Discovering God's Word a 365 Day Voyage

Day 365 Where do we end our journey through the Bible?

2008-08-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

We began this journey through the Bible with the awe of creation! Our final chapter is also about a tree but this one bears fruit..."Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." What a finish a tree of fruit for every month and a light that needs no lamp or sun! We finish as we began in the awe of the Almighty God! May the awesome God from Genesis to Revelation bless you all!

Day 364 What good does grumbling do?

2008-08-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

One of the ways we end our read through the Bible is with the thought..."grumbling does no good." Here is what the one chapter Book of Jude writes..."They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit." Have we ever considered that grumbling not only does no good but is also a sign of not following the leading of the God's Spirit? As I recall Israel, God did not bless the grumbling against Moses in the desert either!

Day 363 Who do we imitate?

2008-08-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Who do we imitate? Have we ever considered there is both good and bad behavior that we imitate? The Book of Third John writes about this in saying..."Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." Who do we imitate? Hopefully we imitate the good. May our prayer be to follow after Jesus!

Day 362 What is another obvious teaching?

2008-08-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

John 4 is another obvious teaching in the Bible...Love is of God and validates everything we do..." Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." How obvious is this message and how needed is this message today!

Day 361 What is the most dangerous danger?

2008-08-24T17:38:00.001-07:00

In reaching back to previous reading, I wanted to reflect one of the greatest negative forces in the world. What is this dangerous force in the world? War? Weapons? Hate? These are imposing. James teaches the tongue is deadly with it[s poison. No one can tame the tongue! Loose lips sink ships as the saying goes. How true. How true.

Day 360 Does John state the obvious?

2008-08-24T17:30:00.001-07:00

God loves us in sending Jesus. How do we respond to the love of Jesus? By serving others in need! John writes..."This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" A question that may not have an answer other than appropriate action.

Day 359 What to do if we sin?

2008-08-24T17:27:00.001-07:00

What do we do if we sin? John writes..."If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins." In chapter two he writes..."If anyone does sin we have an advocate with the Father." This message bridges all sinners to the Cross. What would we do without this good news?

Day 358 How should we use our gifts?

2008-08-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

I Peter teaches as Paul did about using gifts..."Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." I had not noticed this passage before. The message...do what you do well!

Day 357..."My goodness! A witness of Godliness?

2008-08-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

Can we convince others to follow Christ through being good even in the face of mistreatment? Jesus taught this in the Sermon on the Mount. Paul would say "yes" in Romans 12. Paul writes of overcoming evil by doing good. I Peter also makes the claim in today's reading..."Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Day 356...Who receives grace?

2008-08-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

Who will receive grace and who will not? Anyone can receive grace if they humble themselves before the Lord. The proud will receive grace. This is what James writes...""God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." Humility is always the way to go.

Day 355 "Which is better faith or works?"

2008-08-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Which is better faith or works? The answer is which one you did last. Here is James expanation..."What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Balanced Christianity.

Day 354 Why be kind to strangers?

2008-08-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

Being kind to strangers takes very little effort and could hold Kingdom of God potential....Why are we to be kind to strangers? You never know who it might be is one reason. Hebrews says..."Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

Day 353 What pleases God?

2008-08-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

We seek a life to please God. What pleases God? Faith. Hebrews 11 says..."And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 12 has an image of running a race. (olympics are not new) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Amen!

Day 352 What precedes the faith chapter?

2008-08-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

Chapter 11 in Hebrews is known as the "faith chapter." We will read that tomorrow. What precedes the faith chapter? Here is the beautiful teaching..." let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. " Spurring one another on to do good deeds! What a concept!

Day 351 Who is Jesus compared to in Hebrews?

2008-08-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Who is Jesus compared to in Hebrews? And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.' "Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant." As Jesus comes...Melchizedek is no longer necessary. Jesus is also easier to spell.

Day 350 What is the unpardonable sin?

2008-08-15T21:05:00.001-07:00

What is the unpardonable sin? Hebrews teaches..."It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace." Is this sin possible for the Christian? No. This sin is of a deliberate nature. (see Hebrews 10:26) God forgives all those who come to Him but those who turn away have no other places to turn for forgiveness. As long as a person has a guilty conscience, they could not have commited this sin. Why? A person who has commited the unpardonable sin has no desire to turn to God and receive forgiveness. This is also known as the "hard heart." The good news is that any who turn to the Lord can receive forgiveness.

Day 349 How can you rob God?

2008-08-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

We can rob God when we do not use the gifts He has given us, wasting time, and when we fail to give the tithe. Malachi teaches this and says..."I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty.
"But you ask, 'How are we to return?' "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. ⁹ You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. ¹⁰ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Time for us to make a deposit in the blessings God seeks to give!

Day 348 Why read the Bible?

2008-08-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

There is another stated reason for reading the Bible is in Hebrews..."For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Sharper than a two edged sword for cutting to the truth. Now that is convincing. A great passage as this journey through the Bible winds down.

Day 347 Who is the homeowner of homeowners?

2008-08-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had Jesus as a captain. Today, He is the homeowner of all homes. This is another unique analogy..."Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." By the way home in Jesus is a home value that never depreciates!

Day 346 Who is the Captain of Salvation?

2008-08-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

In reading chapter two of Hebrews verse 10 stood out...^" For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. " The writer of Hebrews is unknown but he must have had an affinity for the sea with this metaphor. Jesus is the Captain of the Ship that matters most!

Day 345 What Book is a sleeper?

2008-08-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hebrews is not one of books of the Bible that pop up on everyone's favorite list. I consider it in my top 10. Why? The Faith Chapter, 11, is one of my top five chapters in the Bible. I also am greatly inspired by chapter 12. Do not be discouraged by chapter 1 which is difficult reading. The reading is a great later. Hebrews is a sleeper. The Book is also known as an Old Testament like Book in the New Testament. When we read the language of sacrifice, we will understand why.

Day 344 What Book is the shorter than study notes?

2008-08-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

What Book of the Bible is shorter than study notes? That would be the Book of Philemon. In this Book Paul appeals from prison to receive Onesimus. Paul says "receive him as you would receive me." Paul anticipates making a visit soon and also asks for a place to stay. This Book is one chapter and not very complicated. Perhaps the theme is receiving others with hospitality.

Day 343 "What is worse than being too cold or hot?

2008-08-11T14:44:00.001-07:00

John writes in Revelation..."I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. " There is something worse than being cold or hot...lukewarm. Passion is greater than being passive. Dr. Martin Luther King said being passive was worse than being against him.

Day 342 What does first love and the Church have in common?

2008-08-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

Remember your first love? Ephesus did not. What lesson for all churches! Keep the main thing the main thing..."Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." Amen.

Day 341 What are great words to hear?

2008-08-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

What are great words to hear? How about Paul's..."I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Let it be said Lord when we look back at our life! Amen .

Day 340 What is the form of religion?

2008-08-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

Paul warns against the "form of religion"...what is that? John Wesley feared that the people called Methodist would have the form of religion but not power. How today we can focus on the shapes and opinions of religion but miss God's power. God is able! God is near! In God the impossible happens. These are the kind of statements a person with God makes. The "form of religion" is just acting religious for the organizations sake. One strong distinction is "knowing about God and knowing God...there is a difference. Here is the complete verse..."
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." Notice the warning...have nothing to do with them!

Day 339 Does the Bible speak of today's economy?

2008-08-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Does the Bible speak of today's enonomy with four dollar gas prices and foreclosures? Of course! Look at Haggi 1:6..."You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." Any doubt the Bible does not speak to today's economy. Holes in the pockets? Working and going through wages. Thousands of years ago and today. So true. Amen.

Day 338 What is a spirit of timidity?

2008-08-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

All of my life I have wrestled with 2 Timothy 1:7. God did not make us to be timid but to overcome our fear. What is a spirit of timidity? I do not think it is "shyness" for there is nothing wrong with shyness. Timid behavior is giving in to reluctance, hurting feelings, wonderment if the worst happens and certainly being afraid to rock the boat. God does not give us this spirit but one of love, power, and self-discipline. Amen.

Day 337 What is the complete teaching?

2008-08-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

One passage by itself can leave out valuable supporting passages or even passages that unlock the meaning of the message. Take the passage..."the love of money is the root of all evil" for example. The supporting passages elevate the message..."But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." The surrounding passages add depth and height to the teaching of Paul.

Day 336 Does the Bible say anything about paying church ministers and staff?

2008-08-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Notions are that those with callings in the church are not it for the pay. Obviously, a "calling" is not about a career but the joy of serving the Lord. Paul does say ministers and staff deserve their wages. Here is what the Bible says..."The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." How about that!

Day 335 What are Paul's qualificiations for leaders?

2008-07-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

Leaders must set a good example. Paul has a list of qualifications for deacons..."Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons." What a list! Leaders are not rookies and they sleep well.

Day 334 What did Daniel pray?

2008-07-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Ever notice Daniel's prayer in chapter nine? He prayed a beautiful prayer..."We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." What a heart for God! We do not pray because we are righteousness but out of God's great mercy! Amen.

Day 333 More goals for Paul?

2008-07-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

Paul is great with one liners. He is good with staing the goal. This one is as practical as ever written. Paul teaches..."The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." Wow! Sounds like this is also the key to a good nights sleep.

Day 332 Who said "if you do not work you do not eat?"

2008-07-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Who said..."if you do not work you do not eat." Ben Franklin? An economist? No. It was Paul. He also warns about being a busybody and being idle. Here is what he says..."For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right." Get busy!

Day 331 What led Daniel to the lions den?

2008-07-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Darius...did not want bring harm to Daniel. How did he wind up in the lions den? The satraps created a scandal leading that trapped Daniel. All he was doing was worshipping His God. Here is how it went down..."Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?" This deceptive blindsiding sounds like other biblical stories...Joseph comes to mind with Potiphar's wife. (though the charge was different) Ultimately our Lord Jesus was put to death by Pilate who looked for a way out as Darius. Daniel was delivered and Jesus was resurrected. Trickery does not win in the end! God does!

Day 330 What does it mean to have writing on the wall?

2008-07-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

The writing is on the wall for Belshazzar. On trouble is he cannot read it. He too needs Daniel. What did the writing on the wall mean? It meant Belshazzar had not honored the Lord and his kingdom would be short. Here is what the inscription said..."O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways."

Day 329 Is an ambitious quiet life an oxymoron?

2008-07-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

We usually think of ambition with caution. Ambition can bring out our best. Or our worst! If our ambition starts driving our motives and we run over others. Paul gives one context of ambition that I had not conidered before...ambition to lead a quite life. Is ambition and a quiet life an oxymoron. A strange pair but perhaps a wonderful combination after all! Paul says it like this..."Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. "

Day 328 Who could stand the heat under pressure?

2008-07-24T17:26:00.001-07:00

Who can take the heat? Stand the heat? Show grace under pressure in the midst of the heat?
The answers are provided in a chapter displaying the mighty power of God. The king with a very short memory from Daniel is furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for not worshipping as everyone else. They remain loyal to God. He orders the fire seven times hotter in the furnace and orders the three Jews burned. What follows is an incredible moment of faith. In the midst of the fire, God is with us. Isaiah would later write of God's power not to be burned. Here is the account of Daniel..."So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them." Our faith is sometimes about taking the heat and knowing God's warmth will provide the power of escape.

Day 327 Who has the power to interpret dreams?

2008-07-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

The King wants not only a dream interpreted but also to reveal the dream. What an unfair request to "read a persons mind." Nebuchadnezzar was very unfair in the demand. When Daniel approaches the king with a desire to reveal the dream and interpret, his power is also revealed. Daniel does not claim the power but points to God. Here is the account..."'aniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries." What a powerful witness of not taking credit and recognizing the power came from the Lord!

Day 326 Is Daniel into health food?

2008-07-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Daniel is in to health food? Instead of being weakened by eating royal food...Daniel orders vegetables. What was the outcome? Daniel's appearance out dazzled the delicacies of dining with the king. Here is the story..."Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead." What is the point of the story? Better vegetables with the King of Kings than delicacies with an earthly king!

Day 325 How to season conversation?

2008-07-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

Meals require seasoning to add the extra taste to a fine meal. Otherwise the meal is either bland or worse...sour. Have we ever thought of our conversation with the need of seasoning? How do we avoid the bland and sour words? Paul teaches..."Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." In your next conversation consider adding grace and a pinch of "spiritual salt." Jesus does say His disciples are the "salt of the earth."

Day 324 What is this new self?

2008-07-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

We live in a culture of "makeover." Makeover actually has spiritual implications. Paul would say the makeover is about getting rid of bad habits. Here is how Paul states it..."You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." A Christian makeover is putting on the "new self" in Christ.

Day 323 How much do know it alls know?

2008-07-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

How much does a "know it all" know according to Paul? Not much...here is what Paul writes..."Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to
grow." Humility is an indicator of true wisdom.

Day 322 "Can you pray for endurance?

2008-07-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

A marathoner needs, most of all, endurance. How about a Christian? You bet. A Christian most of all must endure. How do we find the strength to endure? We pray. Paul acknowledges this in writing to the Colossians..."For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Amen.

Day 321 "What comes before Philippians 4:13?"

2008-07-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:13 is widely known and quoted..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Do you know the passage before? Paul shares the benefits of joy..."
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." What a chapter!

Day 320 Was Paul goal oriented?

2008-07-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

Was Paul goal oriented? You bet. Modern goal oriented people would pale in comparison to Paul who wrote..."Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Paul strove for the ultimate goal of life! So should we!

Day 319 What does it mean to be like Jesus?

2008-07-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be like Jesus? Paul gives us a list..."Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 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." Jesus the Name above all other names!

Day 318 What is better a good start or a strong finish?

2008-07-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

Paul talks about beginning a new life in Christ in 2 Cor. 5:17..."If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation." In Philippians he talks about finishing from a strong start. In one of the most powerful verses of Paul..."being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." He speaks with confidence! In Christ we can begin with zest and finish strong. This is good news no matter the length of time we have been a Christian. We can start and finish strong! Amen!

Day 317...What to be ready for everyday?

2008-07-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Paul knows to be ready for anything, anwhere, anytime! He says it like this is perhaps his greatest teaching session..."Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Paul advocates readiness as a warrior with armor of God...regular and daily prayer is obvioulsy a major point of strength.

Day 316 What did Paul actually teach men about loving their wives?

2008-07-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

The myths of Paul's teaching about marriage may impact public opinion more than the actual words of Paul in the Bible. Paul does teach about wives submitting themselves to their husband. But this is only half of the teaching! Paul teaches that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. How did Christ love the Church? He loved enough to die for her. A husbands love is to serve and offer complete love for their wife. Here are Paul's actual words..."
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." The second part changes the entire meaning of the first part.

Day 315 What is one of the most extraordinary chapters in the Bible?

2008-07-11T21:50:00.001-07:00

Romans, chapter 12, provides an extraordinary chapter. Perhaps my favorite chapter written by Paul. Ephesians 4 has the most extraordinary teaching about the Body of Christ.

1) One Lord
2) Use gifts
3)Grow
4) Work properly
5) Love
6) Christ is the Head

Then... a whole section of spiritual nuggets. "In your anger do not sin" Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Phenomenal!

Day 314 How far does God's love reach?

2008-07-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite passages appears today! How far will God's love reach? Paul says it so eloquently..."so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ"...God's love knows no bounds in height, depth, width, and or length." God is omnipresent and beyond human comprehension of space. Wow!

Day 313 What did Habakkuk pray?

2008-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

What did Habakkuk pray? He prayed a beautiful prayer. He prayed the Lord to take him to new heights! " I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength;he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." Amen!

Day 312 What does eyes to the heart mean?

2008-07-08T09:04:00.001-07:00

Paul writes..."I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms." What are the eyes to the heart? The heart is a metaphor, according to Dr. Greg Clapper,...the center of who we really are and the place of our affections and allegiance. The eyes of the heart would be our conversion into the hope of Christ. I love the image of eyes to the heart. A popular praise song references this teaching of Paul.

Day 311 What might Paul put on the wall?

2008-07-07T14:52:00.001-07:00

Ever wondered what Paul might put on the wall? Would he say "I have fought the good fight" or "pray all day"...what might Paul have to say? Today's closing of Galatians would also be a possibility. We see so much of Paul in this writing..." man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." These sentences sum up so much about Paul and what is really important.

Day 310 Would you rather devour each other or love one another?

2008-07-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Paul says it blountly..."do you seek to devour one another?" He was referring to the backbiting and destroying of one another. Paul lifts up a far better alternative...life in the Spirit..."
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." At times we are reminded human nature has not changed much! The choice of living in the spirit or against people is aways a choice. Let's live in the Spirit!

Day 309 What has happened?

2008-07-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Paul recounts his "thorn" and how the churches of Galatia rallied around him at the time of his need. His question is "what happened?" Paul wonders how the same people could be so supportive and then not loyal. Fickleness is one of the most undesirable of all qualities..."I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?" Consistency is a great quality for God's people.

Day 308 What a great message for July 4th?

2008-07-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

What a great message for July 4th! What is it? Paul says..."There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." We are free and equal in Christ Jesus! Have a great 4th!

Day 307 Where did the tradition of the 'right hand of fellowship' begin?

2008-07-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

Perhaps we have heard the term "right hand of fellowship" in the church. Where did this tradition begin? I do not know but the phrase appears in Galatians 2. Paul says..."
9James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." Even the early Apostles knew the value of extending a welcoming hand! Fellowship is huge in the Church!

Day 306 How does Paul stay on task?

2008-07-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

In addition to both Micah and Jeremiah referring to being bald on our same reading day...Paul states clearly the need to preach the Gospel. He stays on task by saying he cannot preach a counterfeit gospel..."I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Today, as yesterday, strength comes from preaching the Gospel!

Day 305 What does 2 Corinthians 13 say?

2008-07-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 13 is one of the most quoted in the Bible. Who has not heard the words..."though I speak in tongues of men and angels." Love is the greatest. Do we have a clue what 2 Corinthians says? How about one of the most famous prayers in the Bible. Many worship services have concluded with Paul's prayer. The words are...^"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Amen.

Day 304 Is it possible to be strong when weak? Jonah's prayer in a large fish.

2008-06-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Paul in all of his trials and a "thorn" which kept him humble...insists that in his weakness he finds strength..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

In a way contrary to Paul...Jonah, when feeling the fear of going to Nineveh, fled for his life. He would later pray a prayer in a belly of a large fish. Jonah would comply with the Lord but lack the fortitude of Paul.

Day 303 What was Paul recalling?

2008-06-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Paul, in a few chapters, recalls his story. In II Corinthians 11, he recalls being beaten with rods, stoned, left in open water, naked, hungry, forsaken by others, and being almost killed by authorities and escaping. In reading Paul's accounts of his struggles...we can only marvel this is the same one that wrote..."and the peace of God which passes all will guard your hearts and minds" (Philippians) Amazing!

Day 302 Is it wise to compare?

2008-06-26T14:07:00.002-07:00

Is it wise to compare ourselves to others? No. Our spiritual growth is not all the same. We are best to focus on Jesus and not others. Paul says it like this..." We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. " Paul says we lack sense, when we compare ourselves to others.

Day 301 Would another dose of generosity hurt?

2008-06-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

I am a little confused of which day to blog...as I have been traveling. Would another dose of generosity hurt anything. Absolutely not! In continuing with Paul's thoughts of generosity..." You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Generosity is indescribable. Amen!

Day 300 How to be a good giver?

2008-06-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

How is one a good giver? Paul states it straight forward..."The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." How do we miss this simple message? Giving produces bounty. Sparing giving causes spare results. Amen!

Day 299 How does one exceed expectations?

2008-06-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

How does one exeed expectations? Paul states that Macedonia gave far more than imaginable. They were poor but gave generously. How did they do it? They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to each other. This formula still works today! Giving ourselves first to the Lord exceeds expectations. This message is a solid Biblical one! Try it!

Day 298 What is Godly grief?

2008-06-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

If you are like me the concept of "Godly grief" got my attention. What is Godly grief? Paul says..." For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter." The difference appears to be "Godly grief" convicts and "worldly grief" makes one only feel guilty. Conviction to change is good. Grief the "hangs on" is debilitating.

Day 297 What other passage makes my ten favorite?

2008-06-22T23:10:00.000-07:00

Another of my favorite biblical passages appears today. "If anyone be in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed a way and the new has come." II Cor. 5:17! What an awesome thought that everyday can be a new one in the Lord! God seeks to do new things in us! Amen.

Day 296 Why do we never lose heart?

2008-06-21T09:48:00.001-07:00

The followers of Jesus Christ do not have to ever lose heart. Even in circumstances of death and destruction...we hang in there. Jeremiah is a witness to this as he is imprisoned. Paul says it most eloquently..."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."
The treasures in clay jar are around us. As our treasure is in the things of God...we need not lose heart. Amen!

Day 295 What is a plumb line?

2008-06-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Amos describes a plumb line. What is a plumb line? A plumb line is actually still used today to determine what is straight. This teaching is much like Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount with the wise and foolish builders. If you build a foundation it must be straight. Otherwise...everything on top of the foundation will be crooked. Likewise...our discipleship begins with our foundation. Amos says Israel is out of plumb. God is the Ultimate Determiner of what is right and true!

Day 294 Where does Amos speak of justice and righteousness?

2008-06-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

One of the often quoted passages in the Old Testament is Amos 5:24... "But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream." (NKJV) Dr. King quoted this passage and is noted at a Civil Rights Museum in Montgomery with a strong visual...flowing water. What a powerful visual for God's people to seek justice and righteousness for all people! Let the waters of justice and righteousness flow Lord! Amen.

Day 293 Is there comfort?

2008-06-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Is there comfort in suffering? If we suffer together? Listen to Paul's words..."Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort." I really like the passage of being unshaken in hope! Such is the nature of hope..."sure standing in shaky times" which could be an upcoming sermon.

On another note never underestimate simplicity and sincerity...Paul writes..."For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you." There is power in simplicity and sincerity and trusting in the Lord!

Day 292 What advice does Paul give?

2008-06-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Paul gives much advice in today's reading from First Corinthians. He instructs about hospitality and taking care of those who are doing the Lord's work (Timothy). In a rare passage he tells the men to act like men..."Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." Paul is amazing for his variety of teachings and his extraordinary life.

Day 291 What did Jeremiah pray?

2008-06-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

What did Jeremiah pray? Interesting...he said this prayer in seeking understanding of buying a field at the time of the exile. Buying property as one is leaving is very unusual but indicated the hope. The pray is one of hope..."After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to the Lord, saying: ‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." Nothing is too hard for the Lord. God also assures they will be His people and He will be their God.

Day 290 How to speak?

2008-06-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Paul addresses the issue of speaking in tongues in today's I Corinthians passage. He claims to speak in tongues but says simply..."For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue." In Paul's day and today, being understood and communicating clearly remain the greatest priority of the good news!

Day 289 What is that essential ingredient?

2008-06-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

What is the most essential ingredient in the Body of Christ? Would you like to guess? A resounding gong or clanging symbol offer a hint? Or serving as a missionary without this quality? Paul says it so eloquently...faith, hope, and love abide but the greatest of these is love! Love is the essential ingredient.

Day 288 What does the Body of Christ mean?

2008-06-13T20:27:00.001-07:00

What does the Body of Christ mean? We can speak of the Body as Christ being the Head and all parts (people of the Church) of the Body have a role. In Ephesians, we read of every part needing to work properly. I understand this as... active with gifts, using the particular gifts God gives us, and building up the fellow members of Christ. As a physical body can be built up...so can a spiritual body...the Church. Tomorrow we will see the most essential ingredient for the Body....can you guess?

Day 287 Where our traditions of Holy Communion are grounded Scripturally?

2008-06-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today's reading is a very practical teaching about not coming to the Lord's Table hungry. We should eat at home before we come for communion. Communion is not a table to eat for the needs of the body but rather reflect on the meaning of Christ's death for us. Paul says it this way...“This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” The Bible does not explain Holy Communion in many places but is abundantly clear on the meaning of the Sacrament.

Day 286 What to do with temptation? Trials?

2008-06-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Paul has written a very quoted passage in today's text. He relays that God is able to deliver us from weak moments and temptation. God will provide the ability to stand strong in the hour of trial. What does the passage say..."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." Every temptation has an excape hatch...if we remain strong in the Lord.

Day 285 How to win a confrontation in the Lord?

2008-06-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

High noon comes for Jeremiah. He expresses that his fate is in the hands of others. Yet his ultimate allegiance and trust is in the Lord. There is a difference between fate and allegiance. Jeremiah does not waver. He proclaims..."Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.” His fate did not get in the way of his faith. Jeremiah not only was spared but dared to challenge the authorities with the truth.

Day 284 Do our eating choices lead us to sin?

2008-06-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

Does what we eat cause another to stumble? Or even sin? According to Paul..."Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." Eating can be sinful if not done to glorify God or causing another weak person to stumble according to Paul.

Day 283 Which is better single or married?

2008-06-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

Paul says he wants everyone not to be anxious. Then...of all things he talks about the anxiety of single or married. Sounds like a compelling teaching for a marriage seminar or singles retreat.
Here is what Paul actually wrote ..." I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord." Interesting to say the least! One other teaching of Paul may bring balance..."Love is the greatest of all."

Day 282 Does Paul bring out the hammer or grace?

2008-06-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Does Paul bring out a hammer? He takes no nonsense from the converts at Corinth? "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." More hammering to come from the man who also brings a message of grace!

Day 281 Who can find fault?

2008-06-04T10:04:00.001-07:00

God replies to Job and put him in his place. Is this not the human condition of all? We think we know more than God. We blame so many others and cirucumstances. We even blame God. How dare we! This is the message of Job..."“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.” Job does repent. Lesson learned and his blessings returned.

Day 280 What is a formula for success in the Church?

2008-06-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Paul offers a formula for real church success..."I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." God brings growth in the Church. Any attachment to growth by personalities is dangerous. Are not divisions an indicator of attention to personalities instead of God?

Day 279 What is the difference between a spiritual and natural person?

2008-06-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

What is the difference between a spiritual person and natural person? Paul tells us..."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." Something to remember when we do not comprehend why all to not "get" the good news of Christ.

Day 278 What did Jeremiah pray?

2008-06-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

In tracking the prayers of the Bible, Jeremiah prays a short prayer in today's reading..."Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise"...beautiful words to repeat over and over again. God is the source of healing, saving, and praise. The simplicity of Jeremiah is appreciated in seeking to make sense of the lengthy conversations of Job and his friends. Paul says if we boast..."we should boast of the Lord." Is this not praise?

Day 277 Who saved Paul's neck?

2008-05-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

In today's reading Paul says that his neck was saved and gives instructions about offering hospitality. Who were these persons that saved Paul's neck. The answer is found in the passage..."Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well." Prisca and Aquila saved Paul! Would you agree they are underrated in the Bible like Barnabas who also intervened at a critical time for Paul? Thank God for servants who are strong in critical times!

Day 276 What does it matter what we eat or drink?

2008-05-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong to eat and drink certain things? Paul raises the issue in a practical way. We must follow God's leading for us in regard to these matters. Also, we must consider making other persons stumble. We are not be a stumbling block for a young Christian. Balance and practical application are needed for this passage..."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." Amen.

Day 275 What are the marks of a true Christian?

2008-05-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

What is a true Christian like? Paul tells us..."Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This is a great list to live by! Very practical.

Day 274 Who sounds like Job?

2008-05-30T02:32:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah can hardly be mistaken for Job. Today's reading does sound like Job. Jeremiah complains..."But you, O Lord, know me;you see me, and test my heart toward you.Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,and set them apart for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mournand the grass of every field wither?For the evil of those who dwell in itthe beasts and the birds are swept away,because they said, “He will not see our latter end.” Interesting that all humankind has their moments. Even Jeremiah!

Day 273 Who has the prettiest feet in the Bible?

2008-05-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Paul offers the way of salvation..."because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Obviously, confession of the Lord is huge in our growth in faith. We are to spread the good news. Who has the prettiest feet in the Bible? The answer...“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." How do our feet look today?

Day 272 Zophar so Good? Can we profess faith in times of suffering?

2008-05-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Job would not say "Zophar so good!" Zophar states suffering comes from wickedness...as some people still believe today. Job does proclaim his faith again. The other day he said..."though He slay me yet will I trust Him." Today he says in the midst of suffering with worn out skin..." For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth." Statements of faith are stronger when there is a backdrop of suffering! Can we profess our faith in such times?

Day 271 What would Paul say to Job? Part II

2008-05-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

If Paul could have talked to Job, he could have helped Job through his suffering. The eighth chapter of Romans would have offered powerful inspiration for Job. Here are some of the more relevant passages..."For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Again, how powerful to read words of Job and Paul at the same time.

Day 270 How do we explain human behavior?

2008-05-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

How do we explain the inconsistency of human behavior? Saying one thing doing another? Or not being able to change. One explanation is Paul's..."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. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." The struggle to overcome and change has always been a challenge. Only by the Grace of God do we have a chance.

Day 269 What are the wages of sin?

2008-05-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

While Job's friends seek to explain his suffering. Job proclaims..."though He slay me yet will I trust him." His suffering is producing faith in that moment. His friends keep thinking there is a payoff for Job's sin. Paul reflects that sin is not to continue because we have grace. He also is clear that the ultimate destination of sin leads to death..."For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Interesting to read at the same time as Job.

Day 268 Does Paul have an answer for Job?

2008-05-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

Job's friends seek answers to Job's suffering. Perhaps Paul has the best way to handle suffering...regardless of the cause..."More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope... We do not know the reasons humankind suffers but we do know God can use suffering for character development and good.

Day 267 Out of the womb is a faith story?

2008-05-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

Job cursed the day he was born. He wished he had never come out of the womb. What a contrast to Paul's recalling of Abraham who had faith in spite of Sarah's barren womb. Two references to birth and two different perspectives. Job feels cursed. Abraham saw the barrenness as a future blessing. Barreness can lead people to be blessed or cursed. As a metaphor, how do we see see blessedness?

Day 266 What is the truth in today's reading?

2008-05-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today's reading has a common thread. Israel had disobeyed God and fallen away into sin. There are consequences for this disobedience. Later, we will read of God's restoration of Israel. Paul speaks of sin and grace in one statement..."for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,"...What a statement! All have fallen short of the glory of God and there is redemption in Christ Jesus. Same today, yesterday, and forever!