"What Would Jesus Say About Direct Bill?

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The Same Page September 7, 2010 "What Would Jesus Say About Direct Bill?" Dr. Philip McVay I had a crazy thought today. What would Jesus say about direct bill? He might quote Luke 9:58..."Foxes have holes and birds of air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" or Matthew 10:10..."You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Or Luke 2:59..."I must be about my Father's business?"Perhaps He would lift up the wisdom of the building a tower..."For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"(Luke 14:28) I am not sure which of these passages Jesus might quote but this I know Christ loves the Church and He want us to be about "making disciples and transforming the world." Our annual conference session in 2009 approved direct bill as the best way to move into the future funding our clergy health and pension benefits.Direct Bill is still a few months away but the "buzz" in conversation has been going on for months. Churches are now engaging direct bill conversations in the budget planning for 2011. I hear concern in the statements ..."how much?"..."how can we?"...and "I am not sure we can do it!" In hopes of calming anxiety about direct bill let me share some realities and perspective. First of all direct bill has some realities. The first reality is churches will pay directly for their appointed clergy health and pension benefits each month. How much will this be? The final amounts will be mailed out in December. We do know generally health insurance will be around $650 a month. The pension amount is determined by taking the pastors salary and adding another 25 percent if he/she lives in parsonage. The annual pension amount is then determined by taking 16% of that combined figure. If the pastor has a housing allowance the entire housing allowance figure is added with salary... and then 16% percent of the combined total is determined for the annual pension benefit. There is some good financial news as churches will notice a reduction in the conference missional apportionments. This reduction will help churches transition into direct bill. Every church will not have the same reductions because church budgets and pastors salaries are not all the same. If the final amounts to pay seem daunting I would encourage pastors and churches to not to be anxious about the future but rather ..."plan well and go forward trusting God." Back to the question..."What would Jesus say About Direct Bill?" I have one more passage that seems very relevant. It comes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. Jesus teaches..."Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life" The teaching of Jesus..."do not worry" is good for all times and especially with all the unknowns of the coming of direct bill. Can we ever remember a time when there wasn't something to worry about? Has God not been faithful in the past? Are we not at our strongest when we trust God with the future? Our conference and churches have grown through many changes in the past when the future was uncertain. I am most assured that direct bill will be no different. Jesus loves the church and I am thinking He would not want us worried about institutional requirements but rather a world that needs saving! Let us be that Church focused on ministry and not our worries! We can with God's help not only get through this time but get through even stronger! Shalom, Philip

September 7, 2010

"What Would Jesus Say About Direct Bill?" Dr. Philip McVay I had a crazy thought today. What would Jesus say about direct bill? He might quote Luke 9:58..."Foxes have holes and birds of air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" or Matthew 10:10..."You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Or Luke 2:59..."I must be about my Father's business?"Perhaps He would lift up the wisdom of the building a tower..."For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"(Luke 14:28) I am not sure which of these passages Jesus might quote but this I know Christ loves the Church and He want us to be about "making disciples and transforming the world." Our annual conference session in 2009 approved direct bill as the best way to move into the future funding our clergy health and pension benefits.Direct Bill is still a few months away but the "buzz" in conversation has been going on for months. Churches are now engaging direct bill conversations in the budget planning for 2011. I hear concern in the statements ..."how much?"..."how can we?"...and "I am not sure we can do it!" In hopes of calming anxiety about direct bill let me share some realities and perspective. First of all direct bill has some realities. The first reality is churches will pay directly for their appointed clergy health and pension benefits each month. How much will this be? The final amounts will be mailed out in December. We do know generally health insurance will be around $650 a month. The pension amount is determined by taking the pastors salary and adding another 25 percent if he/she lives in parsonage. The annual pension amount is then determined by taking 16% of that combined figure. If the pastor has a housing allowance the entire housing allowance figure is added with salary... and then 16% percent of the combined total is determined for the annual pension benefit. There is some good financial news as churches will notice a reduction in the conference missional apportionments. This reduction will help churches transition into direct bill. Every church will not have the same reductions because church budgets and pastors salaries are not all the same. If the final amounts to pay seem daunting I would encourage pastors and churches to not to be anxious about the future but rather ..."plan well and go forward trusting God." Back to the question..."What would Jesus say About Direct Bill?" I have one more passage that seems very relevant. It comes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. Jesus teaches..."Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life" The teaching of Jesus..."do not worry" is good for all times and especially with all the unknowns of the coming of direct bill. Can we ever remember a time when there wasn't something to worry about? Has God not been faithful in the past? Are we not at our strongest when we trust God with the future? Our conference and churches have grown through many changes in the past when the future was uncertain. I am most assured that direct bill will be no different. Jesus loves the church and I am thinking He would not want us worried about institutional requirements but rather a world that needs saving! Let us be that Church focused on ministry and not our worries! We can with God's help not only get through this time but get through even stronger! Shalom, Philip

Day 365...(10,11,12,13; Jude; Revelation 19,20,21,22)..."Faith and Beginning and Endings"

We end the scheduled reading for one year through the Bible today. How appropriate to end with some of broader themes...faith and God is the source of beginning and endings. Hebrews has an entire chapter on faith. Chapter 11 recalls many of the stories we have read. What is the connecting theme? Faith. God is also the source of beginnings and endings. Hebrews 13:8 says..."Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Revelation says Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.

I end with Hebrews description of faith..."Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Notice how those who lived by faith did not all see faith realized but they realized through faith the day was coming in full for God's people. Perhaps this is a vantage point for our days and times. We are to live by faith and we trust the Lord of the Alpha and the Omega. Faith is the way we participate in this amazing story of God and His reaching out in love to give hope for the world!

Day 364...(2 Peter 1,2,3; Hebrews 7,8,9; Revelation 16,17,18)..."God's Patience for All to Be Saved"

As we draw to an end (one day left of reading) I was really struck that 2 Peter quoted the Psalm and added a word about patience. Is this not a key to peace submitting to God's time and waiting patiently? Here is the passage that deals with God's patience for all to be saved...

"With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

I also am drawn to the teaching of the sequence of how we get to the goal of love and becoming more like God. Notice the progression beginning with faith and goodness...

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."

Day 363...(1 Peter 4,5; Hebrews 4,5,6; Revelation 13,14,15)..."Love Covers a Multitude of Sins"

Love is key virtue of the Christian life. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the greatest of all. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy and expands the love of God and neighbor as the greatest commandment. 1 John speaks clearly that "God is love." In 1 Peter we read that love covers a multitude of sins. The Scriptures reinforce all throughout the Bible that love is the greatest. Here is what is written in 1 Peter about love...

"Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Day 362...(1 Peter 1,2,3; Hebrews 1,2,3; Revelation 10,11,12)..."Baptism Connected to Noah?"

Is baptism connected with Noah? We believe baptism is a outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace. Baptism is an initiation into the Kingdom of God. Baptism is a sign of salvation. In 1 Peter 3 we learn of a connection with baptism and Noah. Baptism is also a pledge of a good conscience according to words of Peter. I had not noticed this teaching before...

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."

Day 361...(Titus 1,2,3; James 4,5; 3 John; Revelation 7,8,9)..."A Plan for Divisive People"

Churches do ministry best when working together in unity. In the real world, there are divisive people who "rock the boat" and threaten any chance for unity. What options are there for a church, when a divisive person is present? The Book of Titus lays out a plan for how to handle such as person. Give one warning and then a second. If the dissension continues, you move on. What a wonderful plan. Here is the passage...

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

Day 360...(2 Timothy 3,4; 2 John; James 1,2,3; Revelations 4,5,6)..."Two Kinds of Wisdom"

Wisdom is a fascinating subject. Is someone wise because they have a high IQ or great ability to process information? Or a great memory? Or street smart? All of these contribute but the scripture teaches the highest wisdom comes from God. James has a special insight into humility and wisdom today. I had not considered this kind of wisdom until I paused after reading...

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

Wow! What a concept. Wisdom comes from a life of humility with ego under control. The Book of James speaks so powerfully about what may be considered ordinary producing a harvest of the extraordinary.

Day 359...(2 Timothy 1,2; 1 John 5; Revelation 1,2,3)..."Seven Churches"

Revelation is a confusing Book. Yet...the teachings about seven churches make clear sense. Churches are strong and weak for reasons. We can learn from the seven in Revelation.

Ephesus - forgot first love Jesus
Smyrna - commended for faith in difficult times
Pergamum - reprimanded for bad teaching
Thyatira - reprimanded for too much tolerance
Sardis - Dead (needs to be alive)
Philadelphia - A great opportunity
Laodicea - Lukewarm (needs passion)

Can we not learn from these churches? What would our church be commended for or why would it be reprimanded?

Day 358...(Malachi 4; 1 John 3,4; 1 Timothy 4,5,6)..."Malachi Ends and So Does the Old Testament"

Well here we are 358 days later and we finish the Old Testament. In about a week, we will finish the Bible. Malachi ends with a word about obeying Moses and looking out for Elijah. Remember, Elijah never died. Is this a way to heighten awareness of the truth "God is a God of the living and not the dead?" (much like the resurrection morning) Neither do the words of the Old Testament ever die...they will endure forever.

Something else that will endure forever is love. God's love and our aim to love for each other. Are there more important words about the centrality of love than John? Here are the words...

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

What a wonderful message that love removes fear!

Day 357...(Malachi 3; 1 John 1,2; 1 Timothy 1,2,3)..."Convincing Passages"

The Lord says "test Him" in tithing. Is there a more convincing word about giving God the first ten percent of all we have? The tithing passage speaks for itself. In addition, 1 John speaks with confidence about the forgiveness of sins. 1 Timothy is convincing with three qualities needed in love. Here are the passages...

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith"

Day 356...(Malachi 2; 2 Thessalonians 1,2,3; Jude)..."UnGodly People"

Malachi and Jude both address unGodly people. In Malachi the people are described as not having a heart for God. In Jude, they are described as fruitless faultfinders. Here are the passages...

Malachi...

"And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me."

Jude....

"These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him." These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage."

Day 355...(Malachi 1; 1 Thessalonians 3,4; Philemon)..."Paul Reveals How to Win Friends and Influence People"

Paul reveals how to win friends and influence people. Before you think this is too cheesy read the verse! Is this not the key to winning the respect of people and living a most productive life?

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

Day 354...(Zechariah 13,14; 1 Thessalonians 1,2)..."Paul's Night Job"

Paul was a tent maker. Did he make tents at night? He earned an income somehow. In 1 Thessalonians we read were Paul eludes to this second job. His reason for doing so was not to be a burden to those in which he would reach and preach. Paul like so many great people of the faith kept long hours. Here is the reference...

"As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you."

Day 353...(Zechariah 11,12; Colossians 3,4)..."A Seasoned with Salt Message?"

Paul has already said about himself "he had become all things to all people to save for Christ" (1 Corinthians 9:22). In today's reading, he writes about the use of words. He invites to season with salt. How important are our words. We are known through our conversations. In the case of an outsider, we need to say just the right word. Here is what Paul says...

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Day 352...(Zechariah 9,10; Colossians 1,2)..."Christ is Supreme"

Paul in Colossians writes that everything is under Christ the Head of the Church. I am always amazed at how quickly a church will grow, when Christ is the center and whither when secondary purposes become primary. As a District Superintendent, this is more obvious when in and out of different churches all the time. The growing churches are Christ centered. The churches that are withering have lost focus. Church growth is not rocket science. Paul says it like this...

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

Day 351...(Zechariah 7,8; Philippians 3,4)..."Missing From the Quote?"

One of the most quoted passages in the Bible is Philippians 4:13. I have even seen this underneath football players eyes to deflect the sun. Have we ever noticed the wonderful passage prior to 4:13? This is also very quotable and makes 4:13 even more meaningful. Here is the passage...

"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Is contentment trusting God the key to living in God's strength?

Day 350...(Zechariah 5,6; Philippians 1,2)..."Humility"

One of my favorite passages is Philippians 2 when Paul so eloquently states that the "Name above every name." He goes on to teach of Jesus' humility. How beautiful are these words! Jesus' Name is above all.

In the passages preceding this exaltation are words of how to build unity through humility. What if we could live this way? We would be able to change the world. Paul teaches...

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Day 349...(Zechariah 3,4; Ephesians 5,6)..."Armor of God"

What is the armor of God? There are seven dimensions...

Faith (which is a shield)

Truth (a belt)

Peace (our feet)

Righteousness (breastplate)

Salvation (helmet)

Word of God (sword)

Unceasing Prayer


"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

Day 348...(Ezekiel 47,48; Zechariah 1,2; Ephesians 4)..."Anger Management"

Ephesians four is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Christ is the Head of the Church. We relate to Him. All things are lifted up to Him. What a powerful message.

In addition to the profound and true teachings of the Church is also anger management. How do we handle our anger. Paul says...

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need."

How do we live without anger? Here are more tips...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Day 347...(Haggai 1,2; Ezekiel 45,46; Ephesians 3)..."Pockets with Holes"

An economic reality...there is never enough money away from the Lord's purposes. With God there is always enough. Do we have holes in our pockets or an overflowing life? Haggai a short Book nails this message...

"Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. ⁶ You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

Day 346...(Daniel 10,11,12; Ezekiel 43,44; Ephesians 2)..."Where Would we be without Ephesians 2:8-9?"

Where would we be without Ephesians 2:8-9? How many lives have been suddenly awakened to God's salvation with the hearing of this verse. John Wesley preached on this text more than any other! Thank God for His amazing grace!

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

On another note...we in Christ are all citizens of God! Is there a better residence? I think not.

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

Day 345...(Daniel 7,8,9; Ezekiel 41,42; Ephesians 1)..."The Eyes of Our Heart"

Paul speaks of the eyes of the heart in Ephesians chapter one. I suppose this is his way of saying our commitment (what our heart sees most) determines far more than our physical eyes. What can we from the eyes of our commitment, loyalty and devotion. He goes on to say Christ is Lord of the Church. What a beautiful introduction for understanding the Church. Here is the passage...

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

Day 344...(Daniel 4,5,6; Ezekiel 39,40; Galatians 6)..."The Differenece Between a Den of Lions and a Lions Den"

My good friend, Ron Ball says there is a difference between a lions den and a den of lions. A lions den can be empty. A den of lions has much more to be concerned about! Daniel had a den of lions. What a great story to read, when we face difficulty...especially facing opposition. God was faithful with Daniel and He is faithful with us.

Paul has very practical teachings in Galatians chapter six. He teaches about helping each other, bearing burdens, and helping the fallen be restored. Paul also says we reap what we sow both good and bad. One path leads to the destruction and the other to life.

Day 343...(Daniel 1,2,3; Ezekiel 37,38; Galatians 5)..."A Great Day of Reading"

Wow! What a day of reading. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego in the flaming furnace seven times hotter and out without even a smell of smoke! A valley of dry bones coming back together with life. What great stories for Israel in their despair. Paul speaks of the fruits of the spirit...love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, and faithfulness. These readings today remind us God is God and is able. We are to walk in the fruits of the spirit, as we trust in Him.

What a great day of reading! Themes abundant...

Stay loyal to God no matter the circumstances.

Trust God

See hope even in dry bones

Live in the fruits of the Spirit.

Day 342...(Lamentations 5; Ezekiel 35,36; Galatians 4)...

These passages in Ezekiel and Lamentations are prophetic with a gloom and doom future. The words of hope stand out. As Lamentations chapter 3 will give you whiplash moving from despair to hope so quickly...Ezekiel's words stand out today as God moves toward the redemption of Israel.

"'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

God's judgment is found in the Bible but also His plan of redemption. These two subjects are a part of the overall message of God.

Day 341...(Lamentations 3,4; Ezekiel 33,34; Galatians 3)..."The Most Sneaky Passage in the Bible"

What is the most sneaky verse in the Bible? I would suggest Lamentations 3:18-23. You can get whiplash moving from lament to praise so quickly! This is also just one breath of praise that is nestled in a book of despair. What a great hymn comes from this passage. Great is thy faithfulness!


"So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD." I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Day 340...(Lamentations 1,2; Ezekiel 31,32; Galatians 2)..."Paul Opposes Peter"

In today's 2nd chapter of Galatians we read of Paul opposing Peter. He calls him out on hypocrisy regarding circumcision. The climate of the early apostles was not always agreement. How interesting that Paul was able to stand up to Peter. The doctrine of justification by faith comes out the strongest in this chapter. One of the most familiar passages of Paul is found in this chapter...


"For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Day 339...(Jeremiah 44; Ezekiel 29,30; Galatians 1)..."No Other Gospel"

Paul lays out clear directives to Galatia. There is no other gospel. You cannot change or pervert the message of Christ. He uses his own experience to confront those who are deserting the faith. Paul used to preach against Christ and now he is the leader of the earthly church. Galatians 1 gives us a great admonition of not changing from essential Christology. In our plethora of religious and non-religious views of today, we are reminded by Paul there are core tenants in which we do not dilute or change. Here is the passage...

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!"

Day 338...(Jeremiah 42,43; Ezekiel 27,28; 2 Corinthians 13)..."Testing"

Paul sets out a plan to test yourself. Test to see that you live by faith. He propels his readers to do this and eliminate the faults. The faults eliminated lead toward perfection. This 13th chapter is very interesting with passages of both weakness and perfection interwoven in the same passages.

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down."

Day 337...(Jeremiah 40, 41; Ezekiel 25,26; 2 Corinthians 12)..."Paul Shares Weakness"

Paul continues to share personally in today's reading...as he shares about his thorn(he shared his risk and danger in the previous chapter). Paul's thorn was some physical condition or weakness that continued past his conversion. Obviously, this thorn caused Paul some embarrassment. Was it epilepsy? Or something else out of Paul's control? We do not know but obviously the "weakness" made Paul vulnerable and more dependent on God.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Day 336...(Jeremiah 38,39; Ezekiel 23,24; 2 Corinthians 11)..."Paul Shares About His Life"

The life of an apostle. Paul shares what life is like for him. In reading Paul, we may envision a wise spiritual man in a safe comfortable environment. These words in 2 Corinthians give us a glimpse of Paul's real environment.

"I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."

Day 335...(Jeremiah 36,37; Ezekiel 21,22; 2 Corinthians 10)..."Two Favorite Passages"

Jeremiah 29 contains one of my favorite passages. In the midst of such gloom, defeat and suffering comes these words...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity."

What a wonderfully hopeful message in such a despairing time.

The other passage is practical from 2 Corinthians. We should never commend ourselves or compare ourselves but seek to please God. Here is the passage...

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."

and...

"For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

If we could only live this passage how much more simple would our life be? This would end jealousy, envy, and feelings of rejection. Our life goal is to be commended by God. In seeking His approval, we have a better chance to have the proper relationships with others.

Day 334...(Jeremiah 34,35; Ezekiel 19,20; 2 Corinthians 9)..."Sowing"

The Bible teaches us a very familiar passage..."you reap what you sow" (Galatians 6:7). One other passage about sowing is found in today's passage in 2 Corinthians.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

A person not only reaps what he sows but also becomes generous or stingy by the attitude we have toward giving to others. Some have called this a lifestyle of scarcity or abundance. What is our choice...sowing with scarcity or abundance?

Day 333...(Jeremiah 32,33; Ezekiel 17,18; 2 Corinthians 8)..."A Sure Financial Plan for the Church"

Does a church have to have money to give generously? No just look at his letter in 2 Corinthians chapter 8. Macedonia was a poor church but gave richly...how did they do that? They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to each other. This plan of beginning with God is still the soundest way to teach stewardship in the church. Here is the passage...

"And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."

We sometimes get off track and forget this obvious truth. Every church should read this passage and take this to heart. Our reason for giving begins and ends with God. We give to God the tithe through the church.

Day 332...(Jeremiah 30,31; Ezekiel 15,16; 2 Corinthians 7)..."What is the Difference Between Worldly Sorrow and Godly Sorrow?"

Is all sorrow the same sorrow? Not according to Paul. He says worldly sorrow leads to death but Godly sorrow brings repentance and life. Paul must have written a scathing letter to admit he caused sorrow and hurt Corinth. He never apologizes rather pointing to the pain bringing the right result...a return to God. Here is how Paul explained the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow...

"Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."

On one other note how about the writing style of Ezekiel? Chapter 15 is only eight passages on one subject. Chapter 16 is eight times longer and splinters in many directions. I am guessing these are the shortest and longest next to each other. Interesting.

Day 331...(Jeremiah 28,29; Ezekiel 13, 14; 2 Corinthians 6)..."Paul says Shame on You!"

Paul says shame on you. What is the subject? Is it a litany of immorality in the 6th chapter of 2 Corinthians such as adulterers or drunkards? While his list is condemning for those who out of step with the Kingdom of God...he says shame on the those who bring lawsuits. In our world today, people are happy to bring a lawsuit even against the church. Paul would say..."shame on you." Here is the passage...

"I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers."

Settling disputes without lawsuits is the way of Paul's teaching. What a wonderful teaching for our world today.

Day 330...(Jeremiah 26,27; Ezekiel 11,12; 2 Corinthians 5)..."Another Life Verse"

It just so happens that 2 Corinthians has two of my favorite life passages. Yesterday was about a hope to face despair. Today's reading is about new life in Christ. I would imagine 2 Corinthians 5:17 is one of the most quoted of the Bible. How exciting that we can be a new creation in Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

God is the creator of the earth and of new creations in us.

Day 329...(Jeremiah 24,25; Ezekiel 9,10; 2 Corinthians 4)..."Another of my Life Passages"

Today, is one of my life passages. The words stand on there on. You can find these in 2 Corinthians 4.


"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Day 328...(Jeremiah 22,23; Ezekiel 7,8; 2 Corinthians 3)..."Beaming"

Moses had such a radiant face, from the Spirit, he required a veil over his face. Paul says this is possible alive in the Holy Spirit. We are given a transformed nature and this possible for all. I have known a few people through the years that were so full of God's spirit they almost beamed. What an image. Here is the passage...

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Day 327...(Jeremiah 21; Ezekiel 5,6; 2 Corinthians 2)..."Paul Outlines Receiving Back A Person Who Has Repented"

The early church set standards of admonishing those who brought grief to the church. Admonishing was easy. Apparently, receiving those back who had repented was not. Paul goes to great lengths to encourage receiving back in the fold.

"Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."

Condemnation is easy...restoration is not. Is it any different today?

Day 326...(Jeremiah 20, Ezekiel 3,4; 2 Corinthians 1)..."A Theology of Congregational Care"

How do we care for all the needs around us? The needs of people can be overwhelming to grasp. As the flight attendant says place the mask first on yourself and then your child makes sense...so does Paul's teaching. God cares for us and we in turn can care for others...who then begin another cycle in caring for others. (exponential in nature) As we are connected with God there is a way to care for the needs of the world around us. To care properly we must have our needs attended by God and others. Paul writes about it this way...

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."

Day 325...(Jeremiah 19; Ezekiel 1,2; 1 Corinthians 16)..."A Great Sermon Outline"

Today's text has a great sermon outline. You can take the four points as they are...

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."

#1 Be on your guard
#2 Stand firm in your faith
#3 Be of courage
#4 Be strong
#5 Do everything in love

Day 324...(Zephaniah 1,2,3; Jeremiah 18; 1 Corinthians 15)..."Resurrection Thoughts"

When preaching on the resurrection, we usually refer to the Gospels. In 1 Corinthians 15 is a wonderful teaching of victory in death. According to Paul...we move from perishable to imperishable, mortality to immortality, and to a real sense of victory. One of the great victory images is "death without sting." Imagine the resurrection being so glorious that death has no pain! How wonderful for those who have died in the faith. And for us in Christ to have the sting of death removed. Here is the teaching...

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Day 323...(Habakkuk 1,2,3; Jeremiah 17; 1 Corinthians 14)..."Hope for Difficult Times"

Habakkuk is another book with a harsh message. It does end in affirmation of staying the course with God through the tough times. Here is the passage...

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet 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."

What is our though? Is it an oil spill? Something personal? Health? God is faithful. There is always hope...especially in the difficult times.

Day 322...(Nahum 1,2,3; Jeremiah 16; I Corinthians 13..."Love is the Greatest".

Is Nahum speaking of the same Nineveh of Jonah? Yes. Now we know why Jonah ran when God called him to Nineveh. The Book of Nahum is pretty much gloom and doom except for a brief mention of God's goodness in Nahum 1:7..."The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." Right after this passage is the warning of those who are evil..."Whatever they plot against the LORD He will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time." Apparently, the city fell back into evil after Jonah.

Nahum and Jeremiah both are "gloom and doom" due to the consequences of disobedience. What a change of tone to read 1 Corinthians 13 on the same day! Love is the greatest of all says Paul! Who can argue? Nineveh would have been different had the greatest of all been in place! Without love all chaos and evil breaks lose.

This chapter is read in non-religious settings for the inspirational thoughts about love keeping no record, being patient, kind, and keeping no record of wrongs. Even the non-Christian recognizes the balance of the big three...faith, hope, and love. Love is the greatest...of all, in all, through all, despite all, for all...love is the greatest!

Day 321...(Jeremiah 15; Micah 7; I Corinthians 12)..."What Divisions Teach Us?"

Church divisions are not unusual. In my role as a superintendent, I am amazed that divisions can last for decades over events that happened years ago. If we read the words of Paul, can we justify divisions in churches?

"...there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

Healthy churches have concern for one another to rejoice together and suffer together. In the secular world this is referred to as "good team chemistry." As usual this kind of thinking is even more paramount in the church. Why not work together? Why not put aside divisions for the higher kingdom purposes? Why not rejoice and suffer together?

Day 320...(Micah 5,6; Jeremiah 14; 1 Corinthians 11)..."Do No Harm"

One of John Wesley's general rules is "do no harm." (the bishop has asked us to live the general rules this year) I wonder if some of the foundation for Wesley is not found in our text today. Paul teaches that if we lose sight of why we are the church we can actually do more harm than good.

"In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good."

What was the shortcoming? One was eating the Lord's Supper without thought of the reason. Can we imagine coming to church to eat but not remember the sacrifice of Christ? Apparently, this was a problem for Paul.

Ministers are given advice to eat a little before you go to a fellowship event so that you will not be judged a glutton. Paul seems to teach this truth when he writes...

"So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment."

Day 319...(Jeremiah 13; Micah 3,4; 1 Corinthians 10)..."Do All For the Glory of God"

How do we please God. We do all for His glory. Even all we eat or drink. What a wonderful test in pleasing God. Do our lives glorify God?

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."

Day 318...(Jeremiah 12; Micah 1,2; 1 Corinthians 9)..."Two Great Passages"

"Do not muzzle an ox." Why... it will affect the harvest. Workers are to be treated well to be productive. Here is the passage...

"Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more?"

A second great passage says train to win. Do not waste your time with mediocre training. Here is the passage...

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize..."

Day 317...(Jeremiah 11; Jonah 3,4; 1 Corinthians 8)..."On Second Thought"

Jonah is called by God a second time to go to Nineveh. On second thought, following his ordeal, he does...

"Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh."

Is our response to God not sometimes out of seeing the foolishness of not following God.

Paul teaches a profound word about the difference between love and knowledge...

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God."

What an inspiring word!

Day 316...(Jeremiah 10; Jonah 1,2; 1 Corinthians 7).."Jonah is Not Just a Big Fish Story!"

The Book Jonah sparks debate about whether a man being swallowed by a fish for three days is possible. And provides additional debate for those who want to discredit the Bible as a factual book. My opinion is that the truth of the Bible is constant and the stories provide the foundation of relating the truth. Certainly, God who created the world can do anything. What is the truth of Jonah.

1) Do not run from God. Run toward God.
2) Stay true to God's purposes, whenever you may not agree. (Jonah argued with God sparing
Nineveh)
3) God will provide

On that last point of God's provision counters a popular interpretation that Jonah almost died at sea because of his disobedience. True he did almost die (along with bringing danger to others) because of his running from God...yet God provided a big fish to save him and show mercy. Notice how the last verse in chapter one is stated...

"But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."

God provided a safe for Jonah to think. He would re-evaluate his willingness to go to Nineveh! Jonah is far from being just a big fish story.

Day 315...(Jeremiah 9; Obadiah; 1 Corinthians 6)..."Obadiah"

The message from Isaiah 40 is "those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" even as eagles! Obadiah gives the counter message. If you live filled with pride, you can expect to come crashing down. In fact the passage says you will not be "lifted up" but "crashing down." Here is the passage...

"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down," declares the LORD."

Soar or dive? Do we wait upon the Lord or are we filled with pride? Different choices and different outcomes.

Day 314...(Jeremiah 8; Amos 9; I Corinthians 5)..."There is a Balm in Gilead"

Imagine a world with no balm for wounds, hurts, and pain. This is the spiritual condition Amos lays out for a fallen Israel. How hopeless this appears. Many in our world today choose to numb their pain by seeking to fill the emptiness, as if there is no balm. Economically strapped people buying cases of beer tell a story of looking for balm for inner pain. Even worse, drug addiction tells a sadder story. Amos asks...

"Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no healing
for the wound of my people?"

The beautiful hymn tells a different story. There is a balm in Gilead. We can be set free of inner turmoil and the grace of God can heal our pain. There is a balm in Gilead!

Day 313...(Jeremiah 7; Amos 7,8; I Corinthians 4)..."A Plumb Line, Whip, and Gentle Spirit"

Amos uses a plumb line to illustrate the need to be perfectly aligned with God. As I understand the plumb line, once crooked always crooked...once straight always straight. When we get out of line with God, everything is off. Here is the plumb line passage...

"This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Amos?" "A plumb line," I replied. Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer."

Paul speaks in terms of the "power of God" overcoming arrogant talk. He asks should I come with gentleness or a whip? Paul must have been tested by this group before to say such a thing. Here is the passage...

"Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?"

Day 312...(Jeremiah 6; Amos 5,6; I Corinthians 3)..."Two Great Passages"

In today's reading we have two great passages. Amos speaks the harsh prophetic message but he can speak eloquently as evidenced by..."But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" This passage was quoted by Dr. Martin Luther King.

The second passage is from Paul and shares a practical understanding of the church. There is no need for competition for who gets credit in the church....God ultimately determines the growth!

"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."

Healthy churches always know how growth comes...from the Lord!

Day 311...(Jeremiah 5; Amos 3,4; 1 Corinthians 2)..."Faith in God not Ability"

How often in ministry do we see Paul's word lived out? If we get wrapped up in our own abilities, surely this is a way to flop. God does give us gifts but these gifts are only effective and fruitful through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even the most gifted cannot be fruitful for the long haul without God.

Regarding our gifts...it would be better to have less gifts and be open to God's power of the Holy Spirit than to have more gifts and not be open to God's power. This is a message I have lived first hand. When I rely on God's power, my gifts seem adequate. When I rely on my gifts alone, I flounder. Here is the passage...

"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

Day 310...(Jeremiah 4; Amos 1,2; 1 Corinthians 1)..."Humankind Put in our Place"

One thing that crosses my mind with those who claim to be atheists or agnostic is in today's text. A skeptical person often states the inconsistencies of God, or inability to comprehend... as reasons not to believe. Is humankind trying to be as God not the root cause of all sin? If we could explain every inconsistency or comprehend all mystery would this not be out of bounds for God's boundaries of humankind? In listening to skeptics and arrogant non-believers, I cannot help but think of this passage...

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."

Does humankind not expose foolishness and weakness in skepticism and comprehension?

Day 309...(Jeremiah 3; Joel 3; Romans 16)..."Paul Commended Women in Ministry"

There are popular notions that Paul was a chauvinist. I am of the opinion these are not biblical notions but cultural. Here we have evidence that Paul commended women for their role in the early church. We have to be careful with cultural issues that are different from today. This is the same Paul who said there is neither "male or female" but all one in Christ. Here is the passage of Paul's appreciation of women in ministry...

"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you."

Day 308...(Jeremiah 2; Joel 1,2; Romans 15)..."Thinking of Others Offer Hope"

Paul continues to teach to think of the needs of others and offer hope. He says "bear with the failings of the weak." Paul stays on the message of hope. In reading through the Bible, this is one of the contributions...we are kept in the message of hope. I love Paul's words in saying...

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

How do we deal with weakness and despair? We stay in the message of hope. We encourage the weak. God has been faithful in the past and He will be faithful in the future. Amen!

Day 307...(Hosea 13,14; Jeremiah 1; Romans 14)..."One Major and One Minor"

You may have noticed I worked eight days ahead in the last weeks. Today, after returning from a trip, I resume the blog. Paul is teaching it is better to respect a person's belief about what not to eat instead of being a stumbling block. We also know Paul has conviction on the major understandings of following Jesus. Paul...lays it on the line earlier with the major stuff saying..."whether we live or die we are in Christ." This is a great lesson. We can disagree on the minor stuff...especially if it causes another person grief and seek to agree on the majors. John Wesley said..."in non-essentials liberty, essentials unity, and all things charity." Wesley seems to be agreeing with Paul in advising not being a stumbling block. Here are the passages...

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean."

"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

Day 306...(Hosea 12; Romans 13)..."Pray for Those Who Are Given Authority"

This time of year we think of the privilege of living in these United States of America, as we celebrate our independence. What an awesome gift is freedom of religion! How great is the sacrifice so many have made for our nation to preserve this freedom!

Paul teaches us to respect those in authority. We may not always agree with our leaders in a democracy but we can always respect the position. In our politically charged climate, we can always pray for our leaders. This is part of God's design as well. Here is the way Paul states this respect for those in authority in chapter 13.

"Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Day 305...(Hosea 11; Isaiah 66)..."Comfort"

Isaiah is one of the longest books in the Bible. The second longest in number of chapters. As we end the reading, I was struck by the word of comfort in chapter 66. Isaiah, the Book, for the most part speaks in a harsher tone with consequences of a people who have gone astray. Chapter 40 makes a turn for the exiled people with the words..."comfort, comfort my people."
As Isaiah ends an endearing image is used of God comforting as a mother with a child. What a great mental picture for a people in exile. One message from this placement of comfort at the end is hopeful for all who are struggling or in personal exile. God will comfort in the end.

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

Amen!

Day 304...(Hosea 9,10; Isaiah 65; Romans 12)..."Two of My Favorite Chapters"

What a day to read through the Bible! Two of my favorite chapters in the same day. Isaiah speaks of a "new day" for Israel.

"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth."

What powerful images of a new beginning. A vibrancy of building homes, babies not dying, ending suffering, enemies getting along...on Mt. Zion. (Mt. Zion is an image for the Kingdom of God)

Paul also says so much in Romans 12. This whole chapter sounds like a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. How often have I recalled these words of overcoming evil with good. Is this not the strongest position for the Christian to not be weary of treating others well? What a lofty thought to aspire! Here is the passage...

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Day 303...(Hosea 7,8; Isaiah 64; Romans 11)..."God's Gifts and Call are Irrevocable"

Paul connects Israel and the Gospel in Romans 11. What a fascinating bridge between the Old and New Testaments. He is emphatic that disobedience leads to God's mercy and all of Israel can be saved. The remnant can be saved...

"I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins."

In one of the strongest statements, Paul says God's gifts and call are irrevocable...or cannot be undone. What a fabulous passage to ponder in ministry. We cannot undo what God can do. God is faithful and merciful. Here is the passage...

"for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all."

Day 302...(Hosea 5,6; Isaiah 63; Romans 10)..."Salvation"

Paul explains salvation in Romans 10. This chapter is a tremendous part of our salvific tradition. Christ makes it possible to be saved. Confession of Christ is central in salvation. Here is the teaching from Romans 10 from the Message...

"This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God—"Jesus is my Master"—embracing, body and soul, God's work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That's it. You're not "doing" anything; you're simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That's salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: "God has set everything right between him and me!"

I love the NIV phrase on Romans 10:9. I have quoted this to those desiring to be a Christian or seeking assurance...

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Day 301...(Hosea 1,2,3,4; Isaiah 62; Romans 9)..."Would You Name Your Child Nobody?"

(Reading schedule is altered slightly as Job 41,42 were missed but given yesterday to compensate for the error...today the reading will be the first 4 chapters of Hosea.)

Names are important in the Bible. We read of symbolism in most names. Hosea begins with names of insult for Israel's disobedience. Like "No-Mercy" and "Nobody"! How would you like those names? Who would call their child Nobody? There will be some hope in this harsh message. Interestingly, Romans 9 picks up on this part of Hosea as well. Here is the passage from the Message...

I'll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I'll call the unloved and make them beloved. In the place where they yelled out, "You're nobody!" they're calling you "God's living children."

Is this not the truth for all people? In God, we are all somebody!

Day 300...(Job 41,42; Isaiah 61; Romans 8)..."Peace with the Unanswered Questions of Job"

We leave Job not answering all the theological questions. How appropriate that we also read Romans 8 and give us some perspective of God's faithfulness through suffering. Job does end with a blessed life after enduring the miserable years. The questions are not answered of suffering but peace comes in knowing God is with us through what we do not understand. Here are two passages that help make some sense of Job from Romans.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Amen!

Day 299...(Job 39,40; Isaiah 60; Romans 7)..."Paul Speaks of the Human Problem"

Paul writes candidly throughout the Scripture. Perhaps his most honest writing comes in Romans 7. Paul cannot overcome his weakness. Paul does not understand his weakness saying..."good he seeks to do he does not" and "that which he seeks not to do he does." Can we not relate to this? Good left undone. Bad habits done. Paul puts his finger on the human condition. Here is the passage...

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me."

Day 298...(Job 37,38; Isaiah 59; Romans 6)..."Job Put in His Place"

Job is a book about searching for answers in the midst of suffering and a man that is put in his place. After 37 chapters of reading humankind's inadequate explanation of evil and suffering, God puts Job in his place. The Book of Job changes dramatically in this chapter. The message also is straightforward. Do we get an answer to all the suffering questions? No. But at least we know Who is in charge! God speaks...

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone"

What a fascinating turn of events, as Job and all of us as humankind are put in our places.

Day 297...(Job 35,36; Isaiah 58; Romans 5)..."Another Life Passage"

Of all the passages in the Bible I have replayed in my mind in the disconcerting moments, Romans 5 is among the passages I have recalled the most. How fitting this passage is for all who struggle, in despair, face a challenge, or just need a burst of inspiration for the next step of a long journey. The end for the Christian is hope and these words are so powerful...

"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us."

Amen!

Day 296...(Job 33,34; Isaiah 57; Romans 4)..."Our Faith Father"

Abraham is one the most recognizable names for all the world in history. Who is Abraham to the Christian? I like the Message wording. Abraham is our "Faith Father."

"For Abraham is father of us all. He is not our racial father—that's reading the story backward. He is our faith father."

In the NIV version, in the same passage, I like the description of faith..."calls things that are not as though they were."

"Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were."

Day 295...(Job 31,32; Isaiah 56; Romans 3)..."Justified By Faith - Saved By Grace"

Romans is perhaps the most theological letter of Paul. In chapter three, we have the real foundation for our doctrines justification by faith and salvation by grace. Without these doctrines we would be reduced to "rule keepers" and coming up short. Thank God for a gospel that saves people who are need of grace. All of us are sinners in need of the grace of God. How do we know? The Bible tells us so. Here is one passage that is pivotal for our theology of grace...

"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."

Day 294...(Job 29-30; Isaiah 55; Romans 2)..."God's Ways Are Higher Than Our Ways"

Job ponders aloud how popular he was when everything went his way. His is entertaining bitterness as when things fall apart so do your friends. One of the themes of Job is "God's ways are higher than our ways." This happens to be stated in the turning point of the exile for Isaiah. He says it like this...

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty,but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

God's ways are higher than our ways and His word does not return empty. The reading of Scripture each day makes a contribution we cannot measure. We seek understanding of God's higher ways and daily meditation on God's truth fills our emptiness.