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

I will let the text speak for itself today.

This year has been a special one for me as I posted reflections each day from my daily readings.  In 2013, I will continue to read daily, but I will not be posting on the readings each day.  There may be some days I add a post here and there, but for the most part, over 365 entries are posted for the course of a year, so now it's time to rinse and repeat.  Thank you for taking this daily walk with me.  If you would like to add to entries I've posted this year, I look forward to reading and responding to your comments.

Readings:  Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 31:25-31

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." -- Revelation 21:6

Revelation is a difficult book to comprehend, but the outcome is clear:  in the end, God wins.

Sometimes it feels like we're all in this great race.  Life can seem like we live in a bubble where existence itself came into being when we entered space and time.  And yet we enter a race already in progress, and we will most likely exit the race before it is finished.  No one came before God and no one remains beyond God.  He is the Beginning and the End.  Not us.

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

Even though the above is a hot topic in the national political discourse, the issue is a local one.  Collectively, the question is one of governmental policy and procedure; but at the individual level, the question's answer is addressed in this text.  If we are strong, we are to stand and speak for those who cannot.  We are to be just and fair, keeping the well-being of those who are poor and powerless in mind as we live our lives.    Remember, we are not so disconnected as we might think and we only have our health and power for a while.  If we live long enough, at some point, we each become dependent on those around us.

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

"Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp." -- Psalm 147:7

These days it seems that harp players are in short supply.  Nonetheless, music continues to thrive as the key mood-setter to any gathering or event one attends.  If you've been to a sporting event lately, you've likely heard up-beat, thumping music that awakens your senses and charges you up.  If you've been to a wedding or funeral, the music in the service might be more reflective.  If you've been to a party with dancing, that's a whole different beat altogether.  Point is, music is a gift from God which we are instructed to use in our giving thanks to God.  So even if you don't have a harp, play something... even if it's the radio.  Make it up-lifting and positive so it reflects the tone of thanksgiving and gladness... perhaps you can even make it a fandango ;-)

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

"For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife." -- Proverbs 30:33

In this season, we pray for "peace on earth, goodwill to all"... Christmas day might be past, but our call to be the light of Christ in this world does not end.  Let's not be party to causing division, dissension, and strife in this world.  Let's instead raise the banner of peace and move ever forward.

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

"The Lord is near to all who call on him." -- Psalm 145:18

"Where is God" you ask?  Call on him.  He is nearer than you think.  Where is the air?  You can't see it, and you can't live without it, but you don't check to see if it's there before you breathe it in.  Call on him.  He is nearer than you think.  When you doubt, when you wonder, when you can hear no reply to your call, he is there.  Call again.  Do not walk this earth unaware of the presence of God.  Know the fullness of life by walking with him wakefully.

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

"Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the Lord." -- Psalm 144:12-15

JOY to the world the LORD has come!

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