"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

"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 7:9-10

How long will we rebel against God's instruction?  On this holy day and holy night, remember this Advent Hymn.   Readings:  Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Revelation 15:1-8; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 30:24-28

O Come O Come Emmanuel

by John Mason Neale

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

"When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way." -- Psalm 142:3a

There are times in our life when we have done all we can do.  We find ourselves depleted of mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.  We find ourselves running on empty, and we are lost as to how and in which direction to take our next step.  But there is a next step.  When you can't see it, trust and know that God has one for you.  If you need to, take a period of rest in order to discern God's desire.  Through prayer and supplication, your way will be made known to you.  Don't act with haste in your exhaustion, as it could lead to regret.  

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

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." -- Psalm 141:3

Consider for a moment the number of fights that would not have occurred in the world had harsh and hasty words not been said.  Think how many relationships might still be intact if words had not been let loose.  Once we say something, it cannot be unsaid.  So when you are stressed, tired, or otherwise compromised in your patience and tolerance, pray extra hard that God guard your lips and keep your words aligned with his spirit.

Readings:  Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1b-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20

"Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.'" -- Zechariah 1:17

According to the Mayans, this is the day that the world was to end.  If the prophecy had been one of faith long ago, the faithful would have attributed the fact that we were still here to God's mercy.  So I say that we live by the grace of God, and while on this earth, we each have an opportunity to live a life that honors God by working to fulfill his purpose for us, or we live a life that rejects God and God's gift of life to us.  If you're reading this, that means you're still here and have some life left to live.  What will you do with this gift God has given you?

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

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." -- Psalm 139:13-14a

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Do you see someone fearfully and wonderfully made?  Do you see someone that is beautiful in the eyes of God?  Sadly, our culture has conditioned us to view our reflection in terms of just our physical appearance.  But this tells us little.  If we were made in the image of God, we should think less of looking like the model in the magazine and more of reflecting God to others.  Next time you look in the mirror, instead of asking "who do I look like"? Ask, "how will I reflect God to others today?"  That beauty comes from the heart and the spirit, not clear skin and shiny hair.

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, he 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 1:1-3:20

A New Day.  Remember God's desire for you, and remember that you are loved.

Readings:  Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 30:11-14

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." -- Habakkuk 3:17-18

It is hard to rejoice in the midst of pain and sadness.  It is hard to feel the joy of Christmas when we know families are grieving.  It is hard to celebrate in the midst of suffering, and yet, we can find strength and joy (which is not the same as happiness) in the company of God.  In times of need, I have been so grateful to those friends and family who have been there for me.  In my pain and sadness, their company did not take it away, but it sure made it more bearable.  God did not create us for isolation.  And even when we are alone, he is with us.  May you find comfort in him today.

Readings:  Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Revelation 9:1-21; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 30:10

"Two things I ask of you, O Lord... 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 30:7-9

I am challenged by the second request of this text.  It's not that I want riches, though I think I'd probably like to be tested in that way... It's not that I fear losing sight of God if I were rich or poor.  I'm challenged because if I were to be granted two wishes, I don't know what they would be.  The two requests this proverb writer gives shows wisdom far beyond mine.

So if you had two wishes, what would they be?

Readings:  Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 30:7-9

"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." -- Revelation 7:16-17

 A timely passage for the events of this time, wouldn't you say?

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

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord." -- Psalm 134:2

Today, it is hard to sing praise to the Lord, for yesterday we were struck by the grim reality that sick people can do horrific things.  In Connecticut, innocent children and teachers lost their lives and many are questioning how God could allow such things to happen.  While I do not claim to understand the ways of God, I do believe we have freedom to walk in step with God or turn and go a different way.  The murderous act that happened yesterday was not an act of God.  It was an act done separate from God, for God is Love, and that was not an act of love.  If you wish to know where God was in all of that, look at the response from the countless people who care and weep with those who are grieving. look at the love that is pouring out toward those whose lives are wrecked by this.  If you are asking "where is God in this," then you will find it not in the act, but in this case, the response.  How are you responding?  Pray for them today.

Readings:  Micah 1:1-4:13; Revelation 6:1-17; Psalm 123:1-3; Proverbs 30:1-4

"The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. -- Jonah 1:1-3a

This is one of the greatest stories in all of Scripture.  Jonah is called by God to step out of the familiar and into the wild.  The people of Ninevah were despised by Jonah, and he could not bring himself to obey God and love those people.  And so he tried to hide from God by fleeing and stowing away on a ship headed in another direction.  It's an ancient tale, but it's a tale for today.  We are called by God each day to deal with people we don't like in a way that would honor him, and like the children we are, we just don't want to.  So we turn away from them, and turn away from God, and set out to live our life by our own terms.  Before long, we find ourselves isolated and cold, as if in the belly of a whale.  Life is just so much better when we live for God's purposes over our own.

Readings:  Jonah 1:1-4:11; Revelation 5:1-14; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 29:26-27

"The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." -- Obadiah 1:15

It is a centuries-old truth:  what goes around comes around... or is it what comes around goes around?  Either way, it's a form of karma-- do good and good happens to you.  If you want a friend, be a friend... but reality is that we can be good all the time, and still bad things can happen.  Our behavior is not a prescript for the experiences of our life.  People who do bad things still get to live lives good people only dream about.  So what gives?  Here's the thing:  it's not a zero-sum game.  You can be good, righteous, and loving, and still bad things can happen to you, yes.  But when you do these things, they're done in the context of relationship.  When you feed relationships with love, support, and encouragement, you teach others to show love, support, and encouragement as well.  When everyone does that together, when bad things happen, people rally together and help each other through.  If you live a life of hate, harming others in your path, when bad times come, who will be there for you?  Yes, you can be good and still have bad things happen, but there is truth in the notion of reaping what you sow.  So do unto others, because they will do unto you one way or another.

Readings:  Obadiah 1:1-21; Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 29:24-25

"You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!" -- Revelation 3:15

These words might seem harsh.  They speak to the usefulness of a people.  John was writing to the church in Laodicea, and he knew the place.  It was situated geographically in such a way that its water supply was lukewarm in temperature.  Cold water refreshes and hot water cleanses, but lukewarm water isn't good for much.  They were a rich people and secure in their minds.  So they are challenged to change it up a bit.  I suppose the prophet's job has always been to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.  This is what John was doing here... trying to afflict the comfortable into action.  

It takes us time to establish routine.  For some, it takes years of effort and pain.  Once we reach our spot of predictability, maybe it's time to shake it up a bit.  Don't ever get comfortable in your serving and growing in God.  You won't arrive, and I believe God would have us continually move his purposes ahead in time.

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