Matthew 20-22

Ok - I haven't been faithful in this at all and even Rach's prayer this morning was so convicting...thank you Lord for accountability like hers. Let me never rely on it for motive or reasoning, but let me pursue your face because its your face...

20.11 - why do we grumble at the grace we receive when we see others receiving it too? Does that cheapen the grace we get or do I just think I'm better and should receive it?
20.33 - something so simple - "Lord, let our eyes be opened". Wow - what a statement of simple faith and immediate reward.
22.12 - Thank you for being my wedding garment! :)

The Rest of Matthew on Christmas Day, 16-19, pt 1

Starting with Chapter 16
16.23 - Boy, Peter goes from the Rock to Satan - Faith and perseverance to protection...
16.26 - What does it look like to gain the whole world and forfeit LIFE? Lord, teach me how I do that everyday.
17.13 - We often ask for signs and wonders and then when they happen we do not recognize them. The Jews have asked for a Savior - but now that He has come - they do not recognize Him because He isn't exactly what THEY wanted. Help me to see what YOU do for Your glory and npt get it mized up with what I want.
17.17 - You have to think Jesus would get a little tired of faithless people. He had been with the same people this whole time and yet to think they still didn't know Him or believe in Him

Matthew 13-15

I can read at my own pace now till the end of the year because they allowed for some "catch up" days. Good thing - I've gotta read Matthew
13.16 - Thank you for your free gift of hearing ears and seeing eyes.
13.44 - What a great verse. he isn't reluctant to go and give up what he has to gain something better - he is joyful about it.
13.58 - If only they believed
14.13... - Jesus had just heard about the death of John the B, but the people wouldn't leave him alone - so he had compassion on them. I wouldn't want to minister - I would want my introvert time. flying pigs, Lord, flying pigs
14.30 - He looked at the wind and not Jesus - the Master of the Wind
15.8-9 - i know this is true of me sometimes, Jesus. Purify those times and help them to be never, but if sin arises - few and far between. Lord, let me focus on you and not the other things around worship.
2 Feeding stories - they all ate and were satisfied - Jesus is our portion - a constant friend is he - his eye is on the sparrow - and I know he watches me.

Dec 17 - 1 and 2 Thess

I gotta quit playing catch up and get on to todays - will read Matthew the rest of it, tomorrow.
1.5 - The people were chosen - power and conviction. No conviction takes places where the Spirit hasn't moved yet.
2.6 - May that be the case with me - never seeking glory from people - but only from you.
2.13 - May this also be for my ministry - may they never see the words that I speak as from me - but may they see them as your words - (if that be the case).
4.7 - For God has called us to purity - holiness - for Himself
4.18 - Encourage each other in these words - the coming of the Lord - should not bring fear or confusion from Christians - but encouragement.
5.21 - Test everything - hold fast to what is good. (Bruce)
5.23 - Peace - santification
1.3 - Just what Paul told them to do in the first letter - has happened in the second letter - obedience to the message of God to them.
2.16 - Very much like Rom 8.32

More in Matthew

10.34... - you have to be above the people we look to for authority in our lives. As someone wise said..."who is in control of your life...God or your parents?"
11.25... - How easy God is...but oh how hard. We try to do things on our own and He just wants us to rest in Him.
12.15... - Chosen, beloved, Spirited, victory and hope - Jesus
12.34 - OUt of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Oh Jesus fill my mouth with words that are coming from my heart. Only let edifying and enriching things come out of my mouth - even things that are the truth. If they tear down they don't need to be said. I want to be of those who free the captives and bring hope to the hopeless.

More catching up with Matthew

It feels good to read again just for me and come through a time of set aside prayer and reading and worship in intercession for other people. REnewal comes through that like no other - fantastic and mysterious.
5.6 - what do I hunger and thirst for? Am I wanting other things to fill me?
5.13 - What do I do in every day life that causes me to lose my saltiness? Sleeping and eating too much - not paying enough attention to worship, disciplines, and the Word?
6.1 - How guilty I am of this often - when I worship - O Lord let my grace gifts be given to you and you alone
6.7 - Let my prayers be genuine - let my whole outward relationship with you be evidenced by the inner walk - not for show
6.10 - No authority here on earth can stop your will - we pray and claim that whatever your will is it will be done here on earth!
6.17 - Thank you for rewarding with your presence and Words from your Word
7.8 - Everyone who asks receives...what good promise!
7.11 - How much more? Thank you for being so far above us!
7.29 - He didn't need the authority of the scribes - He is the authority. All authority starts and ends with Him!
8.10 - Oh what a look at distant faith. To be like that - praised for the faith that is only given by grace.
8.19-22 - We think we are often so willing, yet when it comes down to it we really aren't. O Lord let me be willing to follow you wherever you might lead
8.26 - Why are you afraid and where is your faith?
9.9 - Another display of unhesitating obedience. True obedience.
9.29 - According to your faith - oh give me more grace that I can have more faith that you are going to complete your will here on earth.
9.38 - Pray earnestly!

Some catching up from Matthew

Matt 1 - How God uses our inadequacies and sins to bring about his plans. And Joseph - all he probably wanted to do was to settle down and have a nice little carpenter's life...imagine what he got himself into.
2.2 We saw his star - the one he spoke into existence, now they come to worship the creator born baby King
2.10 - Rejoiced exceedingly with great joy - do you think perhaps they were excited?
3.11 - Why don't I ever think I am that unworthy - not even to carry his sandals. But I think I'm worthy enough to sing his praises and teach his Word
4.2 - Did that mean he wasn't hungry during the 40 days and I can't even go 38 hours without being hungry? Again, fasting is only a tool...not the end to grace.
4 -end - When JEsus said go - these men left everything and followed Him. They didn't ask other people or want other's opinions - they went. May God command loudly!

Catching up - Dec 2-5

Ok - so this will be quite a long blog. With company - I didn't have my laptop right with me all the time, so I just read random stuff and not the plan. HEre we will finish up 2 Chron, James and some of Matthew.

30.8 - Yield, consecrate, serve - so that the anger and wrath of the Lord may be far from us. do not be stiffnecked - that is what he often referred the people of Israel too. Let me be yeilding to him.
30.12 - Humble and one heart. Wholeheartedly seeking after what God wants and not what we want.
31.21 - Seeking the Lord with all his heart - he did what he did and prospered - the way to true success
32.8 - Even against massive armies - the Lord was with the victor
33.10 - God - if and when you speak to me - help me not to pay no attention, Help me to listen and obey
34.2 - Diligence in doing right
34.31 - Josiah's covenant: walk after the LORd, keep his commandments, testimonies and statutes, with all he was, and to perform what the Lord said
35.7 - the king sacrificed for the people
James 1.4 - So the more trials we have the more steadfast, complete, and perfect we will be?
1.5-8 - Make M stable in all her ways - trusting in you to give her what she asks. GIve her wisdom because she asks for it.
1.17 - a small glimpse of unchanging love - there is no variation or shadow due to change
1.27 - we always forget this part - to keep oneself unstained from the world. That is included in true religion
2.10 - Edmund in Narnia
2.23 - believed an obedience - called a friend of God

2 Chron 25-28 - DECEMBER!!!

25.2 - He did what was right - but not with a whole heart. How this often charactizes my doing right. Lord - help my motives to be pure!
25.15 - Oh, just 13 quick verses - he goes from doing right to setting up gods. Make my heart pure and purify me where I am not prone to set up other gods.
26.16 - AGain, time elapses and we get stronger and then we tend to look toward ourselves. Lord - make me weak in and of myself that I might not grow strong in who I am or what gifts you have given me, but that I would look to you and what you have done and who you are!
28.22 - in times of distress or stress or hard times, let me not grow more faithless, but grow more faithful and look to you and know you even more through the pain.

2 Chron 21-24, the end of November and fall...

You are faithful even when my mind can't wrap around all your complexities of perfection and grace
21.13-15 - There are definitely consequences to our sins. For the wages of sin is death.
24.7 - Even to the extent of what Melissa said tonight - God's presence is within us and not just within a temple now. So, we do the same things that they did here. We use the things dedicated to the Living God to baals and worship them within our bodies.

Nov 29

Well, I can't very well look at other people's blogs without looking at God's blog even before blogs were cool. PRess on - be obedient. God rewards those who seek Him!
16.9 - God supports the blameless - even when the going gets tough!
16.12 - Even when people are most desperate for God they seek healing elsewhere - when they need ultimate healing - thank you Roger Bennett!
18.4 - Wanted to know what the Lord said before doing anything
20.12 - we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. - what a great declaration for all of God's people when the times don't seem so sure
20.22 - Oh what singing and praising do - here it allowed God to show u - it brought God to move in a way we could see. Let us act and see again!

Nov 28 - Enrich my understanding

And my passion for the Word - even the Chronicles...
12.1 - Why is it when we get strong - then we kind of start to live on our own and get weak again?
12.14 - Let me seek the Lord with my whole heart - that I might not do evil. When I seek after other things - even my own strength - that's when I go wrong...
14.11 - Let that be our prayer - we are weak without you - like Paul says - in our weaknesses you are strong. Let us go into battle against Durham and the evil in it behind you - not behind the name of the summit
15.7 - I prayed this for Indonesia - let me remember to pray this for Brad and Miles and also for Thailand - that our work will be rewarded because of WHO leads it.
15.16 - Not even family can keep you from serving the Lord!
The peaceful reign of Asa because his heart was true to the Lord

Continuing in the chronicles...

Alright - I admit - these readings have been hard and I am ready to get out of the chronicles - but I know they are there for a reason and God will prove His Word faithful!
Help me to always listen to wise counsel - not like Solomon's son did. I want to do what you want me to do - but let me listen to the wise people you put in my life. Let me always listen to you in the end though!

Nov 25, 26 - End of 1 - to the 2

1 Chron 29.9 - The people rejoiced because they had freely given to the Lord - the Lord loves a cheerful giver!
2 Chron 5.14 - The priests couldn't even minister because the glory of the Lord was so close in on them. oh, that we would experience your presence in that very way - that we wouldn't even be able to sing our songs because you would be so THICK!
2 Chron 6.40 - I would pray the same thing for the Summit...let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer of this place...
2 Chrons 7.14 - They have just bowed down in worship to the Lord because they have seen the cloud in the temple, then the Lord says this...then he will do what they have asked him in 6.40

Thanksgiving Day Post - 1 Chron 23-27

Thankful for: technology to keep up with all my friends and family, before that of course - the precious and irreplaceable cross of Christ, the mercy of the Lord, prayer, the WORD, The Summit, my family, my mentors Billy and Phyllis, jobs and health, football, hot water and a roof over my head that hasn't been destroyed, the freedom to preach Christ and Him born and crucified, for the knowledge and grace of God that saved me while I still an enemy to him, way before I was even born, music, worship, a worship leader that loves JEsus, a pastor that loves the Word, friends who love me and correct me when needed, a chance to love college girls and teach them the Word of God, a chance to go over the world and share the gospel and love on my friends, the hope of glory Christ - living in me, the Holy Spirit, being created in God's image, my education, cooking abilities, a Mom and Dad who love Jesus, a brother and sis in law who love Him too. And many other things...

Before Thanksgiving post - 1 Chron 19-22

19.13 - May the Lord do what seems good to HIm. We know that you work all things to the good of those who love you! Thank you!
21.8 - The heart of repentance: admitting what you have done is wrong, asking for removal of the sin and consequences of it, knowing you have done wrong.
21.13 - I would never have chosen the battling with the Lord because He is so much stronger than anyone, but David here chooses it because His mercy is so great! Oh, let me live in the mercy of the Lord.
21.15 - El Roi
22.13 - You will be successful if you are careful to obey the Word of the Lord.
22.19 - Set your heart and mind before the Lord. Mind is to what we think about and heart is what we yearn for - oh heal and correct both of those!

Nov 22, 1 Chron 15-18

I do not have a good attitude toward the Word right now. I'm in a boring book and I have put it off till I am tired and wanting to go to bed. Lord - change my heart to where I yearn for this book in every season. That I don't have a dry season, but daily want to be in this book so I can hear from you.
15.13 - The Lord's anger came upon them because they didn't seek His way of doing things...let me always seek you in how I should do everything...
15.29 - when others who have not experienced the Lord see us rejoicing in Him - they don't like us very much. Just like Michal didn't like her husband very much when he was making a "fool" out of himself.
16 - All the ways that David praised the Lord: giving thanks, calling on His name, proclaiming His deeds, singing, telling of what He has done, giving glory to Him, remembering what He has done, remembering his covenant, singing, telling, declaring to the nations, ascribing, bringing an offering, worshipping, tremble, rejoice, be glad, plead with God, bless the Lord
16.25-28 - what great things and true things to say about the Lord!
171.12 - Oh how disappointed David must have been when Nathan came and told him that he wasn't going to build the temple. How would I feel if God told me I wasn't to do something great for Him that I thought I was going to do?

I Chron 11-14

1Chron 11.9 - His strength and power and rule came because God was with him.
1 Chron 13.9-14 - There is a sense and fear and glory when it comes to God. David failed to have both and left the ark outside the city - so the other city got blessed by the presence of the Lord.
1 Chron 14.14 - Always pray about everything, because God may have different plans for different times - all to bring glory to Himself.

So, the blog has been lonely

Here is am playing catch up. Tired on Friday morning, slept in to go to the mtns on Saturday morning, and tired to get up for worship on Sunday morning. But God knew what I needed and allowed halfway through worship my headache to not play a factor and I came into communion with Him - good Scripture readings...still not totally true in my life. So, these are for the last two days and today...back to normal tomorrow. I'm glad this crazy schedule is only for 2 months!
140.13 - Stay with the upright - let me be righteous in my actions, made righteous by you!
141.2 - Evening sacrifice and incense...both things are to the alter. Made of things to give up - my prayers and my hands in surrender to you.
141.8 - But my eyes are toward you - let me look to see what you are doing and go there - not look elsewhere.
143.6 - Reaching to touch you, to be quenched by your everflowing water!
144.1-2 - See, that is just what we sang this morning - remembering the goodness of your Name and protection.
145.3 - His greatness is unsearchable - we can't even begin to know it?
146.3 - Don't put your trust in a son of man in whom there is no salvation.
147.1 - A song of praise is fitting and pleasant - oh then why don't I do it more often!
149.4 - He takes pleasure in His people - He takes pleasure and joy in us!
1 Chron 4.10 - Oh the randomness of the prayer of Jabez - this is what his name means, pain. But he asks this in the midst of the long list of names from all the generations. I know that your Word is completely useful and perfect, but this long list of names, I have yet to see the full use of - but I will continue to grow!
1 Chron 9.2 - Their captivity was because of their lack of faith - oh, don't let our faith wain.
1 Chron 10.13-14 - Saul died because of his sin - seeking the stars for guidance and not Him and not having faith in the Lord. Even in the OT we see that sin leads always to death.

Nov 17, Ps 134-139

Thinking and dwelling on the Word in the morning - what a concept
134 - Again, blessing Lord with our lifting up of hands and our steadfastness. If I could just ever get a full concept of what that means...
135.3 - Sing to Him because He is beautiful - more than anything else here on earth (or in Heaven) Ps 73
135.13 - Your name and your renown endures throughout all generations and nations. Oh, I get to be a part of that by taking your fame to the world.
138.2 - His Word is exalted along with His name. That shows the importance of knowing and reading His Word.
138.8 - Lord, whatever that purpose is you have for me, I know you will fulfill it. Give me a glimpse of it I pray, that I may see the earthly purpose you are going to have for me. But, I continue to trust in you for direction each day.

Back to the Psalms (126-133), Nov 16

Busy day, but thank you for waking me up and getting me in the Word!
126.2 - May this be a statement for those of us going to Thailand. That we would be filled with laughter and joy over you and the joy of your presence in our lives - that in turn all the nations will see that the Lord has done great things for us!
127.2 - Let me not do this getting up early in vain - for me, but to spend it with you. May I also get to bed early some time whenever would be nice!
130.3,4 - Thank you for forgiveness of sins and grace to be favored by you.
130.5 - Let me only put my trust inyou. I know about you through your Word - your true perfect Word that shows me who you are!

Nov 15, End of Hosea

12.6 - Only by the help of God can we do this...love, justice, and be patient for Him. We can't do it with our whoredom spirit within us if we live according to the flesh - oh, but today may I walk in the Spirit.
13.6 - in our fullness we forget you. oh God make us empty.
14.9 - Let me know and walk in your ways.

consider our harlotry

9.1 - We don't even consider our harlotry and we rejoice like we are faithful when we get money from other gods.
9.17 - I don't want to be rejected because of my faithfullessness. Let me come and come by JEsus and hold to JEsus and be faithful to JEsus.
10.12 - This was my yearly verse about 10 years ago now i guess..."for it is the time to seek the Lord that he may come and rain righteousnes upon you." Oh come make me more like you. Rain it down.
10.13 - We are sinful when we trust in our own ways to lead and sustain us.
11.4 - Even in this - the Lord is gracious and will bend down to lead me.
11.9 - He is the Holy One in our midst...what a great promise - let us live like it.
11.11 - "I will return them to their homes..."

Filth

Again, to continue in this realistic book on my life even with Christ today.
5.4b - For the spirit of whoredom is within them... - Oh but God you have put your New Spirit within me - the Holy Spirit - may I walk in Him daily and not walk in the flesh - may I live and walk with you - so that I might be able to deny the spirit of the flesh, spirit of whoredom that is within me if I am not within you!
5.11 - Because he was determined to go after filth - why are we so determined to go after things that aren't of you. I know I am. Break me of my rebellious spirit - Rise up within me breath of God and kill my determination.
5.15 - Oh please Lord do not make my life a distress before I turn back to you and leave my sins and press hard into your face, to get the imprint of your face on mine -
6.1-3 - Returning to you is painful - but ultimately it is healing. Oh, let me have grace and mercy so I can press on to know You - intimately.
6.6 - Not singing and bringing grain - S&S song
7.14 - Again it is all about show - let it be in the heart with me and our church as a whole. May we not worship you for show or because we are the Summit - but may we cry and be broken in our hearts because we are children of you who have been bought with a high price - not piddly pinnance from our pimps.

Fave OT book

Oh, I'm so excited about reading this - what a joy! It'll be hard to not write too much, but I guess it doesn't really matter
1.2-3 - What an odd request of the Lord. Go do something that I have told you not to do - commit adultery - that is what his wife did. Then, Hosea doesn't do anything but go and obey. He had such a good relationship with God that he didn't question even the oddest of tasks.
1.4-9 - What a thing...these kids had to go throughout their whole life knowing the forsakeness of God everytime their name was called by someone.
2.16 - May I have and long for that intimate relationship with you and not the legalistic only relationship with you.
2.19-20 - These are things that a harlot wouldn't know - steadfast love, mercy, righteousness, faithfulness - yet this is what God offers.
2.23 - Oh how cool it is that God changes our names
4.10 - We are not satisfied because we try to fill ourselves with things that won't and aren't intended to satisfy. Like the Caedmon's song - "you created nothing, that gives me more pleasure than you."
4.12 - They have left their God (faithful love, mercy, steadfastness, righteouness) to play the whore - fear, rejection, usage, cheapness

Nov 11 - Veterans Day, Ps 120-125

120.2 - Deliver me from sin - lying and deceit
121 - What a great Br0oklyn Tab song!
122.7 - Maybe not exactly what is meant here - but let peace reign in our community in the body of the Summit. Especially come Monday night.
124.8 - Our help is in the name of the Lord - let us call on it at all times (not just in times of distress)

the Long and the short of it

The shortest chapter of the Bible and the longest chapter of the Bible - I guess that makes us even!
And I am finding I'm much more excited about being in the Word in the morning - that is probably a freshness of a new day, no old thoughts on the day just spent - not being tired - having a fresh mind to the Word. Help me to get up in the mornings and pour in to the Word and your Presence to last me all day - to commune and be intimate with you.
118.5 - Distress needs freedom. Set us free. Set me free from perfectionism, impressing others, striving for others' approval, weight and food worries and issues, and many other things that hold me in bondage to the things of this world.
118.6 - Rom 8.31
118.18 - Disciplined - but not death. Sometimes we feel that way, but His discipline leads to life. without it we have none.
Since this is a psalm all about the Word - this is what it says about it:
1. we are blameless if we follow in it
2. we are blessed if we keep it
3. If I keep my eyes on it, I will not be put to shame
4. I can pure if I obey it
5. I can be wholehearted
6. If I store your Word, I won't have the tendency to sin
7. you are my teacher
8. I can delight and meditate in it and it will never lose its luster or wonder
9. Make my eyes closed to other things and open to it
10. Can I be consumed with your word and not with other things at all times - but not like the pharisees and/or scribes
11. I already have the best counselor and he doesn't cost 100$/hour
12. The Word is a great teacher (because of the Holy Spirit)
13. The Word is a stronghold in my life and the strength of it - the words of my Savior
14. Wholity of heart - that isn't even a word - being wholehearted
15. "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways."(37)
16. Let me find delight in your word and nothing else of the things this world offers
17. Good judgment and knowledge - things we long for in this world - come from knowing your Word.
18. Again, not a divided heart.
19. Let me be a person who hopes in your Word (even if it is the SS answers)
20. No matter what persecution I go through here on this earth - let me hope in the promises of your Word.
21. More understanding - more meditation.
22. Accept my worship and teach me your law - all in the same verse
23. Let me pant for your water -be dry and thirsty for your Word.
24. (133) Let no iniquity get dominion over me - oh, let this be true and right in my life.
25. May I weep for the people who do not keep your commandments
26. May I be more excited about your Word than I am with finding a great deal or a great book or a great recipe or hearing a great song

psalm of wonder

111.1 - with a whole heart. Kind of like unite my heart to fear your name...
111 - What a great psalm of wonder of many of God's attributes: great, splendor, majesty, righteousness, gracious, merciful, provisional, lovingkindness, powerful, giving, faithful, just, eternal, faithful, upright, redeeming, holy, awesome, feared, praiseworthy.
112.1 - Mirrors many other psalms, but 1.1-5 especially
112.7 - Even when we get bad news, may we be firm in the Lord and trust that you have everything in control.
114.7 - The whole earth will tremble! He is the maker of it all!
115.1 - As I sing the Tomlin song - may that be the way I live my life today - everyday
115 - Starts out with all this done to God's glory - give Him praise. Then he goes on to tell us what he is going to do for us - all for his glory!

hungering for the Word

I love the psalms - thank you for including them in your Word!
107.5 - we were hungry and thirsty - yet look at us now. Able to be completely filled and saturated with the Word, the Spirit, the Bread of Life, the Living Water...I could go on...
107.9 - Exactly what I said in the commentary above.
107.25 - He even commands the seas and oceans and they obey and listen to His voice (sound familiar to the gospels)
107.29 - Sound like something Jesus did - hmmm, could He be God - why yes He is!
107.43 - The wise is he who considers the steadfast love of the Lord!

God vs cows

I will bless the Lord at all times, at all times...I will bless the Lord. Thank you for those words this morning - help it to be true in my life.

104.2 - Caedmon's call
104.4 - He "ministers a flaming fire". This is one of the things that is listed as making Him great. What a concept - his ministering (which we always think of as positive) is listed with a fearful deadly thing of fire - his consuming fire-ness. Which ultimately is a positive thing, but not for our flesh.
104.13 - How the earth is even satisfied in what you do for her - how much more (Matthew) should we be satisfied with what you do for us?
105.1 - Worship, petitioning, missions - all in one verse - should say something about our lives?...
105.3,4 - What great verses to meditate on today (and everyday for that matter). Glory in His name - where our strength lies - then I will rejoice because I am glorying in His name and not my own. Seeking Him - looking for Him (and finding Him). Seeking and dwelling in His presence continually - always - and therefore living in His strength that He provides that is found in His presence.
105.40 - Bread in abundance, but only for the day. He made a law on it - needing it only to be given for the day and for them to obey and trust Him.
105.45 - He gave abundantly so they might obey and praise Him! So let me do in the abundance of my living...
106.5 - glory with your inheritance - not in which I what I would think...with...have to think on that preposition for a bit.
106.8 - You saved them to show your power - that is why you still save today - to show your power and your character.
106.20 - How silly that sounds...exchanged the glory of God for something that eats grass. If we looked at our "other" worship like that would we ever worship something besides God. Like the things we look at and have - the created things rather than the creator - the puny worthless things.
106.34,35 - Disobedience always leads to more disobedience.

fellowshipping

What a great Sunday - about sin and how it breaks our fellowship with a most holy God and singing about how that sin has been nailed to a cross - all of it - and how we can be friends of God - and go take that message to a world in desparate need of Him.
101.3 - The very thing JD was talking about this morning. Any worthless thing is anything less than God - He is worthy of our everything. Nothing should come between Him and us - and so often we are uncircumcised in heart and home.
102.18 -- Why kind of legacy will we leave - will a people yet created praise the Lord because of what they hear and see of us and our walk with God? Parents - what a legacy to your grandchildren!
103.3 - Who forgives all your iniquities - for us to do them no more!
103.5 - Who satisfied you with good - so you don't have to be not-satisfied with stuff that is not good.
103.13 - Just like the Father of Lights verse in the gospel - oh, the innerworkings of Scripture again!
Thank you for giving us the privilege to lavish blessings back to you - because you have given us so many! I bless your name, I give you honor, give you praise, you are the life, the truth, the way, I bless your name - I bless your name.

new name for durham

Here it is - the end of another major prophet

46.14 - This sacrificial worship is a perpetual statute. Even though we have Christ, we need to still obey the perpetual statute of sacrifice - daily dying to self and picking up our cross.
48.35 - Make that Durham's name - the Lord is there!

Facedown - Matt Redman

41.4 - He set out so many specifics for His Most Holy PLace - His dwelling place in the temple. Although He doesn't have a specific temple under the NEw Covenant - we meet in churches, He does have a temple for the holy Spirit and that is us and HE has set up specifics for that as well - that our bodies are temples. God help me to recognize my body as your body and it is your temple for you to dwell in.
43.3-5 - Ezekiel's reaction to seeing the glory of the Lord fill the temple - he fell face down at the glory of the Lord - out of respect and negation of self - out of homage and surrender. Oh how I wish you compelled me to do that more often - not out of sign to other people and not that I would do it out of show, but out of knowing and being in your glory.
44.4 - AGain, the reaction of Ez to the glory of the Lord - falling face down. We see that so often in Scripture - why isn't it more visible in our worship today?
44.28 - The Lord is their possession, their inheritance - they need nothing else.

Nov 3, Ez 37-40

37.6 - Cause the dead things (the parts of me that are dead to you and callous and dry) to come alive with the presence of you, your Word, your Spirit. Let them live - all of me - that I might know you
37.14 - I will put my Spirit within you and you shall live - I am the Lord and I will do it. He is true to His Word and He will act and do what He says He is going to do. Thank you for being faithful and breathing in us when we are dead to you.
37.27-28 - I will cleanse them - they shall live in me - then the nations will know that I am the Lord. Oh JEsus we need to be clean! Pray that you will work in the lives of the people going to Thailand right now that we will be cleaned of things in our lives that will hinder the Word of your Truth going out among the people of Chiang Mai.
38.23 - The terror of his holiness - but then they will know that He is the Lord
39.24 - Oh do not let us sin that you would hide your face from us. Pray that we would live in your presence that we would know the heat of your face.

Great Anticipation, Nov 2, Ez 33-36

What great chapters i get to read this morning. I'm looking forward to it, but help the old parts to be new to me this morning...
33.8 - we have the responsibility (even as Paul did in Rom 9.1) to tell others because we know the end outcome. They don't. We need to make them aware of it.
33.11 - God wants no evil one to perish. Mercy and justness...two go hand in hand. He asks them why will you die? When there is so great a salvation?
33.13 - It says the righteous shall live by faith, not by his own righteousness. Let me never lean toward the things I do for my salvation.
34.15 - Parallels Ps 23
36.21- He had concern for His holy name - jealous. He will not let it be suffered.
36.22 - He has to correct for his sake the things we have done to profane his name - just to to ourselves and our people, but among the nations.
36.23 - When through you I vindicate my holiness...what in the world does that mean? Mission trips or discipline - or perhaps both?
36.27 - New Spirit...walk in His ways...careful to obey rules and statutes. Galatians and walking by the Spirit
36.29 - And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. What a good promise.
36.32 - He again wants to remind us that He is not acting for our sake - but for his sake. Just in case we get prideful and think He is acting for us. Even with things at the SUmmit - you are acting for your Name. Help us not to get in the way - but let you act. Drive out the sin among us for your great name.
36.36 - A promise for Durham?
36.37-38 - Increase our numbers so that we can be sheep - be willing to lay our lives down for God and the people that He has given us. What an odd thought, but it is the cost of discipleship - something I have not read before. Help that to be true.

Yippy - November, Ez 29-32

29.9 - May we never think that anything that God has given us is ours. The Summit, work, money, friendships...
30-32 - The destruction of Pharoah - why? Because He has not known or given due to God - and God will do this so he will know the Lord God. Phil 2 11 - one day every knee will bow - so you might as well just do it now.

Oct 31, Ez 25-28

I'm so thankful that today, on All Hallow's Eve - that you reign in the world and that nothing goes on without you knowing about it!
25.14 - And people say that God is love (and that is all), but these three words: anger, wrath, vengeance...don't sound very loving...they are disciplining words...but I guess that is love in the long run...
26.13 - Even the music will be stopped...when the people don't worship and love God only.
28.2 - Often times it isn't even other things that i make a god in my life - it is me. Here it is says that they made themselves gods - doing what they wanted to do - worshipping themselves. Lord, let me not follow after my heart and know what i want out of life - let me follow after you, ask, believe, and obey you and not myself - so that i may know your favor.

Oct 30, Ez 21-24

21.17 - His fury is righteous and just. He set the standard and we do not follow it. We can never say that God is unjust or unfair in anything He does, because everything we get is grace.
23.49 - Again, we don't have to bear the sin of our adultery - Jesus did it for us. And thus we shall know that the Lord is God.
End of 24 - He took away their pride - where they worshiped. He doesn't want us to worship where we go to church (Summit) but he wants us to worship Him. There is such a vast difference!

your Beauty was perfect

A lot of reading today - must have read it wrong yesterday or a mis print - oh well.
16.14 - For your beauty was perfect through the splendor that I bestowed upon you. I do wish physically I could live up to that, but I can't - oh, please help!
16.15 - Oh, but if I had just read the next verse. Oh, never let me trust in my own beauty. That is what I do when I am thin. That doesn't mean I can't be thin - but let me trust in you no matter how long my hair is, what I weigh, what size I wear - or how good of a teacher I am - never let me trust in my self instead of you and play the harlot!
16.28 - Playing the whore doesn't satisfy...nothing will besides you. I try so often to fill it with other things and it just isn't going to help - only you will satisfy every desire that I have ever had and ever will have because that is how you created me
16.31 - I would never consider myself a harlot because I won't take payments. Who cares?? Than I am just being reckless with my heart and going after every thing looking to be loved. I have the best husband at home!
16.32 - Again, read the next verse!
16.60 - What a powerfu little word...yet.
16.62 - That you may know me!
16.63 - When I atone for all that you have done. Every time I play that harlot - that is the sin that has been covered by the eternal covenant that my God made with me when He sent JEsus.
18.23 - God takes no delight in the death of the wicked - but wants all men to come to repentance.
18.32 - So turn, and live - REPENT! Do do wicked things.
20.6-7 - He has given us the most beautiful land anywhere. yet we choose idols and play the harlot - but he wants us to know him because of who He is.
20.9 - He acts because He is jealous for His name. He did not want it to be profaned then - nor now.
20.12 - The Sabbath is use to sanctify. use that in my life!
20.26 - Why does he provide and why does he judge - so that we may know Him for who He is
20.32 - why do we want to be like other nations - whorring after other gods, worshipping wood and stone when we have a living God?
20.38 - By discipline you will know that I am the Lord your God who has brought you out of your sin.

Oct 28, Ez 13-15

Thank you jesus - my thoughts were his morning, what do i get to read. Thank you for energy and awakeness!
13.1-7 - It is a risky thing to prophecy. To know that you are saying something the Lord has said - you better be knowing that it is from Him. Thank you that we have the Word - we know what you have said. Give me your Word when i need to help someone - not my own.
13.8 - Opposite of Rom 8.31 - "If God is for us, who can be against us?" BUt, if God is against us because we sin in His name - than everyone's against us - just like the other nations came upon Israel.
overall - 13 - you shall know that I am the Lord God.
14.6 - What a great verse for looking at sin!
14.11 - This is the rest of verse 6 I feel like.
15.the end - Don't make our land desolate because we have sinned against you. I guess I should put that the way it should be. Don't let us sin so that we might live in front of you!

At My House

9.6 - "Begin at my house" Lord - I pray that you would start (really continue) to reform Durham and bring your glory here by starting at your house. Convict sin where it is in us - your Body. Its not easy to pray - but Lord do it. There is no question of who - everyone. Everyone needs your discipline because we are your children being sanctified every day.
11.10 - Out of judgment comes knowledge.
11.12 - Even in our disobedience - we will come to know that the Lord is God
11.19-21 - Let me be pliable in your hands - ready to do what you want me to do. If I get cocky Lord knock me down off my high horse. Because instead of knowing me, I want to know you. Instead of other's knowing me or any of the gifts you've given me, I want them to know you and only you.
12.28 - Perform it Lord - whatever it might be. Because we know that whatever you will say is exactly what we need to hear: as individuals, a body, as evangelists, as prophets, as worshipers. Thank you for still wanting to speak to us.

Little later this morning - Oct 26, Ez 5-8

I've been getting up early and starting the day praying with one of my friends, but I was disobedient this morning and stayed warm and therefore fell back asleep. But I like being in the Word before going to work.
5.8 - He will execute judgments for His great name - in their midst because they have disobeyed.
5.13 - Jealousy, glorious, wrath - all to satisfy Himself.
6.9 - Sort of reminds me of the Black Pearl - if they leave no survivors - who lives to tell of its fame? God wanted to leave some alive so they could tell of what He had done in their midst.
7.19 - No money is going to help in the throne room. nothing else will satisfy us - only God.
Judgment and they will know the Lord. No discipline and they will not know. Sounds like proverbs to me.

Oct 25, Another Major Prophet - Ez 1-4

When i saw that this was next I said yeah! I immediately thought of ch 36, but show me some other good stuff in this book.
1.28 - His response to seeing the glory of God (like so many others in the Word) - he fell face down, another right worship posture.
2.8-10 - Ez wasn't going to the nation of Israel with good, happy news. He was going with words of mourning. But, he was to eat - then share. God urged him not to be rebellious like the rest of that nation.
3.3 - These words of mourning tasted like honey to Ez. Just like Ps 19 says - let us treat the word of God as it is honey and sweet and get our fill of the word! (Just to be hungry for more).
3.15 - The task is often overwhelming - but we have a God who is bigger than the task at hand whatever it is!
3.27 - his mouth was shut unless he had a Word from God. God - let me speak wisely and words that are of you - and not just to hear myself talk.

Good morning - Oct 24, End of proverbs

28.5 - Help me to seek you and understand justice. Understand and know that I deserve hell and by your grace and for the glory of your name you chose in your wisdom to save me from eternal separation from you.
28.14 - Keep mine as a heart of flesh as brought to me only by you (Ez 36)
29.18 - Give us righteous prophets in our day - ones that will give us vision for the future, especially at the Summit as we continue to seek your face for where we are to go next.
29.20 - Make me stop and think before I talk: whether in my prayers, or in my interaction with girls, or in my interaction with outsiders (Col 4).
30.5 - Every WORD of God proves true - thank you for a faithful and exact Word that I know I can trust because of the One who spoke it.
30.32 - Since I have been foolish enough to praise myself in the past - I pray that you would cause my hand to go over my mouth when i feel like doing it again (29.20)
31.11 - What can I do now that would cause my husband to trust in me?
31.15 - Work this in me, don't let it always be a struggle - reward me with your presence while it is still night
31.25,26 - Give me wisdom, strength, and dignity - may they characterize me even now. There is some work to be done - or grace to be indebted to.

Oct 23 - Prvo 25-27

25.1 - What an odd statement - "it is the glory of God to conceal things." God gets more glory by not showing us everything in life that we WANT to know, and by only giving us the things that will lure us to trust him more in everything we do.
25.27 - It is not glorious to seek your own glory. How often I do that, say things that I have done or am doing just so I can get the praise from other people - most of the time it is people who don't even matter in the long run.
26.11-12 Already I have returned to my own folly, and I am not wise in my own eyes - but how much do I think I am.
26.17 - KEep me out of everyone else's affairs - I don't need to get in on them and I don't need to know everything that is going on everywhere.
27.6 - Deep accountability - that is what I long for and what I need. How I miss it here, thank you for giving me an sharpener, but I pray for a mentor.
27.9 - "Sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel" - thank you for few people in my life who will give me earnest counsel.

Oct 22, Prov 21-24

21.1 - Sovereignty
21.2 - Weigh my heart Lord in the decisions that you put in front of me to make.
21.3 - Right worship- Rom 12.2 - is worth more than all the blood in the world
21.4 - Sin is often times for me more inward than outward.
21.9 -help me to be a non-quarrelsome wife
22.6 - One of the verses I clearly remember because it was imprinted on our yearbooks one year at LCS
22.24-25 - You will pick up on the habits of those you hang out with - so choose your friends wisely.

Oct 22 - A day late - Habakkuk

2.3 - Everything - even the visions that He gives the prophets - come in their duely appointed time. God's timing is perfect.
2.14 - The cry and deliverance of the Lord - "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" They will know the preciousness of the Lord, not just the Lord himself.
2.20 - What a way to worship - "let all the earth keep silent before him."
3.17-19 - EVen when nothing else is going right - "yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation, God the Lord is my strength"

Oct 20, The end of 2 Kings

I really thought this day would be split - but I guess we are going to finish it today!
20.5 - The prayers of the righteous avail much - but they still act in accordance with the will of God. It isn't like God shifted plans when Isaiah prayed - He wanted to get the glory from adding years to Hezekiah's life.
21.3 - He not only left them standing but he built them when they had been torn down.
21.13 - Even dish washing is in the Bible
22.11 - Hearing of the Word made even a righteous king rent his clothes because he knew that he had failed the things written in it, but most importantly, he had failed the God who wrote it.
22.19 - God hears the humble and is close to the broken-hearted - even if we are broken over our sin.
23.3 - follow the leader.
25.29 - He was able to dine at the king's table. I'm so glad I have a place at the banquet table, not because I get an allowance for doing good things, but because "living he loved me, dying he saved me, buried he carried my sin far away, rising he justified, freed me forever, one day He's coming back, glorious day!"

Oct 19, 2 Kings 17-19

What a great night of prayer and praise and choir practice. Man, to look forward to the days of being in on Wednesday nights - or Chris moving it to another night. Monday nights are good, but oh, the power in there on Wed nights - thanks God. I know its the same power - but multiply by experience and number. Thank you for the break from teaching this week - even though I love it - thanks for letting me sing "you're everything to me, more than a story, more than words on a page, of history, the air that I breathe, the water I thirst for, the ground beneath my feet, oh you're everything..." help that to be true.

17.7-23 - The exile of Israel was because they were idolators: sinned against God, feared other gods, walked in the customs of other nations, secret wrong things against the Lord, built high places in their towns, made offerings on the high places, provoked the Lord to anger, did wicked things, served idols, wouldn't listen and were stubborn, despised statutes and covenant, went after false idols and became false, followed nations around them, abandoned all the commandments of the Lord, made and worshipped metal images, burned children as offerings, witchcraft provoked the Lord to anger, led other nations astray.

17.33 - God has no competition and wants us to not have any in our lives.
17.41 - This is opposite the legacy that Chris was talking about tonight. But then Hezekiah comes in and starts a new legacy. Can't change the past, but can direct our future by following God and leading the way.
19.19 - The end is everything..."That all the kingdoms of the earht may know that you, O LORD, are God alone."

Oct 18 - 2Kings 13-15

Give yourself away...I'll give and I'll hold nothing...back
13.5,6 - God gave them a savior, but they didn't turn from their sin. Sound familiar? We have been given the SAVIOR and yet we still wallow in our sin - I wallow in my sin - all the time.
13.23 - Kindness and compassion on them based on his covenant - His eternal covenant which cannot be broken

Oct 17, nathan's b-day, 2 Kings 9-12

10.27 - What a thing to say...they made the house of baal a bathroom. According to the Word of the Lord no doubt, like the rest of this passage...
12.3 - Won't they ever learn to take down the high places so that no more sacrifices could be made?

Oct 16, 2 Kings 5-8

5.1 - Pain is no respector of persons (4Him song). Naaman was a great man, in high favor, mighty man of valor - BUT he was a leper.
5.11 - The cure is sometimes not what we would think - but what God wants to do is what matters.
5.14 - Obedience is something that must be done.
8.19 - God keeping in line with his prophecy and his promise

Oct 15 - Alan's B-day - 2 Kings 1-4

4.44 - The last few words of this section sums it all - according to the Word of the Lord. Whatever the Lord wills - will happen. No one can defeat His Word!

Oct 14, 1 Kings 20-22

20.4 - Even though this was said to a king, may I say it to my KING - "As you say, my lord, o King, I am yours, and all that I have." - Take my life, and let it be, always only for my king

Oct 13, 1 Kings 16-19

Just spent an amazing evening with a friend of mine who is a true sister in Christ, iron sharpening iron, convicting, edifying, sharing, loving, laughing...

16.31 - As if it was a light thing to walk in the sins of his father. Lord, it is never a light thing to walk in any sin...ANY sin! Make me remember that in everything I do. Rom 7.
17.24 - Lord, I don't want to have to raise the dead to make others see that you are with me. May it be even so that the people will know that the Word of the Lord in your mouth is truth. May people hear what comes out of my mouth and know that you live and are God!
18.21 - how long will you go limping between 2 opinions?...This is what the Lord says to me in many areas of my life: including strongholds that aren't him.
18.38 - Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering. May our lives be lived to you in a burnt offering, not for us, but so that others would know that you are God!
18.39 - Oh, what a response to the consummation!

Oct 12, 1 Kings 13-15

When you vocalize things, both to others and to God in prayer, it helps to ease the situation. God does use other people who are wiser than you to help clear things up! Surround yourself with godly counsel.
13.24 - Always obey even the simplest of commands from the Lord because there are consequences of our disobedience.
15.26 - The sins of the leader makes its way to the people. Respect and trust your leaders and make sure you pray for them and that they are walking after God (close after God).

Oct 11, 1 Kings 10-12

11.1-2 UhOh, in the end of 10 we see that many things would probably start to go to his head, and sure enough they do. He thinks he is smart enough to disobey God. That's what sin is.
11.2b "For surely they will turn away your heart after their gods." I think this goes for all idols. They usually turn us not only to themselves, but to something else that is a distraction.
11.36 - He had to keep this in order to keep with the promises and the prophecies. See, no one can thwart the plan of the Lord - even with sin.
12.24 - Obedience - plain and simple

Oct 10, 1 King 8-9

8.11 - Boy, wouldn't this be a "happy" problem: the priests couldn't minister because of the cloud - which was the glory and presence of the Lord. Oh, that we would have that very problem. That we wouldn't be able to stand in worship due to the presence of the KING in that place.
8.12 - "thick darkness" This is what it means to have God's presence of His holiness among us when we worship.
8.41 - 43 - Solomon prays that "when foreigners come" because they have heard of HIs greatness - then they will know you as God and fear you and your name. That is the reason for missions and worship!
8.58 - Good verse on God choosing us..."that He may incline our hearts to him." The rest of the verses talk about obedience and God being near to us, but this clearly says that Solomon is praying that God would incline - would bend - our hearts toward HIM!

Sunday, Oct 9, 1 King 4-7

Good day in worship. Many thoughts in my head throughout both of them. Thank you for the Word and its use in conviction, encouragement, and edification, and the pursuit of holiness.
4.29 - Solomon was so wise - he did ask for it and God gave in abundance - just as He said He would. "breadth of mind like the sands of the seashore" - the same analogy used to describe the offspring of Abraham (his descendants).
6.12 - "If then" God's logic statements. We often don't follow through on the "if" part.
6.38 - 7 years - the number of perfection. The House of the Lord took perfection to build.

Oct 8 Sticking with the OT - 1 Kings 1-3

This is a combination of two days - this weekend. I start a new book: 1 Kings.

1.4 - I guess you can lie in bed and not "biblically know" a woman. Go David - restraint, but also health reasons.
1.29 - Toward the end of his life, he can again count on the rescueing and faithfulness of God - "who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity."
1.40 - Wow, there was an earthquake due to the noise from the of the people when Solomon became king.
2.1-9 - David's dying remarks (last wisdom) to Solomon - his son: Be strong, be masculine, keep God's charge, walking in his ways, obeying his laws, walk before Him in faithfulness, act according to wisdom
3.28 - They knew even his justice to be founded on God's word.

Oct 7 - Catch up from having no computer - Ps 93-100

WEll, since I stayed at a friend's houe, I didn't have access to a computer, so I actually had to write it down on a piece of paper! (GASP!)
93.1 - The ending punctuation mark could have come after the first three words!
93.3 - Even the creation (every where we look ) worships you.
93.5 - Holiness befits (is at home, looks good, befits) your house.
94.10, 11 - He who disciplines the nations - does He not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge - the Lord - knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath - great verse - SELAH.
96.3 - Thailand is what we are called to do.
All this music - both from people and creation - that live in worship to God. Why do I find it difficult to do in my daily life: eating, working, talking, driving, spending, etc.

Oct 6, Ps 90-92

Finally, one on time!
90.12 - Be wise in knowing that the days are short - life has an eternal perspective.
90.14 - One of Piper's verses - Lord, Satisfy me, like I've been reading and learning - knowing that you are the only one who can do that, no matter how spiteful I get at people who have done me wrong or the blessings i don't have or the marriage i'm not in.
90.14-17 - Great verses to dwell on for Thailand - these are it:
Satisfaction comes from you and only you!
Rejoice and be glad!
Let your work be known to your servants (the missionaries and us) and to their children (as we are able to work with them)
We want the favor of the Lord!
Establish the work of our hands!

Oct 5 - Actually today's reading: Ps 87-89

88 - I wonder what this son of Korah was going through that he was so distraught - this definitely has to be a lament psalm. Oh that I may be like him when I get discouraged and downcast - lifting up my hands and my prayers to you instead of going to other people all the time.
89.11-13 - the very thing I taught on tonight - the sovereignity of God!
89.34 - I will not violate my covenant. This is God's staying true to Himself! This is why I like Him - He can't change, because that would mean that He isn't God!

Oct 5 - Ps 83-86 - Catch up #2

Keep right on going - Psalms are great - let me tell you!
83.16-18 - What great verses! All sorts of good things tonight: Shame us when we go against you so that we may seek your name. Consume us. Let us know you the God Most High over all the earth. Let that be our missions prayer as well!
84 - What a great psalm - even in song:
84.1 - Why do I think other things are so much lovelier than your dwelling place? I need and want to yearn to be in your presence. Create that desire in me!
84.10 - Only you can make this true in my life - oh how I pray this!
84.11-12 - These are our blessings: favor, honor, good things, sunlight and shield in danger, someone stable we can trust in! Let me walk in integrity!
85.2 - At the end of this verse about God forgiving our iniquity and covering our sins - it says to dwell on this thought. I can imaging the choirmaster and psalter singing this and then just pausing and standing there. But they didn't even have the full knowledge of Jesus yet - and I don't have it fully - keep pouring into my life till I see you Jesus - better is one day!
85.6 - Revive us to rejoice in You! When we are revived (brought back to fullness of life) than we will see our full joy and our pleasures forevermore!
86.11 - Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth, unite my heart to fear your name. May everything in me fear your name and know that you are GOD

Honey from a rock

Another day in the psalms. I just spoke on some of the psalms - but neither are these. Good books. JD used a well-known Lewis quote out of Reflections tonight at prayer meeting. Good stuff!
79.8-9 - He will not bring against us our sin and our guiltiness because we are under the blood of Christ His Son. That is His compassion. And why does He help us and bring to us salvation - "for the glory of Your name".
80.3, 7, 19 - "Restore us O God" by letting your face shine on us. Restoration comes through being in God's presence (like Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul).
81.8 - God is pleading with us to hear his admonishing - to hear Him when He disciplines us (those whom He loves). We will not get anything good from listening, serving, and loving other gods or things or idols, etc.
81.10 - He saved us in the past and we have reason to think that He would fail us now? Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. All in the midst of discipline and remembrance!
81.16 - Finest of the wheat, honey from the rock - I WILL SATISFY YOU! These are the best of things that He will give us and then He will satisfy us Himself! What a great promise - if I will hear and obey the ways of the Lord.
82.8 - God has all the nations! What a great missions promise! Judge the earth, but I pray, in your wrath - that you would remember mercy. I begin praying for Thailand right now - that you would begin judging our hearts, but preparing the hearts of the people of Chang Mai right now. You have set before time this trip and these people that you will allow us to minister to. Thank you for that - thank you for hopefully letting me be a small part of what YOU are going to be doing there.

October 4 - Psam 76-78

76.4 - Even better than His creation. Creation gives us a glimpse of what God's glory looks like (Rom 1).
78.7-8 - Even if I may never have kids of my own, let me always work and minister to teach the next generation of your goodness and glory, whether it be college kids or kid kids.
78.30 - Let me never get satisfied with my desires - let me only get satisfied with you, not your gifts.
78.72 - Let me lead with integrity of heart and skillfulness of hands - let me not slack!

Oct 4 - The Entire Book of Lamentations

This book was also written by Jeremiah - so he wasn't done telling the thoughts of the nation of Israel - but I'm sure it is the same old story.
1.3 - We can do whatever we want and chase after the wind (as Solomon says) but 'she has found no rest' - we will never rest and be completely satisfied in anything but Jesus.
Chapter 2 - the Words that tell of the anger of God when His people defile His name: anger, swallowed up, wrath was thrown down, he has cut off, burned like a flaming fire, bent His bow, slain all, poured out His wrath like fire, become like an enemy, swallowed up, destroyed, violently treated, despised, rejected, abandoned, determined to destroy, destroyed and broken. God is jealous for His glory!
Lam 3.21-26 - Recall and have hope in this. God loves me with a forever love. Lord is all I need. He is good to all those who wait and seek Him. Not for a husband - for salvation.
Good reminder of what I am teaching tomorrow night as well.

October 2, Catch #1 Again, End of Jeremiah

Finally, we are at the end of Jeremiah. What a good book. I've learned the more of what I know is toward the beginning and more of the stuff I don't is at the end. But, I love the prophets. We often think that the words that God spoke to men is only in the prophets, but all the writers of Scripture were prophets in their own way - because they all communicated what God said to them through the Spirit and put it on paper!
49.4-5 - Why do we trust in things we do (as a church, as an individual) - even the things we do well and in the name of God - can be stripped away. God work in spite of our good things. We pray that you would use them, but not to the degree that people start looking at us and not at YOU! Because you still have the power to strip away and burn up our treasures!
50.34 - Their Redeemer is strong, the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will surely plead their cuase. Oh, God, thank you for redeeming me. Please hear the cry of our church today and bring people today who need to see your glory, see your face, see You move in their lives - so that they may live, and so that further more - YOU may get all the glory.
51.15-16 - Creator and Sustainer - not like the deists (Jefferson).
52 - last verses. What a picture of grace. The prisoner released by the king, his prison clothes thrown off, and then he dined with the king the rest of his life - what a picture of our life saved by grace! :)

Sept 29, Jer 45-48

46.28 - God will not make a full end of us (salvation) but He will not let us go unpunished either (refinement, sanctification).
48.10 - Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord with slackness. God, give me an earnestness and a power and an unashamedness with with to do your work!

God's Isness

OK - finally, catching up...this is good...tomorrow morning will start back on the right track!
42.11 - God will protect us from evil ones - that protection nowadays may not coming in the sparing of life - but excelling in His glory and fame by providing you with gain - heaven.
end of 42 - why do we always think we are going to obey God and believe him, just until He tells us something we don't necessarily want to hear? It is not very often that we actually obey rightly the Word of God.
44.16 - Why are we so obstinate in our sin...in the fact that we don't incline an ear to the teaching of the Lord and his word (prophets, Jesus, Bible)?
44.23 - Because of our sin the desolation happened. God is picky and peculiar about His glory and He will not let it stand to be profaned. He will act in accordance with His glory.
44.26 - He swears by His very name - by His very isness.

Sept 28, Catch up #2, Jer 37-40

I am going to read this one now, then do todays. I just was lazy and hadn't planned some of Bible study and then on top of that watched tv and just put other things in front of God yesterday.
38.20 - Obey now the voice of the Lord - there is reward in obedience
39.18 - Your life will be spared because of your trust in me.
Basically - in all of this...obey the Lord, trust in Him, He will do what He says He is going to do!

Sept 28, Catch up #1, Jer 33-36

OK, so I was going to do this at night on the day it was scheduled, but when I got home from choir practice I spent much time in the bathroom because of what I ate all day - so it just didn't happen. So, I read it today while I was at work. Not, the best time or place, but I got to read it and got some stuff out of it!
33.2 - He is a self-proclaimed Creator! (Not just in Genesis 1)
33.8 - Guilt and sin. Here it is again! The two come up so many time in scripture together!
33.9 - God has created us to be His JOY, PRAISE, and Glory! We shall be these things to God!
33.11b - Self-proclaimed (since God wrote the Bible) song of praise/thanks right in the middle of this discourse by Jeremiah.
33.15 - Prophecy of Christ (one of tons in the OT). Justice and Righteousness - Jesus is those - just maybe not in the way the Jews wanted Him to be.
33.16 - Lord is our righteousness - something I will teach on this semester.
34.15-16 - Another time of the Israelites yo-yo effect of living for God - repented/profaned, etc, etc.
35.15 - Reproach of the Lord is rightly deserved. Turn from evil (Chronicles 7.14), amend your deeds, do not go, not serve...then he will be gracious.

Sept 25, Jer 29-32

Good morning at church. Great worship focusing on who God is and then the sermon was on Gen 15 - quickly becoming one of my fave passages! Especially when JD preaches it!
Anyway...
Jer 29.11-14 - This is such a popular passage. We often don't look at the context though. The Israelites weren't listening to the judgments and laws of the Lord and they were worshipping other gods. He was going to bless them and they won't listen to Him. If we only would listen and worship Him - and not other things - then we would have those great and wonderful futures that He talks about giving to us.
30.24 - Anger is a way that God accomplishes what He has in mind for His people. Sin has created that rift between God and man and His anger must carry out retribution for His name.
31.12 - And they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord. Let me be radiant over your goodness (who you are and what you provide). Let me never think or portray to others that you have acted in my behalf for me - for everything you do is to bring your name glory. The side benefit is that I am blessed because of You.
31.14 - And my people shall be satisfied with my goodness - in your presence are pleasures evermore.
31.18 - Bring me back that I might be restored. Bring me back - doesn't say lead - it says bring. Something that we can't do ourselves. Restoration - usually includes some pain, even when you restore a piece of wood or something you strip away the old, and you put the new on. What a great verse of grace and refinement.
31.20 - Therefore (because we are his children) he yearns for us. God longs for his children that have fallen away to come back to Him.
32.17 - I love finding songs that I sing in Scriptures. This is one of those times. Ah Lord God, thou hast made the heaven and the earth, by thy great power, by thine outstretched arms. Nothing is too difficult for thee...

Sept 24, Jer 25-28

25.4 - A picture of Dr. Schemm's son pulling his ears forward is the picture I get when The Word says they didn't incline their ears. They just went on not knowing how to hit the golf ball.
25.9 - I will invoke them to destruction. This is God's leading in the evil done to his people. God still leads things to destroy sin: hurricanes, sickness, etc. We are all a fallen people with sin in our lives. His grace is all-sufficient though.
25.29 - All for his name's sake He would not want the city that is called by his name, known to be for his people, to be inhabited by a people who do not know the Lord.
28.17 - Whatever the Lord says will come to pass. We can believe it and should believe it!

Sept 23, Jer 21-24

21.2 - Or maybe he will act according to all his wonderful deeds and (as Chris said) he will rebuke and refine us. It says that he whom He loves is rebuked and disciplined. Why do we expect nothing of the sort. As Ps 136 says, His steadfast love endures forever.
22.9 - This is why the Lord has to rebuke us - those who don't worship him and Him alone. It is for His great name that He must do it. Why do we even wonder when we do wrong?
22.16 - Isn't this to know me, declares the Lord. All these good things that we do are not an end in themselves - they are designed to help us get to know the GOOD. That is God Himself.
23.1-4 - Call to pastors - people in charge of a group - tend to them, or they will be yours no more.
24.7 - A heart to seek after God is a gift of grace. Even as the song by Shane and Shane that I am listening to right now is EPh 2.8-10 - what a picture of grace. We are not good figs on our own!

Sept 22, Jer 17-20

17.5 - Sounds very much like a proverb and Psalms that are written. We are not to trust in man, or in strength, and we are supposed to turn our hearts toward God.
17.9-10 - Very popular verse, but how often do I say, I'm following my heart. Lord don't let me follow my heart - including the wants to be married sometimes. Let me lean to you for understanding and which way I should go. You test the heart just like you do in Ps 139 and Ps 19.
17.23 - When you hear the legacy - it should remind you not to follow in their footsteps - but little does hearing the history help the Israelites - even today in our families.
18.2 - In the potter's house we are going to be refined and remolded - heated clay with fire - by the hearing of the Word of God.
20.9 - If you look at what is around this great evangelistic prayer of Jeremiah - it is of beating, of discouragment, of offense - all this and he still says - this is what I must do. Just like Jill's xanga site - a fire shut up in my bones.

Sept 21, Jer 13-16

13.10 - Pride, evil, idolatry, makes us good for nothing. God - take the things that I hold dear and take them away - I don't want to be good for nothing. I want to be good for your kingdom and for your glory - because that is why I was created - that is the only reason I am here.
13.11 - You have made us to be a: people, a name, a praise, and a glory! What a great promise - this is what I was created to be and not to be like the Israelites: those who would not listen.
15.16 - I already have this verse underlined, and I still wonder why it is hardly true in my life. Lord, grant me this desire: "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart."
16.19-21 - What great verse to remember in the days when everyone is seeking after their own gods. "Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name it the LORD."

Sept 20 - Jer 9-12

9.1 - Jeremiah here and Paul in Rom 9 - oh that I had a heart for the people God has put me around like they did for their people.
9.13-14 - This is why the people are not successful and things are not going their way. They have obeyed themselves and not what they are supposed to be doing - obeying the ways of the Lord and following Him.
9.23-24 - No wisdom, might or riches - but only in our knowing of the Lord. That is what is going to matter in the long run. What a good verse to know going into Bible study tomorrow night.
10.23 - This sounds very much like the proverbs. It is not in the man that directs his steps, but in the God whom he serves. Thank you for directing my steps and telling me where to go.

Sept 18, Jer 5-8

5.2 - Boy, this sounds a lot like America today. In God we Trust and we trust more in the coins that the phrase is written on and we blame everything bad on God and take credit for everything good. Something is desparately wrong with this picture.
5.10 - Lord, strip away everything in my life that is not of you. That is trying to impress people I don't need to impress, I don't need to be married, so thank you for stripping me of that. Make me content - and keep me there.
6.10 - Let me not be like these people, let me be joyous in the Word, as it serves as a guide for me and a keeper from evil. Do not turn away from me, Jesus.
6.29b - Let me hear your refining purposes in my life. If you are going to refine me, which I hope you will, then I want to be ready to gain from it and not turn from it.

Sept 18, The Start of Jeremiah - 1-4

I am so excited. This is one of my fave OT books. I'm excited to get to read through it again!
1.5 - Even before Jeremiah was born, God had a great plan for him, He made him holy - set apart - consecrated
1.6 - Excuses, excuses...why do we always offer excuses to God when he tells us to do something. We don't need to argue with the sovereign God of the universe.
1.9 - "I have put my words in your mouth" - we don't speak with our words - let the HS fill us so we rightly share about him.
1.16 - the peoples' greatest evil was worshipping other gods and the work of their own hands. This is where the jealousy for your name comes into play. We see it throughout Scripture.
2.13 - Two evils: forsaken me (we wouldn't need the next one if we hadn't done this) and made cisterns - broken ones at that - for ourselves. We can't even make gods right - these are broken. So they won't do anything for us. What are my broken cisterns?
2.22 - No matter what we do to wash ourselves clean of our sin and sinlessness, are cleanness is as filthy rags and we utterly fall short of God's glory. "The stain of your sin is always before me."
2.28 - God mocks them, but proves a point. Let your gods do their thing and save you if they are really there. Why do we even bother with bringing evil things before the Lord or saying they aren't really "that bad".
3.1 - you have played the whore with many lovers. What is my love Jesus? Who have I committed adultery with? Why can't I stay true to you? So much like Hosea.
4.4 - God just doesn't want our fleshly circumcision, but he wants there to be no "skin" in between our hearts and His will. He wants nothing to be hindering our relationship with him.
4.22 - Oh, Jesus, do not let me be wise in doing good. Am I clever at it? Do I "long" to know the new ways of doing evil. I want to be innocent of the things of this world - I want to be innocent of sin.

Sept 18, End of Judges

I didn't do it on Saturday. By the time I got up for going to Charlotte, I didn't have time. Then I got home and worked out and watched the Gator game, fell asleep, so I knew I would be too tired after the game. So, I've got to finish Judges today and read the first of Jeremiah.

Judges 18.1 - Obviously this bit about having no king is important, because this is the second time in 7 verses that it is mentioned. Leadership in God's people is highly important.
18.6 - Go in peace, the journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord. Sounds like Moses when he said we don't want to go unless the Lord go before us. I don't want to do anything unless it is in your will that I do it. It won't be successful in your eyes.
18.20 - Even in the midst of sin, the priest was happy because it meant more popularity and "being seen" for him. Never let me take the popular road. As Christy Nockels says, the purest place will never be the most popular place.

To be continued, I must leave for church in 18 minutes, so I need to get ready!

20.26 - In the midst of battle, death, and victory...they wept, fasted and sacrificed. How important it was for them to do that - whether it was for mourning or for victory - they knew the relationship with God had to be there.
The last verse - 21.25 - Everyone did what was right in their own eyes because Israel had no king. no direction or leadership -

Sept 16, Judges 15-17

15.5 - One of the oddest things I have read in the Bible. Samson torches foxes' tails - but it helped destroy some of the Philistines - and it was all in God's plan.
16.6 - Idiot Delilah - what man is going to tell you how to bind him? You could have asked in a more clever way - just not come right out with it. Another odd thing in Scripture today? But, again, it was all part of God's plan.
16.20 - Scary words of Scripture - He didn't know that the Lord had left Him. Father - please do not let me experience that ever. Help me to stay, as David Sims said, in the very center of God's will and let me experience the fullness of that!
16.28-31 - Even in Samson's death, God was glorified because He was the strength of his victory. Everyone, when the Philistines died, knew who had done it.
17.6 - Without a leader or vision - the people perish. Same here as in Nehemiah. There was no king of Israel - the people followed the gods of this world.

Sept 15, Judges 12-14

13.1 SO - what a big word. The Israelites can't make up their mind whom they want to serve, so God gave them over. The bad thing would be is if God gave me over to my gods and desires that I have that are other than him. God, take those away, may I not serve other gods that can't satisfy - only you can!
13.6 - What an understatement - very awesome. I Can Only Imagine comes to mind about now.
13.19 - To the one who works wonders. As the footnote says, and is working wonders. God you are still in the business of working wonders. Let us have the obedience and the faith to see them!
13.20b - And they fell on their faces to the ground. Another portrait of correct worship. What we need to learn from this. Not always asking that God will show His face, because we would all be dead and I doubt that we would call him our "homeboy".

Sept 13, Judges 9-11

What a discouraging day, so hopefully time in the Word this afternoon will pick things up.
10.6-9 - With continued disobedience, comes continued oppression. Is that what he is trying to tell me?
11.7 - Often we do like Jephthah's brothers - come to God in distress when things are going bad instead of being loyal to him through everything. God may I not be lukewarm and scatterbrained when it comes to my relationship with you. May consistency be thematic in our time together.
11.39 - That Jephthah didn't argue or take back his vow to the Lord. I had to re-read this segment because I spaced out the first time. He killed his virgin daughter to serve as a burnt offering to God in repayment for victory in battle. His daughter was willing at that, didn't fuss at all. But said due to me what you told the Lord. What faith.

Yet pursuing

Well, I read too much yesterday, so today I only have 2 chapters. Guess I should look more closely, but I guess it really doesn't matter!
7.2 - God wants to make sure that only He is going to get the glory. We want things to happen here (especially at the Summit and in Durham) so that it can only be said, God Did it! We don't want any of the glory. God - take it all
7.1-8 - Gideon didn't complain any over this taking away of his army. He knew that God knew what He was doing - he was obedient and faithful.
8.4 - I like this phrase. "Exhausted yet pursuing". Gideon and his men were tired of the battle, but they were consistently pursuing the final goal - victory (and God's glory). Even when we get tired in ministry or in the daily Christian walk - let us be "exhausted yet pursuing" God's glory in His strength.
8.23 - Gideon knew his position and he knew that he couldn't rule the people like God could. He still wanted to defer all glory to God!
8.33 - See, the Israelites never learn do they. They have a great leader - follow after God, he dies - follow after Baal. I know leaders are important, but they can't be our reason for worshipping. If JD or Chris or Brad left, would the Summit fall apart. Oh, please don't let the success of the Summit church fall on these men.

Sept 12, Judg 4-6

Jdg 4.1-10 - This is a popular feminist passage in the gender role issue. I will need to study it more. But, clearly this is a prophetic role and not an expositor or church leadership role. Joel says that men and women can prophecy. They are just taking what God has said to them and proclaiming it aloud. Deborah was being obedient to that particular situation. She wasn't in a church leadership role over Barak.
Chapter 4 - They start out doing evil in the sight of the Lord, then Deborah steps in and Barak leads them, then they are victorious because they have listened to the Word of the Lord and have obeyed it.
5.5 - Mt. Sinai - quakes at the presence of the Lord. Remembering when Moses was on top of that mtn and the God stood on that mtn and passed by Moses. How the creation must have relished that moment. But, this one says that even the mountains will shake at his presence. Friendship/Closeness and Truth/Fear.
5.11 - There they shall recount the righteous deeds of the Lord. Oh, that we can tell what God has done for us. His righteousness stands alone among the nations.
6.1 - So, they have listened to this great song and have had a great victory, then what happens...Then the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Will they ever learn? Will I ever learn? My relationship and communion with God is so up and down. I want the steady relationship of closeness with God - not going back and forth with sin.
6.7-10 - Then they whine when things aren't going right. Back and forth. When bad things happen then they want Jesus. But God says at the end. But you have not obeyed me. God wants our allegience all times, not just when it suits us. In Rev he says he doesn't like lukewarmness. That is definitely how the Israelites are. They are cold, hot, cold, hot. They find it hard to take a stand.
6.12-18 - God calls Gideon, Gideon offers excuses. But, but, but...If called, equipped. God will give us what we need to do the job for Him that he has called us to. We will not be able to do it in our own strength, but we will be able to do it in his. He wants and awaits are obedience and sacrifice.
6.31 - "If he is a god, then him contend for himself." Oh, that that nations would read this and listen. Dead gods, or non-existent ones can't contend for themselves. They can't if they are not. We see this clearly through the OT that God wins because He is GOD! The others aren't!

God will not take lightly anyone who dares to infringe on His holiness or take Him lightly. The Dew, the chopped-down gods and poles, the sacrifices with fire, the calling, the defeating and the victory. God is God and there is none other.

Sept 11, Judges 1-3

A start of a new book but one that is similar to the theme of Revelation. God is holy, he will judge the unrighteous according to His law. He will judge those under Jesus by their works, but they will be all be covered by Jesus' blood. Lord - let me even rejoice in your word when I get to books like Judges - let me get something from it and like it and know that even some of the OT is still your inspired and perfect Word - given to us for a purpose!

So, to start with, the people of God have now lost 2 leaders - Moses and now Joshua. They are in store for another one to see who will lead them as they continue to dwell and conquer Canaan.
1.6 - Maybe they even knew then that it was hard to work with out a thumb and it is almost impossible to walk without your big toes because they provide balance.
2.1-5 - See, God is still holy. He told them to conquer and remove all the gods of the people in Canaan and make it a holy city. They chose to do things their own way and God was not pleased. So, there were consequences to pay.
2.12b - "They went after other gods". This is such a tell-tale little statement. Israel is prone to go after other gods. We see it throughout Scripture, but especially in the prophets. So, God lets them know who is still God, whether they choose Him or not. They get the wrath of God. We get God's anger and discipline today when we do not obey.
Chapter 3 - Ehud and Eglon - Two odd things are really all we know about them. Ehud was left handed and made a right thigh sword. This obviously was necessary to kill Eglon, but I don't know why. Eglon was a fat man. He was the king and did evil - so God raised up Ehud. And what a thought - lock him in the room so his guards will think he is going to the bathroom, so he will die and Ehud can escape. Oh, the things that go on in the OT.

Sept 10, The end of Rev - 20-22

20.3 - Satan will get to a point where he can't deceive the nations any longer. Won't that be a great day!
20.15 - How clear this is. Most probably don't take it for what it is because they don't see Revelation that way - but whoever's name is not in the book (from the beginning of time) will be thrown into the Lake of Fire for eternal torment and separation from their creator.
22.17 - All the free stuff God wants to provide for us - all we must say is Its all you, Jesus, and none of me - Save me. That is it. Free water, free life!

Come Lord Jesus.

Sept 9, Rev 17-19

17.6 - I often think, and rightly so, that the world is mocking us (because the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing) even as the UNC student did last night as he walked through the Quad. Even the woman here holds the blood of the saints in her bowl. I can see her just laughing at the ones who died for the Gospel.
17.14 - We know there is a war coming, but unlike any unknown victor in the wars we now face (Iraq, New Orleans, whatever) we know who the victor is. I want to be with him, be victorious, be chosen, faithful and called. "What the law could not do - God did!"
18.7b - Even as the woman starts out haughty and bragging about her luxury - so is the world - bragging they are not dead, they are having more fun than we. But, as JD said, we are all guilty and dying. No two ways about it. As the Word says here she will face no mourning
18.8 - but as the next verse says. Death and mourning and famine, she will be burned up with fire, for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.
19.2 His judgments are true and just. No judgment that God pours out on the earth is unfair or wrong or undeserved. As JD said and Piper said, its not that He is being so cruel to people on the Gulf or in Indonesia, but that He is being so gracious to us! Oh, that we may live under grace today!

God sits on his throne and is perfect in all He does - as He judges and rewards in fairness and grace.

Sept 8, rev 14-16

14.3 - Only the redeemed will be able to sing the new song. Shouldn't we also be singing a new and different song here on earth. Even as Louie said last night - we should be other than the world.
14.7 "Fear God and give him glory". This is very similar to "grace and truth" as Louie preached last night. There definitely is grace, but there is also truth - fear - holy and righteous that Jesus holds. We will see it when we behold the Lamb.
14.11 - "And the smoke of their torment goes on forever and ever". This puts an end to all the thoughts about annihilationism. It just isn't the case. Those who reject God will never be eased from their pain and death.
14.12 - Here's another call for endurance of the saints. If we don't have to go through any tribution, why would we need endurance and perseverance? Post-trib?
15.3-4 - Listen to thse attributes that Moses and John both say about Jesus, or God: Great, Amazing, Just, True, Feared, King of the Nations, Glorious, Holy, Worshipped, Righteous.
16.6 - The justness of God. This is what we, all of us, deserve. Wrath of God. We deserve nothing more than that because you are holy and we have sinned against you. Thank you for grace! It is so undeserved.
16.9 - Why not, why would they not repent. God had hardened their hearts and blinded their eyes to his truth. Only God can open them.

God thank you for opening my eyes to your glory. Thank you Jesus that you died on a cross for me and I have you and you are my friend. Thank you that I have hope - not only today, but also in the days to come, near and far. You are that inexplainable hope!

Sept 7, Rev 11-13

Restore unto me, the joy of your salvation, and renew a right spirit within me

11.13 - God can and does use any means necessary for people to give Him the glory and attention He deserves. Whether that is a tsunami to open up the closed doors of Aceh or the gulf coast to send in missionaries to help relieve suffering - HE is in charge, and people will come to know him through it.
13.4 - Even people then, especially now towards the end times, follow things of the dragon. Even with all these bad things: haughty and blasphemous words... They marveled at Him. Lord, never let me get distracted by the dragon.
13.10 - Why would God say, here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints' if we weren't going to be here during the tribulation?

Father, Protector, let me now sway, let me know the times that are coming, let me be aware of any signs that may lead to that coming, but let me remain true and faithful to you in every circumstance "for the days are evil".

Sept 6, Rev 7-10

7.9-10 - People from every tribe and nation are going to know that Salvation is God's and God's alone. That means people in Indonesia and Craig, Alaska and Costa Rica and Australia and Nepel and China. All these people will know that God is God! None of these other gods are doing anything because they are either dead or non-existent.
7.14 - Why wouldn't we have to go through the great tribulation? From my basic reading of the Word we would have to be post-trib, but I haven't read it all yet either.
8.1 - Silence in all of heaven. All waiting for Jesus to speak. What a sight that has to be. All in awe and wonder of what the Son of Man will do. I think we need to take better look at that and be silent in front of God sometimes and watch what he is going to do.
9.4 - They were only allowed to torment those without the seal of God on their foreheads - that meant some believers (with seals) had to be there. (Refer to 7.14)
9.6 - If people read this verse surely they would turn to God. Oh but wait, Revelation isn't really true its all alleghory. No! It is in the Word of God so it is true, and they will die and spend eternity in hell if they don't have Jesus.

Missionary thoughts on Zech 13

This was brought to mind as I was reading in a book by Noel Piper today: This is a story of Helen Roseveare. This is what she had to say about her own conversion. I'll link it to Zech 13.1
"For years the Holy Spirit had been opening my eyes to a sense of sin, convicting me of my unworthiness before a Holy God. But now came the wonderful gift of repentance. God poured out His grace in forgiveness, in cleansing from all the uncleanness of sin, and in revealing, at this time, the amazing wonder of the friendship of Christ."

13.1 - On that day there shall be a fountain opened (Christ) for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness."

The Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance His Word when it is in you (John 14-16)

Sept 5, Rev 4-6

who are the elders? I don't know. I don't think it is important or God would have told us. One thing I find out in this chapter is that they are worshippers. That's important to know
Just a thought, I'm listening to Shane and Shane's "Sweet Illumination" right now. God, I want that, to know This Man. Thank you for the reward of your presence!
4.8 - the four living creatures were much like the Seraphs in Is 6 - covering their faces and crying out to God's holiness. Its funny. How often we want to see the face of God and plead for it. But, most places where we see others in Scripture face to face with God - they are covering their face. Like John in chapt 1 - he fell down as dead. What are we missing?
4.10 - worship = prostrate. So literally this verse says " The 24 elders fall prostrate before him who is seated on the throne and fall prostrate to Him who lives forever and ever. They keep doing it. It is habitually and necessary, but it never grows old. Our feet won't go to sleep and our knees won't hurt!
4.11b - How and why we exist: "For you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created". We were created for God through Jesus (the spoken word) and only exist to do the will of God.
5.9 Their new song, "Worthy are you...for you were slain and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language, and people and nation." Not by our good works or because we go to the right church or sing the right hymns. But, by the BLOOD. It has to be a blood gospel. Even if Joel Osteen doesn't preach it. The Bible is right - we don't live by the standards of the Osteen clan.
6.9-10 Even the ones who had been slain for the Word of God (and are continuing in that trend) called God "O Sovereign Lord" They died for Him and didn't question His control and reign over everything! Oh even in the little things in life, when they go wrong, may I continue to say that!
6.17 - The great day of wrath has come and who can stand? No one can stand without the blood of Jesus. Only that will allow us to stand in that day.

Rev 1-3

Even though I have taken a class on this I do not claim to be an expert, much more not even a novice. Lord, I pray for understanding and increase my grasp and handle on my eschatology and what is going to happen when you return. Give me glimpses of what life needs to be like in light of that soon coming. I'll echo John's prayer at the beginning of this: Come Lord Jesus.
1.3 - "blessed are those who here, AND who keep what is written in it." not only is it unprofitable just to hear, (this is something that is said throughout Scripture and the next three chapters), but also it is even meant, that you can't hear and not do. We will be happy when we do what is written in this Word.
1.5-8 This is what John saw and wrote about Jesus: the faithful witness (of the Father - in the gospel of John), firstborn of the dead (Col 1), ruler of the kings of the earth (Ps 2), loves us (John 3), freed us from our sins by His blood (John 8), made us a kingdom (Heb), coming with clouds (all the pictures we see in churches or on felt boards), every eye will see him (Phil 2),
1.7b - All tribes of the earth will wail (or mourn) on account of him. Even so. Amen. What the end of this says literally is even so, so be it. Well, this is going to happen, so let it happen. God gets all the glory - even so be it!
1.8 - One of my fave attributes of God - his eternalness. Alpha and Omega - that means nothing is outside of your grasp or range of power.
1.9c - John was on the island due to the word God and testimony of Jesus. That means he was exiled because He was preaching the gospel. If he hadn't been preaching - then he would have missed out on one of the greatest revelations of all times. Be faithful in the little things
1.16 - JD pointed this out today - out of Jesus' mouth came a two-edged sword. This is exactly how the Word, the Bible, is referred to in the Word - a sharp two-edged sword. Jesus is the Word.
The churches:
Ephesus: Paul had visited and ministered and written a letter. Jesus starts good, talking of their patience and their ousting of false teachers (that meant they had to know true doctrine). But...they lost their first love. Maybe they got so wrapped up in doctrine, that they forget just to love Jesus.
Smyrna: He told them that even though they suffered, more suffering was coming and not to be afraid of it. "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" If we are faithful and conquer in Him this life, than we will not taste the second death. Praise Jesus!
Pergamum: Even in a rough city, they did not renounce the name of Jesus. He says they do two sins, both against the body: food eaten to idols, and sexual impurity. Hidden manna - in the wilderness God provided for their daily need with manna - what to look forward to "the hidden manna"
Thyatira: Works, love, faith, service, patience - they also seemed to get better with time - the latter exceeded. He didn't like false teachers in the cities - He will punish them. "I am he who searches mind and heart."
Sardis: Doesn't start out good here - he knows they are dead. "I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God" - condemning words out of the two-edged sword.
Philly: "I know you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." There is much power in that!
Laodicea: "So because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth" God, I do not want to be your spit. That is gross - do not let me be lukewarm. Keep the fervency for your name and your glory - only you can do that. "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline" - look to Zech and the thoughts on that. Jesus wants intimacy with us: give up sin Kim so that He might have it.

Zech 13-14

The end of Zechariah - only two chapters. I was tired when I read this and really didn't even want to do it because of a slight bug problem when I arrived back in NC, but knew God wanted me to be faithful to His Word.
13.1 - He is a fountain for cleansing. For sin - which is obvious, but also for Uncleanness: results of our sin that in OT times restricted the people from worshipping in the temple. God even cleanses us from that!
13.9 - He refines his own. He disciplines His children. So the opposite should be true. If we aren't being disciplined in our lives: something's wrong!

Zech 9-12

OK, so I read one chapter too many today. I guess that means I have one less to read tomorrow. The posting late is due to staying in St. Augustine and only having access to dial-up, so I didn't want to control the Crum's telephone line.
9.1 - burden of the Word. It is not a light manner in which God has given us his God-breathed Word. We are to take it with the intentions that He gave it to us.
Hadrach and Damascus were the judging places of the Lord. We can't get away from God (even as Jonah couldn't). Everything we do and say and think is known by God. Zech likens silver to dust and gold to mud. Even the most valuable things in the world to us are as rubble to God because they are worthless. Lord will strip: possessions, sea power, devoured by fire. These were port cities where the main means of income and prosperity was sea. They had no more power on the sea and that probably meant they couldn't control the enemies who attacked, and that led to the destruction by fire they experiences.
9.7 - these were given to be a remnant That is only by the grace and mercy of God.
9.9 - These were prophecies about the coming of Jesus that came true: king is coming to you, righteous, having salvation, humble, mounted on a donkey, speak peace to the nations, to the ends of the earth.
9.11 - the blood covenant with you referred back to the Exodus. God constantly reminded them of his faithfulness to them as He delivered them from the Egyptians. Oh, how often we forget God's faithfulness to us.
9.17 - "For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty" - even in the midst of the Tsunami and Katrina
10.1 - He will give rain
10.2 - Nonsense, lies, false dreams, empty consolation, wander like sheep, afflicted for lack of a shepherd (compare all to Jesus as the Good Shepherd)
10.3a - His anger burns against the leaders. How leaders are held to such a higher standard. I need to remember that as I lead in the power and strength that God provides (1 Peter)
10.5 - "mighty tramping the Lord is with them" We are only strong in battle because of the Lord's presence among us and His going before us. May we never take credit for anything that we win or have victory over in life.
12.10 - More prophecies: whom they have pierced, we shall mourn for Him

Additional to today's

As I was starting to work on a lesson for Bible study, I found this. The Branch, which I referenced back to Zech 6 is a Hebrew name for God that is "tsemach" that can also be found in chapter 3 and Is 4.2, Jer 23.5, 33.15 It is amazing again how the Word weaves!

September 1, ZechAriah 5-8

It is a new month and I finally learned how to spell Zechariah right. So much for internet searches - I should have just looked at my Bible closely!
I just found out that my fave Bible is coming out with a study version - the ESV (English Standard Version) and CJ Mahaney (The Cross Centered Life, Sovereign Grace Ministries, Josh Harris' pastor in MD) is on the board. It is lead by Dr. Wayne Grudem who is a conservative theological scholar! It is due out in 2008 - so I've got a while to wait. Now, back to the task at hand.

Zech 5-8 (prophecy is a little hard to understand ya know!)
IOUS
5.3 - Even though this was spoken to the people by Zech, it was meant even for everyone, even us (who are now hearing the words). Even for me. I are under the wrath of God (in his mercy by Jesus) when I sin - let me remember that and be more careful to do things that are pleasing to Him. Rom 1
Interesting side note on these verses: this was a time when the people were stealing from the worship places. Stealing the offerings and sacrifices of worship and using them for their own good. That is why the two (stealing and profaning) are together. Reminds me not to steal God's glory and want it for my own in periods of worship.
How has the gold become dim! Israel was holiness to the Lord (Jer. 2:3); but now this is wickedness, and wickedness is nowhere so scandalous, so odious, and, in many instances, so outrageous, as when it is found among professors of religion. This is from Matthew Henry's commentary as he talks about 5.5-11. The ephah (basket) as a tool used for measuring corn to take to market. The woman was a harlot sitting on top of it. It is likened unto the church and how we use things for our selfish gain and not the gain of the glory of God - its head, Jesus, as we read about in Col 1. (See the working together of the Word).
6.11 SIDE NOTE - The "Joshua" that the writer was contemp to, was not the Joshua I thought he was - boy, I sure don't know my timeline for the OT. the NT is so much easier! Anyway...
6.15b - "And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God." This was not a saying of the "what we do determines what happens" as probably some scholars will hear it is. But, this is just the word of the Lord telling us to obey the will of the Lord.
Another cool thing that Henry wrote - how true this is, I need to write this down elsewhere:
for the more we know of God and his will, if we know it aright, the more desirous we shall be to get a further acquaintance with God.
6.9-15
A look at Joshua and Jesus (both their names mean the same thing)
Joshua Jesus
crowned high priest is our high priest (Hebrews)
branch vinedresser (John)
sits and rules on the throne He stands forever - by the throne of God
counsel of peace Our prince of peace (Is 9)
7.5 A word of judging the heart (as only God can do) - 'was it for me you fasted' - How often do I do what I do for God out of the delight of others. God, even as I've prayed this morning, 'unite my heart to fear your name'. Don't let me fear the praise of men or do things for their liking. That me do what I do for your praise and not want the praise of man. Oh, how hard that is for me to do. This was said not only to the people, but also to the priests. This goes to show that not only do "normal" people have this problem, but so do the leaders of our churches - which we see so often today.
7.11-12 - "they stopped their ears that they might not hear." I can almost see it. Here are they being chastised by the word of God through Zech and they plug their ears with their fingers and sing lalalalalalalalalalalalala...I can't hear you. The way I do this is two fold: I don't read the Word because I know it will be convicting, and I listen but I don't hear and practice.
7.13 "As I called, and they didn't hear, so they called, and I would not hear" How I have found to be true that answers to prayer come with obedience. Not that this is a determination of God working, because God works at his will, but obedience and prayer go hand in hand.
8.23 - May people say this is of us (particularly in Durham, and everywhere the Word of TRUTH is spoken: Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you'.

Wow - what a good chapter - and I wonder why I never read the minor prohets - they have good stuff in them. It just takes a little more hard work to get to the nuggets!