It has been both a quick and long ninety days. I think I can some up my experience in a few things that I've learned over the past three months:
About Myself
-I need accountability: I'm not sure I would have completed it had I not known people cared about my accomplishment. Big thanks to Justin for venturing on this journey with me as well as all of you (if there are any) readers out there. The assumption that hundreds of readers were waiting on my daily insights often caused me to pull through...even though there were probably like three people who actually read it.
-I need to return to studying more: As I was flying through some of these passages I was intrigued and wanted to gain a better understanding. The two letters to the Corinthians will probably be my next project.
About the Bible
-It really can be hard to read: I'm convinced that our culture is not poised to be able to really study literature. Soundbites, status updates, and headlines have conditioned us to get to the point and forgo any textual research. The Bible was written a long time ago and to understand it better we need to study Biblical culture, geography, and literature. That's one of the reason's my wife and I plan on teaching a class on studying Scripture this fall at South Side! Please come!!
About Worship
So much of worship through Scripture seems to be associated with obedience. Daily we choose to do what God wants us to do or what we want to do. Worship is NOT a list of songs or an hour on Sunday morning. We've got to get away from that narrow concept. In my life I need to be more obedient to God and particularly the Spirit. I'm afraid I often simply don't care to listen to his promptings. I hope to change that.
Finally I'm glad to say that I've accomplished this. I would encourage anyone to aspire to achieve it. If nothing else you will have exposed yourself to all of God's Word and that has to be a good thing.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Revelation 18 - 22
"IT IS FINISHED!" These words are both echoed in this section of Revelation as well as in my head. I will offer one final post summing up my experience during the past three months.
Aside from that this final section of reading offers a very encouraging account of what it will be like some day. I hate to even use the word "day" because time really has no bearing in eternity. To think what worship will be like...
"I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty - but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
Aside from that this final section of reading offers a very encouraging account of what it will be like some day. I hate to even use the word "day" because time really has no bearing in eternity. To think what worship will be like...
"I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty - but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."
Jude - Revelation 17
For as weird as Revelation is there is a lot about worship in it. It's because this book of prophecy articulates some of the activities in heaven. Worship is obviously described then.
One of the hallmark phrases of worship in general is found in Revelation 4. This chapter describes an incredible scene with thrones, gemstones, creatures...it's really crazy. There is a group of creatures that are commissioned to continually cry out a phrase as they worship God.
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."
I love the way time is described in this statement. To think - we have the opportunity to worship God who has always been, who is now, and who will be in the future. That simply baffles me. I'm thankful for God's power, omnipresence, and overall magnificence.
One of the hallmark phrases of worship in general is found in Revelation 4. This chapter describes an incredible scene with thrones, gemstones, creatures...it's really crazy. There is a group of creatures that are commissioned to continually cry out a phrase as they worship God.
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."
I love the way time is described in this statement. To think - we have the opportunity to worship God who has always been, who is now, and who will be in the future. That simply baffles me. I'm thankful for God's power, omnipresence, and overall magnificence.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
James 3:13 - 3 John
Wow - so close. Only two more posts remaining. Technically I should have posted this reading yesterday but I keep finding myself a day or so behind. Perhaps I'll catch up today...or I may take a nap.
Either way this morning's sermon by LCU president Keith Ray has fit in nicely with one of the predominant themes of 1 John. Obedience.
It's one of the most basic expressions of our faith and our worship to God. Often he has called us to live a certain way - a way of selflessness. Selfless in our time, love, money, talents - you name it. But then our pride, arrogance, and selfishness enters into the picture.
Through my entire reading I feel like I know more about the Bible and how it all fits together. I have gotten a good review on lots of things that I've already known and even read things for the first time. The real question is will I be obedient. Will I obey when I'm offered the opportunity to "take my cross." Will I treat my life like Christ treats his church? Will I sacrifice all things for the sake of the Kingdom.
Lord help me to be obedient. Help me to see how your Word needs to continue to manifest itself in my life.
Either way this morning's sermon by LCU president Keith Ray has fit in nicely with one of the predominant themes of 1 John. Obedience.
It's one of the most basic expressions of our faith and our worship to God. Often he has called us to live a certain way - a way of selflessness. Selfless in our time, love, money, talents - you name it. But then our pride, arrogance, and selfishness enters into the picture.
Through my entire reading I feel like I know more about the Bible and how it all fits together. I have gotten a good review on lots of things that I've already known and even read things for the first time. The real question is will I be obedient. Will I obey when I'm offered the opportunity to "take my cross." Will I treat my life like Christ treats his church? Will I sacrifice all things for the sake of the Kingdom.
Lord help me to be obedient. Help me to see how your Word needs to continue to manifest itself in my life.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Hebrews 1 - James 3:12
I have always enjoyed Hebrews. I think part of it was due to my Hebrews class and teacher - Jeff Snell. Jeff is a great teacher and really fostered an appreciation in my for the book of Hebrews. It does so much to bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments.
Towards the end of the book the writer makes a strong case for Christ now serving as our High Priest. This role allows all who believe in him to enter into his presence.
"But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises."
Towards the end of the book the writer makes a strong case for Christ now serving as our High Priest. This role allows all who believe in him to enter into his presence.
"But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises."
Friday, August 13, 2010
1 Thessalonians 1 - Philemon
It is so easy to worship money. It seems so natural to climb the latter, get the promotion, and accept the pay raise. Why is that? We are we so drawn to possessions and status?
There are so many studies that follow the miserable lives of those who have won the lottery. Typically the life becomes much harder - not easier. This portion of 2 Timothy 6 illustrates this point well.
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
There are so many studies that follow the miserable lives of those who have won the lottery. Typically the life becomes much harder - not easier. This portion of 2 Timothy 6 illustrates this point well.
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Galatians 3:26 - Colossians 4
Praise God for Jesus Christ! Here's a great portion of Colossians 1.
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
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