FAITH!
This week my goal is to read John chapters 1 through 7. This gospel doesn't include an account of Jesus birth, but that is not to say that it doesn't tell us his origins. It is quite explicit about who he is and why he came.
John 5:25
Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Week 3 - Friday
HOPE!
Reading: Isaiah 62
This reading is joyful. God's description of wanting to be husband to Jerusalem makes me want to identify with Jerusalem.
It also makes me want to thank my husband for being so good, loving, romantic, trust worthy and wonderful that I can have such a positive response to the imagery of God as being a husband to us.
Reading: Isaiah 62
This reading is joyful. God's description of wanting to be husband to Jerusalem makes me want to identify with Jerusalem.
It also makes me want to thank my husband for being so good, loving, romantic, trust worthy and wonderful that I can have such a positive response to the imagery of God as being a husband to us.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Week 3 - Thursday
HOPE!
Reading:
Isaiah 61
It is my inclination to want to separate the verses of judgement from the verses of encouragement. One is frowning God, the other happy God. But I can't.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
God's judgment and his mercy walk hand in hand. In Christ, and Christ alone, God has made judgement and mercy two sides of the same coin. God loves the real me. He loves authentically. Knowing who I truly am, discerning my inner self, God has to judge my heart and its condition - and it lives in rebellion to him.
But once He sees me, knows me, judges me, then He rescues me.
For more coherent thoughts on this subject check out "God of Love, God of Judgement" parts 1 and 2 at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.
Reading:
Isaiah 61
It is my inclination to want to separate the verses of judgement from the verses of encouragement. One is frowning God, the other happy God. But I can't.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
God's judgment and his mercy walk hand in hand. In Christ, and Christ alone, God has made judgement and mercy two sides of the same coin. God loves the real me. He loves authentically. Knowing who I truly am, discerning my inner self, God has to judge my heart and its condition - and it lives in rebellion to him.
But once He sees me, knows me, judges me, then He rescues me.
For more coherent thoughts on this subject check out "God of Love, God of Judgement" parts 1 and 2 at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Week 3 - Wednesday
HOPE!
Reading:
Isaiah 60
I shared yesterday's reading with some friends last night. One of them pointed out that Isaiah chapter 56 verse 9 through chapter 59 verse 14 tells us "this is the mess you're in." Verses 15 through 21 state, "I, the Lord, will fix it."
Then chapter 60 starts!
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." The rest of chapter 60 details what that glory and light will look at. It is so wonderful and important, that God reiterates much of it in the Revelation.
God chooses to describe the redeemed dwelling place of his people as a marvelous city. As a rural living closet tree hugger, I have been slow to warm up to the city imagery. Where do you picture paradise?
In 2010, I heard a number of people talking about what a redeemed city would be like. I started to get a image of a city as it is meant to be. It is not meant to be a place of crime, trash, fear and rude people. It is meant to be a place of multiple cultures and peoples, a place of justice, a place of refuge, a garden for the arts. See in the verses how people are rushing in to bring their riches, to build and create. For a much fuller and richer description of what the city is meant to be check out Tim Keller's "The Gospel in Life." And, Lord, let me not forget that heaven or paradise, or the redeemed city is ultimately the beatific vision. It is the place where we know You.
Reading:
Isaiah 60
I shared yesterday's reading with some friends last night. One of them pointed out that Isaiah chapter 56 verse 9 through chapter 59 verse 14 tells us "this is the mess you're in." Verses 15 through 21 state, "I, the Lord, will fix it."
Then chapter 60 starts!
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." The rest of chapter 60 details what that glory and light will look at. It is so wonderful and important, that God reiterates much of it in the Revelation.
God chooses to describe the redeemed dwelling place of his people as a marvelous city. As a rural living closet tree hugger, I have been slow to warm up to the city imagery. Where do you picture paradise?
In 2010, I heard a number of people talking about what a redeemed city would be like. I started to get a image of a city as it is meant to be. It is not meant to be a place of crime, trash, fear and rude people. It is meant to be a place of multiple cultures and peoples, a place of justice, a place of refuge, a garden for the arts. See in the verses how people are rushing in to bring their riches, to build and create. For a much fuller and richer description of what the city is meant to be check out Tim Keller's "The Gospel in Life." And, Lord, let me not forget that heaven or paradise, or the redeemed city is ultimately the beatific vision. It is the place where we know You.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
December 13 - Saint Lucia Day
Happy Saint Lucia Day!
I remember reading about Saint Lucia's Day in a book about Christmas traditions around the world. In Scandinavia the oldest daughter in the family makes tea for the family in the darkness of early morning. She wears a white gown and a wreath with candles on her head, then serves the tea.
I always thought that sounded terrifying.
Happy name day, Lucie!
I remember reading about Saint Lucia's Day in a book about Christmas traditions around the world. In Scandinavia the oldest daughter in the family makes tea for the family in the darkness of early morning. She wears a white gown and a wreath with candles on her head, then serves the tea.
I always thought that sounded terrifying.
Happy name day, Lucie!
Week 3 - Tuesday
HOPE!
Reading:
Isaiah 58-59
Maybe it is just the weather, or because I stayed up to late last night, but this passage leaves me feeling weary.
Chapter 58 verses 1 through 5 point out that God is not answering the people's prayers or rewarding their fasts, because at the same time that they do these nominally good things, they also exploit their workers and pursue their self interests. Can I see myself in them? Am I sure that the sweatshirts I just bought on sale didn't come from a sweatshop? Have I insulated myself from hurting people?
Verses 6 through 14 promise that the people will become glorious, healthy, and strong if they would only
-"loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
- give up some of their wealth to feed and clothe the poor
- not turn away needy relatives
- stop all gossip, slander, and blame shifting.
Gee, is that all?
Oops, no. There is also honoring the Sabbath by "not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words."
Then we move into Chapter 59, where God tells the people that He has the power to save them, but they not only fail to meet the standards above (no kidding!) but their hearts pursue evil instead. Our hearts pursue poisonous roads instead - because this wasn't just written for them.
In chapter 59 verses 15 through 21, God says that he will accomplish what the people cannot. He will establish the justice and righteousness needed so that the people might be made whole.
The description is beautiful and terrible.
Am I ready?
Reading:
Isaiah 58-59
Maybe it is just the weather, or because I stayed up to late last night, but this passage leaves me feeling weary.
Chapter 58 verses 1 through 5 point out that God is not answering the people's prayers or rewarding their fasts, because at the same time that they do these nominally good things, they also exploit their workers and pursue their self interests. Can I see myself in them? Am I sure that the sweatshirts I just bought on sale didn't come from a sweatshop? Have I insulated myself from hurting people?
Verses 6 through 14 promise that the people will become glorious, healthy, and strong if they would only
-"loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
- give up some of their wealth to feed and clothe the poor
- not turn away needy relatives
- stop all gossip, slander, and blame shifting.
Gee, is that all?
Oops, no. There is also honoring the Sabbath by "not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words."
Then we move into Chapter 59, where God tells the people that He has the power to save them, but they not only fail to meet the standards above (no kidding!) but their hearts pursue evil instead. Our hearts pursue poisonous roads instead - because this wasn't just written for them.
In chapter 59 verses 15 through 21, God says that he will accomplish what the people cannot. He will establish the justice and righteousness needed so that the people might be made whole.
The description is beautiful and terrible.
Am I ready?
Monday, December 12, 2011
Need a smile?
Got any children on your Christmas shopping list?
Need a smile?
See this blog for candid reviews of some of the best toys OF ALL TIME.
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/
P.S.
I'm thinking about making a gift pack of all of them for my little nippers.
Need a smile?
See this blog for candid reviews of some of the best toys OF ALL TIME.
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/
P.S.
I'm thinking about making a gift pack of all of them for my little nippers.
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