christ does hold our lives together, The Church together, and the world together!"

Day 324..."Hope in Ezekiel...Which passage means the most?

The four faces of the cherubim (according to the NIV notes) stands for the greatest beast (lion), greatest bird (eagle), greatest domestic animal (ox), and (the crown of creation) face of a man. The wheels and the cherubim provide an extraordinary vision. I did not recall Ezekiel so visionary and so much like Revelation. There is a strong message of hope in the words..."And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God." Redemption is possible for a new heart and spirit. This message sounds like the New Testament.

The fourth chapter of Philippians is filled with famous Bible quotes. Which one is most memorable? I am moved by them all!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Day 323..."Abominations from bad to worse...Setting the Ultimate Goal"

The reading from Ezekiel refrains about abominations..."But you will see still greater abominations"...as if the offensive behavior could become worse each time. I was intrigued by the image of looking to the north and seeing jealousy...was this symbolic, a metaphor, or just a vision?

Paul writes very inspiring words about setting the most important goal of all..."Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
This passage is good for New Year's Eve and any day we make a new beginning!" Paul also offers a contrast of choices..."Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." This contrast is comparable with the passage in Galatians regarding the fruits of the Spirit. Which observation sounds more like us? The god of a belly? Or the ONE of the high calling in Jesus Christ? Press 1 for pressing toward the mark!

Day 322..."More Destruction...The Name Above Every Name"

Ezekiel has his own way of describing destruction. Idolatry, again, is the downfall. This section is described as God's wrath. Paul writes eloquently again..."Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

He gives four traits of Christ...

Mind of Christ
Servant
Humble
Obedient

In fulfillment of these characteristics...His Name is above every name! There is power in this Name of Jesus. I am more convinced than ever!

Day 321..."Ezekiel is graphic...Paul ponders his fate"

Ezekiel presents a message of both the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. Pretty gloomy and very gross! I had trouble with this reading.

Paul writes about rivalry of preaching. Some preach for personal reasons. Paul defends himself and at one point concedes God can even use wrongly motivated preaching saying..."as long as the gospel is preached"...sounds like he is confident of God's power. He does ponder his fate. (in prison, and in life or death) ..."For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again." Paul is strong. As Ellsworth Kalas has said..."whether they agreed or disagreed with Paul they could not ignore him!"

Day 320..."Ezekiel eats a scroll...Paul puts on armor all"

Ezekiel does indeed sound like Revelation! He eats a scroll symbolic of God's Word. Paul on the other hand put on the whole armor of God..."0 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." These images of a scroll remind us the Word of God can be even sweet and as nourishment. The armor of God remind us a disciple makes ample preparation.

Day 319..."Ezekiel begins...Read the entire passage"

Ezekial begins with a grand vision of four living creatures. These creatures were winged but also with hands. Somehow Ezekial saw "the glory of the Lord" but I am a little spooked by these creatures that have both bird and human traits. I suppose the symbolism is more important than the substance. These unusual visions/images also sound a bit like Revelation.

Paul writes about imitating Christ. Is this not a short job description for being a disciple? Being Christlike? Or imitating Christ?

He also offers some teaching on marriage in one of the most misinterpreted texts in the Bible. Often persons teach about wives submitting to husbands and leave out the second part..."Husbands love your wife as Christ loved the Church." In case it has slipped our minds this means husbands should sacrifice, and humbly serve their wife...and even lay down their life. The complete reading should always be encouraged. Here is what Paul teaches about husband and wife..."Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"...important teachings.

Day 318..."Bookends...Horrific Lamenting...One in Christ"

The third chapter of the Book of Zephaniah has two different messages as bookends. The chapter open with rebellion..."She listens to no voice;she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord;she does not draw near to her God." At the end there is more hope..."At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together;for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord. The Lamentations reading is horrific. Lamentations describes a gross, brutal, and total meltdown...an Armegedon with evil winning, as one image even has women eating their own children. I prefer reading about "Great is thy Faithfulness." Lamentations lives up to it's name today.

Paul writes about the oneness of Christ..."There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." He also says all we do is for the building up the Body of Christ. Christ is the Head of the Church. If I had one chapter to recommend about "getting church" it would be this one.

Day 317..."Zephaniah...Faithfulness in Lament....How wide? Deep? Long? High is God's Love?

Zephaniah continues a message of God's judgment. This Book was written during the reign of Josiah. (NKJV study notes) Zephaniah says..."neither silver or gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath"...the tone is pretty bleak in the first two chapters. Lamentations, a Book known for lamenting...also has a passage of great hope. I believe these words inspired the Hymn..."Great is Thy Faithfulness." The verse says..."Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

One of the few songs I have ever written comes from Ephesians chapter three. Paul teaches that God's love is higher, deeper, longer, and wider than we could ever imagine. These thoughts have inspired me through the years. I wrote a song with these lines as the inspiration. The following passage is also inspiring..."Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." God's love is beyond our grasp and He is able to do more than we ever imagine! Hold this inspiration near and the teaching will make a great difference.

Day 316..."Salvation as Habakkuk prays...Lamentations Laments and salvation is difficult to see...Paul offers grace for salvation"

Habakkuk prays a prayer as he continues to question God. In the end of this Book, Habakkuk..."The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet. And He will make me walk on the high hills." The Wesley NKJV study notes calls this Habakkuks profession of faith. Lamentations is in to lamenting... about Jerusalems outcome. Salvation is difficult to comprehend in exile. Yet... we keep reading as hope is coming!

Paul teaches about grace..."For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is gift of God , not of works, lest anyone should boast." John Wesley preached on this text more than any other and said..."By faith we are saved from sin and made holy." This passage is a key one in "getting salvation." What Jesus did on the cross is a gift that cannot be earned. A gift available to all...to you! To me! To the world! Good news for the sinner! Including you and me.

Day 315..."Spell Habakkuk...Lamentations...Ephesians"

Yesterday, we ended three Books and today we begin three Books...Habakkuk, Lamentations, and Ephesians. Can you spell Habakkuk without looking? I admit I need to look. The message is a direct conversation with Habakkuk and God. A few similarities with Job...some of the questions of injustice are on Habakkuk's mind. He receives convincing answers from God (not friends). I am intrigued by the straightforward conversation. Lamentations is perhaps written by Jeremiah. There is no doubt this is a Book written by someone suffering from exile. I noticed the last verse of chapter one..."For my sighs are many and my heart is faint." Sounds like someone who has had more than they can stand.

Ephesians is one of my favorite Books. Chapter one sets the tone as one of encouragement. In the NKJV study notes I noticed these words about Paul's letter to Ephesus..."The purpose of the Book of Ephesians was to strengthen the Church and to make Christians more aware of their oneness in Christ. The purpose is needed as much today, as the first century Church." Later the notes say..."Christ's body is the Church universal; not an individual congregation. Because He is its life the Church is far more than an organized group. It is a living working body that does God's work in the world. Without (Christ) Him there would be no Church, only an organization." Ephesians is perhaps is the second most significant Book in which to design a church, after the Book of Acts. I will continue these thoughts, as we read through Ephesians.

Day 314..."We finish three Books today...Nahum and Jeremiah both end with hope...Paul gives encouragement to be strong!

Nahum says about Assyria that God will prevail..."Your injury has no healing, Your wound is severe." This is ironic to say to such a mighty empire. This is a real "David and Goliath" story but such is God's hope for a few that are faithful. Nineveh is the primary reference in the Book that ends as quickly as begun.

By contrast we end the long Book of Jeremiah today. Notice the number taken into exile is described in detail. Numbers different from II Kings. (NKJV study notes) The account can be explained by not counting women and children. Is Jehoiachin's favorable treatment at the end a sign of hope? There is great symbolism, even when Jerusalem has fallen. After fifty-two chapters we finish the Book of Jeremiah.

Paul concludes Galatians by challenging to "bear each other's burdens" and fulfill the law of Christ. He also says we should help those who have fallen spiritually. Some have said the church is only group that shoots our own wounded. We are challenged to rethink redemption for others when they fall. Paul is extremely practical in his writing..."We do sow what we reap." and "let us not grow weary in doing good for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart." In today's language KOKO...Keep on keeping on! By the way our journey through the Bible has only about fifty days remaining. KOKO the reading!

Day 313..."Nahum begins...Jeremiah knows who will win...Which scenario sounds like us?

I have to admit I have never preached from the Book of Nahum. This three chapter Book is easily lost after Micah. What can we learn from this Book? The author is little known outside of these brief chapters. Obviously, he is writing to inspire people under the harsh treatment of the Assyrian Empire. One of the revealing verses of this theme appears in today's reading..."The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble." The NKJV study notes in the Wesley Bible says that 1:3 is the key verse of purpose..."The Lord is slow to anger and great in power. And will not at all acquit the wicked." God is in charge! Even when it seems He is not! Is this not a theme of many Books of the Bible?

Jeremiah, chapter 51, is perhaps Jeremiah's most windy chapter (sixty-four passages). The fate of Babylon is clear in verse sixty-four..."Thus Babylon shall sink and not rise from the catastrophe that I will bring upon her." These concluding chapters leave no doubt as to who is in charge!

Paul writes of two scenarios. Do we have envy, lust, dissension, or love, joy, peace, and patience? One list for against God and one list for God. Which list sounds more like us? The one in 5:19-21 or 4:22-23? Do these two scenarios not exist clearly today? The nine fruits of the spirit holds the keys to happiness. Can you say them? LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS. What a difference these nine qualities can make!

Day 312..."Micah is too short...Jeremiah judges the "big dog"...Children of Promise"

Micah is finished too quickly. Chapter seven is a bit choppy to read but does end with hope of pardon and mercy from sins...and a bit of nostalgia or days of old with Jacob and Abraham.
Jeremiah is not quite through judging regions. Chapter fifty includes the "big dog"...Babylon. The exile bears their name. There is even a reference to Sodom and Gomorrah. Paul teaches of "children of promise." This image is theological. In Christ, we all can be children of promise and great potential. Perhaps Paul is nostalgic too in his comparison of Hagar and Sarah regarding bearing children for Abraham.

Day 311..."Do Justice...Love Mercy...and walk humbly before the Lord"

Is there a passage that speaks more powerfully than Micah 6:8? What a passage to build a life!

#1 Do Justice
#2 Love Mercy
#3 Walk Humbly Before God

How might our world be different if we lived by these words? Our community? Our homes?
Our Church?

Jeremiah casts judgment on other regions...Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedor, Hazor, and Edom.
Paul speaks of faith being the maturing of the law. Theologically this is known as justification by faith. Another famous passage is in Galatians chapter three..."there is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male or female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus" (NJKV) . C0mbine this passage with Micah and there is great wisdom in relating to others.

Day 310..."No more war...Paul corrects Peter?"

Among Micah's most famous passages are about the mountain of the Lord...and a vision of no more war. Here is the extraordinary transformation from weapons to agriculture and abundance for all..." It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills;
and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" ...WOW!

Jeremiah calls for the judgment of Moab in a lengthy chapter. Speaking of judgment Paul has plenty for Peter. The issue was acting differently in the presence of the Jews or Gentiles. Even Barnabas is accused of hypocrisy.

Day 309..."Micah begins...Jeremiah predicts more destruction....Galatians begins"

We are now flying through the Books of the Bible ending Jonah and II Corinthians yesterday. The Book of Micah is a book known according the the NKJV study notes for attempting to correct a false notion of God and setting forth proper requirements for the people. (sounds like Paul's teaching in Galatians)

Jeremiah over the next chapters will be taking through the judgment and destruction of particular regions. Today the region is Philistia.

Paul begins Galatians by confronting a "counterfeit gospel" and he would later refer to this as a "bewitching perversion" (NJKV study notes). This short Book is more than "in your face"...Galatians will also feature some of Paul's most eloquent writing.

Day 308..."Jonah travels to Nineveh...Paul gives a final word to Corinth"

Jonah's story needs one more word..."bitter." When he obeyed God to go to Nineveh, he became bitter when the Lord showed mercy and did not destroy the city. Is this not the spirit of the "elder brother" in the prodigal son story? Jonah wanted a spiritual payoff. Instead...he was challenged to love more deeply in the whole story. Jonah's life teaches us following God is not always about what we want but ultimately God's will, plan, truth, mercy, and outcome. Oh my... I feel a bit like Jonah today!

Jeremiah, again, speaks of the judgment of Egypt. There is no escape for those who worship other gods. Jeremiah offers hope for in saying..."Do not fear, O Jacob My servant," says the Lord, "For I am with you."

Paul offers a final word to Corinth. The truth is stronger than failure he says. He also challenges to "test yourself" to see that you are in Christ. A great message for us today. Are we serving Christ or our own motives? This seems to parallel Jonah's journey.

Day 307..."A really "big" fish story...Jeremiah has an ally in Baruch...Paul's thorn"

A summary of Jonah in 10 words...

God calls...run...storm...overboard...fish...throw up...listen...go"

A modern day version in 10 words...

God calls...ignore...storms of life...hit bottom...listen...go"

Jeremiah has an ally in Baruch. He had a chance at position but chose faithfulness. Baruch consequently suffers the consequences of exile. He is promised his life anywhere he lives.

Paul has a thorn in the flesh. What was it? Epilepsy? An appearance problem? Whatever it was Paul used to his advantage. He wrote..."in weakness is strength" and "God's grace is sufficient in weakness." How true! Who said church folks are "holier than thou?"

Day 306..."Consequences...Permission to be foolish...Life as an apostle"

There are consequences for Judah worshiping other gods. Jeremiah has no good news for those who have turned to Egypt. He also says the remnant will be few in number. Why such consequences? "The Lord could no longer bear your evil deeds and the abominations that you committed. Therefore your land has become a desolation and a waste and a curse, without inhabitant, as it is this day. It is because you made offerings and because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey the voice of the Lord or walk in his law and in his statutes and in his testimonies that this disaster has happened to you, as at this day.”

Paul defends himself and contrasts himself with false prophets. He even asks for permission to be foolish. On a serious note he lists the amazing hardships encountered by apostles..." Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?" Wow...Paul's following Christ was the real deal! This list of hardships makes our ministry at Cokesbury appear very doable!

Day 305..."Jeremiah speaks but is ignored...Paul classics"

Jeremiah warns not to take the remnant from Judah to Egypt. When ignored... stones are placed in the road as a symbol of the overthrow of Egypt by the Babylonians. According to my study notes there is a historical account of Babylons invasion of Egypt.

Paul gives clues he has a weak appearance in person. He says he can be bold in writing and in person...interesting insight into Paul the man.

Paul has several of my favorite quotes in today's reading. These actually are good to commit to memory.

"and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (Think about Christ with every thought)

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." (Do not compare to others but to Christ...as human beings we can get off track and settle for far too less)

"For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." (If we lived by this one we would worry a great deal less...can we say who needs a big ego?)

Day 304..."Two choices...cheerful givers"

Jeremiah, chapter 42, lays out two choices...One is to stay in the land..."If you remain in this land, then I will build you and not pull you down, and I will plant you and not pluck you up." The other choice is going back to Egypt and encountering the full fury of God. The forecast for the choice to go back to Egypt is one of plagues. How many times have these choices been placed before the people? As a metaphor, how many times before us? God seeks to bless us where we are...even with the promise of hope in the time of exile.

Paul teaches more about giving saying simply..."God loves a cheerful giver." He also says "whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly." The other teachings in this chapter include God's sufficient grace and thanksgiving. What powerful messages in such a short chapter!

Day 303..."The horror of exile...Inspiration from poor people who gave richly!"

Gedaliah is murdered and Jeremiah 41 is gruesome as bodies are thrown in a cistern. I do not read a lot of inspiration in today's reading. There is much evidence of fear in excile. In II Corinthians 8 we do read of inspiration. Macedonia is poor but gives richly. They excel in generosity. What a great way to be known...excelling in generosity! I would pray to be known in this way! Who say you have to have money to be generous! Jesus on one occasion in the Gospel of Luke says..."those who are faithful with little will be faithful with much!" Generosity transcends amount!

Day 302..."A remnant in Judah...Godly sorrow leading to repentance"

Jeremiah inspires a remnant in Judah to endure the exile. Dr. Floyd Enfinger once described the remant as a patch on "blue jeans." I suppose this remant in Judah was a "patch job" for a people afraid of losing their identity. When groups are challenged a commited core can be stronger than ever. This is the case for Jeremiah and those he inspired.

Paul refers to "Godly sorrow" leading to repentance. Is Paul apologizing for making people aware of sin? If repentance is the result, then Paul is not sorry. Does guilt do any good?
Is there good guilt? II Corinthians chapter seven would indicate guilt can lead to a higher purpose. This reference is not referring to debilitating guilt that shuts a person down. Jesus died not to keep us in guilt but to set us free. Our choice to repent is necessary to release the burden of guilt.

Day 301..."Jerusalem falls into exile...Inspiring words"

In today's reading, we have a series of devastating events. The fullness of the overthrow and exile is apparent. Yet... there is a lining of hope for Jeremiah. ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city for harm and not for good, and they shall be accomplished before you on that day. But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.’”

Today's II Corinthians passage has some most inspiring words. In fact...somehow I read the text and did not recall reading the words. How amazing is the Bible speaking to us so powerfully over and over again! The words in which I am writing are these..."We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything."
These passages offer a parallelism of perceptions about Christianity and real Christianity. These could be used in a sermon about authentic Christianity.

The reading schedule is lighter this week. Hope you enjoy less chapters! There is a story in the reading schedule, as to how this happened. Somehow, right now at the 300 day mark, I think less chapters is a good change of pace for a few days!

Day 300..."Obadiah only one chapter...Jeremiah in mud...A new creation in Christ"

Obadiah is only one chapter and so we begin and end today. There is one phrase that sounds like the South..."do not gloat." Gloating is sinful just as false pride and arrogance. The Book does end with hopeful images of Mount Zion. The NJKV Wesley Bible study notes points out this Book was written to comfort people suffering the cruelties of the Edomites. Speaking of cruelties...Jeremiah finds himself in a cistern stuck in mud...YUK. He is lifted out and given assurances that he can speak the Word of the Lord. (a prophets life is not easy!) Paul tells us that when we live in the body we are away from Heaven...our ultimate home. These reassuring words speak to us, when we lose a loved one. The idea ..."being absent from the body is being present with the Lord" is reassuring. Paul also offers a beautiful passage..."Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. " These words are true at any age and stage of life. You can become new! We reach a new milestone today...congratulations on reaching day 300!