For Wednesday, December 22
Universal Impact
Revelation 15 (click to read)
1 After this, I looked at the sky and saw something else that was strange and important. Seven angels were bringing the last seven terrible troubles. When these are ended, God will no longer be angry.
I confess I can see trouble with this verse. That the pouring out of troubles makes it possible for God to no longer be angry gives me pause. Yet, I must say, if Justice and Righteousness are part of the fabric of the universe, then we need some way to talk about judgment and punishment. Maybe this is the way. I DO notice, though, that verses 3 and 4 address this issue by declaring that God's decisions and responses are always right. In fact, God's fairness is the major point here. So perhaps the writer struggled with this as well. To say it another way, I believe that to expect that God ignores all justice issues just cannot be right. Not even considering the makeup of life and the universe, some insist God should do something about evil and pain in the world, but also demand that God love and forgive all. I don't think it can be both of these are once. So I am left with a choice of trusting my own thoughts or trusting Who God says God is. Let's see, what's my personal track record on this...
God of the Universe - I cannot explain Your infinite wisdom and justice. I can only reject Your actions and Your Word, or I can trust You. I choose the later, as I know too much of my own failings in thought, word and deed. Please bring Your Justice and Peace to me, to this world, to the creation.
(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Final Score
For Tuesday, December 21
Final Score
Revelation 14 (click to read)
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die." The Spirit answered, "Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done."
I don't know about the "before" but the "from now on" in this verse is good news to me. The chapter talks about which power a person intentionally chooses to follow and worship. The writer does not give the "none of the above" option in this story. The Bible is pretty clear that there is no "none of the above" option in spiritual life. The choice, in general terms, is for-follow-worship God, or not. And the idea here is to be a Christ follower through the end of life. I think that means those moments of waiver are acceptable as the human condition. But I also think I need to be sure I am following Christ, no matter what is happening in my life or in my world. This is a challenge when things turn "bad" but "things being good" has never been the definition of a believer's life. May I find my rest in Him, now and in the end of this life.
Lord Jesus - from history I know there have been, and are now, believers who suffer greatly, some because of faith in You, some just because. I have never had that full challenge, so I ask for Your Strength, Blessing and Comfort for them. And grow my faith daily as I seek to follow You for my entire life.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Final Score
Revelation 14 (click to read)
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die." The Spirit answered, "Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done."
I don't know about the "before" but the "from now on" in this verse is good news to me. The chapter talks about which power a person intentionally chooses to follow and worship. The writer does not give the "none of the above" option in this story. The Bible is pretty clear that there is no "none of the above" option in spiritual life. The choice, in general terms, is for-follow-worship God, or not. And the idea here is to be a Christ follower through the end of life. I think that means those moments of waiver are acceptable as the human condition. But I also think I need to be sure I am following Christ, no matter what is happening in my life or in my world. This is a challenge when things turn "bad" but "things being good" has never been the definition of a believer's life. May I find my rest in Him, now and in the end of this life.
Lord Jesus - from history I know there have been, and are now, believers who suffer greatly, some because of faith in You, some just because. I have never had that full challenge, so I ask for Your Strength, Blessing and Comfort for them. And grow my faith daily as I seek to follow You for my entire life.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Dependable
For Friday, December 17
Dependable
Psalm 146-147 (click to read)
3 You can't depend on anyone, not even a great leader. 4 Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans. 5 The LORD God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him.
I was talking with someone yesterday. I was hearing some of the real bad troubles this person has been through recently, and telling a couple of my own stories. We are both believers, and we talked some of what our faith feels and looks like when going through troubles and pain. The verse above caught my eye because of this. Depending on God in all of life is not about a guarantee to always have things good, but it is about being ready to learn and grow through each moment of life. Indeed, there are things I have been through that I would have never wanted, but - with Christ beside and in me - I would never want to have missed the learning and insight from it all. And these experiences totally convince me of God being dependable and the greatest leader I could have. I have been blessed because He is with me, and wish every person could have that same blessing.
Lord - For the recovery and the growth from my experiences with You, I thank You. I pray for my friend, and the recovery, learning and direction needed there. I pray for myself, that I might always look to You and what You want to do, what You want to teach me, for You are my Leader, my Lord
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Dependable
Psalm 146-147 (click to read)
3 You can't depend on anyone, not even a great leader. 4 Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans. 5 The LORD God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him.
I was talking with someone yesterday. I was hearing some of the real bad troubles this person has been through recently, and telling a couple of my own stories. We are both believers, and we talked some of what our faith feels and looks like when going through troubles and pain. The verse above caught my eye because of this. Depending on God in all of life is not about a guarantee to always have things good, but it is about being ready to learn and grow through each moment of life. Indeed, there are things I have been through that I would have never wanted, but - with Christ beside and in me - I would never want to have missed the learning and insight from it all. And these experiences totally convince me of God being dependable and the greatest leader I could have. I have been blessed because He is with me, and wish every person could have that same blessing.
Lord - For the recovery and the growth from my experiences with You, I thank You. I pray for my friend, and the recovery, learning and direction needed there. I pray for myself, that I might always look to You and what You want to do, what You want to teach me, for You are my Leader, my Lord
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tenacious Evil
For Thursday, December 16
Tenacious Evil
Revelation 11 (click to read)
8 Their bodies will be left lying in the streets of the same great city where their Lord was nailed to a cross...9 For three and a half days the people of every nation, tribe, language, and race will stare at the bodies of these two witnesses and refuse to let them be buried.
I remember very well in C. S. Lewis' second book of fantasy for adults the scene where the hero begins to understand the fight against evil and for God will involve not just his spiritual life, but also his mental and physical efforts and strength. He was not ready to take the battle as serious as it was. And I fear I am very much the same. This passage in Revelation makes little sense to me, except for the clear ideas that the system of this world fights against God and God's plans. And the system and it's people fight with everything they have. The hatred for God is complete, the disregard for God's life and the life of those that are His is also complete. It feels very much the same to me when various people with power or position fully discount and disregard the lives, pain, losses, and experiences of people they have the chance to help but they hurt them without remorse or care. That is evil to me. And I believe to my Lord Jesus as well.
Lord Jesus - Prepare me for the struggles against evil and the disregard for Your Ways and Your Love for others. I seldom see the face of such evil power but I want to be ready to give all that I am to this fight. Open my eyes and ears, strengthen my faith and resolve, and keep me so close to You that each assault is very clear to my heart and my response.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Tenacious Evil
Revelation 11 (click to read)
8 Their bodies will be left lying in the streets of the same great city where their Lord was nailed to a cross...9 For three and a half days the people of every nation, tribe, language, and race will stare at the bodies of these two witnesses and refuse to let them be buried.
I remember very well in C. S. Lewis' second book of fantasy for adults the scene where the hero begins to understand the fight against evil and for God will involve not just his spiritual life, but also his mental and physical efforts and strength. He was not ready to take the battle as serious as it was. And I fear I am very much the same. This passage in Revelation makes little sense to me, except for the clear ideas that the system of this world fights against God and God's plans. And the system and it's people fight with everything they have. The hatred for God is complete, the disregard for God's life and the life of those that are His is also complete. It feels very much the same to me when various people with power or position fully discount and disregard the lives, pain, losses, and experiences of people they have the chance to help but they hurt them without remorse or care. That is evil to me. And I believe to my Lord Jesus as well.
Lord Jesus - Prepare me for the struggles against evil and the disregard for Your Ways and Your Love for others. I seldom see the face of such evil power but I want to be ready to give all that I am to this fight. Open my eyes and ears, strengthen my faith and resolve, and keep me so close to You that each assault is very clear to my heart and my response.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wake Up Call
For Tuesday, December 14
Wake Up Call
Revelation 9 (click to read)
20 The people who lived through these terrible troubles did not turn away from the idols they had made, and they did not stop worshiping demons. They kept on worshiping idols that were made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. Not one of these idols could see, hear, or walk. 21 No one stopped murdering or practicing witchcraft or being immoral or stealing.
For me, this is one of the most distressing passages in the Bible. It's not because of the destruction done or the strange and powerful animals. I really don't understand what these things are nor what the damage means. But I do know that the point of all this (in Revelation) is to motivate people to turn to Christ. I'm sure some would look at this and say it is an evil and angry God that is punishing people for having their own thoughts and own directions. Come to think of it, that is a problem, according to the Bible. And though the story in this chapter does not look or sound like it, there is an aspect that is kind - it is God saying "Please, please, notice what is happening and what you are doing. Don't let this be your final definition on life." But they don't change their thinking or actions. The passage makes me wonder about where I am not changing and not trusting. It makes me wonder at the grace of God that God has not sent plagues and disasters to me so I listen better.
Lord - I ask that Your Spirit remind me that You are very serious about my faith in and following You. I know I am not yet what I need to be as a disciple. I am thankful for Your Grace. And if You can use me to help another person come into Your Family, lead me and guide me as Your Ambassador.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Wake Up Call
Revelation 9 (click to read)
20 The people who lived through these terrible troubles did not turn away from the idols they had made, and they did not stop worshiping demons. They kept on worshiping idols that were made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. Not one of these idols could see, hear, or walk. 21 No one stopped murdering or practicing witchcraft or being immoral or stealing.
For me, this is one of the most distressing passages in the Bible. It's not because of the destruction done or the strange and powerful animals. I really don't understand what these things are nor what the damage means. But I do know that the point of all this (in Revelation) is to motivate people to turn to Christ. I'm sure some would look at this and say it is an evil and angry God that is punishing people for having their own thoughts and own directions. Come to think of it, that is a problem, according to the Bible. And though the story in this chapter does not look or sound like it, there is an aspect that is kind - it is God saying "Please, please, notice what is happening and what you are doing. Don't let this be your final definition on life." But they don't change their thinking or actions. The passage makes me wonder about where I am not changing and not trusting. It makes me wonder at the grace of God that God has not sent plagues and disasters to me so I listen better.
Lord - I ask that Your Spirit remind me that You are very serious about my faith in and following You. I know I am not yet what I need to be as a disciple. I am thankful for Your Grace. And if You can use me to help another person come into Your Family, lead me and guide me as Your Ambassador.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
The Ignored Victory
For Wednesday, December 8
The Ignored Victory
Revelation 5 (click to read)
"Stop crying and look! The one who is called both the `Lion from the Tribe of Judah' and `King David's Great Descendant' has won the victory.
The passage says Jesus has "won the victory." Which victory do we think that is? Which victory is it that makes Christ worthy of all the titles, all the worship, all the focus? To ask it another way - what if the universe really does have moral and righteousness values as the major foundation of existence? It is easy for us to think the basis of the universe is all the physical stuff and the scientific relations between the physical stuff. We might tend to think that the moral and spiritual stuff is just a kind of overlay that comes from human thinking and our emotional conflicts over pain and other experiences. But looking at this passage, and other places in the Bible, there seems to be a clear implication that the physical is only the shell, the laws of nature only the hinges, and the real life is the connection with God, won for all humanity in the work of Jesus Christ. What if the majority of my life focus is only on the thin skin, and I miss the real fruit because I focus the wrong place?
Jesus, Your Word contains many clues and encouragements that tell me not to stop at the outer edge of life, but to focus on fruit and core. You have won the victory that reunites me and all humans with God. Help me to live in the fruit of that victory, and not just float on the skin.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
The Ignored Victory
Revelation 5 (click to read)
"Stop crying and look! The one who is called both the `Lion from the Tribe of Judah' and `King David's Great Descendant' has won the victory.
The passage says Jesus has "won the victory." Which victory do we think that is? Which victory is it that makes Christ worthy of all the titles, all the worship, all the focus? To ask it another way - what if the universe really does have moral and righteousness values as the major foundation of existence? It is easy for us to think the basis of the universe is all the physical stuff and the scientific relations between the physical stuff. We might tend to think that the moral and spiritual stuff is just a kind of overlay that comes from human thinking and our emotional conflicts over pain and other experiences. But looking at this passage, and other places in the Bible, there seems to be a clear implication that the physical is only the shell, the laws of nature only the hinges, and the real life is the connection with God, won for all humanity in the work of Jesus Christ. What if the majority of my life focus is only on the thin skin, and I miss the real fruit because I focus the wrong place?
Jesus, Your Word contains many clues and encouragements that tell me not to stop at the outer edge of life, but to focus on fruit and core. You have won the victory that reunites me and all humans with God. Help me to live in the fruit of that victory, and not just float on the skin.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Getting Some Practice In
For Tuesday, December 7
Getting Some Practice In
Revelation 4 (click to read)
9 The living creatures kept praising, honoring, and thanking the one who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever. 10 At the same time the twenty-four elders knelt down before the one sitting on the throne. And as they worshiped the one who lives forever, they placed their crowns in front of the throne
Some believers think often about heaven. Some have good reason to desire to be there. Those early followers were often poor and oppressed - they, too, had a good reason to look for God's better way. I don't think of heaven that much and maybe that says something about me. This particular view of heaven - so full of worship, praise and wonder - reminds me that a major temptation for me it to take God for granted, to take His Grace and Mercy as minor rather than major gifts. The relationship side of connection with God can be very comfortable, but I must not lose the wonder and awe of God's greatness and God's generosity to me and to others. And when I look at the scene described in Revelation 4, I can decide that all what worship just doesn't fit me. Or I can decide that there is much more to God than I can even begin to know in this life, and that being with God "in heaven" will absolutely explode my brain and heart. I'm guessing that is what it will be - which shows me even MORE how gracious and merciful God is to accept and love me now. What a wonderful God!
God of All - Help me not forget these momentary glimpses of Your Greatness. Help me work at growing my worship, so when I am finally and forever in Your Presence, I will have some idea as to how to express the Awe, Wonder and Gratitude I will feel. All Praise to You, Holy God.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Getting Some Practice In
Revelation 4 (click to read)
9 The living creatures kept praising, honoring, and thanking the one who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever. 10 At the same time the twenty-four elders knelt down before the one sitting on the throne. And as they worshiped the one who lives forever, they placed their crowns in front of the throne
Some believers think often about heaven. Some have good reason to desire to be there. Those early followers were often poor and oppressed - they, too, had a good reason to look for God's better way. I don't think of heaven that much and maybe that says something about me. This particular view of heaven - so full of worship, praise and wonder - reminds me that a major temptation for me it to take God for granted, to take His Grace and Mercy as minor rather than major gifts. The relationship side of connection with God can be very comfortable, but I must not lose the wonder and awe of God's greatness and God's generosity to me and to others. And when I look at the scene described in Revelation 4, I can decide that all what worship just doesn't fit me. Or I can decide that there is much more to God than I can even begin to know in this life, and that being with God "in heaven" will absolutely explode my brain and heart. I'm guessing that is what it will be - which shows me even MORE how gracious and merciful God is to accept and love me now. What a wonderful God!
God of All - Help me not forget these momentary glimpses of Your Greatness. Help me work at growing my worship, so when I am finally and forever in Your Presence, I will have some idea as to how to express the Awe, Wonder and Gratitude I will feel. All Praise to You, Holy God.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Need Reminding
For Thursday, December 2
Need Reminding
Revelation 1 (click to read)
He was wearing a robe...a gold cloth...His head and his hair were white as wool or snow, and his eyes looked like flames of fire...he put his right hand on me and said: Don't be afraid!
There is so much to be grateful for in this chapter. The awesome power and majesty of Christ are displayed. He is wondrous beyond imagination. Yet - despite these facts - we are given kindness and peace. We are told "don't be afraid." I find I remember the 'don't be afraid' and look for artificial peace and fake kindness, but I do not remember often enough the awesome wonder of Christ, God Himself, the Beginning and the End, the Lord of History. My life needs worship and reflection to stay in proper relationship with God. It is just so easy to let all the struggles of every day, the things that need doing and that I want to do, become my only focus. Then passages like these blast my brain with how I have let my worship and wonder become small and rote, rather than being my heart's full expression of devotion and praise.
Lord of All - I worship You today, though on my own I am not worthy to relation to You. Thank you so very much for being the initiator and sustainer of this relationship. Remind me several times today - You are God, Creator, Judge, Savior and Leader for me, for us all.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
Need Reminding
Revelation 1 (click to read)
He was wearing a robe...a gold cloth...His head and his hair were white as wool or snow, and his eyes looked like flames of fire...he put his right hand on me and said: Don't be afraid!
There is so much to be grateful for in this chapter. The awesome power and majesty of Christ are displayed. He is wondrous beyond imagination. Yet - despite these facts - we are given kindness and peace. We are told "don't be afraid." I find I remember the 'don't be afraid' and look for artificial peace and fake kindness, but I do not remember often enough the awesome wonder of Christ, God Himself, the Beginning and the End, the Lord of History. My life needs worship and reflection to stay in proper relationship with God. It is just so easy to let all the struggles of every day, the things that need doing and that I want to do, become my only focus. Then passages like these blast my brain with how I have let my worship and wonder become small and rote, rather than being my heart's full expression of devotion and praise.
Lord of All - I worship You today, though on my own I am not worthy to relation to You. Thank you so very much for being the initiator and sustainer of this relationship. Remind me several times today - You are God, Creator, Judge, Savior and Leader for me, for us all.
(You can download the first half of the 2010 Bible reading list here.)
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