tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82398623794222128972024-02-19T08:53:50.113-08:00Three65Daily reflections on The One Year Bible by a mother and her three daughters Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-2519456799425589852018-01-01T02:30:00.000-08:002018-01-01T02:30:32.960-08:00Thank You!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, we did it. Way to go, OYBThree65 readers! We are so grateful to have journeyed with all of you this year. We hope it was a wonderful and rich experience - we definitely know it was for us. We have grown and been shaped by our reading of God's word, by our reading of each other's posts, by the writing of our own posts, and by your comments, whether posted here, emailed to us or spoken in conversation. Thank you for letting us know you were with us. We have been so encouraged by this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you who are continuing with the OYB, we wanted you to know that our posts will be here, every day. We won't be emailing them out again, but if you want to find one, just scroll to the month you want and select the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you who are choosing a new way to grow with Jesus this year, "w<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">e continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light" (Colossians 1:9-12).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;">Gratefully,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;">The OYB Bloggers</span></span></div>
<span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-2012585981489753412017-12-31T02:48:00.000-08:002017-12-31T02:48:00.229-08:00December 31<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150;
Proverbs 31:25-31<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The end of
the year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are
wrapping up our year together reading the OYB. It’s over. It’s been an
interesting year for each of us. And how good it has been to journey with you. We’ve
had joys and sorrows, haven’t we? New babies have been born and someone we
loved has died. Life keeps changing even when things seem the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But our God
is unchangeable. He will never change. He will continue to love and seek His
people, to draw them to repentance (Mal. 3:2) and to offer them the river of
the water of life (Rev. 22:1). He will continue to be worthy of praise from
everything that has breath (Ps. 150:6). He promises that He is coming soon
(Rev. 22:17) and we His people wait with expectancy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s a
little verse tucked in the middle of Malachi that draws my heart: “Then those
who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A
scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared
the Lord and honored His name” (Mal. 3:16). Isn’t that what we’ve done this year?
We talked with each other, we’ve read His word and the Lord has listened and
heard. He has written a scroll of remembrance about us—amazing! That we feared
Him and honored His Name! He didn’t write down that we missed some days, read
sometimes without appetite but merely out of duty, or that on some days we read
distractedly. He wrote down that we feared Him and honored His name by honoring
His Word. We came to His Word as seekers, knowing that He offers the water of
life. There were days when we drank that water eagerly for we came with thirsty
souls and desperate needs. There were days when we needed His cleansing. And
every day we needed the nourishment of the Holy Word of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So thanks
for coming with us. We’re women who won’t change the world—let’s be honest
here—but we want to know the God who can and will and does change the world.
After all, He created it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ll be
reading again next year. Want to join us? January 1 is the creation account and
I can’t wait to read it again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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With love
from each of us,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nell
Sunukjian</div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-69918362413040389432017-12-30T02:48:00.000-08:002017-12-30T02:48:20.463-08:00December 30<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Malachi 1:1-2:17; Revelation 21:1-27; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 31:10-24</i></div>
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This was a hard one today. I didn't have time to
read in the morning, as I usually do, so I read before bed. Right after a
huuuuge fight with Eric. *sigh* Definitely not the time I wanted to be
reading about that Uber-woman in Proverbs 31. *big sigh* I do want to be
that woman, just not tonight. Even so, I still believe that Eric is
confident in me and in my love: he knows I'm not going to speak ill of him
here in this blog, or post my frustration on social media, or bad-mouth him to
my friends. We've made a commitment to only speak well of each other in
public, and we hold to it. This protects Eric and his leadership in our
city and church (see Pr. 31:23). In my failure tonight to ensure that
Eric "lacks nothing of value" (vs. 11) - even in the midst of that
conviction - I can yet see the encouragement of Scripture. I <i>am</i> more
like Christ at the end of the year; I fail, but I am growing and being changed
by God's word.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To the meat of what I wanted to share about the rest of
our reading: How beautiful is the Holy City of Revelation! It shines with
God's glory; it can only be described with superlatives; comparisons to the
finest of jewels are inadequate in their splendor. It is perfect.
The numbers used to describe it reflect this. 12 was a number of
completion and fullness; so twelve 12s (144 cubits) and a thousand 12s (12,000
stadia) are the perfection of perfection.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is a far cry from the deformed sacrifices and partial
disobedience Malachi mentions. God rebukes his people for their lack of honor,
their lack of reverence, their lack of faithfulness. They don't take
God's holiness seriously (Mal. 1:8-14); they don't fulfill his commands fully
(2:14-16). And they justify and defend their inaction at every turn (1:7, 2:17,
among other examples).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The past of Israel all too often mirrors the present of
the church today. It's easy for me to get caught up in frustration or
despair about how God's people fail to represent his holiness, glory, and
power. But, oh! what we have to look forward to! "Now the
dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his
people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe
every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Rev.
21:3-4). Hallelujah! This present, with all of its brokenness and
pain, with all of its beauty and pleasure, will yet be overwhelmed by the sheer
joy and perfection that will come with Jesus' return. I can only echo the
words of John from tomorrow's reading: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus"
(22:20).<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Sarah Marsh<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-14705404987104887502017-12-29T02:46:00.000-08:002017-12-29T02:46:05.666-08:00December 29<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 31:8-9<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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How you holding up? Including
today, we’ve got just three days left. Do you have the stamina for a
fairly technical post today? If not, go think about something fun to do for New
Year’s Eve (and then leave a comment telling me your plans, since I never have any good ideas and
feel like our evening is always anticlimactic!) and come back to this post another
time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But if you feel like you can still
push through to the finish line, then stay tuned. Today I’m going to do some
hefty lifting in Revelation. I mentioned yesterday that I love Revelation and
here’s one of the reasons why - when I was in seminary, I took a class called
Daniel-Revelation; it’s exactly like it sounds. It explored the themes
between Daniel and Revelation. My teacher, an end times expert (or as much as
you can be on a topic such as that!), took us through each book, chapter by chapter,
showing their parallels and the ways in which John, the author of Revelation,
developed the eschatological (that is, "end times") theology that Daniel lays out. Now
don’t worry, I’m not going to get that specific here, but in our passage today,
John seems to refer to something out of Daniel 12 and I want to draw our
attention to it. More on that in a minute.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In today’s New Testament passage,
John tells about a vision in which he sees four key things: (1) an angel that
binds Satan for 1,000 years; (2) thrones from which Christians reign and judge;
(3) Satan being released after the 1,000 years are ended, which results in his
final destruction; (4) a great white throne from which Jesus holds the Book of Life and judges the world. Tracking with me so far? This is some seriously
prophetic stuff, I know. But I want to draw just one major idea out of today’s
reading in Revelation. John seems to be presenting a theology here in Chapter
20 about “first resurrection” and “second death” (Rev. 20:5,6). The first
resurrection follows physical death and the second death follows a second
resurrection. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me say that another away. It
seems John assumes all die a “first death” physically and all experience a
resurrection physically but in two stages; the first stage of the resurrection
is for those who rise to eternal life and the second is for those who will rise
to eternal damnation, or a “second” death. Here is the part that refers to
Daniel 12. Daniel writes, “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince
who has charge of your people…at that time your people shall be delivered,
everyone whose name shall be found in written in the book. And many of those
who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and
some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:1,2). So, when believers
die, we are present (i.e., our soul is resurrected) with the Lord but our body
remains here on earth; in the second resurrection, when Jesus comes at the end
of time, we will rise to join him in our perfectly restored human bodies, for
eternal glory. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sounds pretty good, right? Count
me in! As it says in our psalm today, “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from
the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him,
all his hosts!” (Ps. 148:1-2). God has done, is doing, and will do amazing and
incredible things and we get to be a part of it all. Praise the LORD, indeed! And Psalm 148 today tells us that because of what God has done in creation, it’s
not just his people who praise him – the highest heavens, waters, sea creatures,
mountains, hills, fruit trees, cedars, beasts, livestock, reptiles and bugs,
birds, kings, all peoples, princes, all rulers, young men, maidens, old men,
children – everyone and everything is called to praise him. “Let them
praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is
above earth and heaven” (vs. 13). Amen! <o:p></o:p></div>
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P.S. If you want to learn more
about my apocalypse teacher, Dr. Alan Hultberg, check out this article <a href="http://magazine.biola.edu/article/12-spring/what-is-the-rapture-and-when-will-it-happen/" target="_blank">here</a> that he wrote on the rapture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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- Esther McCurry <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-69165243741969344412017-12-28T02:44:00.000-08:002017-12-28T02:44:17.095-08:00December 28<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Zechariah 12:1-13:9;
Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Can you guys even believe how close we’re getting? Just a
few more days and we will have read (or done our best) the whole Bible!! Way to
go, us! I know we’ve said it before, but thanks for being on this journey with
us this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sarah started her post yesterday with a confession of being
a minor prophets lover. Well, I’m Revelation lover, despite its complications
and controversies. When I worked at a summer camp in college, I used to read to
the girls in my cabin each night from Revelation, mostly about the new heaven
and the new earth (look for that in our December 30<sup>th</sup> reading). But
there are some great images in today’s reading, too, mostly connected with the
worship of our God. Who can’t get excited about that? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Try to imagine the scene in today’s reading – a multitude
(so a very large number) of heavenly beings cry out in a large voice these
amazing words: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
for his judgments are true and just” (Rev. 19:1). Sit in those words a
minute this morning. Maybe even close your eyes if it will help you. Picture
yourself among those declaring these great truths about our God. (If you didn’t
already know, the word "hallelujah" means “God be praised,” which seems like a
fitting way to start this section of Scripture!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think it’s easy to get lost in the “24 elders” and “four
living creatures” and wonder what/who those are and what they mean/represent,
but the bigger picture here is the worship of God. Don’t you long for the day
when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”
(Phil. 2:10)? I do. And trust me, my friends, when that does happen, it
will be everything we’ve been longing for and more. Talk about a multitude!! I
think we’ll be saying exactly what our reading today says: “Let us rejoice and
exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his
Bride has made herself ready” (Rev. 19:7). <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I love how we go from this chorus of praise to another
one in our psalm reading: “Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to
our God; for it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting” (Ps. 147:1).
Indeed it is fitting! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Look at these gems today:</div>
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<ul>
<li>“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their
wounds” (Ps. 147:3).</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“He determines the number of the stars and gives
to all of them their names” (vs. 4).</span></li>
<li>“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his
understanding is beyond measure” (vs. 5).</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the
wicked to the ground” (vs. 6).</span></li>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, I’m basically just typing out the whole chapter that
we just read, so I’ll stop now, but you get the idea. In both our Old and New
Testament readings, we see how great and worthy our God is. Let’s try to
meditate on that today, as we go about our day and even as we think about the
new year coming. Just one more to close, as I can’t resist: “Sing to the LORD
with thanksgiving!” (Ps. 147:7). Amen!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Esther McCurry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-35783176260738396692017-12-27T02:41:00.000-08:002017-12-27T02:41:12.482-08:00December 27<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm really enjoying the minor
prophets this year. (embarrassed smile)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whew! That's out of the way! Seriously,
though, it does feel like a weird sort of confession - to be moved by the
general doom-and-gloom of these books. Here's why I'm relishing their
words: because always and forever, there is planned restoration and redemption.
Yesterday, we saw it with the description of Jesus' far-off triumphal
entry into Jerusalem (Zech. 9:9), and today we see it tucked again in the midst
of Zechariah's words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I will <i>strengthen</i> the house of
Judah and <i>save</i> the house of Joseph. I will <i>restore</i> them
because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not
rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and will <i>answer</i> them"
(Zech. 10:6, emphasis mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I will strengthen them in the Lord and <i>in
his name they will walk</i>" (Zech. 10:12, emphasis mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even as the prophet describes the revoking of God's favor
and the destruction of Israel's union (see Zech. 11:10, 14), there is
always and always a plan for God to redeem and bring back his people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so grateful for this. I'm grateful for it in
my own life, as I experience hurt and pain. I can know that God is yet good
and trust in his desire and ability to strengthen me so that I might walk in
his name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm grateful for it in the world around me. No
matter how defiantly my loved ones resist the call of God in their lives, I can
know that God is yet good and trust that he has not given up, not checked out,
not resigned himself. He is eager and ready to restore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What good news!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Sarah Marsh</span></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-1018064957350219842017-12-26T02:38:00.000-08:002017-12-26T02:38:07.605-08:00December 26<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32</i></div>
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The day after Christmas, how do you feel? Are you tired?
Sad it’s all over? Or maybe you’re glad it’s all over. Well, if you are like
me, you have a mixture of both feelings. Part of what makes Christmas so
special is the seasonal nature of celebrating it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we see both the constant and seasonal nature of the
Lord in our reading from Psalm 145. Let’s reread a few of the verses together:
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all
generation. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he
has made” (vs. 13). God is constant. He is faithful to all his promises and
his kingdom endures through everything. God does not change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What a good reminder for us after Christmas. Even though
this Christmas season of rejoicing and giving is ending, it’s not really. It is
God’s constant nature to be faithful and loving and good throughout all the
seasons, both in nature and in our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who
are bowed down” (Ps. 145:14). Maybe this Christmas season was a hard one for you
and you need to hear this message. You may feel bowed down with all the weights
of worry and sadness and you need to be lifted up. All of us have seasons like
that in life, and we wonder if, and when, God is going to act.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I believe he will. He will lift you up. But here is where we see the seasonal nature of God. We see him acting at different times, according to the right seasons and rhythms of our lives. He knows just the right time, or season, in which to act.<br />
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“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their
food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every
living thing” (Ps. 145:15-16).<o:p></o:p></div>
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This imagery is so beautiful. It is one that has often
brought me comfort as I am waiting for my God to lift me up when I feel bowed
down. This imagery shows our complete dependency and need to trust. And it
shows God’s complete goodness in providing exactly what we need<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>at the
proper time.</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>He<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>will</i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>satisfy
our desires. I hope you believe that. I hope you wait for that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward
all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on
him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry
and saves them” (Ps. 145:17-18).<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is who our God is. He is unchanging, yet he, too, is
seasonal. He is always loving and always good. Let us cry out to him and then
look to him alone. He alone will satisfy our desires in his perfect time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Mary Matthias<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i> </div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-3278335449200659752017-12-25T02:39:00.000-08:002017-12-25T02:39:17.217-08:00December 25<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31</i></div>
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Merry Christmas! Isn't God good to us? Truly, what joy to all the world...<br />
<br />
Just a few quick thoughts today.<br />
<br />
First, Jesus came as an expression of "God with us," which we see in Zechariah 8:23. "God with us" is what the world wants, what the world needs. The incarnation of Christ offered this presence to all the world. In Jesus' birth, the psalmist's plea is answered: "Part your heavens, O Lord, and come down....Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me" (Ps. 144:5, 7). He met us; he rescued us.<br />
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Second, because Jesus came, "Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets....[which] will be filled with boys and girls playing there" (Zech. 8:4-5). What a beautiful image of the future: safety, security, peace, joy - for all people!<br />
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Third, sorry about the plagues in Revelation today. Not very Christmas-y, I know. But did you notice the strong parallels to the plagues in Egypt?<br />
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And lastly: "Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord" (Ps. 144:15). This is us; we are this people. Blessed are we, for our God is the Lord.<br />
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Amen, and Merry Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Sarah Marsh<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-65285584442405595462017-12-24T02:35:00.000-08:002017-12-24T02:35:28.879-08:00December 24<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Revelation 15:1-8;
Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 30:24-28<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today is
Christmas Eve, and my husband will preach today on “’Twas the Night Before
Christmas in Heaven.” His text is from Hebrews 10:7b - “I have come to do your
will, O Lord" - which is a quote from one of David’s psalms, Psalm 40:7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At first
glance the verses in the OYB today do not seem to reflect on Christmas Eve, but
a closer look reveals the coming Messiah.
Branch is a name for the Messiah that Zechariah uses several times. In 6:12-13, Zechariah says that the Branch will “be clothed with majesty and will sit and
rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne.” Being both king and
priest refers to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who indeed fulfills both of
these roles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And in Revelation
those who had been victorious over the beast held harps and sang this song,
“Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your
ways, King of the ages” (Rev. 15:3b). So this is also speaking of the One who
came on Christmas, the Son of God, our Savior Jesus. So maybe the Scriptures
that we read today are about the Night Before Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don and I
will have a Christmas Eve rather quiet this year—we won’t see the grandchildren
until Christmas Day. However, our son, David, is visiting us and we’ll try
to persuade him to go to church to hear his father preach, and he’ll probably
agree because we’ll add the bribe of going out to eat afterwards. We’ll sit in
the festively adorned church and worship our Lord on the Night Before
Christmas. We’ll sing the carols that speak of him, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Joy to the world, the Lord has come.
Let earth receive her king. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let every heart prepare him room, and
heaven and nature sing.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll listen
to my husband’s sermon. And I’ll be praying that my son’s heart will be open to
the Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Merry
Christmas Eve to you and your family. May each of your hearts be open to the
Savior on this Night Before Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Nell
Sunukjian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</span></i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-12091889351668634062017-12-23T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-23T02:30:00.401-08:00December 23<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 30:21-23</i></div>
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At the end of yesterday's reading in my OYB, there's a little
sticky note, covered in names: Phoebe, Julia, Gideon, Jedidiah, Hope Nellie,
Nathan, Boaz, Naomi, Lucy, Mae, and more. I put that sticky there in May
of 2012, as 12/22/12 was the due-date for our last child, and added names as I
thought of them or read them in Scripture. I never could talk Eric into
Boaz - what a man to name our son after! - but that ended up being fine since
we had a daughter. Boaz would be a rough name for a boy in Southern
California, but impossible for a girl!<br />
<br />
Even after our Naomi Mae (see how handy that list was?) was born, I left this
sticky note. It is a beautiful, yearly reminder of her, and of the men
and women in God's word who lived a life used by God. As we come to the
close of this year of reading <i>The One Year Bible</i>, I'm reminded to pause, to
reflect, to thank God for his word, to remember Genesis through
Revelation. It has been an encouragement this year.<br />
<br />
Okay. Onto today's reading! A smattering of thoughts:<br />
<br />
- Don't you just love the idea of "the day of small things" (Zech.
4:10)? The concept of rejoicing in the many small gifts of the Lord (like
the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand) - where can we celebrate and not despise?<br />
- The image of the woman in the basket: Did you notice how the angel shoved
"wickedness" back down and slammed the cover on it? (See Zech.
5:8.) I could not help but think of all the ways wickedness tries to
escape - in my own life, in the culture around me, in the world we live in.
But even so, even with the woman's craftiness, God prevails and wickedness
departs.<br />
- There's a ton of conversation happening in Revelation 14. The 144,000
praise God, the angels make three proclamations, there's a voice from heaven
which the Spirit confirms, and then more angels speak. God uses words to
communicate his plans, both explicitly and audibly (as we see here in
Revelation) and in the pages of his written word. As a word person myself, I am grateful that
God speaks to, for, and with us.<br />
- Psalm 142:3: "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know
my way." What a declaration of trust. "God, I am weary
and uncertain, but how wonderful that you are not. You are my refuge, my
portion (vs. 5). I am not alone."<br />
- One item on the list in Proverbs 30:21-23 particularly struck me. The
servant who becomes king, the fool full of food, and the ill-placed maidservant
can all be perceived by those outside the situation - everyone notices the
mismatch, and the effects are more far-reaching. To put it in vernacular,
"it just ain't right" and everybody can tell. But the last item
on the list, the unloved woman who is married, is known only by the persons
involved. The man and wife alone can observe this disparity, and there's
an element of subjectivity to it as well. Of all the items on the list,
this one seems the saddest to me. Perhaps it's because I am a much-loved
married woman, but the loneliness of it seems so palpable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Sarah Marsh<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></o:p></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-87033885650074889312017-12-22T02:32:00.000-08:002017-12-22T02:32:46.349-08:00December 22<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Zechariah 2:1-3:10;
Revelation 13:1-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Do you think about your prayers very often? I confess, I
don’t. I don’t really take time to reflect on my prayer life. I’m often in a
hurry, quickly throwing out prayers while jogging or bustling around the house.
When I do stop to think about my prayers, I frequently get discouraged, feeling
like they are repetitive and uninteresting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s why I loved our Psalm reading today: “O LORD, I call
upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer
be counted as incense before you and the lifting up of my hands as the evening
sacrifice!” (Ps. 141:1-2) I especially love the part about my prayers
coming before the LORD as incense – isn’t that a great word picture? Our
prayers, rising up to God, smelling sweet and beautiful to Him. Ponder that
another minute – your prayers are lovely to God. They are refreshing and
precious and desired. Isn’t that good news? Isn’t that reassuring and
comforting? Doesn’t that serve to reinforce how loved we are? And while we
don’t have evening sacrifice anymore (thankfully!) the way the Israelites did,
the idea that it pleases God to see our hands lifted in praise to Him still
rings true. I love worshiping God, wherever I can – in my car, in my kitchen,
at church – wherever. And He loves it, too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since it’s Christmas time, I had on my Pandora station set
to Christmas carols this morning as the kids and I drove over to my mom’s
house. Handel’s “Messiah” came on and, man, was it beautiful. When they came to the
part that goes, “And his name shall be called, Wonderful,” it got really loud and
it was so powerful it almost brought tears to my eyes. Had I not been driving,
I would have lifted my hands in praise. When the song ended, my daughter called
from the back row of our Pilot, “That was my favorite song ever. I wish it
could have gone on and on and on.” God delights in this; He rejoices over our
praise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we head further into the Christmas season, let’s think of
our prayers as incense, wafting up to the LORD as precious and beautiful aromas.
He delights in us, especially as we delight in Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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- Esther McCurry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-53574576216932459532017-12-21T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-21T02:30:34.655-08:00December 21<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-13:1a; Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 30:17<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Colored lights twinkle around the roofline of our house, Mary and Joseph are on the front porch with Baby Jesus, and the Christmas tree brightens our living room. Gifts are under the tree and the smell of cookies is in the air. We are ready for Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But are we ready for Christmas? Are our hearts ready? Our reading today reminds us of what our God wants from us at Christmas and what He gave us at Christmas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What does He want to receive from us? If we are far from him, he wants us to return to him. “‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zech. 1:3b). What words of hope at Christmastime as I wait for my sons to return to the Lord. My sons are welcome! All who return to Him are longed for and welcomed at His Christmas tree. No one who returns to Him is ever shunned. No, there is a joyful welcome prepared for each one!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For those of us who are following God, He wants simple gifts from us: obedience to His commandments and holding to the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 12:17b). Amazing to know that our God longs for our obedience as our gift to Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What did He give us? Revelation tells us the dramatic story of Jesus’ birth in 12:5: “She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.” Though this chapter of Revelation is speaking of the nation Israel as the ethnicity through which the Messiah was delivered to earth, it is not too far of a stretch to see that it also speaks of Mary giving birth to Jesus. Everything about the birth of Jesus seems fraught with danger—a young woman giving birth in a stable (not a clean or sterile environment). She is far from home and the support of family and friends, and her pregnancy itself is a disgrace. Yet she and Joseph were obedient to the commands of God given by His angel to each of them. And the Messiah, God’s Son, His gift to us, was born on earth—God’s gift to us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This beautiful Christmas season may we not be distracted by the work of decorating, shopping and wrapping. Instead, may we see the true Christmas hidden amongst the tinsel and celebrate with our whole hearts, giving our Lord obedience and holding to the testimony of Jesus. May we pray for those who need to return to the Lord to do that today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eat a Christmas cookie, sit by your beautiful Christmas tree in the evening glow, and enjoy all that your Messiah came to give you—a Savior who loves you and who gave His life to forgive all your sin. What gift could be better than that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Merry almost Christmas!<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Nell Sunukjian<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-71518586807562526072017-12-20T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-20T02:30:52.844-08:00December 20<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Haggai 1:1-2:23;
Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 30:15-16<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two messages, and we need to hear and believe both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, in this season of preparing to celebrate Jesus’ first
coming, the so-appropriate reminder of Immanuel, God with us. Three of our four readings rehearse this
truth to us. “I am with you,” God says
through Haggai (Hag. 1:13, 2:4). He
continues: “My Spirit remains among you” (2:5); “From this day on I will bless
you” (vs. 19); “I have chosen you” (vs. 23).
Words that declare God’s with-ness; we are not alone. We are not unseen. The psalmist, too, knows that God is
present. “You are there,” he writes (Ps.
139:8; see also vs. 9-10 and 12). No
matter where he goes or what he does, God is with him. The loud voices in heaven repeat this truth,
proclaiming that God is “the One who is and who was” (Rev. 11:17) and that his
kingdom is over all the world (vs. 15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A beautiful message of encouragement and hope and security,
one we need to remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But there’s also another message given in today's reading. “Give
careful thought.” Over and over in our Old Testament reading, Haggai speaks
these words from God. Haggai 1:5 and 7 and 2:15 and 18 (where it is said twice!) all give this sober warning. “Give careful thought to your
ways,” to the cause and effect you see happening as a result of your
disobedience to the Lord. “Give careful
thought to [the] ways” you are honoring yourselves above God. “Give careful thought” to the plans you have
made, to see if they align with his plans.
“Give careful thought” to the reality of the world around you, and act
accordingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A message of challenge and warning, one we also need to
remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, as we go into this day, show us where you are with us.
Keep us attentive to the Spirit who remains among us. Bless us this day; let us rejoice that we are
chosen. May we know that you are the God
of this world and you are present. And
teach us to give careful thought to our ways and to the world around us,
responding with obedience and faithfulness.
Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Sarah Marsh </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-72991394926012475572017-12-19T02:42:00.000-08:002017-12-19T02:42:42.169-08:00December 19<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Zephaniah 1:1:3-20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 30:11-14</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Zephaniah, another semi-obscure prophet of God, has come
to warn Israel about the impending destruction and doom. Sounds sort of
familiar, huh? But here’s what I love about Scripture, and the OYB format
really helps us to see it: God is very, very clear. How could anyone miss the
message all these prophets are delivering? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We’ve been on this journey for almost a year. We see the
same things of God throughout all the Scriptures. His character and purpose
seem so clear when you look at the Bible as a whole. That’s why I love reading
it in its entirety and not just in bits and pieces.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Lots of people like to quote Zephaniah 3:17 - “The Lord
your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you; he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What an amazing message and truth that is. But when
people quote that verse, I wonder if they have read all the verses around it as
well. Or did they just pick that one out because it sounded like a happy, pick-me-up
kind of message? While it may be those things, the real power of that verse
comes from the preceding two chapters. Let’s look at some of the words found in
the first two chapters of Zephaniah:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- “I will sweep away everything” (1:2).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- “Be silent before the Lord for the day of the Lord is
near” (1:7).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- “Their blood will be poured out like dust and their
entrails like filth” (1:17).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- “Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be
sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger” (2:3).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The message is clear, destruction is coming. Yet God is
with us. Just like Habakkuk, Zephaniah doesn’t find comfort only in the
deliverance <i>from</i> trouble, but rather through the presence of
the Lord <i>in the</i> <i>midst</i> of trouble. They
know they are not going to be delivered, at least not immediately, but they
find an amazing ability to trust and even to rejoice in the midst of this
impending doom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I can almost picture it like one of the great action
movies where chaos is everywhere and stuff is exploding and everything looks
like it’s going to be lost forever. Then the movie goes into slo-mo while
our hero and his girl look at each other meaningfully and the music switches
over to a calm, sappy song while bits of buildings and stuff fly all
around them. Am I describing it right?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
That’s the picture I get with Zephaniah. He’s in that
slo-mo frame with the Lord. He’s not bothered by the debris that falling
all around him. He’s being quieted by God’s love. He’s being rejoiced over with
singing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Can we do that today? Can the words of
Zephaniah comfort us, not because we lack any kind of trouble, but because we
know he is with us in the midst of it? Can we enter that slo-mo frame?
Can we wait and trust, knowing that one day we will too will be restored? God’s
promise is the same for us - “'I will gather you; at that time I will bring you
home.…I [will] restore your fortunes before your very eyes,’ says the Lord"
(Zeph. 3:20).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- Mary Matthias<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-31560702942287657032017-12-18T02:40:00.000-08:002017-12-18T02:40:05.731-08:00December 18<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Revelation 9:1-21; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 30:10</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As part of our church's Advent series, our pastor preached
recently on hope. He talked about Anna, who lived for years as a widow
but kept fasting and praying, and Simeon, who lived for years in anticipation
of seeing God's promise to him fulfilled. I couldn't help but think of
his sermon as I read Habakkuk today.<br />
<br />
Habakkuk reminds me somewhat of Job: complaints to God, followed by responses
from God. Habakkuk is unhappy about the situation around him (the
depravity of the nation of Judah - see Hab. 1:2-4), but also worried for the
destruction coming from Babylon ("Why are you silent while the wicked
swallow up those more righteous than themselves?" [vs. 13, but see vs. 12-17]). In his concern, he prays one of the most poignant pleas in all
of Scripture, I think: "in wrath remember mercy" (3:2).<br />
<br />
Yet this man writes such a powerful, profound statement of trust and hope at
the end of the chapter. Habakkuk 3:16-17 depict great devastation - emotional
distress, physical weakness, economic ruin, lack of provision, bleak future -
but are followed by a declaration that sweeps those realities away.
"I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The
Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he
enables me to go on the heights" (Hab. 3:18-19). What trust! What
hope! Habakkuk isn't Pollyanna-ing this away; he sees the terrible
situation, but he knows that this current reality is not the end of the
story. It is not all there is. Hope knows that God is still at work
in us and in the world. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
Though my child is engaged in destructive behaviors, yet will I rejoice.<br />
Though I'm alone and lonely this Christmas, I will be joyful in God my Savior.<br />
Though there are wars and rumors of wars and I am afraid, the Sovereign Lord is
my strength.<br />
Though the medical prognosis is bleak and the doctors have little hope, he
makes my feet like the feet of a deer.<br />
Though my stock market portfolio has tanked and I don't think Social Security
will still be around when I need it, he enables me to go on the heights.<br />
Though my spouse has filed for divorce, yet will I rejoice.<br />
Though the chronic pain is ever-present and cannot be relieved, I will be
joyful in God my Savior.<br />
Though someone I love has died and that hole cannot be filled, the Sovereign Lord
is my strength.<br />
Though I feel weak and discouraged and frustrated at my own sin, he makes my
feet like the feet of a deer.<br />
Though all around me seems bleak and hopeless, I will hope. The Lord
enables me to go on the heights.<br />
<br />
Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Sarah Marsh<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-42045207285345617002017-12-17T02:34:00.000-08:002017-12-17T02:34:16.914-08:00December 17<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26;
Proverbs 30:7-9<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nahum 1:8,9: The Lord is good—He cares for those who trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Christmas is
just one week away, and I want a nice Christmassy reading today from the OYB,
like the Hallmark movies that are on TV every night. I enjoy those Hallmark
movies though they are a bit silly. They have no depth and not much character
development, but they are always wholesome and fun, with beautiful scenery and
gorgeous Christmas decorations. And everything always comes out right in the
end. Sigh. They are definitely Christmas ‘candy’! All right, admit it! You like
them, too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But our
reading today is not Christmas candy and Hallmark movies. It’s all about judgment.
Yes, with Christmas one week away we are reading about impending doom, both in
Nahum and in Revelation. The prophet Nahum warns the people of Nineveh that
though “the LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave
the guilty unpunished” (Nah. 1:3). And though “the LORD is good, a refuge in
times of trouble. He cares for those who trust him…” (vs. 7) yet “with an
overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into
darkness” (vs. 8).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In Revelation 8:13
we read, “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why did
Jesus come to Bethlehem? Was it all for Christmas lights and presents under the
tree and happy endings? Though there is so much joy in following Jesus, the
fact is that he came as a righteous judge and he will judge the earth and all
mankind on the appointed day. He came as a sweet baby, but he was endued with
god-ness for he was indeed God in human flesh. Truly a reason to celebrate
Christmas! There is no greater holiday for Christians except for Easter. We
should enjoy and give presents and sing the wonderful old Christmas carols with
zest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But let us
never forget why He came: He came to die so He could offer redemption from the
coming judgment to each one who believes in Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As our
almost-three-years-old Elizabeth Matthias says when quoting her Bible verse, God “gave His
one and only Son.” Isn’t that Christmas?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, these
minor prophets who are speaking to us as Christmas approaches do speak of the coming
Lord Jesus. They offer us a warning not to sit mindlessly while judgment comes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
- Nell
Sunukjian<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-26461659475814221092017-12-16T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-16T02:30:22.795-08:00December 16<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Micah 5:1-7:20; Revelation 7:1-17; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 30:5-6</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Today's reading is shot through with a single theme, and
I'm in awe once again at the consistency and beauty of Scripture. (Esther mentioned this characteristic yesterday, too.) I'm
grateful for the consistency because it allows me to rest in the unity of God's
Word - it pretty much says the same things over and over and over, particularly
about the character of God. I can trust what it says, who it says God is.
This breeds confidence and security. I'm grateful for the beauty
because it answers a deep longing in our hearts for things to be "right,"
to be different from the brokenness confronting us every day. I can hope
for restoration and redemption, and I can rejoice in the life of God already at
work in the world: sunsets, velvet, rainstorms, caramel, laughter. God is
good!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Which is part of the repetition running through our
reading today. God is good and great, bringing healing and wholeness, and
deserving of praise. Look at all the places we see this truth today:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- I'm sure Micah 5:2 was familiar (especially as we're
only a week from Christmas), but look at the blessing this "ruler"
will bring Israel: "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength
of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they
will live in security, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
And he will be their peace" (Mic. 5:4-5a). Micah is
prophesying images of security and strength and safety and peace, of protection
and comfort, all because the entire world will know the greatness of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- Micah 7:18-20: God forgives. God relents.
God is merciful. God is compassionate. God offers salvation.
God is faithful. He doesn't leave us to ourselves. He never
brings judgment without offering mercy. Micah is picking up on the character
reference God gives himself in Exodus 34:6, which is mentioned time and again by
other Old Testament writers. (We saw it just recently in Jonah.) "We can know this is who God is,"
they all write, "because he described himself thusly and we see these
qualities worked out in relationship with us."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- Revelation echoes these characterizations of God.
Until the end of time, "salvation belongs to our God" (Rev. 7:10).
He redeems. He restores. He rescues us from our sin and
selfishness, for we are powerless to save ourselves. He is good, revealed
through his desire to save; he is great, revealed through his ability to do so.
Because of this, "praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" (vs.
12). That's a pretty comprehensive and amazing list, all due to our God.
Wow. And look at what God offers those standing before him:
provision ("spread[ing] his tent over them" and the following images
of physical satiation [vs. 15-16]), access to himself ("the Lamb...will be
their shepherd; <i>he</i> will lead them" [vs.17, emphasis mine]),
and comfort ("God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" [vs.
17]). Just amazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- Our psalm for today speaks to the relationship between
God's goodness and our praise, too. "Praise the Lord, for the Lord
is good" (Ps. 135:3); "I know that the Lord is great" (vs. 5);
"the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his
servants" (vs. 14); "praise the Lord" (vs. 21). The rest
of the psalm is a history lesson detailing God's faithful provision for his people,
bringing them out of Egypt and into the promised land. "This is what
God has done for us," the psalmist is saying. "Praise is our
response."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- Even Proverbs reinforces the idea of God as loving
protector and security. "He is a shield to those who take refuge in
him" (Pr. 30:5). Safety, trustworthiness, and acceptance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There's so much more in our reading today - the challenge
of Micah 6:6-8, the warning found in Proverbs 30:6. What richness and
depth we continue to find in our reading of God's word, even with only 15 days
left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
- Sarah Marsh<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-86126092046276759452017-12-15T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-15T02:30:18.020-08:00December 15<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Micah 1:1-4:13; Revelation 6:1-17; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 30:1-4</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just 7 more books in the Old Testament and then we are done.
D.O.N.E.! That’s very exciting. Yay for us! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we read the first portion of book of Micah. Not much
is known about Micah – he is quoted in Jeremiah (Micah 3:12 appears in Jeremiah
26:18) and we know that Micah is from a Judean town about 25 miles southwest of
Jerusalem. He is a contemporary of Isaiah, and, like Isaiah, Micah prophesied
about the Assyrian destruction of the Northern Kingdom and the later defeat of
the Southern Kingdom by the Babylonians (<i>Bible
Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament, </i>pg. 1475). He prophesied in the 8<sup>th</sup>
century, during the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Like many other
portions of prophetic literature, the book is written in poetry form.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Micah’s book has three major messages, each taking a section
of the book (<i>Bible Knowledge Commentary,
Old Testament, </i>pg. 1476).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>First Message: Judgment is Coming (chapters 1-2)</li>
<li>Second Message: Blessing Will Follow Judgment (chapters 3-5)</li>
<li>Third Message: An Indictment of Sin and a Promise of
Blessing (chapters 6-7)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similar to what my mom and sisters have said, while there is
lots of doom and gloom in Micah, there is still the promise of blessing with
obedience. God is nothing if not consistent, right? Yes, the theme of judgment
is prevalent, but so is restoration, if only the people will choose God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our New Testament reading, we’re picking up again on the
theme of judgment. The Lamb opens six of the seven seals and out of four of the
seals come a horse and its rider, bringing various forms of judgment on the
earth. The 5<sup>th</sup> seal reveals the souls of Christian martyrs and the 6<sup>th</sup>
seal opens to reveal a great earthquake and a dead sun. If you’ve been around
Christian culture for a while, then you know there is a ton of speculation about
the horses and their riders. Does the phrase “Four Horseman of the Apocalypse”
ring a bell for you? Generally speaking, theologians agree that the four horses
represent the following (in order of appearance): Conquest, Pestilence, War,
and Famine. So I’d say we’re pretty heavy on the judgment side today. The last
verse in our section today reads, “For the great day of their wrath has come,
and who can stand?” (Rev. 6:17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously, this isn’t the platform for us to hash out and
draw a hard line on what all the symbols in the book of Revelation mean. I’m
not even sure such a platform exists. Some things are for us to know and some
are for us to stand in awe and wonder at the great “otherness” of God. But I do
know Jesus is coming back some day and I want to be counted among those who
have been witnesses of God and his word (Rev. 6:9). Don’t you? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Help us to be faithful, Jesus, amidst all the distractions
and temptations of this world. We know that you are the true Lamb of God. Amen!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Esther McCurry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-80421943044857103282017-12-14T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-14T02:30:09.203-08:00December 14<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Jonah 1:1-4:11; Revelation 5:1-14; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 29:26-27</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We named our first son (second child) Jonah. I’m not going
to lie, we've had some interesting responses to it. I suppose it makes sense – at
face value, his story is about disobedience. But as I read today’s reading, I
was reminded yet again that Jonah’s story is actually a very human story. Which
of us gets it right on our first attempt? Which of us obeys God the first time
he tells us something? Which of us is not justice-oriented? (I was particularly
struck by that theme this year – Jonah doesn’t want to go to Nineveh because he
knows that God will forgive these wicked people and Jonah doesn’t want them to be forgiven.
He wants them to get what’s coming to them – can I see a show of hands of those
who can relate to that!?) Jonah’s story shows God’s forgiveness not just to a
whole nation, but his patience with one man. Jonah’s story reveals very major
miracles, but also very personal conversations between God and a human. It’s a
profound, moving story to which we are proud to have our son connected.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here’s a quick rundown on parts I found particularly
striking:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>The sailors on Jonah’s ship (headed toward Tarshish, the opposite direction from Nineveh) recognize
that the storm is something divine. They don’t seem to make any attempt to
understand it as a weather occurrence but rather as divine intervention; they
each seek their god and then wake Jonah to seek his.</li>
<li>Jonah’s prayer in the beginning part of chapter 2 is
amazing: “But I with steadfast voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the LORD!” (2:9). He says
that from within the belly of the fish, without the knowledge that we have,
that God is about to have the fish spit him up back on the land. What faith and
trust! (As a side note, Jonah’s name means "God saves" – he uses his own name as
part of his prayer!)</li>
<li>The reaction of the Ninevites is truly amazing. Chapter 2
verse 5 shows that as a people, they believed in God. In verse 7, we see that
the king issues a decree for every single person and animal to fast.</li>
<li>The humor in Jonah’s complaint against God can’t go
unmentioned: “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly and he was angry…'Is not this
what I said when I was yet in my country?...I knew that you are a gracious God
and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from
disaster'” (4:1-2). You would think those would all be good qualities, but
Jonah’s sense of justice and fairness is so offended he can’t hear how
ridiculous he sounds!</li>
<li>The lesson God teaches Jonah at the end of the book really
hits home – Jonah is outraged by the injustice of a little plant dying and yet
he couldn’t muster a little compassion for the 120,000 people in Nineveh. How
often am I so wrapped up in my own comfort and agenda that I can’t see the
hurting people right in front of me?</li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jonah’s story ends with God’s question, presumably setting
Jonah right once and for all. I’m so thankful for this story, for the God of
second chances who doesn’t rule us out after a first failed attempt. God wants
to use us, as he used Jonah, to tell people of his amazing salvation, and he
will pursue us until we respond to his voice. Thank you, Lord! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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- Esther McCurry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-17028215716774295842017-12-13T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-13T02:30:10.867-08:00December 13<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Obadiah
1:1-21; Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 29:24-25</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A
friend once told me that she got so tired of the "7-11" songs that
they sang at her church. "It's the same eleven words and we sing
them seven times over." Her not-so-implicit criticism revealed that she
thought the more modern worship songs were a bit light on significance. I
smiled at her view, but I've never forgotten it. I, too, like the old
hymns with their great theological truths, harmonies, and weight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I come to this passage in the New Testament, though, I'm forced to reconsider.
The four living creatures sing, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God
Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come" (Rev. 4:8). Um, that's
sixteen words, and some of those are repeated words. That leaves only eleven distinct words! And when it comes to singing those words seven times, the
creatures have that beat: "day and night they never stop saying" (vs.
8) this profound truth. So much for a 7-11 song having little or no substance!
It goes to show that the great old hymns (like the Israelites' liturgy,
the Psalms) are valid expressions of praise, just as the contemporary songs
(like the creatures' worship) are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
then, of course, there are the words sung by the twenty-four elders. How
I wish I could write music to go with such profound, powerful words! This
expression of praise echoes the gospel that John wrote before he received the
vision that we now read as the book of Revelation. "Through him all
things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (Jn.
1:3) says his gospel; "you created all things, and by your will they were
created and have their being" (Rev. 4:11) sings his vision. I love
the cohesiveness of Scripture, and these writings by John are inextricably tied
together. How beautiful. How amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There
is no better way for me to end this post today than by praising God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You
are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you
created all things, and by your will they were created and have their
being" (Rev. 4:11). Amen and amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Sarah Marsh</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-20638893835979385632017-12-12T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-12T02:30:20.060-08:00December 12<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Amos 7:1-9:15; Revelation 3:7-22; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 29:23</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I can't believe we are almost done with this year!!
Christmas is quickly sneaking up on us. Are you enjoying this Christmas season?
I know I am. I love all the decorations, lights, and yummy foods that this
season brings. However, in the 20+ years that I have been reading the OYB, I
have often lamented that the OYB readings did not better coincide with the
Christmas season. It almost seems like our readings have nothing to do with Advent. But God is so good in revealing himself to us. I am actually
really enjoying the readings through the minor prophets, and even Revelation is
growing on me just a bit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let's look at today's passages and see if we can find
some good truth and maybe even a little something that reminds us of Advent and
the birth of our Savior. Let's start by looking at some common themes found in
all the biblical prophetic writings and lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Amos is again warning Israel that their time of judgment
is coming. "The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no
longer" (Amos 8:2), says the Lord. We see Amos repeating this warning over and over again
throughout this book – a call to repentance and a warning for those who
persist in disobedience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In the conversation between Amos and the priest Amaziah,
we encounter another common theme among the biblical prophets – the reluctance
to become a prophet of Yahweh. Amos basically states that he never sought out
the office of prophet and was happy being a shepherd and caring for
sycamore-fig trees (7:14). But God called an ordinary man to go and prophesy to
his people, and Amos was obedient to do just that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Finally, let's look at one last common theme found in all
the major and minor prophets -- the hope for eventual redemption and
restoration. At the end of Amos 9, we once again see the Lord promising to
bring back his exiled people, to rebuild their ruined cities, and even to cause the
land to flourish with fruit and goodness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I can't help but think about the United States when I
read these passages. They are so applicable to our post-Christian nation today.
The Lord will use a plumb line on us as well. Will we line up or be found
wanting? And what about the prophets and people who speak his hard words of
truth to us today? Do we listen? Or turn away and tell them to stop saying
these words? Do we think them ridiculous for their "old school"
beliefs? We just want to skip to the part about the flourishing and blessing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Honestly, I worry about our nation. I worry about myself.
We read in Revelation, "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do
not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor,
blind and naked" (3:17). Doesn't that just sound like so many of us today?
We are so sure of our own right-ness that we are so blind to our true state of
depravity. Lord, have mercy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Okay, so far this doesn't sound too much like an Advent
post, does it? Well, for me it is, and here's why. Jesus is the answer!! His
birth and death answered all of the calls for judgment spoken by the
prophets. He also, just like the prophets, brought a message of repentance and
restoration. He, too, was an ordinary man with a message for all humanity. Am I
stretching it? Maybe, but these are good truths. May we have the humility to
accept them. May we, and all those in our great nation, actually listen, truly
listen, to the message Jesus brings to us today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- Mary Matthias<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-54608934032622403052017-12-11T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-11T02:30:22.139-08:00December 11<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Amos 4:1-6:14; Revelation 2:18-3:6; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 29:21-22</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Hey! How fun for me! I get to write posts on
both of my sisters' birthdays! Happy birthday, Mary!<br />
<br />
Our reading today, both Old and New Testaments, shows us two paths. Two
outcomes that result from a choice: seek the Lord and live, or endure the day
of the Lord.<br />
<br />
Amos reveals the perils of rebellion and/or self-reliance. Amos 5:18-20
gives a vivid image of how dreadful it will be to fall into the hands of an
angry God. This day will bring judgment and justice; those who think
they are safe will discover their security is false. They move from one
danger to a greater one. Their trust in wealth, their trust in foreign
nations, their trust in their own lip-service -- all will prove
meaningless. Their unwillingness to turn and repent will be their
downfall. They have chosen wrath over mercy.<br />
<br />
Though writing to the early churches, John expands this idea to communicate
Jesus' concern over complacency: "If you do not wake up, I will come like
a thief and you will not know at what time I will come to you" (Rev.
3:3). This warning is the flip side of his admonishment earlier in that
same verse. "Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard;
obey it, and repent." If the exhortation is ignored, the consequence
comes.<br />
<br />
What an invitation lies before the hearers of Amos, the readers of Revelation,
and us today! The Lord entreats us all to "seek [him] and live"
(see Amos 5:4,6), to remember and obey. What good things are before
us. One path leads to death or to a lack of thriving; the other, to
abundant life. All we have to do is seek the Lord.<br />
<br />
And what a God he is to seek. I love the reassurance of Psalm 130.
This is the God to whom we can turn. How wonderful that our God does not keep
a record of sins! Who, truly, could stand? "But with you there
is forgiveness, therefore you are feared [honored, revered, worshipped]"
(Ps. 130:3-4). The following verses speak of God's unfailing love, of the
full redemption he freely offers. He even promises that "he himself
will redeem Israel [and us, too!] from all their sins" (vs. 8). Israel's future tense "will" has become our present tense restoration because of
Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection 2,000 years ago. All that love and
forgiveness and redemption is currently ready for us to receive.<br />
<br />
Oh, what good things the Lord has in store for us. Praise the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
- Sarah Marsh<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-81021274064178989242017-12-10T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-10T02:30:02.279-08:00December 10<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Psalm 129:1-8;
Proverbs 29:19-20<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Bible Knowledge Commentary</i> is my
favorite Bible commentary. And not just because my husband wrote the commentary
on Amos! Although his contribution plays a part, too, in my choice of this two-volume set. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
According to
Dr. Don, the book of Amos was written during a time of prosperity in Judah and
Israel around 762 B.C. In fact, the Northern Kingdom (Israel) was at the zenith
of its power (pg. 1425). Amos, who modestly describes himself as a ‘shepherd’ (though
the word used is ‘sheep breeder,’ which means he probably headed up a large
sheep-ranching operation), is sounding a warning for Israel: judgment is
coming. They are prosperous and they say that God is with them, but they have
forsaken his ways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We read in
Amos 1:2 and 3:4 & 8 about a lion that roars and the Lord is identified as that
lion. The lion proclaims judgment and the roar begins with the nations around
Israel and Judah. Seven nations are proclaimed to be doomed, including Judah,
and then Israel herself is the eighth and last (pgs. 1428-1431). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
“The Lord always revealed His major plans
in advance to His servants, the prophets. The prediction could precede the
event by years or even centuries, but the fulfillment was always certain. Since
the Lord has now roared His judgment like a lion, who could but fear the
outcome? And since He had revealed His intentions to Amos, what could he do but
prophesy God’s message?” pg. 1434.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Don wrote
this commentary while our children were growing up in our large home in Dallas.
He’d go to his large study where books were piled up on his desk and children were
thronging in the nearby family room. Those were good days of work, both of us
busy with what God had called us to do, running on parallel tracks. Not usually
intersecting tracks, but parallel, heading in the same direction and with the
same goal: serving the Lord side by side with him focused on the ministry of teaching and writing this commentary and with me focused on raising the children. These
decades later, it makes me happy to read the Amos commentary and to see the
fruit of what he was doing in that study. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“The lion
has roared—who will not fear? The Sovereign Lord has spoken—who can but
prophesy?” (Amos 3:8) Amos could not help speaking prophecy for the Sovereign
Lord who had spoken to him. We are also called to speak and live for the Sovereign
Lord—writing a commentary, raising children, serving in our churches and
neighborhoods, telling others about our God, using our money for God’s glory, and living righteously in a sinful culture. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lord, give
us ears to hear when You roar. May we take your roar seriously for you are
indeed a Lion and Your Word will come true.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
- Nell
Sunukjian<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-16978282245723878502017-12-09T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-09T02:30:12.111-08:00December 9<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Joel 1:1-3:21; Revelation 1:1-20; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 29:18</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we start (and finish) Joel and we also start
Revelation, our final book of the New Testament. I’d say that’s a pretty
exciting day, wouldn’t you? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joel is a little unusual, most notably because, unlike the
other minor prophets, Joel doesn’t start his book by telling us the
circumstances surround his prophecies. That leaves plenty of room for
speculation regarding its date and historic events, and, with internal evidence
that could point to several different dates, it’s impossible to be certain. But
most scholars seem to think Joel was written sometime after the exile, possibly
around 516 B.C. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joel also has some interpretation difficulties – what kind of
army is referred to in 2:1-11? Is it a literal army or a locust army, as
detailed in chapter 1, or a foreign army of some kind? And how should we
interpret Joel’s use of "the Day of the Lord?” According to <i>The Bible Knowledge Commentary, </i>the Day of
the Lord is “derived from the idea, prevalent in the ancient Near East, that a
mighty warrior-king could consummate an entire military campaign in a single
day” (pg. 1412). In the Old Testament,
the phrase may refer to a particular historic event or to an epic end-times
battle. In Joel, the reader must figure out for himself which way it’s being
using. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just so I don’t leave you with only questions, here’s a
brief outline I found helpful (thanks to <i>The</i>
<i>Bible Knowledge Commentary) </i>in giving
an overview of the book: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->I.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Introduction (1:1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->II.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>The Locust Plague (1:2-20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->III.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The Coming Day of the Lord (2:1-11)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->IV.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->A Renewed Call to Repentance (2:12-17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->V.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Forgiveness and Restoration (2:18-27)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->VI.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Promises of a Glorious Future (2:28-3:21)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now onto Revelation – if you’re like me, you’re probably a
little bit intimidated by the book of Revelation. Unfortunately, church culture
has created the impression that the book is uninterpretable, or, at the very
least, best left to the professionals. But let’s not write off the rest of our
December passages! As we’re reading over the next few weeks, here are a few things
to keep in mind:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>John wrote this book for several reasons:</li>
<ul>
<li>To prepare believers in Asia for the coming of
Jesus</li>
<li>To expose false teaching and ungodly behavior in
the seven churches</li>
<li>To show God’s judgment on the unrepentant</li>
<li>To encourage believers to persevere despite
persecution and hardship</li>
</ul>
<li>John’s major themes are:</li>
<ul>
<li>God is the sovereign Lord of history</li>
<li>Jesus is the sacrificial lamb and is victorious
over Satan and the world</li>
<li>The world system, as exemplified by Babylon and
the two beasts, is opposed to God and his people</li>
<li>Believers who persevere will receive eternal
rewards in the new heaven and the new earth</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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(Taken from Mark Wilson’s contribution to the <i>Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds
Commentary.</i>)<br />
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So, as you’re reading along and perhaps getting bogged down by
descriptions you can’t quite understand, I encourage you to see if you can
make sense of it in light of John’s purpose and themes. And as I always says,
if all else fails, grab a commentary and wrestle through it with some
additional help!<br />
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Be encouraged, friends, and don’t lose heart. God intends
for us to understand his word and be changed by it. Just by exposing ourselves
to God’s word over the past year I know we’ve all experienced great growth and
change. Here’s to ending the year right with a strong finish! <o:p></o:p></div>
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- Esther McCurry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239862379422212897.post-4411189579221325052017-12-08T02:30:00.000-08:002017-12-08T02:30:16.198-08:00December 8<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Hosea 10:1-14:9; Jude 1:1-25; Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 29:15-17</i></div>
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Children were all over the latter portion of our reading
today. Some good words about them, and some challenging words about them.
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Because I'm a melancholic in terms of temperament, I like
to do the bad news first. So let's look at Proverbs. It isn't
really bad news, either, just some general truths about cause and effect that
can be hard to receive. Maybe more of a challenge rather than a negative
report. Verses 15 and 17 are the same thought, but approached from two
different directions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The former shows what happens when a "rod and a
reprimand" are absent: the end result is disgrace for the child and,
thus, the mother. When the parent abdicates his/her responsibility to
discipline the child, disaster follows. I used to teach high school
English, and I remember a mother once saying to me, "Well, I can't do
anything with him." I was so puzzled, because I am absolutely
certain that if a teacher called home with a complaint about me, my parents
would have taken me firmly in hand. And I remember thinking that the
parent "couldn't do anything" with a 14-year-old son because
she <i>didn't</i> do anything when he was 1 and 2 and 3. This
truism encourages me today, as I continue to discipline our children, and it
challenges me for the future, to remain consistent, to take the time, to extend
the energy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The latter proverb shows the reverse outcome. Peace
and delight are the typical result of well-disciplined children. It's not
a promise, nor a guarantee, but in general, the more effort we put into shaping
our children and teaching them to live well under authority, the more likely it
is that we will enjoy them. It's also more likely that our children
will be a blessing to others, bringing peace and delight to more than just ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now for the straight-up good news: Children are a gift.
Look at the words the psalmist uses to describe children -
"heritage," "reward," blessing." Wow! They are
our inheritance, our future. They bring benefit (my dad once joked that
his five children were his retirement plan) and protection (see the arrow
imagery in Ps. 127:4). They also bring honor. These children reflect
well on their parents; these mothers and fathers are confident as they approach
parent-teacher conferences. These parents feel sure that roommates and
friends and bosses will speak well of their children. In these verses,
I'm reoriented to remember how my children are a treasure. I am reminded
that my quiver is full of good, strong arrows. This is good, necessary
news for me as a parent, but I'm also challenged to think about this psalm
through the lens of being a child as well. Am I a blessing, a reward, a
heritage to my parents? Do I bring honor to their names and lives?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's Esther's birthday today. She is. She
does. And more than just my parents are blessed through her. Love
you, Esther.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Sarah Marsh<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click <a href="https://oybthree65.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here </a>to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.</i></div>
Three65 Bloggershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949752128011529205noreply@blogger.com1