Disciplined Readers-- One Year Bible Group

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." -- Mark 13:32-33

2012-03-07T07:04:00.003-06:00

I love it when I come to these texts that speak of the end of the world. Given that it's 2012 and so many have predicted this to be the year it all ends, it's nice to hear Jesus reminding us that nobody knows when the day or hour will come. I suspect he could have added the word "year" in that list as well. While we don't know when human life ends, it all ends for each of us one day. Whether that's through a human-extinction-causing event, or individually dying of old age or disease or random accident... death comes to all. Some try to cheat it, and some even plan to succeed, but it is the awareness of limited time that moves us to make the time we have count. Good news-- you woke up this morning! What will you do to make the most of this day? Live!

Readings: Numbers 8:1-9:23; Mark 13:14-37; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 10:29-30

"The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing." -- Proverbs 10:28

2012-03-06T07:02:00.001-06:00

There are riches to be had by living a simple and good life. They may or may not be riches in the form of material wealth, but this life leads to an abundance of joy through relationships and trust found in them. What are the drawbacks of living a good and righteous life? Please tell me.

Readings: Numbers 6:1-7:89; Mark 12:38-13:13; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 10:27-28

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." -- Mark 12:29-31

2012-03-05T07:42:00.001-06:00

This is the verse that Jesus' whole teaching rests on. You cannot comprehend the New Testament without it. You cannot understand what the Good News is without it. To love God and neighbor comprises Jesus' "yoke"-- the rabbi's set of interpretations of the Law. It is one law in two parts: love God; love each other. Unlike the yokes of other rabbis, which entail legal expertise on 613 laws found in the Old Testament, this yoke is "easy" and this "burden is light" (see Matt. 11:28). Easy? Track your days and see how well you follow this two-part law. It takes a great deal of work and practice. Master these, and all the others take care of themselves.

Readings: Numbers 4:1-5:31; Mark 12:18-37; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 10:26

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." -- Psalm 47:1-9

2012-03-04T07:08:00.001-06:00

In 2012, March 4th falls on a Sunday, and I write this as I prepare to join others in worship. This Psalm is one written thousands of years ago and speaks to people lifting praises to their God-- the same God we worship even today. Think of all of the millions-- even billions-- of voices that have lifted songs and prayers to God over the last several thousand years. Millions will be doing it today alone. The reading from Numbers shows the tribalism that was inherent in early Jewish culture. As I consider those who will worship today across the world, I realize that we (the whole worshiping world) will be doing so in tribes of sorts. We call them congregations, but we really are quite tribal still. So who's your "tribe"? I pray you worship well with them, as we continue the ancient tradition of worship that is alive and well even in techno-rich modernity. So clap your hands all you tribes, all you congregations, all you nations!

Readings: Numbers 2:1-3:51; Mark 11:27-12:17; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 10:24-25

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." -- Psalm 46:1-3

2012-03-03T06:54:00.002-06:00

Isn't it comforting to know that in times of crisis, trouble, and uncertainty, God is present through it all? Events come to all of us when it feels like the very foundation of life is shaking. That could be when we experience a death of a loved one, a dissolving of a marriage, a prognosis of health that isn't good, or when we are in the midst of war. The earth around us can shake. Our knees can buckle beneath us, and we might be falling, but even in that moment and time of trial, God is there. Never are we alone. Never are we abandoned. Take comfort knowing that God is an ever-present help in trouble.

Readings: Leviticus 27:14- Numbers 1:54; Mark 11:1-25; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 10:23

"You don't know what you are asking, " Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" -- Mark 10:38

2012-03-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

In this verse, Jesus is responding to James and John who are plotting on how to sit one on the left side and the other on the right of Jesus when he sits on the throne of the kingdom. They are seeking positions of power and authority. They would like to be at the front of the line. They wanted to say, "I am second." But here, to say they are second would be really like saying they are first. It's a popular thing these days to say, "I am second"... to Jesus. Does that mean we're first among the non-messiahs? While that's just a playful spin on words, it is here Jesus says to James and John and the others that "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. "Second" seems to high.

Readings: Leviticus 25:47-27:13; Mark 10:32-52; Psalm 45:1-17; Proverbs 10:22

He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." -- Mark 10:14

2012-03-01T07:39:00.002-06:00

What does it mean to be like a child? In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul speaks positively about putting an end to thinking and acting like a child. Children are impulsive and have little self-discipline, as their brains are still developing. Their prefrontal cortex is not in the driver's seat of their decision-making, and so they seek pleasure most of the time without regard to consequences. We become concerned when adults haven't "grown up" and learned to control their actions in response to natural impulses. And yet, Jesus says we need to become like them? What-- impulsive and thoughtless? Hardly. Jesus is referring to the innocence and trust a wide-eyed child exhibits. They have no real power to exert on their own in the world, and children still see the wonder in things as it's all still so new... do you look in awe and wonder at the things God is doing in our midst? He's here in plain view. Do you see? Open your eyes now, then you'll be like a child again.

Readings: Leviticus 24:1-25:46; Mark 10:13-31; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 10:20-21

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." -- Psalm 118:24

2012-02-29T06:43:00.003-06:00

What would you do with a free day? In the One Year Bible, there are no readings for February 29th! How will you let God work through you today? It will be unlike any you've ever lived, because you've never experienced this particular day before. Rejoice and be glad in it!

Peace,
Jeff

"Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.'" -- Mark 9:35

2012-02-28T07:01:00.000-06:00

I wonder what it would be like to be a celebrity where you don't wait in lines. In our culture, the rich and powerful and the celebrity get to be first-- more options, more opportunities, more choices. They go to the best schools, work in the best positions, and live in the best places. They are served by servants. But in the Kingdom of God, Jesus teaches us that it is the one who is last who is first-- the servant is king. The lesson for us in the middle? Whichever way we drift, whether it's to the side of wealth, or to that of want, wherever we land, we are called to serve. Don't get hung up on material things. Focus on making a difference for God.

Readings: Leviticus 22:17-23:44; Mark 9:30-10:12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 10:19

"Everything is possible for the one who believes." -- Mark 9:23

2012-02-27T07:02:00.001-06:00

One day, when my youngest was learning to ride a bike, I was watching her and noticed that she was riding strong with little need for the training wheels that were still connected to the back of her bicycle. Clearly, she was ready to ride without them. So I told her it was time to take them off. She was a little hesitant, but agreed, not sure of herself. We took them off, she started zipping down the road, lost her balance, and wiped out. Crying, she said, "I'm not ready, Daddy! You shouldn't have taken them off!" The training wheels went back on. Two days later, she came to me and said, "Now I'm ready Daddy! Can you take the wheels off now?" I said, "No, Baby, remember what happened the other day? I don't want to take them off until you're sure you're ready." She responded, "I'm ready Daddy. PLEEEAASSSSE take them off!" So I did. She got on that bike and confidently zoomed down the road with no problem whatsoever. When it came to stopping, I was watching her and holding my breath just a bit. She tipped over, but immediately turned to me and said, "I'm okay! Stay there!" She got back on the bike and rode powerfully back to where I was watching. "See, Daddy! I told you I was ready!!"

Did my daughter get special lessons in the day between the two events? Did she acquire any special skills that she didn't have the first time she tried? No. The difference was that she believed. How much are we not doing because we don't believe we can? You can do a lot more than you think. You'd better believe it.

Readings: Leviticus 20:22-22:16; Mark 9:1-29; Psalm 43:1-5a; Proverbs 10:18

"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." -- Proverbs 10:17

2012-02-26T07:18:00.003-06:00

There are a couple of different ways to look at "discipline". There's discipline in the sense of consistent behavior and routine actions (the discipline of diet & exercise, reading, working, etc.), and there's discipline in the form of punishment and correction. The first is internal-- "self"-discipline-- the other external, as when a parent disciplines a child. Both lead to the same end, though. Whether it's self-discipline, or submitting to corrective authority, it is for the sake of keeping us in line with healthy living and good choices. When we are young, we have the opportunity to experience a great deal of external discipline from parents, teachers, and others in positions of authority. As we mature, however, external discipline becomes more rare, and while we may experience this sort of discipline on rare occasion in the workplace or in society for committing crimes, if we live decent lives, others won't be disciplining us on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, self-discipline becomes so much more important as we age. The discipline you need to heed most is the disciplined placed upon yourself. Decide the kind of life you're going to live, and shape your daily actions to match your heart. This leads to the good life.

Readings: Leviticus 19:1-20:21; Mark 8:11-38; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 10:17

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.” – Psalm 41:1

2012-02-25T07:43:00.000-06:00

I love the old illustration about strength in numbers wherethe teacher takes a thread and with both hands snaps it easily in two. Then they take several strands ofthread, wind them together, and they have string. It’s a little harder to break. Then they take several strands of string until they havetwine… then rope… then cable. Youget the idea-- one alone is weak, many together are strong. If you feel strong, I pray it’s becauseof the authentic relationships in your life. The richest and strongest is not the one with money, but theone with friends.

Readings: Leviticus16:29-18:30; Mark 7:24-8:10; Psalm 41:1-13; Proverbs 10:15-16

"Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him "unclean" by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him "unclean." -- Mark 7:14-16

2012-02-24T07:22:00.000-06:00

As we now find ourselves in the season of Lent, many are choosing to "give something up" in order to live sacrificially as they prepare for Easter. Our Old Testament readings from Leviticus have been filled with rules and regulations and instructions on what makes a person clean or unclean. But in the New Testament reading today, Jesus says clearly that it's not what goes into a person that makes them unclean, but it's what comes out. If you eat only kosher foods, but spew hateful things from your lips, then you are unclean. If you eat bacon-enriched everything (which is not kosher), but speak in love, you are clean. Funny how the rules change. This sort of thing is what led to Jesus being killed. If you have chosen to fast and sacrifice during Lent, don't be legalistic and mean about it... do so out of a spirit of love and gratitude. If you really want to give something up for Lent, why don't you make it something that comes out of you that's not reflective of God's spirit? And don't just give it up for Lent... just give it up.

Readings: Leviticus 15:1-16:28; Mark 7:1-23; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 10:13-14

"Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." -- Proverbs 10:12

2012-02-23T07:20:00.003-06:00

When there is division in our families and in our communities, and when venomous words are being thrown at one another, it's time we check ourselves and examine our hearts. When you think of others, what is the primary nature of the thoughts? When you think of "that" person, does your mind go to negative thoughts, and do you feel anger welling up in you? Or do you consider that person in a loving, understanding way? Lincoln once said that the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make them your friend. When we consider others in a way that seeks to lift up, encourage, and support, we find that our relationships dramatically improve. However, when we use up mental, emotional, and spiritual energy contemplating negative things about them, hate stirs up in our hearts, and we bring destruction to a web of relationships around us. Exercise your capacity to love. It's a better way.

Readings: Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 6:30-56; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 10:11-12

"Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." -- Psalm 39:4-5

2012-02-22T06:44:00.003-06:00

I've been reflecting lately on the progress that technology is achieving, and the speed at which it's evolving. I've also been hearing predictions that say within the next 25 years, it's possible that we will advance bio-technically to the point that our life-spans could be lengthened considerably. Debate is heating up because of this. Some hear that we may be able to live 150-200 years, and say, "I wouldn't want to live that long"... and I wonder what makes a person say that. If you could live a healthy life for that long (which is still nothing in God's time), why wouldn't you? My suspicion is that it may be because so many of us exist, but we don't live. That makes sense to me. I wouldn't want to exist that long either if I didn't have a reason or purpose. Nor would I want to live that long if I couldn't be spiritually and emotionally whole. Some have suggested that without death, we cannot know life, and that it is our very mortality that allows us to experience life in the first place. So here's the question... forget the age old question "if you knew you had only a day to live"... Instead, let me ask: if you had only 100 years left to live, how would you live them? 50 years? 25 years? 10? 5? 1? Seriously think about it. I'd love to know what you discover.

Readings: Leviticus 13:1-59; Mark 6:1-29; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 10:10

"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed form her suffering." -- Mark 5:27-29

2012-02-21T07:04:00.002-06:00

This is faith in action. A woman has been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, and she's tired. In her belief that Jesus has the power to make her well, she finds courage to reach out and touch him as crowds are pressing in. Yes, she is healed, but then she is scared. The story continues to tell us that Jesus, sensing the power having gone from him, turns and asks, "who touched me?" The woman thinks, "uh-oh"... and then she fesses up. Fearing punishment or retribution, she hears Jesus say to her words of compassion: "go, for your faith has made you well."

Jesus was pushing through crowds of people. Many people were touching him. But only the one reached out and "touched" him. This one had a faith the others did not. In her belief, she held a power that could extract the very power from Jesus that made him divine. What would your life look like if you lived your days knowing that you too had that kind of power? You do you know.

Readings: Leviticus 11:1-12:8; Mark 5:21-43; Psalm 38:1-22; Proverbs 10:8-9

Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." -- Mark 4:30-32

2012-02-20T07:27:00.000-06:00

One of the masterful things Jesus did during his ministry was to speak to people in ways they could understand. It was an agrarian society, and farming and planting were key in describing what the kingdom of God was like. Here, he says it's like the mustard seed-- one of the smallest seeds, but which grows to be a very large garden plant. So we get the mustard seed, and we get the plant, but how again is that like the kingdom of God? In Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6, he uses the mustard seed in terms of faith-- that if you have even as little as a mustard seed, you can do great and mighty things. Here, it's not faith, but the kingdom he's talking about. But is there a difference? The kingdom of God on earth is built not with brick and mortar, but with faith and love. The kingdom therefore isn't a physical presence as much as it is a spiritual one. When you bring faith into a group of people, it can be contagious. When you bring love to a group of people, it can transform them. Yes, the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed... and you are the seed. My mind is boggled in thinking that as we read this Gospel, Jesus started with 12 followers. Today, there are over 2 billion... and that's living followers. I wonder if you were to count the generations of Christians that have passed away, how many people would be counted as being Christian in the years since Jesus called his first disciples? If anyone knows, I'd really like to hear. It is true, that even though each of us represents only 1/7 billionth of the world's population, one person can change the world. Change it in the way you can.

Readings: Leviticus 9:7-10:20; Mark 4:26-5:20; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 10:6-7

"Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." -- Mark 4:18-20

2012-02-19T06:39:00.000-06:00

These two verses are part of a larger paragraph (Mark 4:13-20) where Jesus is telling the parable about the seed in the soil. In this parable, the farmer sows "the word". We might understand this as God's teachings in the form of beautiful loam that is packed with nutrients from God's own "miracle-grow" formula. The seed that is planted in this soil has the best chance at growing in abundance. In this parable, the seeds are people. When the seed is broadcast for planting, some fall onto the path next to the soil. They don't make it into the soil, so are immediately picked up and taken away by Satan's crows. Others are impatient and don't stick around, so they have no root and fall away as soon as they're tested by the scorching heat that comes with persecution for the faith. The weeds represent the worries of this life and spending so much energy fretting about money, wealth, and wanting what we don't have. This chokes the life out of us. But those sown on the good soil, "hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-- thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." To know the abundant life God desires for you, it's vital to create the disciplines that keep you in the word. This is why we are disciplined readers.

Readings: Leviticus 7:28-9:6; Mark 3:31-4:25; Psalm 37:12-29; Proverbs 10:5

Happy Birthday to my son, Garrett, who is 18 today!

"Do not fret because of evil people or be envious of those who do wrong...Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." -- Psalm 37:1; 3-4

2012-02-18T08:33:00.002-06:00

When I was about 9 or 10 years old, I remember finding a cigarette outside with my friend. We thought it would be cool to try smoking it, and so while my parents were out for a while, we did just that in my room. I coughed, gagged, and hated the taste it left in my mouth. But that was nothing compared to the guilt I felt for doing something I knew my parents would disapprove of... I had to make sure they didn't find out. So I took the butt of the cigarette and flushed it down the toilet. Not long afterward, I sensed my parents were acting a little funny. I became nervous. I hadn't admitted what I'd done, but thought that maybe I was giving some sort of guilt signal. My father said he wanted to talk to me. I knew I was caught, but couldn't understand how they knew. While I dreaded what was coming, I was already beginning to feel some relief because I hated carrying the secret of what I'd done. It was a burden too much to bear. Dad sat me down and asked outright, "Have you been smoking, Son?" Amazing! I hadn't said a word about it and he'd figured it out! "Huh?" I asked, stalling for something smart to say. "Have you been smoking?" I caved. "Yes." I told him everything. Then I asked, "How did you know?" He said, "We could smell it the minute we walked in the door." Ha! That's how they did it! It hadn't even occurred to me...

That day I learned something. I had expected to be grounded for life, but instead had a great lecture given to me. I received grace. And with that came huge relief. I could start clean again. I didn't even like smoking anyway. I am sorry for those who live lives of deceit and evasion. Life is too short to live it looking over your shoulder all the time. If you seek life with God, you will enjoy the pastures described in this Psalm. Live simply and enjoy God's pleasures. It will lead to a better life.

Readings: Leviticus 6:1-7:27; Mark 3:7-30; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 10:3-4

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins." -- Mark 2:21-22

2012-02-17T07:13:00.000-06:00

I'm not one who typically sews, and I've never tried sewing a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Nor do I carry a wineskin, so have never had the need to pour new wine into it. But what I hear is that neither approach works, because they are old solutions to new problems. When the garment was new, the new patch would have worked, but the garment has changed, and what you used to be able to do will not work. As the world changes, new problems emerge. It takes creativity to come up with new solutions. A hammer and duct tape work for most, if not all, challenges, but some things are just more sophisticated now and require more specialized tools. Likewise, the way people learn and communicate has changed. Jesus was speaking to common people in ways they understood. He was the new wine being poured into a new skin. The Pharisees had great difficulty connecting. Today, the generations coming up are wired so much differently than the Gen X-ers, Boomers, and back, and to connect with them requires new language skills and new means of connection. If we want to stay relevant to the generation being born now, we must continually grow with the advances around us. We might be getting older, but we don't have to become stale. We can stay fresh, and continually communicate the stories of God, which are always fresh to new ears.

Readings: Leviticus 4:1-5:19; Mark 2:13-3:6; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 10:1-2

"The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. 'Let all who are simple come in here!' she says to those who lack judgment. 'Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!' But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave." -- Proverbs 9:13-18

2012-02-16T06:45:00.001-06:00

The writer of this Proverb gives us a contrast to Wisdom (cf. Proverbs 4) who is also personified as a woman, but one of esteem and respect. This one is Folly, and she is dangerous. She lures the unsuspecting and unaware into a life that leads to death. It might be that sometimes, ignorance is bliss, but this text would tell us to to at least be aware of Folly's characteristics so as not to be ensnared. To live a life of folly doesn't mean to live one that is fun and exciting, as you can do that with wisdom too. Rather, to live a life of folly is to live the undisciplined life, without learning lessons along the way, and without putting effort into work. It's marked by making poor decisions day after day after day. To avoid Folly, live a disciplined life (you're already a disciplined reader!) and you will find blessings in abundance. Give time each day to learning and living for God, filling your time with constructive work and making sure you allow for learning and development. Enjoy the people you love and laugh with them. Celebrate along the way. Live your days like this, and you won't even hear Folly's voice. She'll just be shouting into the wind.

Readings: Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. -- Mark 1:17-18

2012-02-15T06:51:00.002-06:00

What would make you drop everything and follow Jesus? In this scene, Jesus is walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and he sees two brothers, Simon and Andrew, fishing. We know that if Simon and Andrew were fishing, that they weren't in school, weren't preparing themselves for a life of academics or legal studies. They were trying to make a living. They were blue collar boys working hard. Jesus comes along and says "follow me". Scripture says "at once" they dropped their nets and did just that. Did Jesus have some sort of charismatic or hypnotic powers that made them do that? Or did they already know who Jesus was? Most likely, they knew Jesus as a rabbi (teacher) and to be invited to follow a rabbi was a great honor. It was amazing to them that they would be selected to walk this path with someone like Jesus.

What would you need to know about Jesus to give your life to following him? That he was a teacher? That he was a worker of miracles? That he was sent by God? That he was the son of God? That he is God? That he's alive now? That he's present with you now? That his love for you is unconditional? That he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

Then what are you waiting for?

Readings: Exodus 39:1-40:38; Mark 1:1-28; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 9:11-12

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." -- Matthew 28:18-20

2012-02-14T07:05:00.000-06:00

Matthew ends his gospel with the words of Jesus-- the one who was crucified and buried. The chief priests thought that they had rid themselves of this troublemaker, but here he is again! He's risen from the dead and speaks to his followers the instructions that change everything. Jesus was Jewish. As he lived, he taught and preached to the nation Israel. He was considered a rabbi. He had a message for his people. Now the temple curtain had been torn-- a symbolic event that speaks to shredded boundaries. Paul would later say more about this when he says there is no longer Jew nor Greek... but here is Jesus, not saying baptize the nation Israel in my name... but instead, go and make disciples and baptize people of all nations. Jesus died for all.

When you consider who you let in to your life, your school, your home... is your love conditional? Do you truly share the love and grace of Jesus with as many people as you can, or do you restrict your interactions to only certain political, racial, or religious types? Think about someone you could work on developing a relationship with who is different than you. Learn to love them-- for God's sake.

Readings: Exodus 37:1-38:31; Matthew 28:1-20; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 9:9-10

"Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." -- Psalm 34:5

2012-02-13T07:21:00.000-06:00

How many billions of dollars a year are spent in the beauty industry? It seems that each year, more money is spent on preserving those passing youthful looks than ever before. With teenage girls (and younger) now receiving gifts of plastic surgery and body augmentation, it's becoming more the norm to think that the secret to looking beautiful is skin deep. But the timeless truth stands: beauty is not skin deep. True beauty emanates and radiates from the soul. You can look at someone who appears "perfect" on the outside, but because their heart meditates on dark things, and their eyes reflect hate, there is an ugliness that comes out. Conversely, you might see someone who would be rejected by radio because of their looks, and find them to be the most attractive and beautiful person you've ever met. The secret to being beautiful is in finding joy in Christ. When that joy comes out, people don't just see you, they see God, the Creator of beauty himself. So if you want to look good, reflect on God, and God will reflect on you. There you have it: beauty secrets-- free of charge!

Readings: Exodus 35:10-36:38; Matthew 27:32-66; Psalm 34:1-10a; Proverbs 9:7-8

"When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. 'I am innocent of this man's blood,' he said. 'It is your responsibility!'" -- Matthew 27:24

2012-02-12T07:14:00.002-06:00

In this reading, we find indications that Pilate was a reasonable man. Not sure what to do with this Jesus character, he asks the crowd, "What crime has he committed?" They in turn, won't have it. They basically see Pilate wavering a bit, and in order to seal the deal, they put the pressure of the crowd on him. A skilled politician, Pilate knows better than to turn the crowd against him, so he says it's on them. Gladly they take the blame off of him. He "washes his hands of it" and makes clear that he's not in agreement, but he won't do the unpopular thing. Though he had the power, he would not spare Jesus' life.

We read this story and, like armchair quarterbacks, say how we would have done it differently. I wouldn't have washed my hands of it... I wouldn't have sent Jesus to be crucified... I would have stood up to the crowd. But then I think of things in our own time that seem to be the popular trend, and I have to wonder, when issues are brought up and batted around, how much am I influenced by the crowd's leanings? How much do I let the crowd's view of it color my own understanding of it? We are all political, whether we like to believe it or not. We all have the need to be accepted by society to some degree, but we're also called to effect change for God, and sometimes that means doing the unpopular thing-- sometimes it means going against the crowd. When change is called for, courage on our part is even more called for. Be brave and stand up for the right thing. Your hands may be dirty for it, but your conscience will be clean.

Readings: Exodus 34:1-35:9; Matthew 27:15-31; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 9:1-6

"Listen to my (wisdom's) instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." -- Proverbs 8:33-36

2012-02-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

It's a long road to find wisdom. It comes with time, patience, and humility. When a tree grows, it sends its roots deep into the soil. Without good root development, the tree will be stunted. The problem is, you can't uproot the tree to see how its roots are developing. You must preserve its stillness and protect its place. Only after many years will the roots have grown to the point that the tree explodes with growth. Patience is the path to wisdom. It beats the hurry and the rush every time. Take your time as you seek the answers. And when you think you have them, consider some more.

Readings: Exodus 32:1-33:23; Matthew 26:69-27:14; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 8:33-36

"For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death." -- Exodus 31:15

2012-02-10T07:19:00.000-06:00

The law of observing the Sabbath was one taken very seriously. If broken, it was punishable by death. As part of the faith community, we are all guilty of breaking this law. We have all sinned. But we live and are not put to death because Jesus fulfilled the law with the New Law: Love-- Love God, Love Each Other. He and his disciples were guilty themselves for working on the Sabbath. They plucked grain, and he healed. Jesus asks, 'was man made for the Sabbath or was the Sabbath made for man?' We've taken it to a different place. Jesus was telling them that they had fallen into an extreme and nonsensical observance of a law that was intended to bring rest and renewal to people. They had forgotten the spirit of the law by only focusing on the letter of it. Today, we too have forgotten the spirit of this law. By rejecting the extreme nature of its observance, many of us have stopped observing it altogether and are missing out on a gift God has for us. Yes, Jesus was right... we were not made for the Sabbath... it was made for us. It's a gift we might consider accepting.

Readings: Exodus 30:11-31:18; Matthew 26:47-68; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 8:27-32

Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."... "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. -- Matthew 26:33-36

2012-02-09T06:39:00.000-06:00

Peter was so certain in his mind that he would be true to Jesus, and hearing Jesus' prophetic words that he would deny him three times in one night must have sounded preposterous. But we will find him at the end of this chapter weeping bitterly over the fact that what Jesus had predicted had come to pass. How is it that we, like Peter, can so often be so sure of the hypothetical? The idea of being a steadfast Jesus follower is a worthy one. The idea of being disciplined in our faith by incorporating scripture and prayer every day seems easy enough. But why is it that, like Peter, we fall off shortly after we begin things with such good intention? When we are serious about doing something, whatever it is, we will find a way to do it. We will make the time, find the resources, guard and protect it as an important part of every day. When we permanently change the routine and processes in our lives to make it happen, we will find success. It's not enough to just be the same person doing the same things and try to squeeze something new in. We must let go of one thing to let another in. Peter will deny Jesus because he is scared. He isn't quite ready to go the distance because he likes his life the way it is and wants to keep it. It won't always be this way for Peter. This event will change him forever.

Readings: Exodus 29:1-30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 8:14-26

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" -- Matthew 25:37-40

2012-02-08T07:23:00.000-06:00

How can we serve God? Serve each other. How can we show our love to Christ? Love each other. Suffering people went to Jesus for healing and restoration. The hungry multitudes were fed by him. The possessed, addicted, and afflicted were saved by him. We are the hands and feet of Christ. Let's continue to search for and find ways to be the miracle worker he was and ease the suffering of this world. Whenever you do that for the least among us, you do it for him. Look around your world today and see what change you can make for God's sake.

Readings: Exodus 28:1-43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13

"HIs master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" -- Matthew 25:23

2012-02-07T07:08:00.001-06:00

In an age and culture that is so materially driven, we often fall into the trap of valuing the worth of ourselves and others according to our achievements, our treasures, and our stations in life. We are a driven people who seek power and influence. However, many desire to have the appearance of having power and influence rather than the responsibility and accountability that comes with true power. To effect change for God, we all have been given responsibility and oversight-- stewardship if you will-- of the resources and talents that God has entrusted to us. As we manage and employ these well in his service, our responsibility and accountability will naturally broaden, along with the power and influence that comes with being faced with the moral and ethical decisions that come with deciding how to us those resources. If you really want power and influence, look at what you have-- your time, your energy, your gifts and talents, and all the material resources in your care-- and manage them well and in line with God's will. That's where you'll find true power and influence.

Readings: Exodus 26:1-27:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11

"Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." -- Psalm 30:1-12

2012-02-06T06:28:00.000-06:00

Guilt is one of the most spiritually debilitating things to which one can hang on. While a hurting conscience might drive one to repentance, to live in the guilt does nobody any good. The Psalmist seemed to have a handle on this. If you sin-- if you offend God-- if you hurt others-- then yes, you will know God's anger. But his anger passes. So when you sin, when you mess up, own up to it and repair the relational damage that comes from it. Make amends with the person you've hurt and repent for what you have done. Pray earnestly and sincerely, and after changing your ways, receive the healing forgiveness you need. Then get over it and move on to a new day to do the work God would have you do!

Readings: Exodus 23:14-25:40; Matthew 24:29:51; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 7:24-27

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed." -- Matthew 24:4-6

2012-02-05T06:49:00.001-06:00

There has been speculation that because the Mayan calendar ends in 2012, that the world follows suit. It's fascinating how such a buzz was created over the possibility that then end could be near. Countless false prophets through the ages have made predictions on the day that Christ would return, and their success rate of their predictions: zero percent! No one knows when or how it will come, or even it will come at all in the way we imagine it. The point for us is to live recognizing that life is short, and that the end comes too soon for each of us. When time is limited, it has a way of becoming more valuable. Make wise use of it. Worrying about it only wastes it.

Readings: Exodus 21:22-23:13; Matthew 24:1-28; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 7:6-23

"... keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart." -- Proverbs 7:1-3

2012-02-04T08:29:00.000-06:00

Today, we have another section for memorization. The writer of this Proverb impresses upon us the importance of writing these words and commands on the "tablets of our hearts". Yesterday, we spoke of the law that God would have us know and live by: love-- love God, love others. In the Old Testament readings today, we're presented with the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20). They are:

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol int eht form of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them...
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God...
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy...
5. Honor you father and your mother...
6. You shall not murder
7. You shall not commit adultery
8. You shall not steal
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor

Now... if you obey the Law (love God & others), would you be in a place to break the others? Most likely not.

Readings: Exodus 19:16- 21:21; Matthew 23:13-39; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 7:1-5

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." -- Matthew 22:37-40

2012-02-03T07:20:00.000-06:00

This is one for memorizing. In fact, this one little paragraph contains the essence of the Old Testament law in it. In the Old Testament, there are 613 laws. If you were a child in those days studying your Hebrew Scriptures, you would devote yourself to memorizing those 613 laws. If you were to apprentice as a rabbi, you'd take on the "yoke" of your rabbi (his set of interpretations of the law), and set about preparing to teach them. It was a life-long endeavor. Jesus comes along, and makes it easy for all of us to be his students. Most people when they read this, leave the last sentence out or skip over it, because they don't understand it. This is Jesus' yoke: one law in two parts. Love God, love each other. If you do this, you are doing the will of God and are being obedient. All of the 613 laws are contained within. Love God. Love each other. Simple, right? While it's easy to remember, it still takes at least a lifetime to master.

Readings: Exodus 17:8- 19:15; Matthew 22:34- 23:12; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 6:27-35

"The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" -- Psalm 27:1

2012-02-02T06:58:00.001-06:00

While this text is written from the angle of physical protection for the writer in the context of battle, it can be looked at another way too. There's something to the old saying, "it helps to know people". Say you get yourself into a sticky situation after being mistaken for someone else who commits some sort of crime. Because you are known by those investigating, it's clear to them that the criminal described by eyewitnesses isn't you. Your relationship and reputation actually makes their job easier. You don't have to fear, because you have nothing to hide from them. Who you are has "illuminated" them about the situation.

When God is the one we serve, and we allow him to work in us and through us, our time and energy will be spent primarily on sharing his love with others. If our motive in every relationship in which we find ourselves is to love, then what do we need to fear? If we are being persecuted, let our response be one of love. There can be no darkness where there is light, and sometimes, we're the ones called to carry the light into the dark places of life. Let that love illuminate others and awaken them to the possibility of another way. And remember when your own life seems dark, God is your light and your salvation. No one can take that away. Don't be afraid-- you have connections.

Readings: Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush in to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." -- Proverbs 6:16-19

2012-02-01T07:08:00.000-06:00

The things that God doesn't want to see from us as listed in this Proverb, read like a cast of characters in a movie about a group of schemers and connivers. But the characteristics listed here aren't just found in separate individuals. They each lay within us, and they feed on one another when activated. While I trust they are not traits that describe you faithful readers, it's important to realize that all humans have the capacity to go astray. Stay clear of these and the people who embrace them. Better to live an honest and transparent life, as God designed.

Readings: Exodus 13:17-15:18; Matthew 21:23-46; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 6:16-19

"The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, 'Hosanna to the Son of David,' they were indignant." -- Matthew 21:14-15

2012-01-31T07:16:00.001-06:00

In this scene, Jesus has just recently arrived at the Temple and has turned it upside down. In the paragraph preceding this one, Jesus establishes himself as the new sheriff in town when he turns over the tables of the money changers and creates a bit of chaos in the way he reminds people that the temple is a house of prayer. By praying for people and healing them, he has brought restoration. People's lives are being changed forever, there is a joyful spirit in the place. But some are not happy. When the chief priests and teachers of the law saw this, they were indignant. This is the very dynamic that ultimately leads to Jesus being crucified.

Isn't it odd that when we have no power, we seem to thumb our nose at authority and celebrate the good that transcends it, but when the power is in our hands, we'll do whatever we can to stop that which threatens our control, even if it's filled with promise and possibility? Consider the current patent-buying rush going on today. Money and power are falling over themselves to buy up patents to inventions that could make the world a better place, but threaten to kill existing cash cows. Power and control are sacred only when we have it and are afraid to lose it. Some tables just need to be overturned.

Readings: Exodus 12:14- 13:16; Matthew 20:29- 21:22; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 6:12-15

"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." -- Proverbs 6:6-8

2012-01-30T06:52:00.000-06:00

When I was a child, like many other children, I waited for instruction on what to do from my teachers, parents, and other adult authorities in my world. I did homework because I "had to". I cleaned my room because my parents "made me". I went to bed because I wasn't "allowed" to stay up. At some point as a teenager I began to rebel, because I began doing things from a place of internal motivation. I started a business, I read books, I began to set my own schedule for the most part. My parents gave me the freedom to make more of my own choices, and the things that I didn't want to do, but had to anyway, became irritating interruptions. When we work because we're externally motivated to do so-- because we have to-- it can be miserable. Whether it's because parents or bosses tell us to do it, or we do it because we feel we have no choice because we have bills to pay, the obligation of it can suffocate. But when we find joy in the work for its own sake, we can take pleasure in the very same tasks. When we recognize the value of work, we can embrace it and be thankful for it-- not for the paycheck it might generate, but just for the task itself. Don't be a sluggard. You work by choice-- whether that's employment or just chores at home. Embrace the work, enjoy the work, and thank God for it!

Readings: Exodus 10:1-12:13; Matthew 20:1-28; Psalm 25:1-15a; Proverbs 6:6-11

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." -- Psalm 24:1-10

2012-01-29T06:51:00.003-06:00

In western society, we have become expert in the art of consumption. We have evolved as consumers to the point of being able to obtain any product that is for sale that we have the funds to afford. Not long ago, we could say that we could get just about anything by going down to the local Wal-Mart and picking it up. Now, we can get even what the big box stores don't sell by turning on our computers and ordering it from wherever it exists around the world. They'll send it right to our door. While we like the convenience of that, there is a cost. Our attempts to satisfy our insatiable appetite for stuff comes with an ecological price. The world's resources are limited, and many of them are not renewable. Until we all come to recognize that we are not first and foremost consumers of what God has made, but stewards of it instead, we will continue to deplete that which sustains life and doesn't even belong to us. Once we do see that God has entrusted us with his creation, and we become serious about caring for it, we can reverse the trend. The issue isn't a political one, but a theological one. It's time to change the nature of the debate.

Readings: Exodus 7:25-9:35; Matthew 19:13-30; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 6:1-5

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." -- Psalm 23:1-2

2012-01-28T08:05:00.001-06:00

This is one of the most comforting and endearing texts in all of Scripture. We go to it when we're anxious, when we're grieving, when we are confused, when we are afraid. We also go to it when we're thankful, hopeful, and even when we're joyful. It is one for the ages and has been memorized generation after generation. If you have not memorized the 23rd Psalm, I highly recommend you do so. It speaks to God's nature in that he is one that will provide for us, guide us in right ways, and when we're stressed, frazzled, and just generally discombobulated, he will make us lie down in green pastures. I've heard that when sheep would be anxious, the shepherd would physically force them to lie down, which would have an amazing calming effect. Sometimes, when life seems to be short-circuiting and we're all out-of-sorts, we just need to lie down, feel the hand of God upon us, and breathe deep. In that moment, we know we're not alone, and there is one greater than we guiding us, and providing for us.

Readings: Exodus 5:22-7:24; Matthew 18:23-19:12; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 5:22-23

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -- Matthew 18:19-20

2012-01-27T07:04:00.000-06:00

By and large, we humans are a competitive bunch. When we seek to be the best at something, we measure our ability relative to others. For the most part, it's healthy and it makes us all better when we push ourselves and each other in this way. But if that's the only path to success we travel on, we're missing out. In this text Jesus clearly shows us a more potent path. He says that where two or three (or more) come together in his name, there he is too. The mathematics here is not addition. It's multiplication. When we put aside our competitive individualism and come together to seek the will of God and set our hearts and minds to his end, it's not the talents of one person + the talents of another, but it's the talents of one times the talents of another plus the power of Christ. If we really want to make a difference in the world, we need each other to do it, and we need the presence and power of God to fuel it. That's what happens when we do it together. Not that they intended to, but The Beatles may have actually spoken well on this point when they said: Come together... right now... over me.

Readings: Exodus 4:1-5:21; Matthew 18:1-22; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 5:15-21

"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'" -- Exodus 3:11

2012-01-26T06:51:00.001-06:00

Big things are happening in this text. God is revealing himself to Moses through the burning bush that doesn't burn up and is calling him to lead his people out of slavery and out of Egypt. Moses' response: "who am I?" We see movies like the 10 Commandments with portrayals of Moses done by people like Charlton Heston and we see a strong confident leader with a voice made to narrate the Bible itself. But Moses was a man who had a confidence issue and a speech impediment. He wasn't a speaker, and he wasn't looking to be the front-man of any sort of movement. He probably wanted to live out his life quietly in hiding because of the crime he committed when he murdered the abusive Egyptian. But whether Moses wanted it or not is immaterial because God wanted him. And when you are called by God, well... you go.

God calls each of us to work that is beyond what we think possible for us. Like Moses, we think, "who am I to make a difference?" You are uniquely created by God to love God and love others in a way that only you can. You have a key to making the world a little more heaven-like. This is what is referred to as "your calling". Listen for the voice of God around you, in you, as well as through others, and be attentive to what God might be saying to you. And you say, "who me?" Yes, of all people... you.

Readings: Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.'" -- Matthew 16:24-25

2012-01-25T07:01:00.002-06:00

I wonder what went through the disciples minds when they heard Jesus say this. It came right after Jesus explained to them that he would have to suffer at the hands of the religious elite. Peter wouldn't hear of it. How can it be that the Messiah would have to suffer? It made no sense. Today, we hear this notion of picking up our cross, and it's hard to connect. What does it mean to take up one's cross? What do you mean I have to lose my life to find it? The takeaway here is that as long as we're living strictly for ourselves, we will miss out on the opportunity to really experience the life God desires for us. We miss the opportunity to live out of a sense of calling and purpose. But when we live for God and give our lives to following his will, we find that life can have color and meaning and tremendous value-- even if we have to suffer in the midst of it. The fear of suffering can be paralyzing and can prevent us from stepping out. When we suffer, it's no fun, but we don't fear it anymore, and we can actually move through it. How is fear of losing something keeping you from living the life you feel God is calling you to live?

Readings: Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10; Matthew 16:13-17:9; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 5:1-6

"Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children." -- Matthew 15:36-38

2012-01-24T07:21:00.000-06:00

A crowd has gathered and is not going away. Jesus' disciples are fretting because there's no food with which to feed them. It's easy for most of us to connect with the first part of the story-- the "need" side of it. We know what it's like to be hungry-- perhaps not starving in the literal sense, but just hungry and ready to eat. We know what it's like to feel like we need more material things-- money, clothes, housing, cars, etc. The spiritual place we want to move toward is the other side of the story-- the "contentment" side. With only seven loaves and a few small fish, thousands of people were satisfied that day. A few paragraphs later, Jesus warns his followers to beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Immediately they begin to process this and think it's because they forgot to bring bread. Then they realize it's not about bread or yeast at all, but about their teachings. As you mature in the faith, your appetite for material things begins to wane. Having them is nice and all, but you come to realize that the creature comforts don't provide spiritual nourishment. When you find yourself wanting more, examine your desire. Will the material thing you're wanting really come to satisfy your hunger, or will you just then be hungry for more? Seek ye first the kingdom of God. Then all these things shall be given unto you.

Readings: Genesis 48:1-49:33; Matthew 15:29-16:12; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 4:20-27

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." -- Psalm 19:14

2012-01-23T06:52:00.001-06:00

This is a prayer for all of us to have on our lips at all times. Our mothers and fathers told us to think before we speak, much so that we would consider carefully what we were about to say so as to not look ignorant or be misunderstood. But what if we took that concept and instead of "thinking" before we speak, we "pray" before we speak? I believe that could change the world. What to pray? This very verse. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be always pleasing to God!

Readings: Genesis 46:1- 47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19

"During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cired out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afreaid." -- Matthew 14:26-27

2012-01-22T07:36:00.001-06:00

When we see things that don't make sense, often our response is one of fear. In this story, it's late night (or very early morning) and the disciples are in the boat and see Jesus walking on the water. Peter challenges Jesus-- saying "if it's you, Lord, tell me to walk to you on the water." So Jesus says, "come on!" Peter begins to actually walk on water! But as soon as he gets his senses about him, what happens? He begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus again in fear, and Jesus saves him.

Fear cripples faith. It tells us what "can't" instead of what "can". It stifles our sense of the possible and chokes creativity and vision. Jesus is calling you to walk on water too. You can step out in faith, but can you keep going?

Readings: Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13-36; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 4:11-13

"But Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.'" --Matthew 13:57

2012-01-21T06:47:00.000-06:00

When Jesus goes home, he's dismissed because he's known. After teaching in the synagogue, and amazing people with what he shares, they check themselves and say, "wait-- come on now-- this is Jesus we're talking about-- the the carpenter's son. Mary's his mother, right? He's brother to James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, right? Well if that's the case, then nope-- can't be special." The text goes on to say that he didn't do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Two sides to the lesson here: first, people sometimes just cannot accept the fact that you grow and change. If you've ever attended a reunion, you find that some people revert to their actions and behaviors in a manner reflecting a time gone by. We prefer people to stay the way we know them, because if they change too much, then we don't know them anymore, and we've lost a bit of them. Much easier if people just stay as they are. 2. When all parties involved have faith, great things can happen. Doubters, skeptics, and the blind who are blind only because they refuse to open their eyes can really hinder possible powerful outcomes. Surround yourself with people who are open to wondrous possibilities, and you'll see wonderful things happen in your life.

Readings: Genesis 42:18-43:34; Matthew 13:47-14:12; Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 4:7-10

He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." -- Matthew 13:31-32

2012-01-20T07:58:00.004-06:00

A little faith can go a very long way. The odds of you accomplishing something is far greater when you believe you can do it-- much more than if you were to try doing something you didn't believe possible. If we believe there can be peace, chances are there will be. If we believe we can love one another in the way Jesus taught us, chances are we can. If we believe that God's future for us is bright, chances are it will be. Some say you have to see it to believe it. I say you have to believe it to be able to see it!

Readings: Genesis 41:17-42:17; Matthew 13:24-46; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 4:1-6

"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." -- Matthew 12:50

2012-01-19T07:25:00.000-06:00

So Jesus' mother and brothers are outside the house waiting for him and need to talk to him. Some inside tell him about it. How would Mary have felt hearing her son disown her and his brothers like that? If she did hear, did she understand where he was coming from or was it a shock to her? Jesus' family for the most part is composed of side characters that we don't get to know enough about. Oh how I would love to know what her experience was of this scene. Further, Jesus is a middle-aged man and not a teenage boy, so it wasn't like Mary was saying "I'm tired of calling you home for dinner..." What did they want from him? Regardless, the words of Jesus to the listeners speaks to family defined by more than just blood relation. The fifth commandment says to honor your father and mother. Jesus reminds us that we have a choice in who are the figures of father and mother in our lives.

Readings: Genesis 39:1-41:16; Matthew 12:46-13:23; Psalm 17:1-5; Proverbs 3:33-35

"Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." -- Matthew 12:25

2012-01-18T07:09:00.000-06:00

A message from Jesus to not just the politicians of our day, but to citizens as well. The verse warrants little commentary.

Peace.

Readings: Genesis 37:1-38:30; Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 3:27-32

"He said to them, 'If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." -- Matthew 12:11-12

2012-01-17T07:07:00.003-06:00

Was Jesus a sinner? Christians say, "no, of course not." But here in these verses we see the unveiling of what is ultimately going to get Jesus killed. What is it "to sin"? In Jesus' time it was to break religious law. In the next paragraph, Jesus blatantly breaks the law by healing a man on the Sabbath and the Pharisees go out and start plotting how it is they're going to kill this sinner for it. Further, not only is Jesus breaking the law, he is actually rewriting it. The powers that be don't like this one bit. To understand the New Testament, it's vital to recognize the role and place of the law in that culture and the way Jesus goes about turning it on its ear. Without that perspective, there's no way to get at what Jesus, Paul, and other writers of the NT are trying to say.

Readings: Genesis 35:1-36:43; Matthew 12:1-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 3:21-26

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -- Matthew 11:28-30

2012-01-16T07:17:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorites in all of Scripture. I used to understand it as advice to walk with Jesus when life gets hard. That is, as Carole King wrote, "when you're down and troubled, and you need a helping hand, and nothing oh nothing is going right... " it could be Jesus speaking in the lyrics. And while that's theologically fitting and works for me at a personal level, it's really not what this verse is about. The weariness Jesus is referring to is that from carrying the burden of trying to live according to Jewish law. Given that there are 613 laws in the Old Testament, that was a lot of rules to hear, know, live by, and share. Jesus gives us one law in two parts: Love-- Love God, Love Each Other. He tells us that all the law and the prophets are contained therein. To fully understand this text, you have to know what his "yoke" is. Jesus is speaking as a rabbi to a Jewish population. The "yoke" of the rabbi was the set of his interpretations of the law. Jesus' yoke was easy and his burden was light because you didn't have to have legal mastery of the 613 religious laws that seemed so difficult to live by... you just had to know the one law in its two parts. So love God, and love each other, and enjoy his rest.

Readings: Genesis 32:13-34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 3:19-20

"...and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." -- Matthew 10:39

2012-01-15T07:10:00.000-06:00

When I was young and first heard this text, I couldn't understand why I needed to find a cross to be like Jesus... I didn't see anyone else carrying crosses, except maybe as jewelry. And what did it mean to lose your life to find it? Did that mean to die? As a child, I couldn't get my head around it. As an adult, I've come to see the metaphor. It comes down to what we live for... if we live for only ourselves, we lose the opportunity to know life in its fullest. When we live for something greater than ourselves-- when we live for God and give ourselves away, we experience life itself in the way its meant to be. Taking a breath happens in two parts: the inhale and the exhale. Living for ourself is the inhale, giving ourselves away is the exhale-- a complete breath. A complete life.

Readings: Genesis 31:17-32:12; Matthew 10:26-11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 3:16-18

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." -- Proverbs 3:13-15

2012-01-14T07:46:00.000-06:00

Today, a great social concern many are wrestling with is a widening chasm between the wealthy and the poor. It used to feel like there was a more level playing field and everyone had an opportunity to move up the material ladder of success. Today, however, mom and pop shops can't compete with the corporate big box shops, so opportunity to compete in the marketplace is mitigated. I hear many people talking about it. What I don't hear people speaking of is the growing chasm between the educated and non-educated. As fast as we're advancing technologically, for most of us, our part in its evolution is as consumers. Similarly, there seems to be a growing gap in religious culture. There we find intelligence, rationalization, and skepticism becoming a bit suspect and at times even discouraged. Let's not let our part in the faith experience be limited to that as mere consumers. We must continue not just to seek awareness of the content of our faith and its scriptures, but an understanding of it as well. Knowing doesn't lead to wisdom, but understanding does. Let's not seek God with just our whole heart, but with our whole mind as well. Think about it...

Readings: Genesis 30:1-31:16; Matthew 10:1-25; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 3:13-15

"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." -- Matthew 9:37-38

2012-01-13T03:29:00.003-06:00

After 2000+ years of the lessons of Jesus and stories of God, you'd think we'd have this faith thing down by now. And yet, there's still hate and destruction, and masses of wandering lonely people in this world. While it's common to think that stories of the ages should be known by all, and that each generation should be a bit wiser than the one before-- it's not really working out that way. Humans, it seems, like to learn things the hard way. For whatever reason, we cannot listen to our forefathers and learn from their mistakes. So each generation that is born needs to be taught and needs to learn what it means to be a child of God and a follower of Christ. The story is brand new again. Couple that with the explosive population growth in the world today, and we have more people to reach now than in all of the history of creation. The work begins with sharing a bit of Good News-- and one incredible story. Learn the Story. Know the Story. Live the Story. Tell the Story. In that order.

Readings: Genesis 28:1-29:35; Matthew 9:18-38; Psalm 11:1-7; Proverbs 3:11-12

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." -- Matthew 9:16-17

2012-01-12T07:12:00.000-06:00

The world is changing fast. Babies born today may very well live to see a world we would hardly recognize. Because of the changes in technology (especially in the areas of genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics), the way we experience everyday life is about to shift parabolically. As I write this, computing is undergoing a "shrinking" evolution. We are moving from our experience of carrying computing devices to having computer chips embedded in our bodies. Once computers reach the size of human cells, we will come to a point where we will have to ask the question, "what is human?" The human has been relatively the same for thousands and thousands of years, but is about to take a dramatic turn. With industrialization in the early 20th century came a new way of experiencing life. Computers and biotechnology are taking us to yet another way of experiencing life. Certainly new wineskins are being produced. In some ways, we are participants in the production of these new skins. Now, maybe more than ever, we must be vigilant in transmitting not just the information of our faith to the next generations, but perhaps more importantly, the values of it... not to fit the new into the old, but to work to make sure that the dna of the old is embedded in the fabric of the new. Buckle up, because we're in for quite a ride!

Readings: Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10

"Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, 'Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!' (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, 'First sell me your birthright.'...'Look, I am about to die,' Esaus said. 'What good is the birthright to me?' But Jacob said, 'Swear to me first.' So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob." -- Genesis 25:29-33

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here we have Jacob, later to become father to the 12 tribes of Israel (he will literally become "Israel" himself), showing us his true personality. Shrewd and manipulative, Jacob sees opportunity for gain in his brother's state, and so he capitalizes on it. I read this and ask, "what would Jesus do?" And the answer I come up with is "certainly not this." Mahatma Ghandi once said "There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread." Two things I take from this reading: 1. Maslow was probably right in laying out his "hierarchy of needs". Without having basic physical needs met, it's hard to think above or beyond them. Esau in his hunger realized that a birthright did him no good if he were to starve to death and never enjoy it anyway. He was so hungry he couldn't think straight. Note to self: don't agree to a long-term payment plan for something that satisfies the moment. 2. As Christians, we're not called upon to celebrate or follow Jacob's example. When those around us lack basic needs such as food and shelter and the means to obtain them, it's not the time or place to be enterprising and seek gain through securing indebtedness from them. Nor is it the time to be preachy. Instead, it's the time to feed, clothe, and shelter them, and assist them in finding ways to sustain themselves so as to be hungry no more.

Readings: Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew 8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -- Proverbs 3:5-6

2012-01-10T06:47:00.001-06:00

We have come to be such a science-driven, fact-extracting, knowledge-based culture, that it's easy to see how more and more people come to reject the stories of the faith (and ultimately the faith itself) because the writings don't sift freely through the filters we've conditioned ourselves to have as we process information. This proverb is apt for our time because we seem to be leaning more and more upon our understanding. But even if we were to uncover all the secrets of creation, do we think we can uncover the secrets of the Creator? And if we do come to understand something to be a certain way, does that mean it necessarily is as we understand it? Do you have people in your life who presume to understand you, and yet you feel misunderstood? How much more so with God I wonder? We only have five senses, and there are even realities of creation we can't comprehend, so let's be slow to assume we know everything and maintain a respect for the mysteries of Creator as well.

Readings: Genesis 23:1-24:51; Matthew 8:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 3:1-6

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." -- Psalm 9:9-10

2012-01-09T07:12:00.001-06:00

Our readings today include one of the most disturbing accounts in all of Scripture: Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac as an offering to God. It's inconceivable that God would ask this of a person, and I do not understand the demand in the story. But in the end, God stops Abraham from going through with it, and provides a substitute ram for the offering instead. Because of that experience, Abraham called the place "The Lord Will Provide". The Psalm echoes the sentiment, reminding the reader that the Lord has never forsaken those who seek him. Abraham was truly one who sought to follow the will of God.

Sometimes following God seems to make little sense. But when you seek him with your whole heart and your whole being, you will be surprised at how God finds you. Seeking and following the will of God makes no sense only to the one who does not seek and does not follow. May you always be a seeker!

Readings: Genesis 20:1-22:24; Matthew 7:15-29; Psalm 9:1-12a; Proverbs 2:16-22

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." -- Matthew 6:12

2012-01-08T07:23:00.001-06:00

Here we have the classic "Golden Rule". It is the one shared by almost every religion in the world. It is the ethic that even atheists it seems can get behind. C.S. Lewis illustrates it beautifully in his book Mere Christianity, when he argues against moral relativism. He says basically (I'm paraphrasing here) that moral relativism works for one until someone's morality works against them. In other words, I may be okay with the act of stealing and don't feel as though I should be labeled a criminal for it-- until someone steals from me-- then I find the whole thing outrageously wrong. You could use any number of examples to illustrate it, but the point remains: if you wouldn't want it done to you, don't do it-- it's wrong. There are absolutes in this world. It's not all relative.

Readings: Genesis 18:20-19:38; Matthew 6:25-7:14; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 2:6-15

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 6:1

2012-01-07T07:45:00.002-06:00

Some read this and think we are not to be seen or known for good things we do. I believe that to be a misreading of the text. What it comes down to is the motivation for your 'acts of righteousness'. Matthew tells us not to do them before others in order to be seen by them. In other words, check the motive. Are you doing good so that others can see how good you are, or are you doing good regardless of whether others see you or not? Modeling righteousness can be instructive and inspiring. But if it's motivated by human pride-- hoping for, or expecting accolades, then how righteous is it?

Readings: Genesis 16:1-18:19; Matthew 6:1-24; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 2:1-5

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:43-45

2012-01-06T07:49:00.002-06:00

This is a tough one. To love an enemy-- say some random person from a country that is an "enemy" of your country-- could be fairly easy because you don't know the person and they don't know you. Rather it's the idea of a person some distance away. If we were enemies with Antarcticans, we could say, "while our countries or continents are at war, I love the Antarctican people." But to love someone closer to home who hates you, wishes harm to you and your family-- how do you love them? Fighting hate with hate doesn't work. Fighting hate with love can change the world. Does someone have an example of this kind of love in action? Please share.

Readings: Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Niether do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:14-16

2012-01-05T08:01:00.001-06:00

More than anything, it is fear that keeps people from doing what God calls them to do. Especially when it comes to being visible in front of people, fear has a tendency to keep us lost in the crowd. We say we don't want to draw attention to ourselves. We say we don't want to be different from others. We let the "crazy ones" be the ones people watch... but this text challenges us about all that. God has given you gifts to use for his purpose, and while it doesn't necessarily mean being in front of crowds speaking or performing, it does mean being seen by others for who you are. There's no need to hide your true self. It's the light that God gave uniquely to you. Let it shine!

Readings: Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28

"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. -- Matthew 4:19-20

2012-01-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

Isn't it amazing that these fishermen would "at once" drop their nets and follow Jesus? What was it-- his magnetism? His charisma? Did he have them in a trance? Did he offer them a lot of money? Most likely, Peter and Andrew knew about Jesus. They knew him not as a savior, but as a rabbi. In that day, the rabbi was the rock star. The rabbi was the position in society most coveted and respected. And for a rabbi to say "follow me" was a tremendous honor. It meant you were receiving an invitation to apprentice to become one yourself. Fishermen weren't typically qualified to follow a rabbi. So I can imagine these two thinking, "this is our shot-- let's take it now!" If you want to hear more about this, check out Nooma's video titled "Dust".

Readings: Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23

"After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'" -- Matthew 3:2-3

2012-01-03T08:04:00.003-06:00

What images we have in today's readings! In one sense they are contradictory, and in another they mirror themselves. In the Old Testament, we have Noah building the Ark and preparing for the flood, and in the New Testament, we have Jesus being tempted in the wilderness after his baptism. These are different in that with Noah, you have a man thrown into seemingly insane action. With Jesus, you have a man thrown into seemingly insane inaction. Noah must have looked like a crazy man using all his power and energy in building the Ark in the beautiful weather-- preparing for the end of the world. And Jesus, who is about to starve, seems crazy to refuse to use any of his power to feed himself. It's crazy action vs. crazy inaction.

On the other hand, they mirror each other because they both are obedient to God to a point that we would be greatly challenged if called upon ourselves. Noah begins building in the sunshine trusting God's word and provision. Jesus refuses to exercise his power, trusting God's word and provision. Jesus knows that just because he can do something, doesn't mean he necessarily should. These readings should give us pause next time we are about to impulsively do anything.

What is God calling you to do, or refrain from doing? Is your temptation to act in a way that is contradictory to God's will (Jesus' temptation), or is your temptation to refrain from a work that God is calling you to be about (Noah's example)?

Readings: Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." -- Proverbs 1:7-9

2012-01-02T08:09:00.003-06:00

Such rich readings today! In Genesis, there is the story of the Fall, as well as Cain and Abel. Matthew tells us the story of Mary & Joseph's flight to Egypt, Herod's death, and the entrance of John the Baptist. These are all "must-know" stories from the Bible. However, it's the Proverb that catches my attention today.

The "fear" of the Lord that is the beginning of knowledge is not fear in the sense of being scared of the boogeyman... it is the type of fear that comes with the awe experienced when you witness something far greater and far more powerful than yourself. This is that which brings humility, and it is humility that provides us an open mind. The open mind is the one ready to receive knowledge. This is not a unique teaching to Judaism or Christianity. Consider the Zen practice of "emptying" your cup in order that it might be filled. When I was 14, I had grown to the point that I thought I knew everything. Not until I came to realize that I didn't know as much as I thought I did, was I ready to learn anything.

Remember who you are in the presence of God. God is the Creator, you are the created. Open your mind to his teachings. Peace.

Readings: Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9

"In the beginning, God created..." -- Genesis 1:1

2012-01-01T00:20:00.001-06:00

The beginning of a new year brings an incredible sense of hope and possibility. Resolutions are readily kept, and our record is perfect. As we embark on this journey together of reading through the entire Bible one day at a time, embrace each day as it comes. Make your reading a part of your daily discipline. Here are three things that will help keep you on track:

1. Focus first primarily on the process and the discipline-- don't try to gain expertise or complete understanding in everything you read. Just dedicate yourself to the task of engaging in the readings each day.

2. If you miss a day, double up if you want the next day, but if you miss more than one, just pick up on the scheduled day. You may start strong, then lose a whole string of days... don't worry about making them up, just get back into the routine and read the assigned readings for the day.

3. Read with others. Check in with each other. Encourage each other. Use this blog to post comments/questions that you might have. The point is, don't do it in isolation. Your chances of being successful increase enormously if you've committed with others to read through together over the course of the year. Invite others along the way, too-- you don't have to start on day one, page one. The discipline can be started anytime!

I'm thrilled to be doing this with you. As we move through the entirety of Scripture this year, my prayer is that it changes your life as it has mine.

In the beginning, God created... and the possibilities were (and are) endless...

Happy reading, and Happy New Year!

Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6.

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." -- Revelation 22:17

2011-12-31T08:02:00.000-06:00

As I consider how this year has passed so quickly, I can't help but think how much faster it has passed than the year before... and that one faster than the year before that. The older we get, the faster time seems to move. And throughout the years, there has been a standing invitation to live a life that God intends. Each day, we live by choice. We decide whether we will work or not, play or not, pray or not, worship or not, love or not. Our freewill is constantly being exercised. And ever before us is God's invitation to "come". Given that you're reading this, I trust you have answered God's invitation. In the coming year, deepen your commitment, and remember to share with others God's invitation to a new life in Christ. Peace.

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." -- Revelation 21:3-4

2011-12-30T07:17:00.001-06:00

In the Lord's Prayer, we pray "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"... this text from Revelation speaks to the manifestation of this reality. God dwells with us now-- in those who believe and follow-- and one day, he will dwell completely in and among everyone. The good fight is fought through partnering with God to make this future reality not so "future". Love God, love others, and change the world in the name of Jesus Christ. One day, there will be a new heaven, and it will be in the form of a new earth.

Readings: Malachi 1:1-2:17; Revelation 21:1-27; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 31:10-24

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." -- Proverbs 31:8-9

2011-12-29T06:44:00.000-06:00

If you ever get to a point where you feel useless, powerless, or worthless, think again. There are many in this world who need you and your voice. Even the young must realize that there are people (some not yet born) who will be looking to them to show them the way. Focus on the path God has set before you, and find your power in obedience and faithfulness, and you will grow strong. Use that strength to help the weak-- not to overpower them.

Readings: Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 31:8-9

"Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more." -- Proverbs 31:6-7

2011-12-28T07:58:00.001-06:00

A lesson taught to King Lemuel of Massa by his mother, this proverb speaks to the importance of sobriety for the leader. I imagine her saying, "Son, I know all the other boys are chasing girls and getting drunk, but you're a young king in the making. You're above all that. You will find pleasure in ways that they won't-- you'll have pleasures you won't need to escape. Let them escape, because they'll have no pleasure."

How can we design and live our lives in such a way that we wouldn't want to escape either?

Readings: Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the Lord, who remains faithful forever." -- Psalm 146:5-6

2011-12-27T07:01:00.001-06:00

Many people think that the phrase "the Lord helps those who help themselves" is in the Bible-- it's not. In fact, throughout Scripture we see the opposite-- the people of God time and time again turning to God for their well being. They understood fortune to be a result of righteousness and God's reward for it. So in one sense, that makes the oft-misappropriated quote apt. To them, "helping yourself" was found in following God's law. If you did that, then life would be okay. Funny how that still applies... maybe not in the direct way it was once thought, and certainly not in the sense that bad things don't happen to good people, but still in a way that if you seek God first, a good life can be lived.

Readings: Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." -- Psalm 145:13b-14

2011-12-26T08:11:00.000-06:00

You are a created being-- a child of God. And like a child, you will stumble and you will fall. You will grow and think yourself wise and will try going it alone. Later, you will see your folly and wonder how God put up with you all those years. You belong to him. God can put up with a lot more than you can imagine. While you may come and go out of your relationship, God is steadfast. He will not leave you.

Readings: Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32

“O Lord, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.” -- Psalm 144:3-4

2011-12-25T00:10:00.001-06:00

In the giving and receiving of gifts on this Christmas Day, let’s remember that despite the stuff that’s passed back and forth, it’s the people around us who are the true gifts from God. We are a people passing through time and space with one another. We are fellow sojourners making our way toward a shared destination. Along the way, let’s value each other, and thank God for the chance to know one another. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Readings for Today: Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'" -- Zechariah 7:8-10

2011-12-24T06:30:00.000-06:00

I think Zechariah was on to something here. Imagine a world in which this was a given-- that people didn't have to be told to administer justice and show mercy and compassion. While we might not be able to change the population of the whole world overnight, it is possible to change our own behavior and way of thinking. It starts with us, then we teach it to others. Too often, we try to teach it to others before really learning it ourselves.

"Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name." -- Psalm 142:7a

2011-12-23T07:28:00.000-06:00

Today, consider those things that cause you to feel stuck and imprisoned. Of those, which are ones you can do nothing about? These would be systemic in nature-- you can't do much about the fact that you live on earth, that you were born into your family, your race, your nationality. Your age and permanent disability would be other examples. And then what would be the things that you do have a choice about-- your job, your relationships, your lifestyle and habits? Even the things that you feel you have no control over, you do have some power of choice in the way you respond to them. What's keeping you from living the life you feel God's calling you to live? If you dig long enough, you'll find the answer is usually "nothing". God has freed you. Now free yourself.

Readings for today: Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 30:21-23

"Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies." -- Psalm 141:4

2011-12-22T06:43:00.000-06:00

Consider the mistakes you've made in your life-- big ones, little ones, and those in between. Now consider those mistakes that were more than mere oversights or accidents, but were intentional-- that were sin. Now think how complicated life can get when we sin. We hurt others, relationships are broken, we are led to hiding, lying, and isolating ourselves. We feel shame and guilt. It just gets in the way of the good things we're trying to do. God hasn't created us for that kind of life. Pray that he keep you on a path free of sin. It's not worth it. It makes life way more messy than it needs to be.

Today's readings: Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1b-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20

"I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy." -- Psalm 140:12

2011-12-21T06:53:00.001-06:00

In reading this text, I am struck by two thoughts. First, there should be none that are needy to the point of death. We have enough resources to ensure that no one needs ever to starve to death because they can't buy food, and no one ever needs to freeze to death because they can't find clothing or shelter. And yet, starvation and homelessness are still very real and unnecessary problems. This is our work to do on behalf of God.

Second, the injustice the poor face today is starkly seen in the lack of societal voice and influence. When politicians write laws to please their large campaign donors and lobbyists, the poor will never find political justice. There's something systemically wrong and unjust in world politics today. However, in Christ, money has no pull. Our currency and influence in this context is faith, hope, and love. 'And the greatest of these is love' (1 Cor 13). Remember to use the power God gives you faithfully.

Readings for today: Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-13:1a; Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 30:17

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." -- Psalm 139:23-24

2011-12-20T06:42:00.000-06:00

It would be good to read this whole Psalm (Psalm 139) over again today. As you do, consider it in its whole form. Attributed to David, what does this Psalm say about him (the writer)? It paints a beautiful picture of God's omniscience and omnipresence... but there is more here than just being aware of God's power and abilities. This writer longs for God as he understands him. He seeks the way of God above all else. Do you seek the way of God above all else in your life? Take time to pray to God today using the words of this Psalm.

Today's Readings: Haggai 1:1-2:23; Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 30:15-16

"The Lord your God is with you, his is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -- Zephaniah 3:17

2011-12-19T06:55:00.000-06:00

How is it that with so many billions of people on this earth, we can sometimes feel utterly alone? We move through space and time with so many others, and have people around us so much of the time, but even when we are by ourselves, we are not alone. The beginning of this verse says "The Lord your God is with you"... when we walk with that knowledge, we can be assured and emboldened, for he is "mighty to save". The trick is to remember that we walk in God's presence and it's on us to awaken to it. Look around and identify where you see God today.

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." -- Habakkuk 3:19

2011-12-18T07:12:00.000-06:00

When we live with a sense of purpose that is understood as calling, there is little we can't do. When we strive to fill our own desires, we invariably come up empty. But when we throw our energy into the work that is born of divine spark, we have endurance we otherwise wouldn't, strength that we've not known before, and confidence unlike any we can muster alone. It's the closest we can get to experiencing what it's like to have supernatural powers. What do you live for that is born out of an understanding of who God has made you to be and what God has called you to do?

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." -- Proverbs 30:8-9

2011-12-17T07:28:00.000-06:00

Of all the readings, this is the one I didn't want to post, but the one that challenges me the most. In our culture, while we recognize the evils of poverty and destitution, and we fight against it, we don't complain too much about wealth (with the exception perhaps of corporate greed). Honestly, the writer of this Proverb doesn't represent my personal prayer, though maybe that shows the work I have yet to do. Mine is more like, "Keep falsehood and lies far from me and do not give me poverty, Lord. Instead, go ahead and test me with wealth-- I'm sure I can handle it." God has yet to answer my prayer, but a day has not gone by that God hasn't provided me food to eat. Maybe I need to change my prayer to the one in this Proverb, adding "thank you" to the beginning of it.

Today's readings: Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 30:7-9

"The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them wil be like them, and so will all who put their trust in them." -- Psalm 135:15-18

2011-12-16T06:59:00.000-06:00

As we find ourselves caught these days in a "global debt crisis", it's fascinating to see how fragile the monetary system really is. When one country has a problem, there is contagion and it is felt by the world. There is deep concern that the euro may not make it, and the dollar may soar in value... what power we've given to something that really has no value in and of itself. I can take a dollar bill and trade it for something of value to me (food for instance), but I can't eat that dollar bill. It won't keep me warm. I suppose I can put it on my wall and admire the art of it, but beyond that, it's really just a piece of paper that symbolizes value. Let's keep perspective and be careful not to worship at the altar of the "almighty" dollar.

Today's Readings: Micah 5:1-7:20; Revelation 7:1-17; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 30:5-6

"Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it." -- Micah 2:1

2011-12-15T06:53:00.000-06:00

There are times in life when we feel stuck-- in our relationship, in our job, in our economic situation, in our physical condition, etc. Often to become unstuck requires a great deal of work and energy, but when we are exhausted, it's hard to muster. Additionally, when we feel stuck, we feel powerless, which leads to a sense of despair. And yet, despite our feeling of "stuckness" and "powerlessness", we manage to find the energy to be destructive in our relationships.

When we are enveloped by darkness, it's difficult sometimes to see God's plan for us. When we feel stuck, we are really just wanting a different reality than that which we're experiencing. The work God calls us to is one of positive construction for a new way of being. But because we hurt, and because we're blind, we turn inward and work to destroy. This is not the way of God. Identify what you want different in your life, building upon that which God has given you. If you have the power to destroy, you also have the power to fashion and create.

Today's readings: Micah 1:1-4:13; Revelation 6:1-17; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 30:1-4;

"The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Go preach to the city of Nineveh'... But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish." -- Jonah 1:1-3a

2011-12-14T06:56:00.000-06:00

Instead of listening to God, Jonah runs from God because he doesn't like the prospect of going into hostile territory to teach people a new way. How did that work out for him? He puts a group of sailors in peril, he's thrown overboard, then gets swallowed up by a whale... which all leads to a change of heart when he finally decides to follow God.

We get so caught up in our own desires at times, that we come to a point of being closed to any alternate possibilities for our life. We come to protect what we think is ours, but in the end, if our way isn't aligned with God's way, that which we value becomes rusty and worthless. What we live our life for becomes all for naught. Seek the will of God for your life, and stay out of the whale's belly-- that place of isolation, darkness, and meaninglessness. Love God, love others, and live for a cause greater than yourself.

Today's readings: Jonah 1:1-4:11; Revelation 5:1-14; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 29:26-27

"Holy , holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." -- Revelation 4:8b

2011-12-13T06:56:00.000-06:00

I'm always struck by the reference to God as the one "who was, and is, and is to come"... Revelation is a letter of hope and promise to seven churches in Asia, giving them assurance in a time of persecution and threat. It's comforting to know that whenever we become anxious about our future and its unknowns, we can be certain that God is in that future. God does not go away. In fact, he's already there and has prepared the way for us.

Today's readings: Obadiah 1:1-21; Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 29:24-25

A link to the contemporary song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Pj2ha9uzM

"A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." -- Proverbs 29:23

2011-12-12T16:11:00.000-06:00

Hubris is one thing we need to be on guard against at all times, for just when we think we've got it together, our lives begin to unravel. Remember to always keep a healthy perspective.

Readings for today: Amos 7:1-9:15; Revelation 3:7-22; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 29:23