Day 360..."Taming the tongue...James gems...Seven bowls"

What is most difficult to tame? The tongue. How much damage can a tongue cause? Endless destruction. "Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing my dear friends this should not be so." Even "good people" can bring harm through gossip and a lack of controlling the tongue. Our words can heal or hurt? Build or destroy? Offer hope or despair? Bring life or death? What is our choice?

James in chapter four has gems...

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

"What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

Revelation describes more destruction. This time the symbols are seven bowls. We are introduced to seven plagues. The last brings some incredible hail.

Day 359..."James gems..."Seven angels and plagues"

The Book of James is filled with spiritual gems...

" If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
(Life application...stability comes through faith)

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." (Life application..."walk the talk")

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless." (Life application...our talk can destroy our witness")

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
(Life application...faith without works is dead)

Revelation fifteen is only seven passages. There are seven angels and seven plagues reported. The judgment of God continues.

Day 358..."Angels unaware...Security...Another number"

The writer of Hebrews teaches about treating people well for there may be angels unaware..."Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." I am not ashamed that a few angels unaware have come my way! You just never know when you might encounter an angel! Be aware.

Hebrews 13:8 is a passage I used to keep on my desk..."Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." This passage is one of great security in my faith journey. I may find another copy soon, as I miss the reminder.

Revelation introduces the number 144,000 people will be saved. In a world of seven billion, I think yikes. Then I remember the context...144,000 was a huge number in the day this was wriiten. Also, 144 is 12x12...a perfect continuation of the tribes of Israel. This would encompass the millions and perhaps billions of Christendom. Bottom line...only God knows.

Day 357..."Faith...running the race...that dreaded number"

Of all the chapters we have read, I find myself endeared to the "faith chapter." We are drawing to the close of reading through the Bible in one year...think about the faith stories we have read. Hebrews sums up some of them. The writer also tells us what faith is..."Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. " Chapter twelve follows up with challenging to run the race..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." We think of weight loss often! Have we ever considered the extra weight that works against our spiritual growth? Everything that hinders us in a pretty big subject! '

Chapter twelve concludes with...."Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" I like that... an unshakable Kingdom! Reverence and awe are a great combination for worship.

Revelation tells us of two scary beasts and introduces that dreaded number...666. I have heard of apartment complexes which skip this number. Who can blame them? This number is the mark of the beast. Give me 777 anyday!

Day 356..."Jesus is now the sacrifice...Satan seeks to destroy the Kingdom"

Hebrews, chapters nine and ten, go to great length to recall Jewish sacrifices of animals and communicate that Jesus is now the only sacrifice needed. There is no other sacrifice needed. Jesus is the complete sacrifice. Hebrews does read like an Old Testament Book with Jesus at the center. Temple worship and sacrifices are now complete in Jesus.

In Revelation, Satan is represented by a dragon. There is a dual between the dragon and the woman. This chapter represents the battle between God and Satan and good and evil. This is how the Bible began in the garden. Revelation dramatically through images has the same dual of the Kingdom of God and Satan.

Day 355..."New covenant...vision of Christ's Kingdom"

The Book of Hebrews continues to connect Jesus with Malchizadek. Jesus becomes the new and perfect High Priest. I noticed in reading the old covenant was considered not perfect. (that caught my attention) I researched this a bit and found that this does not make God's first covenant imperfect but rather the people that lived by the covenant were ineffective. (NKJV study notes) The way of Jesus is perfection. We are challenged to follow the new covenant...Jesus' perfect sacrifice on the cross. There is no need for any other covenant. Hebrews will continue this thought of Jesus being the perfect sacrifice in chapter ten.

Revelation has the seventh trumpet and there is a vision of Christ's Kingdom..."Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,who is and who was,for you have taken your great power and begun to reign." The presence of the Ark of the Covenant indicates God's presence. (NKJV notes) Lightning then came (even beyond our storm the other night) and spectacular images abound in the reading.

Day 354..."And on this day the Old Testament is complete...No unpardonable sin...sweet to receive tough to deliver"

On this day 354 of our journey, we complete the Old Testament. Malachi reminds his reader to remember the law of Moses. He also says to watch for Elijah. We have now completed the thirty-nine Books of the Old Testament.

Hebrew addresses the unpardonable sin. What sin is unpardonable? Turning away from Christ on purpose. There is always forgiveness for those who turn to Christ. Those who turn away continuously will not find another savior. William Barclay says no one who thinks they have committed the unpardonable sin has...why? The unpardonable sin would be a person without a conscience and not worried about turning away from God.

Revelation describes eating a scroll that is sweet and goes down bitter. The NKJV notes say it is easy to receive the Word of God but difficult to deliver. Is this not the call to discipleship?

Day 353..."The greatest robbery?...Tithing...Language of Revelation"

What is the greatest robbery according to Malachi? He says denying God the tithe is robbing God. This statement certainly gets our attention! Is God not the owner of our lives and all we have anyway? If we believe God is the owner of all the metaphor makes more sense. If we hold on to our owning, I suppose this teaching is absurd. I tithe because I read over and over again God is to come first in my life! Malachi also offers a promise of blessing..."Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." One other thought..."could the failure to place God first in our lives not rob us of abundant life and blessing?"

Hebrews relates Jesus as the high priest Melchizedek. Of all things... Melchizedek is mentioned in Genesis 14 related to tithing. The Genesis reading is the first mention of the tithe. Amazing that these two readings coincide today! By the way can you spell Melchizedek?

Revelation continues the sound of trumpets from five and six. The failure of repentance leads to judgment. After reading the Old Testament Books recently, the language, imagery, and judgment of Revelation does not seem to have as much contrast. The final judgment does appear in the message of the prophets as well. Apocalyptic writing in the Bible does span beyond Revelation.

Day 352..."More absurdity from Malachi...Affirmation of the Scripture...Silence in Heaven"

Malachi continues to proclaim the absurdity of Judah not returning to the Lord. The end of chapter two is so absurd that it is upside down..."You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?” Malachi must have been pretty frustrated.

As this year of reading through the Bible winds down, Hebrews has a very strong statement of the difference the Word of God makes..."For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." When I read this affirmation of Scripture, I think about all the times the Bible has touched my heart, guided my thoughts, and opened my eyes to see. Today's reading is one of those strong connections with the Old Testament..."Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The chapter in Revelation begins with silence in Heaven for one half of hour. Quite an image for even Heaven to be silent. Then we have dramatic images of seven trumpets. We read of four today and more tomorrow.

Day 351..."Building houses...The Ultimate Shepherd"

Malachi seeks to restore the fidelity of the faith of Judah in returning from exile. The people seem complacent about letting their faith be polluted. Malachi (with God speaking) is hardly complacent...."“They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry forever.’” Translation...remember who you are and from where you have come! Hebrews writes about the ultimate builder..."For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.’”

Revelation links the twelve tribes of Israel to the final Book. John also provides comforting words in this complex Book...."For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Jesus (the Lamb) is the Ultimate Shepherd!

Day 350..."On that day...Moving into the final Books"

We only have about fifteen days of reading left. In four days, we will be done with the Old Testament. Today, we end Zechariah. Zechariah begins so many passage with..."On that day." This phrase sums up the future look. The last two chapters are filled with images of the day of the Lord. The last passage begins and ends with the phrase..."And on that day there shall be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “Holy to the Lord.” And the pots in the house of the Lord shall be as the bowls before the altar. And every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holy to the Lord of hosts, so that all who sacrifice may come and take of them and boil the meat of the sacrifice in them. And there shall no longer be a trader in the house of the Lord of hosts on that day."

Hebrews, chapter two, makes a strong Abraham connection with Jesus..."For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." We are going to read more how Christ is the new sacrifice and atonement for our sins.

As the seals are broken Revelation focuses on a white, red, black, and pale horses. Also, we read about souls under an altar and a day of earthquake. Refer to your study notes often and Revelation will make more sense by the references of each of these images. There are many others ahead in the final two weeks of reading.

Day 349..."Two staffs...Hebrews...worthy to open the seal"

In the reading from Zechariah we read about two symbolic staffs named...union and favor...."So I became the shepherd of the flock doomed to be slaughtered by the sheep traders. And I took two staffs, one I named Favor, the other I named Union. And I tended the sheep." I noticed in the NKJV the names of the staffs were "beauty"(grace) and "bonds." God's intention is to take care of the sheep. Favor was broken in two which is symbolic of the broken covenant. I like the metaphor of what each staff stands for...God's grace and unity.

Hebrews begins with lofty words..."You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain;they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? We are going to notice Hebrews reads like an Old Testament book with Jesus at the center.

Revelation makes a strong connection with Jesus in chapter five. He alone is worthy to open the seal of the scroll. He has redeemed us. He is worthy! We have been given the gift of life through Jesus.

Day 348.."King on donkey...Philemon...Holy, Holy, Holy"

The reference in Zachariah is something we will recognize from Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem..."Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Philemon is one Book to read when you only have a few minutes. Only one chapter and not much content. Onesimus is the main subject. Paul is appealing for him to be received. Did he do something wrong? Paul is willing to take responsibility for him.

In Revelation we begin to move into the imagery of the Book. The four living creatures are introduced..."And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come."

The beginning of one of the most recognized hymns of all by Reginald Heber. One of my favorite ways to begin worship is singing #64 in the United Methodist Hymnal. The words are lofty and begin worship elevated.

Day 347..."Strong hands...sound doctrine...an alive church"

Zechariah writes of justice and mercy in chapter seven. In chapter eight, there is an image of prosperity and peace. One of the images that caught my attention is strong hands..."Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built." Strong hands are a wonderful symbol of strength for a people. Strong hands build and provide a sense of security. NIV study notes writes strong hands are a symbol of encouragement.

Paul, in the Book of Titus, has a call for sound doctrine..."But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Doctrine does matter! "Sound doctrine is why mainline protestant churches have endured. The Apostles' Creed keeps us in touch with the essentials of our faith. Paul also warns against those who create dissension..."As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." These steps provide for us a plan of resolving controversy. I think also of Jesus' Words in the Sermon on the Mount..."blessed are the peacemakers."

John in his writing of Revelation continues the critique of churches in chapter three...Ephesus is dead! Philadelphia is one of opportunity (like Cokesbury)...and Laodecia is lukewarm! No church wants to be dead or lukewarm. Every church has an opportunity somewhere to make a difference. Cokesbury is one of great opportunity and is alive! In July, I cannot imagine of lukewarm. We are a church of a "warm heart."

Day 346..."More visions...Titus...Seven Churches Summary"

Zechariah has visions of a flying scroll, a woman in a basket, and four chariots. These are all pretty descriptive and "Revelation like." The crown and temple are symbols of the restoration of Israel.

Titus provides another list of attributes for those who oversee..."For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."

The Book of Revelation begins with seven churches critiqued. You may remember a sermon I did at the beginning of the year with a brief synopsis. Ephesus, was commended for their rejecting evil but warned for forgotting their first love...Jesus. Smyrna was commended for their faithfulness with no weaknesses. Pergamos and Thyatira both were reprimanded for tolerance of idolatry...they were also commended for their faith. Churches are made of people and therefore not perfect. Consequently, no church is perfect. Not a bad lesson for people of faith...seeking to grow.

Day 345..."Fight the good fight...keep the faith"

Zechariah sees a vision of Joshua in a dirty robe. Satan is trying to bring him down. The Lord replaces the attire with clean ones a symbol of victory. The seven eyes symbolize God's perfect vision! The two olive trees two anointed ones.

Paul says preach the word to rebuke, exhort, and teach. He also says offers one of the most inspiring passages of the Bible..."I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." This passage is on my father's tombstone. He lived it! Sometimes "keeping the faith" is all we have in which to hold....then again that is all we need.

Day 344..."Zechariah...The reason for Scripture"

Zechariah begins with a call to return to the Lord and several visions. The visions includes horseman, horns and craftsman, and a vision of a man with a measuring line. Paul warns against "godless" living. John Wesley referenced this passage with "form of religion" but not the power. He also gives the reason for Scripture..."All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." Our journey through the Bible hopefully has offered us these qualities.

Day 343..."Holes in the pockets...Babbling"

Haggai is an interesting Book that gives instruction past the exile. One passage really sounds like today..."Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes." Sounds like today. Never enough! The more we get... the more we want...the more we have the quicker it seems to disappear. Is this not the human condition? The more we have the more we want and the less we have of what really matters!

Paul writes about avoiding unproductive babbling..."But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene." Do you get the idea Paul had gossipers in these settings. He must have felt pretty strong to refer to the spread of gossip as gangrene. He also compares disciple preparation to army and athletic events. You know I like the athletic reference.

Day 342..."What a powerful day of reading! "

What a powerful day of reading! The river from the temple brought healing and made everything so productive. Who would have thought that with so many laborious chapters in Ezekiel the Book would end with perhaps the strongest words of any book..."THE LORD IS THERE." What a vision. The people of God dwelling in the midst of the Lord. The study notes in the NKJV say this was Ezekiel's point all along. Paul begins II Timothy with some great anchor passages for life...

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love
and of a sound mind."

"For I know whom I have believed and He is able to keep what
I have committed to Him until that day."

One of my most inspiring days of all the reading. A river of healing, God's presence, God's power and love, potential for a sound mind, and His faithfulness to finish what I have committed to Him.

Day 341..."More requirements of the Temple...Godless Chatter"

Ezekiel continues the detail of the temple. Today's reading is focused on the prince, Levites, and priests. There are strong requirements of not entering the way of the Lord. The Lord does enter the temple and glory is described. Chapter forty-five lays out the division of the land and instructions for offerings. Again, this reading in Ezekiel resembles Leviticus. Paul writes about the dangers of loving money..."For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." I once preached a message, when a very wealthy person objected to my comments. He was actually correct. I had said "money was the root of all evil." The mistake was I left out the important word of "love." The "love" of money does destroy. Paul closes I Timothy with some interesting comments about "Godless chatter"..."O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith." This could be one of the greatest dangers to a church..."Godless chatter" that substitutes for teaching and living for Christ.

Day 340..."The vision of the Temple continues...Daniel and eternal life...Paul and widows"

The specific detail of the temple chambers and the altar highlight today's reading through the Bible. These passages remind of the Book of Leviticus. There are also mentions of offerings. The Book of Daniel does mention eternal life in chapter twelve..."And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." There is also a reference to Daniel's death..."But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” The study notes in the NIV equate rest with death in this instance.

Paul gives instructions for widows and it is facinating reading. This reading also reveals the context of women in the day of Paul. The widows were obviously viewed in a different light. Traditionally, the Bible teaches to take care of widows and orphans. In this case, Paul distinquishes between a young widow and an old widow. He also warns against gossip.
Today's reading also contains a very well known passage..."“You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Paul again is very practical.

Day 339..."A vision of a temple...more earthly kingdoms...take care of the soul"

Ezekiel has a detailed vision of a new temple. In chapters forty and forty-one there are meticulous descriptions of every side of the temple. This glorious detail of temple and worship will be our focus for the rest of our reading in Ezekiel. Daniel, in chapter eleven, continues to invision earthly kingdoms who strive to be a gods. He continues to write about the folly of earthly gods and kingdoms.

Paul teaches about steering clear of false teachings..."Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Our bodies are given to work in tandem with our our soul to prepare for Heaven. The promise of taking care of our soul is far more productive than our body.
Paul also encourages young persons not to think too little of themselves because of their youth..."Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." Paul's teachings are so practical. I Timothy is a great Book to address the obvious needs of our lives. These teachings of faith also make good common sense! Or is this just the eyes of faith in a world that sometimes can miss the obvious?

Day 338..."God will win...a tough job description"

Gog will be defeated by God..."But on that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord God, my wrath will be roused in my anger. For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord God. Every man's sword will be against his brother. With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur. So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord." God will win and intervene for Israel. Daniel reduces to a bland diet for three weeks and sees a vision leaving him afraid. An angel comes to strengthen Daniel..."And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Angels are reassuring of God's presence. Have we ever been touched by an angel? I have had a few occasions when unexplained reassurance has been given.

Paul sets out requirements for those who oversee leadership..."must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil." Is it just me or is this a pretty tall order for one person? On the other hand...when standards are too low leadership and followership are both compromised.

Day 337..."Valley of dry bones offers hope...Daniel offers a prayer"

Just when Ezekiel looked like the bleakest Book yet...the "Valley of Dry Bones" is a great story of redemption. Can the dead live again? You bet. The dry bones coming to life are a great metaphor for living to the fullest and new life! What a story! Daniel's prayer is also a redemptive prayer. Paul lays out making prayer a priority. Intercessory prayer is one of the greatest ways we can love each other. The role of women in Paul's day was different culturally. Where would we be without women leaders in the United Methodist Church? We would be in a mess. Remember the context of the day in this reading.

Day 336..."Sheep neglected...A three point sermon"

Ezekiel uses a metaphor of a lack of shepherding to explain the scattering of Israel. The sheep have no shepherd. In the absence of a shepherd, God must become the Shepherd. God says about this..." (I) will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice." What a powerful thought for a pastor to consider in a world where so many sheep are scattering! Or is this an image for the Church? Daniel has a vision that is "ram tough" and he has trouble interpreting what all this means. He is sick at the end of this vision. There is an interpretation at the end of the eighth chapter.

Paul speaks of his former life. He admits he is not perfect..."though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." In contrast Paul lays out a great image love growing in Christ..."The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." A pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith...a natural sermon outline...just like Micah 6:8!

Day 335..."Lamenting over Egypt...Visions...Busybodies"

Today, we continue to read of the lamenting over Egypt. A historical mark is given for the fall of Jerusalem..." In the twelfth year of our exile, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and said, “The city has been struck down.” Now the hand of the Lord had been upon me the evening before the fugitive came; and he had opened my mouth by the time the man came to me in the morning, so my mouth was opened, and I was no longer mute." The Book of Daniel changes from a story to apocalyptic visions. Daniel sees four creatures each symbolic of empires. The fourth beast is the most hideous and symbolizes the Roman Empire. There is a word of hope at the end of the seventh chapter..."And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them." Is this a prophecy of the coming of the Son of Man?

Paul speaks practically again and addresses of all things...busybodies. He says a person should earn the bread they eat and busybodies should mind their own business and work! I sure do like Paul's amazing ability to see the eternal and practical at once!

Day 334..."Egypt's Pharoah...Daniel has a lion by the tail...Stand firm"

Ezekiel continues with images of strong nations falling because they have not honored God. One of the strongest is Egypt and even Pharoah will fall. Daniel is put to test in a "den of lions." He, much like Joseph, is innocent. Yet, evil people find a way to fool the king and accuse Daniel of breaking the law. However...the power of God prevails in the lions den. Daniel walks away without a scratch. Darius is relieved and shows regret by sentencing the "knitpickers" into the lions den...their fate was predictable.

Paul say stand firm to Thessalonica..."So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." In reading these letters, I gain a sense Paul would have made a good motivational speaker.

Day 333..."Kings put in place and with writing on the wall"

Ezekiel spends two chapters describing kings and their "arrogant" drunkness with power. He describes the King of Tyre as claiming to be as god. He is put in his place as is the king of Egypt with the same charges. Notice Daniel is referenced in the passages regarding arrogance..."“Because your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas,’ yet you are but a man, and no god, though you make your heart like the heart of a god— you are indeed wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you;by your wisdom and your understanding you have made wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries; by your great wisdom in your trade you have increased your wealth, and your heart has become proud in your wealth— therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you make your heart like the heart of a god, therefore, behold, I will bring foreigners upon you, the most ruthless of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and defile your splendor." Arrogance does make gifted people lose their splendor. Daniel is summoned again to interpret mysterious writing on the wall. This king,Belshazzar, would not want to hear the interpretation that his power would be short lived...even death before the next day. Paul writes commending Thessalonica for their faithfulness under trial..."Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring." Later...he say God will judge those who are unjust toward the faithful..."since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you"...Paul is really encouraging the faithful in this letter.

Day 332..."Dreadful by land and sea...Nebuchadnezzar eats grass...Mind your own business"

The forecast for Tyre looks pretty bleak by horses covering everyone with dust and the mariners even hissing..."The merchants among the peoples hiss at you;you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.’” A dreadful end. This seems to sum up many of these chapters in Ezekiel.

Nebuchadnezzar has another dream. Daniel interprets. Nebuchadnezzar must have been startled to learn the tree being cut down was symbolic of his fall. He would even eat grass. (see Saul) Nebuchadnezzar fairs better as he is restored after his fall.

Paul has practical teachings in I Thessalonians like minding your own business..."to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands." He also says test the spirits to make sure they are of God..."Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."
He also challenges to lift up the fainthearted.

He also says the Lord's coming will be as a thief in the night..."For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." Like the Gospel of Matthew teaches...we are to be ready.

Day 331..."Ezekiel's wife dies...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego do not fry...Paul seeks what is lacking"

In a lengthy account describing the seige of Jerusalem, we have a softer story emerge. Ezekiel's wife dies. She is referred to as "the delight of your eye" referring to Ezekiel. This brief reporting softens the story of Ezekiel away from the harsh realities of sin. Daniel tells us a story of "bringing on the heat" and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego emerge from the flames unscathed. I am preaching on this text in two weeks. Paul really wants to visit Thessalonica and must feel a need to see them face to face. His letter sounds more like "hang in there until I get there." He says he will bring them "what is lacking" in their faith, when he arrives. This is an interesting topic of "what is our faith lacking?" Another sermon idea? Look for it sometime in late 2007 or 2008.

Day 330..."Two Faithless Sisters...Dreams...Paul's glory and joy"

Today is one of the longest reads of all. Three long chapters and the reading from First Thessalonians. Ezekiel devotes most of chapter 23 to a metaphor of two faithless sisters. The imagery is one filled with disobedience. Samaria is Oholah and Jerusalem is represented through Oholibah. Both fates are the same and in the end God has the final word..."Thus will I put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not commit lewdness as you have done. And they shall return your lewdness upon you, and you shall bear the penalty for your sinful idolatry, and you shall know that I am the Lord God.” One other passage in chapter 22 reveals a problem of this era with holy and unholy not being distinguished..."Her priests have done violence to my law and have profaned my holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them." There is a distinction between the holiness of God and our lives. Holiness (and the sacred) must be respected in the end...then and now.

Daniel gains favor by interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream. I feel sorry for all the wise men that would not interpret. Can we imagine the tension, when the King asked to interpret his dream? It would have been a good era to play dumb. Notice how the historical periods are in the interpretation including Persia, Rome, and the reference to the Kingdom that would not end...the Kingdom of God.

Paul writes to Thessalonica with great affection..."But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy." They had a special place in Paul's thoughts and heart.