My Bible Trek ... in summary

On Sunday, June 5, 2005 I remember sitting down in the dining room, opening to Genesis and diving in. I had been 'challenged' from the inside to read the Bible through, one book at a time, each book in one sitting (as much as was possible), and meditate on it. I wasn't looking for any deep revelation - just wanted to read it differently than I had before. I was also hoping to do it in less than a year.

On Saturday, June 6, 2006 I read Revelation. Just a day shy of one year.

It occurred to me at the beginning to blog my trek. Knowing me, I would not have journaled or taken notes otherwise. It was somehow cathartic to journal where everyone could see it, even though I put every safeguard in to not have it easily found, and not many people even read it. Even so, it's out there.

I mentioned to some friends what I was doing, and it was usually met with questions as to why I thought my thoughts were important enough to "publish." I've never said they were, but this process has certainly helped me in my own life and my own relationship with Christ.

I've never felt like I fit in. Still don't. I'm part of a culture that makes no sense to me - the Christian Church. Don't get me wrong, my relationship with Christ is the most important thing in my life and I try to put him first in all things. But there have been very few occasions where I have felt like I 'fit' at church. Everybody else seems to have God talk to them daily. Chris Rice wrote a lyric that says "I would take no for an answer, just to know I heard you speak" - referring to God. That's often how I feel. Usually I recognize something as God weeks after the fact.

But the journey of this past year has helped me understand his voice. I've gotten more familiar with his book, so now I more quickly recognize his promptings, because I know his character. The trick? I've read the Bible in a way that I understand it, that fits my personality - as a story.

So, the question is now this: What did I learn?

I've learned that God prefers to use screw-ups - people that don't have it together and are not likely candidates to the rest of us.

I've learned that God loves those who are poor, or orphaned, or widowed, or defenseless. If a person is part of a disenfranchised group, God loves them, and he looks favourably towards anyone who helps them. As a matter of fact, he expects the rest of us to defend them, to father them. He expects it so much that he modeled it for us.

I've learned that Jesus came for the sick, for those who didn't "know" him. He had all sorts of patience for them, and very little for those who claimed to "know" him.

I've learned that Jesus was more often than not trying to teach and preach when he performed miracles. The miracles were a 'sidebar,' an aside. He didn't put a lot of focus on them, just treated them as a normal occurrence for him and his followers.

And I've learned that God's economy and human economy are very, very different. God gave himself for people who rejected him. He wanted so much to be in relationship with his creation, even though his creation was of no value to him, that he gave himself for it - just because of love.

So, in all, I've learned that I need to love as Christ loves, that I need to be more concerned about what I can do for others, not what they can do for me. I need to accept the grace that has been given to me, that nothing that I have done has earned me this grace. I need to accept that God will still use me even if I don't get it right, and that he is my biggest advocate.

So here I am, a year later. I think I've grown. Now, more than ever, I'm sure of my calling to work with people that society pushes to one side. I want my life to be a daily example of God's undeserved kindness.

Revelation

It's been a year to the day since I started this trek of reading the Bible through and journaling my thoughts on the way. Yesterday morning, while Karen was still asleep and after I finished the three Johns and Jude, I read Revelation.

A couple days ago I mentioned that a friend had asked me if I knew how to study the Bible. My thought in response to that was that the Bible was pretty clear and that it didn't require a lot of dissecting. Generally speaking, it said what it meant and we just needed to do it.

Oops. While reading through Revelation, I recalled Song of Songs, and how it didn't make a lot of sense to me. Revelation is similar, in that there is a lot of imagery, and John often uses the phrases "what looked like" or "what sounded like" when describing something, so you never really know if he was describing a literal thing or event, or if it was his subjective response to it.

There are some things that are clear, though. The seven letters to the seven churches have very clear messages: return to your first love, don't worry about suffering, don't follow false teaching, don't be immoral, completely obey God, you'll be protected through testing because of your obedience, and don't be lukewarm, but make a decision and be hot or cold.

Then there seems to be a lot of symbolism during the description of the seven seals and the seven trumpets. There is talk of 144,000 chosen, of a dragon, of a beast who has a number that represents a person. There are times given and punishments described.

There are also recurring statements of larges groups around God's throne giving praise to him, and often throughout an angel makes the statement "God's people must learn to endure." As well, I noticed a couple mentions that all the leaders of the world, kings and the like, were bowing to God.

There are two sentences towards the end that for me speak volumes:

Rev. 21:7 - "All who win the victory will be given these blessings. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

Rev 22:17 - "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' Everyone who hears this should say, 'Come!' If you are thirsty, come! If you want life-giving water, come and take it. It's free!"

All God has wanted from the beginning when he created Adam and Eve was to be in relationship with is creation. He gave us opportunity to respond, and it is free. However, at the end, those that don't accept will have their reward, and those who do will get to be with God forever. He wins.

1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude

Karen got home yesterday! =)

1 and 2 John are about love. 3 John is a thank you for supporting missionaries. Jude is a warning against false teachers that have infiltrated the church with their message.

Love is defined as what God has shown to us, not what we show to him. True love is demonstrated in actions. We all need God's love because we all have sinned. If we say we didn't, it's the same as accusing God of being a liar.

The false teachers in Jude were spreading the message that because God treats us much better than we deserve, we can go on sinning and being immoral, because he will forgive. They were also going so far to say that Jesus was not Lord.

This is similar to Paul's caution, that we shouldn't sin so that grace could increase. As I've read through these past few letters, one message is consistent: our acceptance of God's love for us and our desire to follow him needs to be demonstrated by a commitment to him, which is evidenced in our actions and day to day life. There needs to be a change. We may continue to make mistakes and fall short of living up to the standard of 'holy,' but God's grace is big enough to cover us. But our intent needs to be to please him.

Jude ends his letter with a great encouragement in verses 24 and 25: "Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen."

1 & 2 Peter

I was talking with a friend (and co-worker) earlier who, when I mentioned something from James, asked me if I knew how to study the Bible. I really didn't answer the question, but I'm not sure there is a lot of study required. Especially in the New Testament letters. For example, when Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:1 "Stop being hateful! Quit trying to fool people, and start being sincere. Don't be jealous or say cruel things about others" - there's really not a lot of debate to what he means. And later, when he says "Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others" (1 P 4:10), I'm guessing he means to us eour gifts to serve other people.

I've attended Bible College and was raised in church, and I lot of things I was taught do not stack up against what I'm reading now. As well, although some things might be applied slightly differently from person to person and situation to situation, generally speaking there is not a lot of mystic meaning in what I've been reading. It's only been 'mystical' in the way I realize it applies to me and where I need to improve. So, for me, it's not so important that I study the Bible as much as I read and do the Bible.

Peter gives some great advice and instruction. "Don't be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them" (1 P 5:3). He also is clear in both letters that the church will suffer and that we should be happy about it. Suffering is Christlike.

But as much as he gives examples of what we shouldn't do, he also gives examples of what we can do. "Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful" (2 P1:5-8).

Sounds pretty clear to me.

James

James is full of great quotes and principles to live by. I've quoted it often, referencing our need to joyfully endure hard times, to listen and be slow to speak, and that religion that pleases God is demonstrated by helping needy orphans and widows.

As I read it through again this morning, I noticed a theme that it seems James audience was not getting along with each other very well, and must have been going through a tough time and complaining about it. James encouragement is simply, in my words, "Suck it up and be glad that you are suffering. That means you're becoming more like Jesus." And, "Don't be childish - get along with each other." He also gives examples of each of these statements, noting prophets that had to wait for God's answer, but they were patient, and the most important commandment to love others as much as we love ourselves. We're not to play favourites, and we're not to be selfish.

James also noted that faith without action is not faith at all. If we say we have faith in Christ and it doesn't come out in what we do, then we really don't have faith in Christ. Even as he talks about wisdom, he refers to what it leads to. "But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice" (3:17-18).

If it's on the inside, it needs to be evident on the outside.

I don't know if it is encouraging or not that as a Christian body today, we're having the same problems as James audience. At least there are specific instructions to fix it, but if we haven't gotten it yet, why should we expect to get it? We're still complaining about life and other people, we regularly are nicer to people who are dressed well and smell nice, and we want things quick and easy - we do not want to consider hard times a blessing and a thing to be happy about. And the popular gospel nowadays reflects it.

Imagine a world where Christians were "pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere." That's the Christian I want to be, though I'm a far way off just yet.

Hebrews

Earlier tonight I was chatting briefly with one of my nephews on the phone. He decided to read the Bible through a few months ago, long after I started last year in June. He finished within a couple months; read The Message. Anyway, he jokingly referred to "prosperity" preaching, and I said that I believe God wants us to be poor. I don't really believe it, I just said it. He started throwing Scriptures at me that said otherwise. How could I argue? He's read the whole book. I refined my stance and said that I don't believe that we should be poor, but that I also don't believe that means we should be rich. I believe that we need to be generous with what we have, and God will take care of us. If he wants us to be rich, he'll do it. Same goes if we wants us to be poor.

That's the context within which that I walked into Hebrews. The writer talks a lot about Jesus being higher than angels and being the perfect priest, compared with Melchizedek. I end up focusing on lifestyle issues and possessions.

Now, I did note things like we were chosen by God to be holy (3:1), that God's Word is powerful (4:12), that Jesus understands our weaknesses because he has been tempted like us (4:15), and that Jesus gave us a new agreement with God. But I also noticed that the writer told his audience they were not very bright (5:11) and that they should have learned these things earlier. Clearly, they were having a struggle in their faith, focusing on the wrong things, and he (or she?) was trying to keep them on track.

The writer spent a lot of time talking about hope. He says "We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them" (6:11-12). Later he gives huge examples of people's faith in an effort to illustrate the hope they had. His definition? "Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see" (11:1).

But he also talks about the hard times the audience has gone through and tells them to keep being brave (10:38). He tells them that discipline and correction from God are good things (12:6). He says to not fall be in love with money and to be content with what we have (13:5). And he says not to "forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God" 13:16). We have things, but we're not supposed to hold on to them too tightly.

Hebrews talks about a new way to approach God, based on the old way that the audience had approached God. But the lessons that the writer draws from the new relationship are not old: keep your focus on God, in Jesus; try to get along with each other; don't seek after money, but share what you have; and hold on to the Hope of Christ's return - His promises will come through, though it may not be in our lifetime.

I see lots of opportunity to suffer while we wait, and little opportunity to be rich. I really don't see it.

Titus & Philemon

Yes, I know they don't go together like a first and second letter, but they are extremely short, and I'm on tight time lines.

Paul's letter to Philemon is simply a request of Paul that he take Onesimus back with a clean slate.

Paul's letter to Titus is a few basic instructions as he was setting up the church leadership in Crete. Nothing new that he hasn't said before, except that he says of the older women "They must teach what is proper" (2:3). In other areas Paul says women should 'be silent' in the church. Titus suggests that those other situations are isolated incidents, because Paul has elsewhere referred to women in leadership.

All throughout his letters, Paul starts and ends with a simple statement, praying that God will be kind to the recipient. He also notes a couple times in Titus, as well as numerous times elsewhere, that it is God's kindness that allows us to be saved. Even in his salutations, he is reminded people that nothing they have done caused them to be saved - it's only God.

1 & 2 Timothy

"Don't let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). Timothy was young, and this was one of several instructions Paul gave to him s a young leader. He also gave him lots of instructions about the work and leadership of the church.

Some of the things I highlighted are:

1. "First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them." (1 Tim. 2:1, Gratitude)
2. "Take care of any widow who is really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to serve God by taking care of her, as she once took care of them. This is what God wants them to do." (1 Tim. 5:3-4, Priorities - I live next door)
3. "These people think religion is supposed to make you rich. And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have." (1 Tim. 6:5b-6, People I know)
4. "Keep your mind on Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:8, Why is it so hard?)
5. "Be humble when you correct people who oppose you." (2 Tim. 2:25, I'm in leadership)
6. "The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear." (2 Tim. 4:3, sounds like now).

Not a lot of reflection for me tonight. It has been almost forty degrees here today, and I've spent much of it outside at yard work. Not bright, I know. Now, it's TV time.

1 & 2 Thessalonians

I'm still having a hard time getting used to the short books in the New Testament. I sit back in my chair with my Diet Coke, prepared to settle in for a while, and I'm finished a book before I finish my Diet Coke.

There's a lot of focus given in both letters here to Christ's return. This, for me, was the topic of many sermons growing up. To be truthful, I don't know that I learned much more about the details around Christ's return from a lifetime of sermons than what I just read this morning. Here's how I see it: Jesus is coming back one day for his Church. We will be surprised when it happens, but not really. No one knows when it will be; some believers will have already died, others will be alive. The dead ones will get a head start and then the rest of us who are alive will be next. If anyone says otherwise (from what Paul said in these letters), they are wrong.

I think the most important phrase in all of it is "Encourage each other with these words" (1 Thess. 4:18). I don't believe that we are to get details about Christ's return as much as we can take comfort in the fact that he is coming back one day. It is meant to give us hope, not the scoop.

1 Thessalonians, according to the notes in my Bible, is thought to be Paul's first letter. I like his couple disclaimers at the beginning (1 Thess. 2:1-8). "We didn't have any hidden motives when we won you over, and we didn't try to fool or trick anyone." Also, "we didn't try to flatter anyone." I like that.

I also like his summary guidelines at the end of each letter. I like to think that he considers them of high importance, and by placing them at the end, they will be lodged in people's memories. For example:

"My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn't living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. Don't be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else. Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. Don't turn away God's Spirit or ignore prophecies. Put everything to the test. Accept what is good and don't have anything to do with evil" (1 Thess 5:12-20, bold is mine).

Also, at the end of 2 Thess., Paul warns against laziness, saying things like "if you don't work, you don't eat" (3:10).

It seems Paul's instructions, here and in other letters, are terribly simple. I apologize for the pop culture reference, but why is that we have to make things so complicated?

Colossians

If I'm going to finish by this Friday, I'm going to have to step it up a bit......

I wonder if Paul knew how influential he would be. If he knew that his words would be read by millions (billions, even) over hundreds of years, would he have been so relaxed. Granted, I'm reading a relaxed version (CEV), but he sends personal greetings to the church, and to particular people in the church, making mention of some by name. I wonder if my blog will be read 2000 years from now? =)

I talked to Karen today. First time since she left. We had been text messaging a little, but this was the first we spoke in seven days.

Colossians is more of the same message Paul wrote to the other churches. No less important, but largely the same. He lists some things that the church should and should not do now that they are living in the freedom that Christ has given them. He encourages them to be humble, love each other, and to forgive. One new instruction that I hadn't noticed before is "When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions" (4:5-6). Wise words.

He always makes sure to bring it back to Christ. He is and should be the purpose, foundation, center and end result of every thing we say and do.

Did I mention I talked with Karen?

Philippians

Of all the books in the Bible, I've probably read Philippians the most. For that reason, I keep coming back to a couple of the same passages every time. Namely, "Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves" (2:3) and "Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise" (4:8). I figure that if people could actually accomplish what is stated in these two sentences, the world would be a better place.

And reading it again this morning was no different. Except I see a couple of other themes. More than once, Paul tells the Philippian church that they have seen his example, and they should just follow it. That's a lot of confidence, and he also shared that with the Corinthian church.

All of Paul's thoughts and instruction centers around Christ. He talks about his own life journey and lessons from it, as well as cautioning against those who are bragging and misrepresenting Christ. Paul says that we should brag about one thing and one thing only - Christ himself and what he has done for and in us.

But back to the two sentences that I generally perseverate on --- I rarely live up to their standards. But I noticed another sentence that I had not noticed before - "God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him" (2:13). That's good to know. He's given me the standard, and he's given me a means. Himself.

Ephesians

I had to memorize the first chapter of Ephesians in College. I did so successfully, from the New International Version. I've always liked Ephesians, especially 3:20-21. I use it sort of as a testimony. "I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen." Specifically, "His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine."

I've recited that phrase often as my own story. I won't reiterate it here, but suffice it to say that 15 years ago I did not, in my wildest dreams, imagine that I would be where I am today, doing what I do, knowing who I know and married to Karen. As a matter of fact, had someone told me, I would have mocked them. But, God has far exceeded my expectations and imagination.

That's why I am generally comfortable waiting on what God wants. I know in time, he will guide me along where he wants me to go and to what he wants me to do, often in spite of me; and I know he will because he has and because I'm willing (generally speaking!).

But as I read Ephesians again, Paul is emphasizing how Christ wants to use to church, and how we should live as members of his church. Yesterday I had lunch with an acquaintance, who I hope is becoming a friend. He's a believer, and he said he's looking for a church for middle-aged, cynical men. I can appreicate that. But we talked some more and I tried to help him understand (or perhaps I was trying convince myself) that the only way the church can be changed is for us to ask God to use us on the inside. Change it from within. One person at a time. Starting with me.

If we lived by the guidleines Paul outlines, church would be a welcoming place. "I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace." (4:1-3)

I'm trying. To let myself be changed.

Galations

I don't think I ever noticed before that Paul's letter to the Galations was in a lot of ways a defense of himself. It seems someone had accused him of preaching a false gospel, or something of the sort, and he was explaining to them how he was called by Jesus and was preaching the message that Jesus himself gave him.

That said, it is a lot like Romans, in that Paul concentrates on comparing to living under the law and living by faith in Christ through the power of the Spirit. It seems some people were saying that the church should be circumcised, but Paul tells them that if they obey that one piece, then they must obey it all. Jesus came to fulfill the law and allow us to live by faith in him, and not by obedience to the law.

Then, faith in Christ results in a life that is pleasing to God. "God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (5:22-23). If we live by faith in Christ through the power of his Spirit, then this is the result - Christ has shown us a way to live other than in bondage to the Law.

Paul also talks about the importance of giving to the poor (2:10), which has been a recurring them for me. And talks about people comparing themselves to others and boasting about their accomplishments. He noted that faith in Christ makes everyone equal (3:20) and that we should focus on helping others and loving each other.

This is a teaching letter, so the lessons are straightforward. I still get frustrated by us as a church. The tendency of the church today is the same as the Galation church - we like to compare ourselves to others and talk about an economy of worthiness. Some people consider themselves better than others because they dress nicer for church, say or don't say certain things, pray one hour every morning or read the Bible through every month. The world's value system still exists in the church. Why is it that we cannot embrace what it means to be free and equal because of faith in Christ?

I really don't know the answer, except that I'm trying daily to live a life that is pleasing to God. I'm sure I regularly disappoint or offend others, but when it's all said and done, I only want to please one person, and let Him take care of the rest.

1 & 2 Corinthians

There was a lot of familiar stuff in the two leters to the Corinthian church. I guess I have read each of them several times before. In the first letter, Paul talks about their not getting along as proof that they were not fully living for Christ. He also gives lessons in spiritual gifts and love. Love is about getting along with others. His instructions about the Lord's Supper was about getting along.

There's still a lot of 'not getting along' in church. It's not new. It's amazing that we're still not getting this right, after two millenia.

The second letter seems to me to have a bit of a sarcastic tone, but I'm not sure. I'll have to come back to it another time.

Clearly, though, he is writing and responding to some questions and specific issues. He says that a few times. Also, in 14:34, he says that the women must not be allowed to speak in church. Yet, in Romans, he tells them to welcome Pheobe who is a respected church leader. It isn't consistent unless it is issue based.

Unfortunately for me, I'm having a hard time concentrating, so the one lesson I'm getting from here is that we need to get along. For me, that means I must do my part not to tick off people, but to make every effort to live at peace with everyone. I shouldn't be promoting myself, I should be promoting others.

Romans

The law vs. faith in Christ. That's pretty much it.

I decided that I want to finish the New Testament by the end of next week. That means I'll be reading more often and that my journaling will be simpler. It doesn't help that I'm a little preoccupied - Karen's should be arriving in Lviv, Ukraine any minute now, and she's away until next Friday. We're half a world apart.

But back to Romans. The law vs. faith in Christ. Acts ended with Paul in Rome. Romans begins with Paul saying how much he wanted to visit, which suggests he wrote it early on in his work. Most of the letter is Paul explaining to the Jewish readers that they should not be boastful or think they're all that because they have the law. The law wasn't enough. He then explains that the law was necessary, but sums it all up by saying that they were sinners who Christ died for and they needed to accept him by faith.

Then, Paul starts speaking to the Gentiles (10:13), and tells them that they shouldn't think they're all that either, because the Jews were God's chosen people - they were welcomed in and made part of the family, but the Jews were first.

He essentially takes away any reason for anyone to boast. That must have been a problem. Sort of like denominations nowadays.

Then it looks like he switches and talk to everyone (12:1) and gives some basic instructions for living for Christ - all very practical. He then sums up the Jew / Gentile conversation (15:7) then shares some information about himself (15:14) then some closing remarks.

All in all, it seems Romans' emphasis is for one group not to think they are better than another group, that only faith in Christ is what matters, and God used the law to lay a foundation for people to be able to accept Christ.

Now I can get back to missing Karen.

Acts

A month or so ago Huldah Buntaine was at our church, sharing what God was doing in Calcutta. She knew Mother Theresa, which was pretty cool. About three weeks ago we had our debit card compromised and someone stole $760.00 from our bank account. Then, the following week Dr. David Wang was at church (from Asian Outreach) sharing what God was doing in the Chinese church. That day I felt that if the 760.00 got reimbursed by our bank (they have insurance and all) that I should give it to missions. After it was stolen, I worked it out so I could manage without it, so I really didn't need it. I don't know if it was a God-thing or just me, but nonetheless, I figured it wasn't a bad thing.

Before church this morning I read Acts. Tomorrow, Karen (my wife) is going with nine other women to Ukraine for a short-term (10 days) missions trip. I don't know if any of this has bearing on anything, except that now I see that Acts is all about missions. Jesus left his disciples, gave them the Holy Spirit, and the rest is Christian History.

There are some really neat stories about people: Peter, Stephen, Philip, Saul (Paul), Barnabas, Timothy and Silas. The thing that struck me as I read was that the main characters took every opportunity to talk about Jesus. Everything, they used it to draw attention to Jesus. Missions.

Paul travelled all over the place, freely. Then, he managed to make his way to Rome, as a prisoner. He used the fact that he used to be a Pharisee to win credibility to share Jesus to the Jewish officials. He used his Roman citizenship to get an audience with Roman officials so he could tell him about Jesus. His trip to Rome was to see the Emporer, as a prisoner, which was I'm sure, to tell him about Jesus.

As each of them travelled and taught, they performed miracles, all for the purpose of gettign peoples attention and gettign an audience so they could tell them about Jesus. Then, they prayed for them that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

There are lots of specific lessons that can be learned here for me, and I'll be back for a deeper read in the future. For example, in the story of Cornelius, and angel appears to him, a non-Jew, and says "God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor" (10:4). God sent Peter to him, and Peter was able to use this experience later to show that god wanted to draw all people to him, not just Jews.

So, I was not necessarily excited about Karen's trip before. I was happy for the experience for her, and support her in prayer, morale and finance. The disciples did two things immediately after Jesus left: they waited, then they went. We've already received the Holy Spirit, now she's going, so she's walking in the steps of the early church.

I work in Developmental Services. The majority of my peers in other agencies are socially and politically active, very well educated, and not many are followers of Christ. As a matter of fact, many likely do not have any examples of Christ in their lives - I'm probably it. I like the fact that God gave wisdom to Peter and Paul and the others as they preached and taught. I like that they were able to have the respect of many audiences even though they were not well educated. That gives me hope. Somehow, I might be able to be an example to people who far exceed my knowledge, education and experience. I like that God uses people that are not at the top of the ladder.

John

It's been a couple weeks since I read Luke. I wasn't sure why I was waiting to read John, but this past Sunday morning we had Dr. David Wang (www.asianoutreach.org) at church. He spoke using John 9. I think I waited so that I could hear his talk and have it influence how I read John.

Dr. Wang talked about the Chinese church, how it had simple faith, prayer, evangelism and mission. As for simple faith, his thought was that the western church, and the disciples, made it complicated. "Who sinned, that this boy was born blind?" When all Jesus wanted to do was show his glory. When challenged later, the boy said simply "Once I was blind, now I can see." He taught that there is arrogance in sophistication, and Jesus wants us simply to know him.

Then, reading John yesterday morning took on a different slant. As I have shared with some people my approach to reading the Bible this past year, some challenge me that I'm not getting deep enough. They think I'm just skim reading, which is not the case - I'm reading thoroughly, with an open mind, not expecting a particular message but letting the text, "the Word," speak to me.

John's interesting. He doesn't record many miracles. Mostly he has recorded conversations and teachings of Jesus. If I had to sum up my thoughts about John, pick one phrase that captures what I've learned, it's in 14:11. Jesus says "Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do." John presents Jesus and someone who wants to be known by us, he wants us to know how much he, who is the the Father, loves us. I know people pick John 3:16 as their favourite verse. I guess that is the background to why Jesus came. I think 14:11 explains his method.

The miracles were second nature for Jesus. He doesn't seem to focus too much on them. But he knows that's what we need. I know he said that we would do even greater things than he did, but in context, the miracles are not something we should seek after, as much as it should just flow out of our relationship with him. I was raised Pentecostal. The emphasis in my upbringing has always been on supernatural things. I find that a focus on supernatural for me puts the onus for change externally, but Jesus wants us to be changed internally. The external will follow.

Now I think I'm just rambling.

Dr. Wang talked about our tendency to theologize, to be sophisticated. He says we need to be simple. That's what I want, but there is a constant pull in my life between sophistication and Jesus, between knowing about him, and knowing him.

Luke

I started reading Luke this past Tuesday morning at a hotel where I was for some work meetings. I had time to get through the first nine chapters, but only was able to get back to it this morning to finish it.

I was struck by the emphasis on teaching in Luke. More often than not, the miracles seem to be an aside to what Jesus was doing. Often, he'd interrupt his teaching to heal someone, or heal them to make a point.

I was also struck by people's inability to grasp what seems to be obvious. On three occasions, Luke notes that Mary didn't understand what God meant when she was told about Jesus. Later, at the empty tomb, Peter saw it was empty, after the ladies told him about the angels' message, and he "wondered what had happened."

I can't imagine what it must have been like to people in Jesus' day to be listening to his teaching and watching his life. It was so against what the people were taught about God, and what they expected of God and his return, that it was clearly hard to grasp. I guess if you believed something all your life, even if you saw it with your own eyes, it would be hard to undo that previous understanding.

Of course, in Luke especially, it seems Jesus spent a lot of time devoted to telling the Pharisees and the leaders in the temple that they had gotten it wrong. They had the information to draw people to God (the Scriptures), but they we're holding it from them. They were not modeling the Law of Moses as God intended. They wanted to be honoured, but God wanted them to honour others. They wanted prominence, but God doesn't want to share that. Instead, he wants to give favour to "the least of these."

I find it interesting that in response to John's question about Jesus, Jesus says 'blessed are those who do not fall away because of what Jesus did.' I guess Jesus himself understood that people were finding his teachings and actions hard to take.

Jesus was a revolutionary. He healed when he wasn't supposed to. He ate with those he shouldn't have. He spent time with people that he was not supposed to. Of course, these rules were what the people had made up and / or believed. Jesus taught and showed that his people needed to look out for those in need, that that was who his father was after. In 10:21, Jesus thanks his father: "I am grateful that you hid all this from wise and educated people and showed it to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that is what pleased you." I like that, because I'm ordinary. I realize that the world looks at accomplishments, education and acclaim; God looks at people's dependence on Him.

I think the thing that struck me the most is Jesus' observation about the widow's offering in 21:1-4 -- "Jesus looked up and saw some rich people tossing their gifts into the offering box. He also saw a poor widow putting in two pennies. And he said, 'I tell you that this poor woman has put in more than all the others. Everyone else gave what they didn't need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had.'"

Jesus spent a lot of his time trying to debunk the teachings and lifestyles of the leaders of the temple. Here, he praises the widow for her offering, all she had, to the temple. I didn't see it before, but in other cases Jesus told his followers to sell everything and give it away. In some cases, it was to the poor, in other cases, it was to God, which I can only assume would be through the temple.

In spite of its shortcomings, and even corruption, Jesus must have seen that the temple was God's place and that there was still hope in it. He also spent a lot of time teaching in the temple, even though it was against the leaders in the temple.

If I were to translate that to today, it seems that although there may be some challenges within the structure of church, it is still a place where God wants to do something. I'm sure there's more there for me to learn, if I just think about it.

Mark

I've often read that Mark is the 'Action" gospel. Makes sense, because it's like he's thinking "Let's get to it" right from the first sentence. In a matter of paragraphs, Mark gets right to the miracles. But, it seems Jesus was trying to teach or talk or visit with people whenever someone needed him to do something supernatural. Even then, he'd tell them not to tell anyone, yet people still heard how this fellow from Gallilee was doing miracles.

All in all, Mark contains the same stories that are in Matthew, but generally less detail. Jesus spent a lot of time talking to the religious folks and telling them they had it all wrong. He also told a lot of stories.

Yesterday at church someone told me that they could handle me wearing sandals to church, but the blue jeans were a bit much. The funny thing is that only motivates me to dress even more down next week. Then I read Jesus' words when he quotes Isaiah (Mk 7:6-7): "You are nothing but show-offs! The prophet Isaiah was right when he wrote that God had said, 'All of you praise me with your words, but you never really think about me. It is useless for you to worship me, when you teach rules made up by humans.'" Then, a few sentences later (7:20-23): "What comes from your heart is what makes you unclean. Out of your heart come evil thoughts, vulgar deeds, stealing, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, greed, meanness, deceit, indecency, envy, insults, pride, and foolishness. All of these come from your heart, and they are what make you unfit to worship God."

I don't think the people that dislike my blue jeans are show-offs, necessarily, but their rationale makes no sense. They talk about respectful clothing for church. Who defines respectful? God's standard is modesty and the heart, not the type of clothes. If we wore what Jesus wore, it would be sandals and dresses. Pardon my cynicism, but things are the same today as it as in Jesus' day - people emphasize the wrong stuff, not heart-changes, and they are still ignoring "evil thoughts, vulgar deeds, stealing, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, greed, meanness, deceit, indecency, envy, insults, pride, and foolishness." This is happening all over the body of Christ, and people are perseverating on blue jeans.

Clearly, this is a sore spot for me.

I think it is interesting that Jesus told stories. I also think it's interesting that the disciples didn't get it, even after he explained it. In 8:31, Jess talks about dying, then coming back to life. Then, Mark says "Jesus explained clearly what he meant." Six days later, Jesus talked again about beign raised from the dead, and his disciples wondered, but kept it to themselves, what he meant by that.

I find comfort in the fact the disciples were right there, day in and day out, with Jesus, and they didn't get it. I've learned over the past couple years, and especially as I've gone through this exercising of reading and journalling, that I often have no idea why God does what he does. Yes, I know it's a love thing, but in the day to day, sometimes God does not make sense to me. I've learned not to let that bother me, just to take it as it comes and trust. But, Jesus disciples had in their own mind what they expected of the Messiah, and I guess that clouded their ability to see and hear what he was living and teaching to them. I imagine I'm the same way - the world and church around me, my own opinions, all have worked together to cloud my view of what a follower of Christ looks like. Why is there such a huge gap between what Jesus expects of me and what others of his followers expect of me?

Matthew

Reading Matthew after just finishing the Old Testament put a bit of a different spin on it for me. For example, the genealogy right at the getgo actually means something. Matthew listed Jesus ancestors, and established that he was from the line of Abraham and David. In doing so, he draws attention to Judah and Tamar, Rahab, and Solomon and Bathsheba. He also notes some of the Kings who were part of his line, such as Ahaz and Manasseh. Had I not just finished the Old Testament, I would not fully appreciate the evil that these people committed. Ahaz and Manasseh were evil Kings. Tamar was Judah's daughter-in-law, who pretended to be a prostitute and Judah got her pregnant. Solomon slept with Bathsheba while her husband was still alive and then had her husband killed. Rahab was a prostitute and also a liar.

When I first read the line of David in Chronicles, it occurred to me then that Jesus family line was really screwed up. I realize Matthew was trying to establish his heritage, but it seems he also established that Jesus was coming as a regular person, with all the crazy baggage that any one of us might have.

Matthew also took every chance he could to say that something Jesus said or did was in fulfillment of or according to a prophecy. He seems to have wanted to prove to his readers that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the prophesied one.

In reading it through yesterday morning, I was struck by how Matthew just went from one miracle to another in his telling if the story of Jesus. Then, he'd interrupt the miracles with a teaching session from Jesus. Matthew's first recorded teaching of Jesus was the "Sermon on the Mount," which was to the general public Matthew's second recorded teaching was Jesus lesson to the disciples. After that, he records a talk Jesus has with the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. This was all between miracle stories. I think I'm as impressed by how Matthew put the book together by the stories contained within.

There was not a lot of detail in the miracle stories. Sort of like "here's what happened, ok, next." Jesus teaching, on the other hand, he was not as quick to get through.

This is Easter weekend. Even the Easter story itself, the culmination of Jesus' physical existence on earth, was told in a couple of pages. It's like Matthew wanted to get to the miracle of the resurrection and ascension so that he can finish it up with Jesus last words, to go and make disciples, and that he'd always be with us.

There are so many important lessons in this book: be like a child, don't try to be first - try to be last, do something to demonstrate that we are followers of God, faith in God can accomplish great things, don't be a show off, be humble, and the list goes on. I guess an emphasis on the lessons themselves will be for the next time I read and study Matthew.

For now though, this exercise has been teaching me so many things. And Jesus summed up how I feel in 13:52 - "So he told them, 'Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like someone who brings out new and old treasures from the storeroom.'" I'm learning things that I had forgotten from childhood. I'm also learning things that I had not known before, although I had read it before. I don't think I could have articulated it before now, but I think I'm becoming a student of the Scriptures.

Malachi

The internet is cool. Right now I'm at a Holiday Inn in Kitchener, and they provide wireless internet access to their guests. So, I can read and then make my notes all at once.

Well, I did it. Malachi. I've finished the entire Old Testament. I read Malachi many times before, and have heard it quoted too many times to be counted regarding tithing. I am pleased to say that I do not struggle with tithing. My parents taught me from when I was a child, and I have seen the fruit of tithing. God has always been faithful to me financially, and my wife and I have never been without. Our bills get paid and we have stuff left over to live.

I don't agree with the whole "Prosperity Gospel" school of thought. A lot of people teach that Christians should be rich, and while God uses them in many ways, I don't particularly think that all Christians should be rich. What I mean by rich is that we should drive BMWs and live in big houses and all that. Right in Malachi it states again that we need to be taking care of the poor, so I don't see me hoarding up money being able to balance itself with the fact that there are still poor people.

But I'm not sure if my opinion is just for me or for all Christians. I really would like to buy a Dodge Magnum. It would be easily $40,000, with crazy gas consumption. I can't justify a purchase like that when a Civic or some other small car can get me around just find. Mind you, I like new cars, and some might disagree with buying new when you can get a used car for cheaper.

Malachi spends more time telling the priests what they are doing wrong then talking about tithing. I don't hear much preaching on that. Essentially, it boils down to them not doing what they said they would do (1:14).

And so, like so many of the other books that I have read, a couple verses / thoughts stand out to me:

3:5 - "I'm now on my way to judge you. And I will quickly condemn all who practice witchcraft or cheat in marriage or tell lies in court or rob workers of their pay or mistreat widows and orphans or steal the property of foreigners or refuse to respect me." And then the end of 3:7 - "But if you return to me, I will return to you."

God wants us to follow him, and here in Malachi he tells his people that he is sending his messenger and then he will come. His messenger "will lead children and parents to love each other more, so that when I come, I won't bring doom to the land" (4:6). God doesn't want to condemn, but the people brought it on themselves. All they had to do was give God their money, and take care of each other. If they did that, he'd be pleased.

Zechariah

Well, Zechariah is my kind of prophet. Not only does God give him visions, but he also sends someone along to interpret. In each vision, Zechariah gets to see it, then ask the accompanying angel what it means. Why?

I think it is summed in the sentiment of 7:7 - "My message today is the same one I commanded the earlier prophets to speak to Jerusalem and its villages when they were prosperous, and when all of Judah, including the Southern Desert and the hill country, was filled with people."

They didn't get it. God sent all sorts of signs and messages, and his people still disobeyed. This time, he gives the message and to make it idiot-proof, has an angel standing by to tell Zechariah what it means.

And if 7:7 weren't enough, then there's the message: 7:8-9 - "So once again, I, the LORD All-Powerful, tell you, "See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another! Don't mistreat widows or orphans or foreigners or anyone who is poor, and stop making plans to hurt each other." Widows and orphans. How many times did God have to tell them?

I was at a funeral on Saturday. One of my pastors and I were talking about a previous guest speaker at church who pastors in Quebec. The Quebec church is growing and making a difference in its' community. My pastor told me that the Quebec pastor was told one piece of advice by a mentor when he started in ministry, and that everything else would fall into place. "Take care of the poor!" He said it like it was some huge revelation. Take care of the poor. How is it that we've read the Bible through and through, we've created Bible Colleges and Seminaries, built mega-churches and TV ministries, and we've missed it? Take care of the poor. It's all over Scripture. Why did I not see that before?

I'm about to get into the New Testament. That's all Jesus did - hung out with the disenfranchised. Why are churches (maybe not all of them) so pristine and clean? Ok, so maybe I need therapy.

Zechariah goes on to share a promise of prosperity for Israel and Judah and to tell of the One to come in humility who will rule with mercy and justice. Then there will be peace.

Haggai

I read Haggai through twice yesterday morning to try and see how it might apply to me. My pastor taught us that's how we need to read - asking the question: What is it saying to me?

Haggai, in short, shared his message after Israel was in exile, under King Darius. Haggai's message was to the people to stop focusing on their houses and start focusing on rebuilding the temple. 1:2-5 - "You say this isn't the right time to build a temple for me. But is it right for you to live in expensive houses, while my temple is a pile of ruins?"

What is it saying to me? I don't think I need to be giving money to building at the church, nor am I spending a lot on my house. For me, I think it is about priorities in general. At that time, God's presence lived at the temple, and he wanted his people to come back to him. Their lack of attention on the temple was indicative of their focus on themselves, not on God.

In my case, tonnes of things call my attention away from God. Problems at work. My and my wife's work schedule. The need for sleep. A plasma TV. OK, I'm not sure that the plasma TV is taking my attention away from God, but I really want one, and haven't had the release (or money, for that matter) to buy one.

I try hard to focus on what's important: God, family, work. But often it becomes work first, then I'm too tired to do anything else. Thank God for his grace. I know it's not a good excuse, but in the midst of my messed up priorities he still allows me opportunities to experience his presence and grow closer to him. Like Israel, my success has everything to do with God and little to do with me.

Zephaniah

More judgement. God promises to destroy the world (Israel?), then says "If you humbly obey the Lord, then come and worship him. If you do right and are humble, perhaps you will be safe on that day when the Lord turns loose in his anger" (2:3).

Then, God states the punishment on the countries that were against Israel,a nd in some cases says "then my people who survive will take the land." He knows thta even after Israel is destroyed, some people will have turned back to him. They will be his people. 3:20 - "I will lead you home, and with your own eyes you will see me bless you with all you once owned."

Habakkuk

This is a conversation between Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk complains about the violence and injustice in Israel, God says he's sending the Babylonians to destroy Israel and punish it, then Habukkuk takes issue with a country like Babylon executing judgement on Israel. God then says Babylon will be punished later.

A key statement that stands out for me is 2:3 & 4 - "You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting - it will happen. I, the Lord, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me."

Habukkuk ends his writing with praise: "But I will still celebrate becasue the Lord God saves me. The Lord gives me strength." (3:18-19). Then, he writes a note to the music director, tellign him to use stringed instruments. He was so confident in his statements that he encourages it to be sung about.

Nahum

Nahum says that he wrote his message down, not that he proclaimed it. His message likely was about 80 years after Jonah (according to the editors of my Bible) and he was writing about judgement on Ninevah. So God gave Ninevah a chance, forgave them, but here they are again. This time there is no chance for forgiveness. They're dead.

And in the midst he declares his promise to Israel: "Judah and Israel are like trees with branches broken by their enemies. But the LORD is going to restore their power and glory."

Micah

Jonah was a short read, and I had some time this morning, so I opted toread Micah and Nahum as well. Micah's message was well before the exile. The one theme I noticed more than others was his emphasis on injustice in Isreal and Judah. The justice system seemed to be corrupt, its participants using it for their benefit.

Micah said the same of the prophets and priests - that they preached nice messages as long as they were taken care of.

The verse that has always stuck out for me in Micah is 6:8 - "The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: 'See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.'" This passage makes more sense to me when I read it in a context of a corrupt justice system. As leaders, there is a responsibility to ensure justice is done. I don't think this means enforcement on others, as much as it is praciticing it themselves.

Jonah

My pastor did a series on Jonah a few weeks ago. Every story I heard about Jonah before focused on his disobedience and gettign thrown off the boat and being swallowed by a big fish. The sermon series went through the entire four chapters. 1. Jonay disobeys; 2. Jonah gets swallowed by a fish and repents; 3. Jonah does what God asked him and preaches to Ninevah - they repent; 4. Jonah gets mad that God forgives Ninevah.

So, he disobeys, realizes he's an idiot for disoebeying, finally obeys and then gets ticked off because he never wanted to do it in the first place. I can relate.

And the end of the book doesn't resolve Jonah's situation. Jonah's ticked off, and the end is simply God "justifying" to Jonah why he is concerned abotu Ninevah. There are lessons here about how we respond to God, but it seems the biggest lesson is how God uses unmerciful people to enact his mercy.

Obadiah

Obadiah, according to www.gotquestions.org, was written between 848 and 840 B.C., which puts him between or in the midst of Elijah and Elisha. According to a resource in the back of my Bible, he was a contemporay of those prophets after Israel's exile. What to belive, the editors at the Bible Society or the Internet?

Obadiah's message was to Edom. Essentially, he was sharing a message from God that was judging Edom for not helping Israel in it's time of struggle. God shares his promise that Israel will one day rulle over other nations, including Edom. There's really not much else for me to say, except that it's the shortest book in the Old Testament.

Amos

After a while, the judgement message gets a bit old. I wonder if what has been written in the messages of the prophets are only portions of the full message, highlights, if you would. Even if it isn't, it's amazing that God was so diligent in trying to get his people to turn back to him & that his people were so persistent in not turning back.

Amos was around before the exile and starts by announcing God's judgement on a bunch of countries, leading up to Judah and Israel. One country was Phoenicia. A few years ago we did a Mediterranean cruise. The first stop was Tunisia. In Tunisia, we toured the Phoenician ruins. Not much left to indicate there were people there - some floors, a few walls, and a skeleton. As a matter of fact, there is not much left of any of the countries Amos listed in the first chapter.

God says in 9:9, "At my command, all of you will be sifted like grain. Israelites who remain fatihful will be scattered among the nations." Today, there are Jewish people all over the world. They've existed without a country until a few decades ago, and they are all over the place.

Once I get past the repetitive message of judgement, I see glimmers of hope and promise. 5:4 - "Israel, turn back to me and you will live." 9:14 - "I'll make Israel prosper again."

I read this and I wonder "Why didn't they get it?" Then I'm reminded of other places where God says he hardened their hearts and has made his people unresponsive to his voice. Is that the case here? And then there's the piece that is common in almost every book - how they treated the poor and needy. Amos goes a bit further and speaks against those who got rich off the backs of the poor.

Money and sex. Those seem to be the two downfalls of Israel as I reflect back on what i've read so far. Sounds familiar.

Joel

Unlike the other prophets, Joel doesn't say who was King when he gave this message. According to www.gotquestions.org, (thank you Google!) it was between 835 and 800 BC, which would have put him with King Joash.

Joel starts off describing an "army" of locusts sent by God to destroy Judah for their sin. The images clearly present it as war and an attack. Joel then states that they cannot fight with regular weapons, but that the way to fight back, or defend themselves, is to turn back to God with broken hearts (2:13). God says: "I am merciful, kind and caring. I don't easily lose my temper, and I don't like to punish."

Joel does not acknowledge whether or not the the people turned back to God (we know they did not turn back permanently), but in 2:18, Joel says: "The Lord was deeply concerned about his land and had pity on his people." Then, in answer to their prayers, he made some promises. First, he promised to satisfy their needs (2:19); second, to defend their reputation (2:19); third, to rid them of the army of locusts that attacked and send them off to rot in the desert (2:20); fourth, he will restore what the locusts destroyed (2:25).

God then makes more promises that seem to apply to his people centuries later. I'm not a big prophesy buff, and in all my studies and learning in church, this next piece is applied to the church, beginning with Acts 2. Joel 2:28-29 -- "Later, I will give my Spirit to everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will even give my Spirit to my servants, both men and women." The passage goes on to speak of judgment on those who persecuted God's people and that he will protect and restore them.

At this point, I'm not as concerned about the intended audience for the outpouring and the judgment. Instead, I'm struck by a couple other things.

1. Sincere repentance is what God wants from us. Judah was not encouraged to invent a bug spray to get rid of the locusts. If they repented, God will take care of them.
2. God will accomplish what he promised. He promised to turn his people back to him, to restore the damage caused by his judgment, and to bless even more.
3. "I will even give my Spirit to my servants, both men and women." God envisioned a future where he would give his Spirit to both men and women. I guess he was depicting how freely he wanted to bless his people, because in Joel's day, it would have been just to men. Why is it that we limit God? On Israel Houghton's new CD, he sings a song entitled "Take the limits off." It is written as if God were singing it, asking us to take the limits off him that we put on him. We expect him to work one way, but he wants to do blow away our expectations.

My brother-in-law was stuck in Toronto on Friday evening due to his flights from the Ivory Coast getting re-routed all over the map. We went to the "Outback," ate huge steaks, and talked about what God was doing in his life and he encouraged me as well. Simply put, God wants to do so more much than what we expect him to do. He had two words more me, and I think it applies to the church as a whole - "Get Ready."

Bring it on.

Hosea

Hosea and his message were around well before Judah's exile, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, which means he was a contemporary of Isaiah. God really was trying to get his message through, given he had two prophets speaking for him during the same time.

Hosea's life was a role play. God told him to marry someone, who would seem to be unfaithful, to represent Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Even her children were named to represent messages from God - "Jezreel" represented imminent punishment, "Lo-Ruhamah" represented God withdrawing his mercy and "Lo-Ammi" represented Israel not being his.

The message, of course, we've heard before. The priests are not following God and are abusing their positions. Israel is proud. But in the midst, we see glimpses of what God wants from us. 6:6 - "I'd rather for you to be faithful and know me than to offer sacrifices." 12:6 - "So return to your God. Patiently trust him and show love and justice."

Hosea was a different prophet, with different methods, saying the same thing to Israel - God desperately wanted to be in relationship with them. All they had to do was turn from their ways and turn to him.

Daniel

Yesterday morning I arrived at my appointment at Denny's 45 minutes early. I brought along my Bible, anticipating the extra time, and cracked open Daniel in the parking lot. I'm not sure about how the order of books were determined in the Bible. Daniel was around before Ezekiel, accroding to the reference point of King Jehoiakim (Ezekiel's reference was Jehoiachin, who was after Jehoiakin). Ezekiel used a person names Daniel as an illustration, so it might be this Daniel.

Daniel was in Babylon durign the reign of King Nebuchadnezzer, King Belshazzer, King Darius and even King Cyrus. Specific examples are given as to how God had Daniel rise to prominent positions and showed His glory, even while in exile under their reigns. God made Daniel wise, and he and three others were protected because they obeyed God. I recalled promises God made that I read several books ago, that even in the land of their enemies, after they would be exiled, He would not forget the promise He made to them. It's neat to see that being fulfilled here.

The first half of Daniel is a narrative. The last half consists of Daniel's dreams and visions he had during the various kingships. Each vision was written with the explanation, but the explanation is as cryptic as the dream itself (in my mind). I find it odd that a couple of times God told Daniel not to tell anyone his dreams and visions, yet here I am reading about them. Then, in 12:9, it says "Daniel, go about your business, because the meanign of this message will remain secret until the end of time." That made me not feel so bad about not understanding it.

I think the thing that stands out in my mind after reflecting on Daniel is captured in these two passages:

2:21 - "You control human events - you give rulers their power and take it away, and you are the source of wisdom and knowledge."

4:17b - "It will show to all who live that God Most High controls all kingdoms and chooses for their rulers persons of humble birth."

God was calling the shots in Babylon. It seems that they were more receptive to his directioon than his own people. Then, the last verse contains God's promise to Daniel. "So, Daniel, be faithful unto the end! You will rest, and at the end of time, you will rise from death to receive your reward."

Ezekiel

I had to help out with audio at church yesterday - both services. The youth were away on a retreat, and the regular sound guy was gone, as was the person that typically subbed in for him. Before church on Sunday morning, I decided that I could either spend the time between the services reading Ezekiel or going to see a movie. Ezekiel won.

Yesterday morning our pastor shared from James and his application was about how to do your own personal Bible Study. Essentially, what I'm doing here, reading a book at a time, goes against his suggested method of going sentence by sentence and meditating on what it means to me.

Then, last night, the youth arrived back. The youth pastor had some of them share their experience at the retreat. Their testimonies became a first hand illustration to me of how Ezekiel must have felt. God did something real in their lives, and they could not find words to express it. And I know that God spoke to me last summer and started me on this trek; although it might not make sense to others, I know I'm reading the way I need to read it.

Ezekial gets right into it. All of his visions, messages and experience here takes place after Israel had been taken away to Babylon. Each of his 'episodes' begin with a reference to time after King Jehoiachin was led away to Bablyon as prisoner. They are not necessarily listed chronologically, but neither was Jeremiah. Why start now? That said, the narrative ended for me in a chronological sense a few books ago. I find myself referencing Kings and Chronicles to get back in the time period and get my head in the right place.

God spoke to Ezekiel in some seriously, crazy visions and in direct messages. The visions were such that Ezekiel said "I saw what looked like..." He couldn't even articulate for sure what he saw, I guess because he had not seen anything like it before. I mean, four creatures, each with four faces (human, lion, bull and eagle) on each side of their head and wings. And a wheel that moved in every direction without turning? At the end of his first recorded vision, he says "I realized I was seeing the brightness of the the Lord's glory!" Seemingly inexplicable.

God's direct messages were also extreme. He had Ezekiel act things out, role play, so that Israel might see it and understand. On of the first such incidents had Ezekiel lying on his left side for 390 days, then switching to his right side for 40 days. In some cases, Ezekiel explained what he was doing.

Ezekiel is full of messages of doom, not just to Israel, but also to other countries that had not supported, or even attacked or made fun of, Israel. God gave Ezekiel a huge and lengthy message for Egypt. Also, God used extreme images of sexual promiscuity to explain how Israel had turned from him.

Pockets of promise and encouragement are also contained within it. If someone turns from their sin and worships the Lord, they will be forgiven. Children will not be punished for their parents sins, if they personally turn from sinning. On the flip side, if a person was righteous, but turned to sin, they would be punished. God states here more than once (i.e., 18:23) that he does not like seeing the wicked die, but would rather see them turn to him.

The visions and places God takes Ezekiel are really something else: dead, dried bones coming back to life, the four creatures, the man made of fire, shepherds and sheep and the vision of the future temple. Ezekiel was toured around the new temple. His tour guide had a 'measuring stick.' He records in very clear detail what he saw. It was perfect. Squares. I never appreciated the first vision Ezekiel had of the four creatures with four faces each. This morning as I think about it, I see the theme carried over - four equal beings at the beginning, then a temple constructed as a square - four equal measurements used throughout. This must have been the picture of a perfect temple for Ezekiel. God revelation of himself to Ezekiel mirrored the building - perfect. At least, that's what I'm seeing.

A few times God reiterates his promise to bring Israel back together. He also refers to how they treated the poor, the widows and orphans to illustrate had bad they were as a society, all common themes that have struck me as I've been reading.

My pastor told me it took him two years to get through Ezekiel. I read it in a couple hours. I'm sure I've missed things, and I'll get them later when I come back to Ezekiel. However, the picture of a perfect God, who is willing to forgive people who have sinned against him an wants to be in realtionship with his people, who will not renege on his promise, who wants to take care of the poor and needy and who will ultimately ensure his original promise will be carried out, well, that's a lot to take in for now.

Lamentations

I didn't do too bad. I was hoping to get to Lamentations before the end of January - it's only February 5. The title "Lamentations" gives away the book - it's the writer is lamenting, or mourning, the collapse of Israel. It's onle five chapters, so I think I'll just note the texts I highlighted as I read.

2:14 - "Your prophets deceived you with false visions and lying messages-- they should have warned you to leave your sins and be saved from disaster." Jeremiah also told Israel that were believing lies, that he wished he could have been bringing good news, but there was no good news. They were disobedient, and this was the consequence.

2:17 - "The LORD has done everything that he had planned and threatened long ago." They shouldn't be surprised.

2:18 - "Don't ever lose hope or let your tears stop."

3:17 - "I cannot find peace or remember happiness."

3:21-40: "Then I remember something that fills me with hope. The LORD's kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. zthe LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. Deep in my heart I say, 'The LORD is all I need; I can depend on him!' The LORD is kind to everyone who trusts and obeys him. It is good to wait patiently for the LORD to save us. When we are young, it is good to struggle hard and to sit silently alone, if this is what the LORD intends. Being rubbed in the dirt can teach us a lesson; we can also learn from insults and hard knocks. The Lord won't always reject us! He causes a lot of suffering, but he also has pity because of his great love. The Lord doesn't enjoy sending grief or pain. Don't trample prisoners under your feet or cheat anyone out of what is rightfully theirs. God Most High sees everything, and he knows when you refuse to give someone a fair trial. No one can do anything without the Lord's approval. Good and bad each happen at the command
of God Most High. We're still alive! We shouldn't complain when we are being punished for our sins. Instead, we should think about the way we are living, and turn back to the LORD. "

4:22 - "The people of Zion have paid for their sins, and the Lord will soon let them return home."

5:19-22 "You will rule forever, LORD! You are King for all time. Why have you forgotten us
for so long? Bring us back to you! Give us a fresh start. Or do you despise us so much that you don't want us?"

In the midst of despair, there is hope. But, even with hope and a knowledge of God's faithfulness, it is sometimes a challenge to imagine a positive outcome in the midst of the despiar.

Jeremiah

It's pretty bad. When I started this trek, I was gung ho, knocking off a couple books in a short amount of time. Now it seems to take me a month to get up the nerve to tackle a single book. My goal is to get to (& through!) Lamentations before the end of January.

I finished Jeremiah yesterday morning before I went to work (I started it Sunday). I was caught a bit off guard once I got into it, as Jeremiah jumps all over the place as he is telling his story, moving backwards and forwards in time, sort of like a Tarantino movie. Nonetheless, God was using Jeremiah to try and get a message through the skulls of His people. Same message -- sin, I punish; worship me, I bless. The rub here is that King Manessah messed it up so bad, that Israel was doomed to exile, even though they had a few more Kings left in them (15:4).

God chose Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to take down Judah. Other prophets of Israel were preaching peace and properity, but Jeremiah regularly disagreed with them, saying they had not received their message from God, though often he wished they had. Jeremiah told the people that it was God's will to send them to Babylon. Later on, God says that he will punish Babylon for what they did to Judah, which, as you can imagine, boggles me, since God had Babylon do the work. Some of the stuff He does really does not make sense to me, but it's all rooted in His deep love for and promise to His people.

And the promise here is the same as I've read before: 29:10-14 -- "After Babylonia has been the strongest nation for seventy years, I will be kind and bring you back to Jerusalem, just as I have promised. I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering. You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you and accept your worship. Then I will gather you from all the nations where I scattered you, and you will return to Jerusalem."

God goes on to say in the next few paragraphs that His people take comfort in the fact that He is sending prophets even in Babylon to share His message, but that he did that in their own land and they did not listen. I've always thought Jeremiah was a book of judgement, but it's really a testament of God's patience (you fall down, you get up - 8:4). He geniunely believes that His people will one day get it, in spite of their track record. If it was me, I would have given up. But God is the definition of patience.

And in the midst of it all, I see another message - orphans, widows and the poor - how they are treated are indicative a society's standing with God. If a society takes care of them, then God favours them; if not, then not.

Yesterday a new goverment was elected in Canada. I've heard many opinions by some people in the Christian world that we need to get Christians in public office and "take our country back for God." I'm not sure I agree - I think we need to be careful that we don't abdicate our responsibility as a church to the government. However, Canada has pretty good programs and systems to help the poor, widows and orphans. It's not great, but it's pretty good. I'd like to think that all is not lost and that God still has some patience left in Him for us.