And another blog!
Today’s readingsNumbers 11:4-13:25
Luke 3:23-4:13
Proverbs 7:21-27
Lots to confuse us in this passage from Numbers. First the moaning met with a blessing that is actually a curse of sorts. Then a false prophet. And finally some giants. Sometimes the Bible just outright confuses me and I have to come back to God and my basics of faith. So here's what I've got from this. First is that God hears us. And not only does He hear but He provides. Does He curse? I don't think so. I think that if you look at the abundance of meat that was provided and the subsequent illness it sort of mirrors how the Israelites who tried to hoard manna found that it was rotten by the next day. I feel as though God provided the quail but the Israelites greed is what made them ill from over indulging.
Also there's a message that God might use you a lot or a little but you're never less worthy because of it. It's tempting to want more and search for more which is great but then to get cross when we don't seem to get more. Humilty with God is everything and the answers and blessings are His to dish out as and when He deems it to be fit.
I think as well there is a message for those of us who are feeling like we're alone. Even though Moses is bringing bad news and is sceptical himself, God still provides and cares and supports. There's also a warning against gossiping, especially against people who are trying to work for God. He won't tolerate it and you'll not be getting blessed nor will it bring you closer to God.
As for the giants? Yeah I'm going to pull the symbolism card. The writers of this passage wanted to show just how amazing the land that God had prepared for them was and how fruitless (pun intended) the moaning of the people was. They missed slavery because they got a varied diet but they were being led to freedom and sustenance beyond their expectations!
Into the New Testament and we have Jesus' period of temptation after His genealogy. There's not a lot you can say for lists of relatives though I do like how Jesus' past shows He isn't from the best folk or the most holy folk but rather a real mix of stories and backgrounds. Now His temptations are a very interesting parallel to the Israelites' moaning. He's in the desert and is hungry but instead of moaning to God, He falls back on His core truths of loving God first and accepting His fate to be in God's hands. We make so much of free will and predestination sometimes that I think we forget that we should be desperate for God to lead us around by the nose because we'll end up where He wants us to be.
Finally we're back in Proverbs with our tempting lady and we get the end of the story where we find it quite clear what happens to people that chase sex rather than God first. It's some pretty powerful imagery brought out with calves being butchered and stags being shot with arrows. Temptations are everywhere but Jesus shows that humility and reliance are what get us through those "irresistible" temptations.
Onto the next one...
Friday 17 December 2010
Day 79
And another
Today’s readingsNumbers 9:15-11:3
Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 35:19-28
So we have the Israelites marching off and following God's cloud. I like this image and I don't know quite how literally to take it but what does strike me is how following the way that God had planned for them left them relatively incident free. It's like God wants the best for us... and that His plans actually work... Who'd have thought?! But seriously I really like this passage for showing the benefits of a journey with God. And when the Israelites forget how safe they've been and start complaining that they're not living in luxury I think it's understandable that God gets mad! But there's a lesson here. We need to accept that God's plan for us might not be the most exciting and thrilling earthly life. But we are here instead to live as He wants us and to use the gifts we have for Him. And I love the little aside about Hobab. Here we have a foreigner that Moses keeps with the people because he realises that God will be using Hobab regardless of his knowledge of God. We need to remember that God doesn't just work through Christians but is capable of using anyone's gifts and talents for His purpose. And as an incentive for us, notice that it's when Habob is surrounded by God's people that His skills are used. To me this says that we need to be willing to work with non-Christians in acheiving God's aims, even if they don't realise that's what they're doing!
We see John the Baptist again doing his thing but I think it's interesting to note that he says that being one of God's people isn't enough. And I think that still applies. We can't just rest on the knowledge that we're saved. We need to be striving for God and for His blessings rather than thinking we're forgiven so it's just a matter of waiting till we die. I believe that being a Christian is as much about making this world better for other people as it is about getting to heaven and I think this is what John is getting at. We need to be able to look at our lives here and be happy with them even though they will be sinful before we start thinking about the salvation that God gives us.
Finally the Psalm ends and I still think that this is a Psalm which shows how we can miss the point with our praise sometimes. God isn't there to make our lives easy. He's shown in Numbers that He won't put up with moaning about how hard we have it. Rather we should be worshipping God regardless of the outcome and trusting that His will is coming through. Verse 27 gets quoted a lot out of context as a way of saying that everything's going to go well for us as Christians. But look at the structure of the Psalm. Usually there is a piece to a Psalm when things do work out and God is praised. But here it just ends and I think that is because God isn't being praised for the right reasons. God can't be ordered or persuaded to step in when we need Him. Instead we need to seek His will and use our own strength and motivation, supported by His grace and power, to make changes to our own lives and more importantly, to other peoples. Lots of commas there but I hope that makes sense...
Onto the next one
Today’s readingsNumbers 9:15-11:3
Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 35:19-28
So we have the Israelites marching off and following God's cloud. I like this image and I don't know quite how literally to take it but what does strike me is how following the way that God had planned for them left them relatively incident free. It's like God wants the best for us... and that His plans actually work... Who'd have thought?! But seriously I really like this passage for showing the benefits of a journey with God. And when the Israelites forget how safe they've been and start complaining that they're not living in luxury I think it's understandable that God gets mad! But there's a lesson here. We need to accept that God's plan for us might not be the most exciting and thrilling earthly life. But we are here instead to live as He wants us and to use the gifts we have for Him. And I love the little aside about Hobab. Here we have a foreigner that Moses keeps with the people because he realises that God will be using Hobab regardless of his knowledge of God. We need to remember that God doesn't just work through Christians but is capable of using anyone's gifts and talents for His purpose. And as an incentive for us, notice that it's when Habob is surrounded by God's people that His skills are used. To me this says that we need to be willing to work with non-Christians in acheiving God's aims, even if they don't realise that's what they're doing!
We see John the Baptist again doing his thing but I think it's interesting to note that he says that being one of God's people isn't enough. And I think that still applies. We can't just rest on the knowledge that we're saved. We need to be striving for God and for His blessings rather than thinking we're forgiven so it's just a matter of waiting till we die. I believe that being a Christian is as much about making this world better for other people as it is about getting to heaven and I think this is what John is getting at. We need to be able to look at our lives here and be happy with them even though they will be sinful before we start thinking about the salvation that God gives us.
Finally the Psalm ends and I still think that this is a Psalm which shows how we can miss the point with our praise sometimes. God isn't there to make our lives easy. He's shown in Numbers that He won't put up with moaning about how hard we have it. Rather we should be worshipping God regardless of the outcome and trusting that His will is coming through. Verse 27 gets quoted a lot out of context as a way of saying that everything's going to go well for us as Christians. But look at the structure of the Psalm. Usually there is a piece to a Psalm when things do work out and God is praised. But here it just ends and I think that is because God isn't being praised for the right reasons. God can't be ordered or persuaded to step in when we need Him. Instead we need to seek His will and use our own strength and motivation, supported by His grace and power, to make changes to our own lives and more importantly, to other peoples. Lots of commas there but I hope that makes sense...
Onto the next one
Day 78
Here we go!
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:66-9:14
Luke 2:41-52
Psalm 35:11-18
So there're a few bits to the Numbers passage. First we have the end of the identical gifts which is showing again how everyone is valued equally and God doesn't require anyone to give differently than their neighbour, rather that they give their best. Then we have the purification of the Levites. I think this is very hard to get excited about but it does warm me how much attention God pays to those who are specifically going to be working for Him. Certainly we're all equal in His eyes but I think this shows that God realises how hard working for Him can be and so makes sure that there is provision for those who He calls. Finally we get a passage on the Passover and it made me think of all the hoo hah that happens every year over whether Christmas is too secular or what not. Well to me God is saying that everyone can celebrate and worship Him regardless of their background, as long as they keep Him at the centre. So we should be striving to keep Christian holidays important and God centred but rather than criticising the secular elements I think we should be highlighting the God elements and showing people that they can still have the same Christmas but should recognise God ought to be at the centre of it.
The New Testament passage starts with a quick fast forward as it appears nothing happened to Jesus and His parents for the next 12 years. I wonder what tribulations both of them went through in that time. Jesus was fully human after all and so must have bawled at times. I think it shows to me that God isn't going to make every day a highlight for us no matter how close we get to Him and sometimes it just takes us dedicating ourselves to Him and carrying on existing till He uses us again. It can seem like God forgets us sometimes I guess but here we have a 12 year period where nothing of consequence happens to Jesus, Joseph and Mary and there's obviously no way God forgot them! Then we get Jesus being a naughty runaway! Which some might see it as definitely. I could imagine many parents would go balistic at their child for running away as Mary does but I doubt the majority of them would ever accept an excuse for doing it. And for all the Daily Mail does to try and convince us that this is the scariest time to be a child in the world, things were a lot more dangerous and scary back then for a missing child! And yet through all of this torment and panic there's a sense of serenity and grace at the end as Jesus explains why He was in the Temple and then grows up to be a man obedient to His earthly parents as well as to God. This is a challenge to me at the moment because I feel like this is showing how distractions do happen but they really only ought to be from God. So focus Hancock. There's blogs to write and a God to get to know better!
Finally our Psalm continues and we see that God won't always step in as quickly as we need and I think the Psalmist is getting mixed up as to why they worship. He's seeming to expect that his praise will be rewarded with blessings but we have to realise that praise is what we ought to do regardless of the benefits! Trusting in God's wisdom, mercy and ultimate provision has to be our only hope.
Onto the next one
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:66-9:14
Luke 2:41-52
Psalm 35:11-18
So there're a few bits to the Numbers passage. First we have the end of the identical gifts which is showing again how everyone is valued equally and God doesn't require anyone to give differently than their neighbour, rather that they give their best. Then we have the purification of the Levites. I think this is very hard to get excited about but it does warm me how much attention God pays to those who are specifically going to be working for Him. Certainly we're all equal in His eyes but I think this shows that God realises how hard working for Him can be and so makes sure that there is provision for those who He calls. Finally we get a passage on the Passover and it made me think of all the hoo hah that happens every year over whether Christmas is too secular or what not. Well to me God is saying that everyone can celebrate and worship Him regardless of their background, as long as they keep Him at the centre. So we should be striving to keep Christian holidays important and God centred but rather than criticising the secular elements I think we should be highlighting the God elements and showing people that they can still have the same Christmas but should recognise God ought to be at the centre of it.
The New Testament passage starts with a quick fast forward as it appears nothing happened to Jesus and His parents for the next 12 years. I wonder what tribulations both of them went through in that time. Jesus was fully human after all and so must have bawled at times. I think it shows to me that God isn't going to make every day a highlight for us no matter how close we get to Him and sometimes it just takes us dedicating ourselves to Him and carrying on existing till He uses us again. It can seem like God forgets us sometimes I guess but here we have a 12 year period where nothing of consequence happens to Jesus, Joseph and Mary and there's obviously no way God forgot them! Then we get Jesus being a naughty runaway! Which some might see it as definitely. I could imagine many parents would go balistic at their child for running away as Mary does but I doubt the majority of them would ever accept an excuse for doing it. And for all the Daily Mail does to try and convince us that this is the scariest time to be a child in the world, things were a lot more dangerous and scary back then for a missing child! And yet through all of this torment and panic there's a sense of serenity and grace at the end as Jesus explains why He was in the Temple and then grows up to be a man obedient to His earthly parents as well as to God. This is a challenge to me at the moment because I feel like this is showing how distractions do happen but they really only ought to be from God. So focus Hancock. There's blogs to write and a God to get to know better!
Finally our Psalm continues and we see that God won't always step in as quickly as we need and I think the Psalmist is getting mixed up as to why they worship. He's seeming to expect that his praise will be rewarded with blessings but we have to realise that praise is what we ought to do regardless of the benefits! Trusting in God's wisdom, mercy and ultimate provision has to be our only hope.
Onto the next one
Day 77
Next please. No links till I catch up!!
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:1-65
Luke 2:21-40
Psalm 35:1-10
Man alive... That's possibly the driest bit of Bible I've read so far. So what do we get from a list of guys giving the exact same thing time and time again? Well it makes me wonder what I offer to God. And this to me shows that God requires the same thing from everyone. So what can we all offer regardless of our situation? I would say we can offer our day. I've been trying recently to make sure every morning I'm coming to God and giving the day to Him. And I think that's something we could all do
Then we get Jesus being offered to God. Mary knew that Jesus was God's Son but made sure still that He was formerly offered to God. I think we need to remember sometimes that even though we know that everything in this universe belongs to God, it's humbling for us to offer that up to Him in thanks and trust. Also I think that there's a lesson to learn here from Simeon and Anna. If we're willing to give our days to God then we will be repaid. It might take time and look at how long each of these people dedicated themselves to God before they saw Jesus. But God knows our commitment and is always working to bless us with a closeness to Him. Notice they didn't receive a luxury yacht for their dedication but a glimpse of God's true nature. This is what we strive for folks!!
Finally our Psalm begins with more requests for God's intervention. Now God isn't always going to be rescuing us from danger and one day we will die but we can't be waiting and praying for His earthly protection and salvation; rather we need to be praying for blessings of HIM to come to us and the people we love. And to be thankful that salvation after our time on earth is already secured.
Onto the next one
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:1-65
Luke 2:21-40
Psalm 35:1-10
Man alive... That's possibly the driest bit of Bible I've read so far. So what do we get from a list of guys giving the exact same thing time and time again? Well it makes me wonder what I offer to God. And this to me shows that God requires the same thing from everyone. So what can we all offer regardless of our situation? I would say we can offer our day. I've been trying recently to make sure every morning I'm coming to God and giving the day to Him. And I think that's something we could all do
Then we get Jesus being offered to God. Mary knew that Jesus was God's Son but made sure still that He was formerly offered to God. I think we need to remember sometimes that even though we know that everything in this universe belongs to God, it's humbling for us to offer that up to Him in thanks and trust. Also I think that there's a lesson to learn here from Simeon and Anna. If we're willing to give our days to God then we will be repaid. It might take time and look at how long each of these people dedicated themselves to God before they saw Jesus. But God knows our commitment and is always working to bless us with a closeness to Him. Notice they didn't receive a luxury yacht for their dedication but a glimpse of God's true nature. This is what we strive for folks!!
Finally our Psalm begins with more requests for God's intervention. Now God isn't always going to be rescuing us from danger and one day we will die but we can't be waiting and praying for His earthly protection and salvation; rather we need to be praying for blessings of HIM to come to us and the people we love. And to be thankful that salvation after our time on earth is already secured.
Onto the next one
Day 76
Right. I'm catching up before Christmas... Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Numbers 5:11-6:27
Luke 2:1-20
Proverbs 7:6-20
So the Old Testament readings continue with some tough reading on adultery which seems weighted against women. So much heartache and hurt comes from people misunderstanding or misusing the Old Testament laws and I feel this is another example here where this could really upset people and turn them away from God. So how do we understand it? Where's the truth? Well to me this isn't law or commandment meant for today but a historical record of how God was having to work hard to turn this rag tag bunch of people to Him and to having a loving attitude. They were so far removed from the ideal way of behaving that God seems to be having to drag people back little by little. I think that all of these laws need to be looked on as historical and within a context of Jesus' ethic of love for everyone. If we read something that doesn't seem like it can be carried out with a loving attitude then it can't be the way God intended it.
Reading this I'm straight away thinking of John's sermon at Impact with the POP :) There's two things that have settled on me today from this passage that we've all heard loads recently! First is how the shepherds RUN to see Jesus. I love that. They're terrified but excited and just go running without a thought for what they're leaving behind. Secondly is how their story impresses everyone who hears it. That's like someone on Jeremy Kyle captivating the whole tv audience with their wisdom! God's truth is so exciting and relevant that it makes anyone into an impressive speaker! Excellent news indeed and just showing why we should have confidence in inviting people to hear about God at Christmas.
Finally we get a very confusing bit of Proverbs which kind of needs the rest of its chapter to give it some context. But I think it shows that we have to be careful with being tricked by things that appear ok. This woman has prepared herself to sleep with this guy as though she's going to marry him but then let slips that she's married. I guess this is like the Old Testament laws. We need to be careful that we don't outright dismiss what is written there because God put that law there for a reason and so can't just hide behind what feels easiest. It's a tough cookie certainly...
Onto the next one
Today’s readings
Numbers 5:11-6:27
Luke 2:1-20
Proverbs 7:6-20
So the Old Testament readings continue with some tough reading on adultery which seems weighted against women. So much heartache and hurt comes from people misunderstanding or misusing the Old Testament laws and I feel this is another example here where this could really upset people and turn them away from God. So how do we understand it? Where's the truth? Well to me this isn't law or commandment meant for today but a historical record of how God was having to work hard to turn this rag tag bunch of people to Him and to having a loving attitude. They were so far removed from the ideal way of behaving that God seems to be having to drag people back little by little. I think that all of these laws need to be looked on as historical and within a context of Jesus' ethic of love for everyone. If we read something that doesn't seem like it can be carried out with a loving attitude then it can't be the way God intended it.
Reading this I'm straight away thinking of John's sermon at Impact with the POP :) There's two things that have settled on me today from this passage that we've all heard loads recently! First is how the shepherds RUN to see Jesus. I love that. They're terrified but excited and just go running without a thought for what they're leaving behind. Secondly is how their story impresses everyone who hears it. That's like someone on Jeremy Kyle captivating the whole tv audience with their wisdom! God's truth is so exciting and relevant that it makes anyone into an impressive speaker! Excellent news indeed and just showing why we should have confidence in inviting people to hear about God at Christmas.
Finally we get a very confusing bit of Proverbs which kind of needs the rest of its chapter to give it some context. But I think it shows that we have to be careful with being tricked by things that appear ok. This woman has prepared herself to sleep with this guy as though she's going to marry him but then let slips that she's married. I guess this is like the Old Testament laws. We need to be careful that we don't outright dismiss what is written there because God put that law there for a reason and so can't just hide behind what feels easiest. It's a tough cookie certainly...
Onto the next one
Saturday 4 December 2010
Day 75
More catching up. Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Numbers 4:1-5:10
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 34:11-22
So here we have more history to start us off. One thing that I thought of was how God's always saying about people dying if they touch things. I wonder if any of you have seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, clearly the best of the Indiana Jones films. Well they find the Ark of the Covenant which is I think what we're talking about here, or certainly the start of the stuff that would go in the Ark. Now at the end all the Nazis open the Ark and get melted in impressively grusome special effects considering the film's nearly 30 years old. But this isn't because they're big nast evil Nazis. Well it kind of is but not entirely because Indy makes sure his eyes and the pretty lady's eyes are shut too when the Ark is opened. Even though he's the hero of the film and thus clearly a good guy, he realises that God's holy presence is contained within those artefacts and you shouldn't treat them flippantly. Now obviously this isn't factual because Star Wars are the only documentaries that George Lucas has made, but I think it's a good way of seeing that God wasn't just killing people for no reason. He was warning them not to do things because their own body wouldn't take the exposure. Think of it as though God said "and any who jump of a cliff will be die." You wouldn't think He was being bossy or unreasonable for saying that.
I also think it's interesting that everyone seems to have a role in God's new kingdom that He is building. I think a lot of the time we forget that God has a purpose and a role for us and it might not actually be what we want. Our attitude in any situation we're put should be that God has us their for a reason and we should be thankful that we're faithful and trusting enough to see it through with His blessings at the end.
Into the New Testament and we have John the Baptist being born. And before he was a baptist... So anyway, I like that Zachariah's words when he does finally get his speech back are a God given prophecy. If I were putting songs to these catch up blogs, this one would be a Toad The Wet Sprocket song called Something to Say. Well worth a listen if you can. I just think Zachariah had been serving God so long and doing his duties without ever really having that huge experience of God that we all search for and here before he died was this huge event that gave him something worthwhile to say.
I love that being called John is such a matter of intrigue too. Great men us Jons... Regardless of the spelling. Also I think the prophecy Zachariah brings is fantastic. It's full of humility and awareness that everything has been God's plan and that John's role won't be centre stage but he's not complaining but rejoicing that God has worked in his life. I think that's a definite lesson from today that we should be thankful that God does use us. Use us for what? Well I'm quoting lots of pop culture today but I read an old issue of the Avengers a couple of days ago and Captain America said that he did what he did because he knew it would make someone's tomorrow easier. That's a fantastic sentiment and one I think God wants from us.
Finally our Psalm continues and after such a mass of praise we get this joyful reassurance that running to God is never in vain. I especially like verse 12 saying that following God is having a lust for life. That's what we should be seeking. Life to the fullness of its potential!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Today’s readings
Numbers 4:1-5:10
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 34:11-22
So here we have more history to start us off. One thing that I thought of was how God's always saying about people dying if they touch things. I wonder if any of you have seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, clearly the best of the Indiana Jones films. Well they find the Ark of the Covenant which is I think what we're talking about here, or certainly the start of the stuff that would go in the Ark. Now at the end all the Nazis open the Ark and get melted in impressively grusome special effects considering the film's nearly 30 years old. But this isn't because they're big nast evil Nazis. Well it kind of is but not entirely because Indy makes sure his eyes and the pretty lady's eyes are shut too when the Ark is opened. Even though he's the hero of the film and thus clearly a good guy, he realises that God's holy presence is contained within those artefacts and you shouldn't treat them flippantly. Now obviously this isn't factual because Star Wars are the only documentaries that George Lucas has made, but I think it's a good way of seeing that God wasn't just killing people for no reason. He was warning them not to do things because their own body wouldn't take the exposure. Think of it as though God said "and any who jump of a cliff will be die." You wouldn't think He was being bossy or unreasonable for saying that.
I also think it's interesting that everyone seems to have a role in God's new kingdom that He is building. I think a lot of the time we forget that God has a purpose and a role for us and it might not actually be what we want. Our attitude in any situation we're put should be that God has us their for a reason and we should be thankful that we're faithful and trusting enough to see it through with His blessings at the end.
Into the New Testament and we have John the Baptist being born. And before he was a baptist... So anyway, I like that Zachariah's words when he does finally get his speech back are a God given prophecy. If I were putting songs to these catch up blogs, this one would be a Toad The Wet Sprocket song called Something to Say. Well worth a listen if you can. I just think Zachariah had been serving God so long and doing his duties without ever really having that huge experience of God that we all search for and here before he died was this huge event that gave him something worthwhile to say.
I love that being called John is such a matter of intrigue too. Great men us Jons... Regardless of the spelling. Also I think the prophecy Zachariah brings is fantastic. It's full of humility and awareness that everything has been God's plan and that John's role won't be centre stage but he's not complaining but rejoicing that God has worked in his life. I think that's a definite lesson from today that we should be thankful that God does use us. Use us for what? Well I'm quoting lots of pop culture today but I read an old issue of the Avengers a couple of days ago and Captain America said that he did what he did because he knew it would make someone's tomorrow easier. That's a fantastic sentiment and one I think God wants from us.
Finally our Psalm continues and after such a mass of praise we get this joyful reassurance that running to God is never in vain. I especially like verse 12 saying that following God is having a lust for life. That's what we should be seeking. Life to the fullness of its potential!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Friday 3 December 2010
Day 74
Let's see how many we can get done on a day off. Onto business then
Today’s readings
Numbers 2:10-3:51
Luke 1:39-56
Psalm 34:1-10
Not a lot to say from Numbers. Mushi's a fun name :) The only thing I can really see is how God provides for those that are focused on what His will is. I sometimes wish that will was clearer but I do know that when our motives are right, provision comes!
Into the New Testament and you know how women witter and squeal over the slightest thing? Well imagine the cacophany when they actually have something important to celebrate! This isn't just a pair of shoes or a snog with that boy they both like but two miracle pregnancies which will change the whole world. But let's think about the joy that really flows through these two people. I keep struggling to cheer up at the moment and be positive about things which isn't usual for me but here the Bible shows us that what can make us happiest is an encounter with God. Now I'm not wanting to be pregnant of course... but why did we like Soul Survivor so much? The music and the mates might have helped but what made it amazing was the closeness with our God in one place. Let's be seeking that to give us the smiles.
Finally our Psalm starts and we get loads and loads of praise to God for all the things He does. But I think what's important is how God helps us feel. We're always looking for solid things but I think the best things that we get from God are the feelings of peace and joy that come free of any benefit. If you're struggling then wallow in a bit of abstract happiness for a bit!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Today’s readings
Numbers 2:10-3:51
Luke 1:39-56
Psalm 34:1-10
Not a lot to say from Numbers. Mushi's a fun name :) The only thing I can really see is how God provides for those that are focused on what His will is. I sometimes wish that will was clearer but I do know that when our motives are right, provision comes!
Into the New Testament and you know how women witter and squeal over the slightest thing? Well imagine the cacophany when they actually have something important to celebrate! This isn't just a pair of shoes or a snog with that boy they both like but two miracle pregnancies which will change the whole world. But let's think about the joy that really flows through these two people. I keep struggling to cheer up at the moment and be positive about things which isn't usual for me but here the Bible shows us that what can make us happiest is an encounter with God. Now I'm not wanting to be pregnant of course... but why did we like Soul Survivor so much? The music and the mates might have helped but what made it amazing was the closeness with our God in one place. Let's be seeking that to give us the smiles.
Finally our Psalm starts and we get loads and loads of praise to God for all the things He does. But I think what's important is how God helps us feel. We're always looking for solid things but I think the best things that we get from God are the feelings of peace and joy that come free of any benefit. If you're struggling then wallow in a bit of abstract happiness for a bit!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Thursday 2 December 2010
Day 73
One more while it's snowy then probably another couple before bed as I'm off tomorrow. Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Numbers 1:1-2:9
Luke 1:26-38
Psalm 33:12-22
Oh boy have I ever been looking forward to Numbers. If you've been doing 20 days of this without me then I salute you... I'm actually starting on the day it's meant to be finishing. Bad Jon. Much catching up to do! Little insight into Numbers from my handy little book. Numbers is basically showing that no matter how much we moan and forget God, He never forgets us. He might have to let us get into trouble so we remember Him but He'll never forget us or stop loving us. Off we go then...
So a big old list to start but I love how it begins. God says go and choose these men to help you but here's who you're going to pick. Free will can be confusing and the way I've always understood it is that a parent can give their child a free choice between a toy and a plate of sprouts and they'll know which they'll pick. Well our father God gives us the choices but He knows which we'll pick because He knows us inside out and plans accordingly.
Obviously we need a best name contest here too. Clearly Ammishaddai wins with Helon and Zuar close second and third. Another thing to notice though. 600,000+ men who can fight. Plus kids, women, pensioners and sick or disabled people and you're probably looking at 2 million plus that have been walking around listening to Moses. It's not surprising that some of them have been getting into trouble! And yet God manages to take this HUGE chunk of humanity and keep it safe. Wow.
Into the New Testament and we have a very short piece showing Mary being chosen and notice how differently she reacts to Zachariah. This is a girl who is probably under 15 years old being told she's going to get pregnant by a miracle and yet she doesn't panic or worry about the future. She just accepts and deals with it. Wow. I bet there's a few unwritten days when she did have a few little panic attacks but this makes me think of how God continually uses young people because they have that inner drive and lack of worry that He loves to work with. Jesus said you need the attitude of a child to get into heaven and I think we're seeing some of that in Mary here. People often say childlike trust as though it's blind faith but I think it's actually the trust that you will be able to cope because God is with you and that in that moment you believe in His plan.
Finally our Psalm harks back to the start of Numbers by telling us that a big army alone won't win battles. It's having God on our side and that trust that Mary had which carries us through. If there's a battle or a struggle in your life then keep giving it to God. At the moment I'm going through all sorts of angst about the future and this is a real challenge to me to stop looking at all the things I need or can do and start to ask what God is going to do for me.
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Today’s readings
Numbers 1:1-2:9
Luke 1:26-38
Psalm 33:12-22
Oh boy have I ever been looking forward to Numbers. If you've been doing 20 days of this without me then I salute you... I'm actually starting on the day it's meant to be finishing. Bad Jon. Much catching up to do! Little insight into Numbers from my handy little book. Numbers is basically showing that no matter how much we moan and forget God, He never forgets us. He might have to let us get into trouble so we remember Him but He'll never forget us or stop loving us. Off we go then...
So a big old list to start but I love how it begins. God says go and choose these men to help you but here's who you're going to pick. Free will can be confusing and the way I've always understood it is that a parent can give their child a free choice between a toy and a plate of sprouts and they'll know which they'll pick. Well our father God gives us the choices but He knows which we'll pick because He knows us inside out and plans accordingly.
Obviously we need a best name contest here too. Clearly Ammishaddai wins with Helon and Zuar close second and third. Another thing to notice though. 600,000+ men who can fight. Plus kids, women, pensioners and sick or disabled people and you're probably looking at 2 million plus that have been walking around listening to Moses. It's not surprising that some of them have been getting into trouble! And yet God manages to take this HUGE chunk of humanity and keep it safe. Wow.
Into the New Testament and we have a very short piece showing Mary being chosen and notice how differently she reacts to Zachariah. This is a girl who is probably under 15 years old being told she's going to get pregnant by a miracle and yet she doesn't panic or worry about the future. She just accepts and deals with it. Wow. I bet there's a few unwritten days when she did have a few little panic attacks but this makes me think of how God continually uses young people because they have that inner drive and lack of worry that He loves to work with. Jesus said you need the attitude of a child to get into heaven and I think we're seeing some of that in Mary here. People often say childlike trust as though it's blind faith but I think it's actually the trust that you will be able to cope because God is with you and that in that moment you believe in His plan.
Finally our Psalm harks back to the start of Numbers by telling us that a big army alone won't win battles. It's having God on our side and that trust that Mary had which carries us through. If there's a battle or a struggle in your life then keep giving it to God. At the moment I'm going through all sorts of angst about the future and this is a real challenge to me to stop looking at all the things I need or can do and start to ask what God is going to do for me.
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Day 72
A new day brings a whole slew of blogs with it. Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Leviticus 26:14-27:34
Luke 1:1-25
Proverbs 7:1-5
Urgh. Leviticus is a tough start today. We get a whole lot of reasons why you probably shouldn't ignore God (and interestingly a lot of them seem to point to Soviet Russia which was a completely atheist state) and then a whole big portion on making sure that you let God have the stuff that He's entitled to. Seems pretty straight forward really. I think for me this is just a reminder to keep giving God the time in my life that He's entitled to!
Into the New Testament we go and I know I'm nearly a month behind but I'm kinda glad to be covering the start of Luke this close to Christmas! I dunno what it is about Luke but I always think he's the gospel writer that most resonates with me and seems to have that little edge over the others in terms of having more style and content than Mark, not as much style as John and not as clear an agenda as Matthew. Sure it's all the Word of God but if I had to pick just one gospel? It'd be Luke's without a second thought. I love that he starts the story of Jesus by telling us about what happened before and not like Matthew with the genealogy but with actual people living their lives. Sure Zachariah is linked to Jesus through Mary but I think it's important to remember that Jesus's message is meant for the ordinary folks. No matter who you look down on in society, and I'd be impressed if there's no one you're even a little judgemental of, God's gift of Jesus is as much for them as for any of us.
One thing I love about Zachariah that always fills me with hope is how a man so old and experienced in serving God is paralyzed with fear when God actually speaks to him. I love that God never stops being a surprise and that you can never get complacent or even so holy and righteous that you expect God. To me, God should always be a surprise visit rather than an expected presence. He's too powerful to be at our beck and call surely? You also have an understanding of why John turned out to be so... unique shall we say. His parents aren't just ancient pensioners but his dad couldn't talk for nine months so his mum decided to be pregnant without him! This five months to me is Elizabeth really praising God and doing everything she can to make sure she gives birth. I'd imagine she was a little cross at Zachariah for doubting God's word even though he knew it was God's presence there!
Finally we start a new chapter of Proverbs and it's little more than an introduction today but worth remembering that these words are designed to help us in life and not just for the ten minutes we get our Bible's out in.
And that's your lot. Onto the next one...
Today’s readings
Leviticus 26:14-27:34
Luke 1:1-25
Proverbs 7:1-5
Urgh. Leviticus is a tough start today. We get a whole lot of reasons why you probably shouldn't ignore God (and interestingly a lot of them seem to point to Soviet Russia which was a completely atheist state) and then a whole big portion on making sure that you let God have the stuff that He's entitled to. Seems pretty straight forward really. I think for me this is just a reminder to keep giving God the time in my life that He's entitled to!
Into the New Testament we go and I know I'm nearly a month behind but I'm kinda glad to be covering the start of Luke this close to Christmas! I dunno what it is about Luke but I always think he's the gospel writer that most resonates with me and seems to have that little edge over the others in terms of having more style and content than Mark, not as much style as John and not as clear an agenda as Matthew. Sure it's all the Word of God but if I had to pick just one gospel? It'd be Luke's without a second thought. I love that he starts the story of Jesus by telling us about what happened before and not like Matthew with the genealogy but with actual people living their lives. Sure Zachariah is linked to Jesus through Mary but I think it's important to remember that Jesus's message is meant for the ordinary folks. No matter who you look down on in society, and I'd be impressed if there's no one you're even a little judgemental of, God's gift of Jesus is as much for them as for any of us.
One thing I love about Zachariah that always fills me with hope is how a man so old and experienced in serving God is paralyzed with fear when God actually speaks to him. I love that God never stops being a surprise and that you can never get complacent or even so holy and righteous that you expect God. To me, God should always be a surprise visit rather than an expected presence. He's too powerful to be at our beck and call surely? You also have an understanding of why John turned out to be so... unique shall we say. His parents aren't just ancient pensioners but his dad couldn't talk for nine months so his mum decided to be pregnant without him! This five months to me is Elizabeth really praising God and doing everything she can to make sure she gives birth. I'd imagine she was a little cross at Zachariah for doubting God's word even though he knew it was God's presence there!
Finally we start a new chapter of Proverbs and it's little more than an introduction today but worth remembering that these words are designed to help us in life and not just for the ten minutes we get our Bible's out in.
And that's your lot. Onto the next one...
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Day 71
These are roaring off quite nicely now. Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Leviticus 25:1-26:13
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 33:1-11
The law that we read today is really complicated it seems and revolves mostly around property. Now the simple explanation in all of this is that God didn't want His people ot become obsessed with property and the things that they owned but to realise that everything they had came from Him and so they shouldn't guard it jealously. He also tells them that living by His laws means they will propser as a nation. So much of our faith revolves around us rather than us wanting the best for the world. In fact there are loads of times coming up where this promise is highlighted by the Israelites forgetting God and getting themselves into trouble.
Now there is a problem bit in here. I'd heard this passage referenced previously when my Mum was involved in the Jubilee 2000 campaign and I understood it to be about the end of slavery. But the passage does clearly say that it's ok to have slaves if they're foreign. Yikes... Let's think of the context though. Again, this is a people who are isolated and have no community. They'd be tired and fed up and would probably be thinking about taking slaves like they saw the Egyptians do to them. Now I think the easy way out here is to see how this law has changed with the removal of God's people just being the Jews and actually being all humanity. It's impossible to buy a slave who isn't a member of God's chosen people now. But that still leaves us with a real quandry here which I don't think I have a solution for. How can God ok the sale of children into a life of slavery?
Ok I've done some reading around and found this pretty handy thought out response on the internet amongst a bunch of idiots like me just wailing what they think :
The Bible acknowledged the slave’s status as the property of the master (Ex. 21:23; Lev. 25:46),
The Bible restricted the master’s power over the slave. Ex. 21:20).
The slave was a member of the master’s household (Lev. 22:11)
The slave was required to rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10; Deut. 5:14)
The slave was required and to participate in religious observances (Gen. 17:13; Exodus 12:44; Lev. 22:11).
The Bible prohibited extradition of slaves and granted them asylum (Deut. 23:16-17).
The servitude of a Hebrew debt-slave was limited to six years (Ex. 21:2; Deut. 15:12).
When a slave was freed, he was to receive gifts that enabled him to survive economically (Deut. 15:14)
So slavery was happening and God had already given specific rules as to how they Israelites should treat their slaves. I think God understood the way that the world worked at that time and realised the sacrifices that needed to be made so that His people could be settled and then His plan continued. God is continually working against human free will in order to see His plan come to fruition and so must work within the confines of our own sinful choices sometimes. That's a challenge to me. My own sin contributes to a society and a culture that God must work within in order to make people understand and see Him.
The heavy stuff continues as we go into the New Testament with Mark's account of Jesus' ressurection. Well, it might be Mark's or it might have been added in later but remember folks; the Bible is God inspired, not God written and it's important to remember that humanity's messed up brains were involved in writing it. Just look at the original ending of Mark's gospel. The women are running scared after hearing that Jesus has been raised. What a fantastic cliff hanger! But seriously, that sort of reaction is fascinating to me. How many people do we know who reject Jesus because they are scared of the impact His truth would have upon their lives and their understanding of how the world should work. People will still hear the truth but run and hide from it. Small side note, I've written a 2000 word essay on verse 17 alone with the handling of snakes being a sign that some churches take literally. Interesting if completely potty belief which clearly ignores how the Old Testament refers to snakes in place of Satan or demons and remembering that Jesus speaks to His audience in ways they understand, it's pretty clear He's not instructing them to go pick up a rattlesnake to prove how holy they are.
Finally our Psalm reminds us again of the power of God and the reliability of His plans. He has done and continues to do great things and if we work ourselves and, more importantly, with each other then great communities and countries can be built.
That's your lot. Onto the next one...
Today’s readings
Leviticus 25:1-26:13
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 33:1-11
The law that we read today is really complicated it seems and revolves mostly around property. Now the simple explanation in all of this is that God didn't want His people ot become obsessed with property and the things that they owned but to realise that everything they had came from Him and so they shouldn't guard it jealously. He also tells them that living by His laws means they will propser as a nation. So much of our faith revolves around us rather than us wanting the best for the world. In fact there are loads of times coming up where this promise is highlighted by the Israelites forgetting God and getting themselves into trouble.
Now there is a problem bit in here. I'd heard this passage referenced previously when my Mum was involved in the Jubilee 2000 campaign and I understood it to be about the end of slavery. But the passage does clearly say that it's ok to have slaves if they're foreign. Yikes... Let's think of the context though. Again, this is a people who are isolated and have no community. They'd be tired and fed up and would probably be thinking about taking slaves like they saw the Egyptians do to them. Now I think the easy way out here is to see how this law has changed with the removal of God's people just being the Jews and actually being all humanity. It's impossible to buy a slave who isn't a member of God's chosen people now. But that still leaves us with a real quandry here which I don't think I have a solution for. How can God ok the sale of children into a life of slavery?
Ok I've done some reading around and found this pretty handy thought out response on the internet amongst a bunch of idiots like me just wailing what they think :
The Bible acknowledged the slave’s status as the property of the master (Ex. 21:23; Lev. 25:46),
The Bible restricted the master’s power over the slave. Ex. 21:20).
The slave was a member of the master’s household (Lev. 22:11)
The slave was required to rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10; Deut. 5:14)
The slave was required and to participate in religious observances (Gen. 17:13; Exodus 12:44; Lev. 22:11).
The Bible prohibited extradition of slaves and granted them asylum (Deut. 23:16-17).
The servitude of a Hebrew debt-slave was limited to six years (Ex. 21:2; Deut. 15:12).
When a slave was freed, he was to receive gifts that enabled him to survive economically (Deut. 15:14)
So slavery was happening and God had already given specific rules as to how they Israelites should treat their slaves. I think God understood the way that the world worked at that time and realised the sacrifices that needed to be made so that His people could be settled and then His plan continued. God is continually working against human free will in order to see His plan come to fruition and so must work within the confines of our own sinful choices sometimes. That's a challenge to me. My own sin contributes to a society and a culture that God must work within in order to make people understand and see Him.
The heavy stuff continues as we go into the New Testament with Mark's account of Jesus' ressurection. Well, it might be Mark's or it might have been added in later but remember folks; the Bible is God inspired, not God written and it's important to remember that humanity's messed up brains were involved in writing it. Just look at the original ending of Mark's gospel. The women are running scared after hearing that Jesus has been raised. What a fantastic cliff hanger! But seriously, that sort of reaction is fascinating to me. How many people do we know who reject Jesus because they are scared of the impact His truth would have upon their lives and their understanding of how the world should work. People will still hear the truth but run and hide from it. Small side note, I've written a 2000 word essay on verse 17 alone with the handling of snakes being a sign that some churches take literally. Interesting if completely potty belief which clearly ignores how the Old Testament refers to snakes in place of Satan or demons and remembering that Jesus speaks to His audience in ways they understand, it's pretty clear He's not instructing them to go pick up a rattlesnake to prove how holy they are.
Finally our Psalm reminds us again of the power of God and the reliability of His plans. He has done and continues to do great things and if we work ourselves and, more importantly, with each other then great communities and countries can be built.
That's your lot. Onto the next one...
Day 70
Intros are for wimps. Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Leviticus 23:1-24:23
Mark 15:33-47
Psalm 32:1-11
Few things hit me from Leviticus today. The first is how awesome God is to grant all these days off work. David Cameron gives us one day where we're going to watch a wedding and yet God just keeps on deciding on days off. I like that God is this joyful as I think that too often we see the Old Testament God as having only a hard heart and no love in Him.
Next thing is how harsh the stoning seems but then I look at what has happened and here you have someone who is fighting against someone else and uses God's name which had much more power and weight then that it does now sadly, in order to try and score points in a fight. This is just after God has blessed Israel with all this free time and during the time when the Israelites are still reliant on God for helping them out with the whole lacking a country thing! God does things for a reason and dissidents like this couldn't be tolerated within a society that was so desperately needing unity. Could they just have banished the offender? Well they might as well given him a death sentence as send him into the wilderness with no support or connections. This way the people saw the need to unite for God and that God's law applied to everyone, regardless of where they came from.
The final thing to hit me from this is how quickly the people follow the orders of God to execute this boy. Now how often are they whining and moaning about God's laws but the minute they are told to carry out something which could be tied into anger or revenge then there's no hesitation. I wonder about their motives and I take this a challenge for when we get too wrapped up in using the bits of God's word that we like rather than actually following the bits that we don't want to do.
Into the New Testament and here Jesus dies. Now I recently was challenged by something I heard from a comedian who often talks about Christianity. He suggested that Jesus' words here showed that maybe He was actually deluding Himself and didn't realise until the last moment that He was nothing more special than any other human. It's possible definitely isn't it? Hmmm... challenging stuff. But then Jesus was just a human. That's the point. He had our weaknesses and our fears. Our doubts were present in Him. But what is fantastic is the resurrection to come. Jesus was scared to die and was bound to be seperate from God until He rose again. It's no wonder that when this bond He had known since the start of time to the most perfect love was broken, He reacted with terror and anguish. How much should we strive to get this love for ourselves and others if the alternative can fill someone as powerful and wise as Jesus with such terror? Such a huge challenge...
Finally our Psalm today tells us not to keep our emotions stored up inside us but to let them out to God. Sometimes we think that prayers in our head and heart are all God needs and they are but they aren't necessarily all we need. We've just seen Jesus shout out a prayer of desperation that could potentially cause real problems for those who heard it. And yet He did it because He needed to get that release from the fear. God doesn't want us to be obsessed with keeping it together and appearing ok. Equally, He doesn't want us to flouncing drama queens. But He has given us emotions so that we express them when we need to. If there's something on your heart that is joyful or sorrowful then shout it to God. He wants you to release it to Him.
And that's it. Onto the next one...
Today’s readings
Leviticus 23:1-24:23
Mark 15:33-47
Psalm 32:1-11
Few things hit me from Leviticus today. The first is how awesome God is to grant all these days off work. David Cameron gives us one day where we're going to watch a wedding and yet God just keeps on deciding on days off. I like that God is this joyful as I think that too often we see the Old Testament God as having only a hard heart and no love in Him.
Next thing is how harsh the stoning seems but then I look at what has happened and here you have someone who is fighting against someone else and uses God's name which had much more power and weight then that it does now sadly, in order to try and score points in a fight. This is just after God has blessed Israel with all this free time and during the time when the Israelites are still reliant on God for helping them out with the whole lacking a country thing! God does things for a reason and dissidents like this couldn't be tolerated within a society that was so desperately needing unity. Could they just have banished the offender? Well they might as well given him a death sentence as send him into the wilderness with no support or connections. This way the people saw the need to unite for God and that God's law applied to everyone, regardless of where they came from.
The final thing to hit me from this is how quickly the people follow the orders of God to execute this boy. Now how often are they whining and moaning about God's laws but the minute they are told to carry out something which could be tied into anger or revenge then there's no hesitation. I wonder about their motives and I take this a challenge for when we get too wrapped up in using the bits of God's word that we like rather than actually following the bits that we don't want to do.
Into the New Testament and here Jesus dies. Now I recently was challenged by something I heard from a comedian who often talks about Christianity. He suggested that Jesus' words here showed that maybe He was actually deluding Himself and didn't realise until the last moment that He was nothing more special than any other human. It's possible definitely isn't it? Hmmm... challenging stuff. But then Jesus was just a human. That's the point. He had our weaknesses and our fears. Our doubts were present in Him. But what is fantastic is the resurrection to come. Jesus was scared to die and was bound to be seperate from God until He rose again. It's no wonder that when this bond He had known since the start of time to the most perfect love was broken, He reacted with terror and anguish. How much should we strive to get this love for ourselves and others if the alternative can fill someone as powerful and wise as Jesus with such terror? Such a huge challenge...
Finally our Psalm today tells us not to keep our emotions stored up inside us but to let them out to God. Sometimes we think that prayers in our head and heart are all God needs and they are but they aren't necessarily all we need. We've just seen Jesus shout out a prayer of desperation that could potentially cause real problems for those who heard it. And yet He did it because He needed to get that release from the fear. God doesn't want us to be obsessed with keeping it together and appearing ok. Equally, He doesn't want us to flouncing drama queens. But He has given us emotions so that we express them when we need to. If there's something on your heart that is joyful or sorrowful then shout it to God. He wants you to release it to Him.
And that's it. Onto the next one...
Day 69
Right. I'm catching up starting now. These are going to be short and swift to get us back on track because I've got a fair few to catch up on. No frills from now on until we're back up to date
Today’s readings
Leviticus 21:1-22:33
Mark 15:1-32
Psalm 31:19-24
The laws in Leviticus that are described here are a bit grim but I think it's telling us an important and challenging thing. It's vital that we bring our best to God. I've let this blog slip for a number of reasons, not just limited to Google not letting me sign in for a few weeks. But I'm definitely guilty of leaving it till the last minute or choosing my PS3 over it. Well here God is commanding that the people He calls to work for Him must stay clean for Him and be the best that they can be for Him. Remember, touching the dead and infectious at this time would have led to you most likely dying yourself and God needed these people to do His work. So if we're called to do His work then we should be trying our best not to interact with things that will damage us or stop us being able to carry out His will.
Into the New Testament and we're losing the verbs too till we catch up. Here we have Jesus being treated like a toy for the people. Executed for fun and revenge. I am really feeling challenged by God here because I can't help but think that it's not a coincidence that I start doing these again with something showing me just what suffering and degredation Jesus went through for me. How quickly do we forget that and hype up our own problems instead. I also think it's crazy that Simon of Cyrene was just coming home from work. I feel shattered when I come home from my job and yet I don't then have to drag a cross up a hill and watch my best friend be crucified on it. God's sacrifice of Jesus was so huge and yet we still try and put our own struggle before it.
Finally our Psalm is a real comfort to me at least. Coming back to this act of worship as I think it is and here God's telling me that blessings do wait for me. And for us! What a privelege it actually is to be able to read and study His word and share it with anyone who wants to read.
That's your lot. On to the next one!
Today’s readings
Leviticus 21:1-22:33
Mark 15:1-32
Psalm 31:19-24
The laws in Leviticus that are described here are a bit grim but I think it's telling us an important and challenging thing. It's vital that we bring our best to God. I've let this blog slip for a number of reasons, not just limited to Google not letting me sign in for a few weeks. But I'm definitely guilty of leaving it till the last minute or choosing my PS3 over it. Well here God is commanding that the people He calls to work for Him must stay clean for Him and be the best that they can be for Him. Remember, touching the dead and infectious at this time would have led to you most likely dying yourself and God needed these people to do His work. So if we're called to do His work then we should be trying our best not to interact with things that will damage us or stop us being able to carry out His will.
Into the New Testament and we're losing the verbs too till we catch up. Here we have Jesus being treated like a toy for the people. Executed for fun and revenge. I am really feeling challenged by God here because I can't help but think that it's not a coincidence that I start doing these again with something showing me just what suffering and degredation Jesus went through for me. How quickly do we forget that and hype up our own problems instead. I also think it's crazy that Simon of Cyrene was just coming home from work. I feel shattered when I come home from my job and yet I don't then have to drag a cross up a hill and watch my best friend be crucified on it. God's sacrifice of Jesus was so huge and yet we still try and put our own struggle before it.
Finally our Psalm is a real comfort to me at least. Coming back to this act of worship as I think it is and here God's telling me that blessings do wait for me. And for us! What a privelege it actually is to be able to read and study His word and share it with anyone who wants to read.
That's your lot. On to the next one!
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