"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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