8.29.12

Bible Reading: Zechariah 5-9

Reel thoughts:
Isn't it interesting how just when you start to doubt that God cares, or you just really begin to wonder how things are going to work out- there God goes again and reminds you with His goodness just how much He does care?

I love the old song that goes...revive us...because it's really just a call to action to remember how much God really cares.  That's what I'm vibing on this morning.  Revived by God's love for me.

8.21.12

Bible reading: Zephaniah 1-3, Ephesians 4

Reel thoughts:
God is very interested in how we use this gift of a life that He's given us, particularly this new life through His Son Jesus.  Shouldn't we be as invested ourselves?

Week of Aug 5-12

Bible Reading: Jonah, Michah, Nahum, Acts 25-27, Ephesians 1

Reel thoughts:

By the way, I think i'm switching to a once a week reflection on the daily bible readings.  at any rate, this past week put a lot of things in perspective.  Major theme: there's the neverending issue that we were created by God for His purposes, not the other way around.  It seems that theme keeps popping up in current culture and in my readings.

8.5.12

Bible reading: Amos 7-9, Acts 23

Reel thoughts
Paul testified about Jesus in prison chains. And he was happy about it.

8.2.12

Bible reading: Amos 1-3 and Acts 23

Reel thoughts:
Paul was in jail for 2 years. Wow. Really makes you think about the conditions under which he wrote most if the New Testament.

7.31.12

Bible reading: end of Ezekiel, Hosea, through Acts22

Reel thoughts:

What's the real difference between a relationship with God and religion: motivation for why you do what you do.  A person with a relationship with God spends time with Him because they want to.  A religious person does it because they're supposed to.  A person with a relationship with God knows His God.  A religious person knows about God.  In a tough time, the relationship sustains one while the religion feels like a burden.  A person with a relationship has their choices informed by God.  A religious person usually doesn't understand their faith enough to make God informed choices.

7.23.12

Bible Reading- Through Ezekiel 27, Acts 16

Reel thoughts
the past week of reading has been all about 2 sides of the same coin:  God's grace and his judgement.  Which side do you want to be on?

7.18.12

Bible Reading: through Ezekiel 25 and Acts 16

Reel Thoughts:
So while catching up on my daily devotionals I've been thinking a lot about the difference between God's grace and our actions. The whole New Testament is about responding to God's grace with faith while the Old Testament shows just how much we need His grace because of our limitations.

7.10.12

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 52, Ezekiel 1-3, Acts 11-12

Reel thoughts:
What responsibility do we have to first digest the message before we share it like Ezekiel did?

7.7-7.8.12

Bible reading: Jeremiah 50-51, Acts 10

Reel thoughts:
There are some huge leadership implications from reading the past few days.  The first is just the idea that all leadership derives itself from God, and when you disconnect from that as your original source, you're in trouble.

7.4- 7.6.12

Bible Reading: Through Jeremiah 50, Acts 8-10

Reel thoughts:
- In the book of Acts, at one point it describes the church of having reverential fear of God, and the church prospering and everything going well for the people.  Correlation?
- Saul's conversion- I love how when Annaias found him, he was praying.  Saul already knew the basics, he knew of God, all he needed was a personal encounter with God.
- The entire time I've been reading Jeremiah, I can't help but sometimes get frustrated with the people of Israel for knowingly making the dumb choices they made.  But then again, I've drawn so many parrallels to my own life where I too have "tested" God and it makes me even more thankful now for God's mercy bestowed on me when I've wandered willingly down wrong paths
- I've noticed that everywhere these early church Christians were, they're followed by signs and miracles.  The preaching of the good news is accompanied by God's power.  Is that still true today?
- Towards the latter end of both Jeremiah and now in Acts, the focus shifts to non-Jews.  God cares about all of the world, He uses some as the entrypoint to get to others.

7.3.12

Bible Reading:
Jeremiah 39-41 and Acts 9

Reel Thoughts
Awesome example of why and how to witness found in today's reading.

7.2.12

Bible Reading
Jeremiah 36-38 and Acts 8

Reel thoughts
God is a counterintuitive God. Get to know Him.

7.1.12

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 30-35, Acts 5-8

Reel thoughts
The past few days as I've been catching up on some of my daily reading, an interesting theme has emerged.  One phrase, "call to me, and I'll tell you things you could never figure out on your own".  That seems to be the story of my life right now.  Particularly as I read through these scriptures and see that though God is clearly depicting the future, history tells me that they didn't listen.  And, as I think of my own situations, where God is clearly depicting my future, giving me guidance about which way to go, which decisions to make, etc. It makes me think.  Correction, it makes me want to stop thinking so much, and start believing.  Start listening.  Start resting.  We've all gotten too big for our "britches" and I don't want to be caught trying to assume my intelligence can gain me more insight than God.

Oh yeah, and in Acts as Stephen was being martyred, the Message translation says he had eyes only for God, he hardly noticed the crowd.  I pray for the clarity of vision and peace of mind necessary to have eyes only for God.  I want to eliminate the opportunistic worry and self deprecation that undermines my ability to see God in every situation, even myself.

6.27.12

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 24-26 and Acts 4

Reel thoughts:
Be fearless in proclaiming The Message of Jesus.

6.26.12

Reel thoughts:

In Acts 3, Peter tells the people that it was nothing else but faith in Jesus that put the healed man in front of them. Faith in Jesus can make a world of difference.

6.22-6.23.12

Bible reading: Jeremiah 15-17 and Acts 1

Reel thoughts
Why did you finally give into believing God?

I know why I did. It's because nothing else in this world made sense without Him. We spend so much time trying to figure everything out as humans, that we fail to understand the very limitations of our ability to do so. That's when God steps in and offers answers where there were none before and questions to challenge our assumptions. I'm a smart guy, but nowhere near smart enough to figure this life out on my own.

6.20-6.21.12

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 8-12 and Luke 24

Reel thought:
Follow Jesus's lead and stay above the fray.

6.19.12

Bible reading: Jeremiah 6-8, Luke 23

Reel thoughts:
Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Both Jesus and Jeremiah are dealing with unrepentant generations, yet God's love doesn't grow cold.

6.18.12

Bible reading: Jeremiah 3-5 and Luke 22

Reel thoughts:
The line that stuck out most to me: Peter followed but at a safe distance. How many of us are doing the same, for similar reasons?

6.17.12

Bible reading: Jeremiah 1-2, Luke 22

Reel thoughts:

Jeremiah was the first culture warrior.  Check out what God says to him, " I'm making you as impreganble as a castle, immovable as a steel post, solid as a concrete block wall.  You're a one man defense system against this culture."

6.15-6.16

Bible reading: Isaiah 60-66, Luke 19

Reel thoughts:

The past few days of reading have been about a few things.  Understanding that God isn't "out to get us" as so many people view Him to be, and also realizing that God's never going to give up on me, despite how we may have given up on Him or ourselves.

6.14.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 61-63 and Luke 20.

Reel thoughts:
Jesus handled skeptics well. He either made they're attacks teachable moments or He just flat out refused to be roped into an argument.

6.13.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 58-60 and Luke 19

Reel thoughts
Yesterday was about looking for at least one unselfish moment opportunity. Didn't take long to present itself, also didn't take long to recognize it happen to me at the barber shop.

6.9-6.12

Bible readings: Isaiah 49-57, Luke 17-19

Reel thoughts:
First, it's been a while.  I got a little behind with the birth of my daughter.  Back on track now, hopefully it can stay that way.  Some compiled thoughts from reading the past few days of scripture...

Persistent Faith and God is a God of Reconciliation.  He's invested so much into each of us, what sense would it make for Him to just sit idly back and let us self destruct?  That's why He presses so hard, gives us so many second chances, and tries His best to help us understand that His love is unconditional.  It's when we begin to accept this truth as our reality that true life can begin anew.

6.8.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 46-48 and Luke 16

Reel thoughts
Even Jesus said that those who aren't convinced by scripture and the prophets wouldn't be convinced by a man coming back from the dead. How pervasive is disbelief that such a barrier exists? What convinces people then? What convinced u?

6.7.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 44-45, Luke 14

Reel thoughts
God said through Isaiah,"I am God. I work out in the open, saying what's right, setting things right".

6.6.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 42-43 and Luke 14

Reel thoughts:
How will I pay the cost today? Jesus speaks about us needing to be willing to give u everything for Him. Look at what awaits us on the other side of our decision to pay the price. We're not paying for salvation, nope that's a freebie. What we're paying fur us the ability to see our dreams come to pass in this life. Are we willing to pay the cost if what it means to serve Him and be used by God?

6.5.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 40-41 and Luke 13

Reel thoughts:
I've been thinking about this gift the past few days. God is such an expansive God, bigger than u or I could imagine, always making room for things that we may not think fit. Including ourselves when we may not be at our best.

6.4.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 38-39, Luke 12

reel thoughts:
Here's the scene.  The king is told that he's going to die.  After some moaning and complaining, and after God decides to heal him Hezekiah, later prays- "it seems good to me that I've gone through these struggles, through them all God held tightly to me and never let me tumble".

Really?  it seems good that you've gone through these struggles?  I've always been baffled by the idea that anyone (myself included) would want to pay for life's lessons with the expensive price of experience instead of getting it for free via someone else's wisdom.  Is it really better to 'go through struggles' in order to learn the right things? The verse that I like more than this one (he says it right before talking about the goodness of struggle), "lord your discipline is good.  For it leads to life and health."  Now that's something I can get behind.  Because discipline is preventative care.

6.3.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 35-36, Luke 12

Reel thoughts:
One of the things that I constantly have to remind myself is that God has His own plans, and it's up to me to get in line with His plan, rather than trying to make Him get in line with what I want.  Once that happens, you can really start to have peace, and resign from the task of trying to make things happen on your own.

6.2.12

Reel thoughts
I love the idea that there are safeguards in the path God designates. The major challenge is- how do u get on that path in the first place? It's not a real mystery (to some). However it does require a degree of humility and trust in God.

6.1.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 33-34

Reel thoughts
God talks a lot in the bible about choosing paths and the various destinations at the end of each path. If life is a series of decisions, then each choice we make determines the course we take. Makes you want to be thoughtful about how you choose.

5.31.12

Bible reading: Isaiah and Luke 11

Reel thoughts:
Jesus told his disciples, "don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need". Today I need a healthy baby girl. Thanks God for delivering.

5.30.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 28-30

Reel thoughts:
God is waiting around to be gracious to you.

5.29.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 25-27 and Luke 9

Reel thoughts:
You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day!

5.28.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 20-22, Luke 9

Reel thoughts:
I've always liked the way Jesus originally sent out the disciples to spread the gospel. He gave them power and authority, not to lord over people but to solve problems. Additionally He told them to keep it simple. Share the message and if people accept it- great. If the don't, then keep it moving.

5.27.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 19-21 and Luke 8

Reel Thoughts:
The people in one town asked Jesus to leave because it was too much change, too fast and they were scared. What did they miss out on as a result?

5.25.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 15-17 and Luke 8

Reel Thoughts:
Obedience is thicker than blood. True story. Sometimes blood relatives are overrated. What you really need is friends who share your faith and can encourage, support, and challenge you in the Lord.

5.24.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 12-14 and Luke 7

Reel Thoughts:
The plans God puts in motion no man can change.

5.23.12

bible reading: Isaiah 10-12, Luke 7

reel thoughts: God is back, looking to the needs of his people.

5.22.12

bible reading: Isaiah 7-9,

reel thoughts:
If you won't take your stand in faith- you won't have a leg to stand on.

5.21.12

bible reading: Isaiah 4-5

reel thoughts:
God really is the author of the "turnaround".  I've been sitting here this evening trying to figure a few things out, and each time I go down a path where I think I have the solution- it seems to be met with either a dead end or more frustration.  And that starts the cycle of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.  But then I remember God, and I hear Him saying, "just trust me".  And I think about what I just read tonight about Isaiah, who, when he came face to face with God, all he could think about was how inadequate he was in measure to God's holy stature.  But God fixed that perspective for him by taking it upon himself to make Isaiah whole, and before you know it, not only did Isaiah seem to be a different man, but he was acting differently.  Speaking up when God requested a man to send to the people.  He found himself, after losing himself, by coming to terms with his own limitations and God's limitless possibilities.

God is a God of limitless possibilities.  Stop putting him in the box of your low expectations for what He can do.  

5.20.12

Bible reading: Isaiah 1-3, Luke 5

Reel thoughts:
As i sit here reading the first few chapters of Isaiah's warnings to the people of the kingdom of Judah and Israel before they fell, I can't help but wonder, why were these warnings falling on so many deaf ears, and how often does that happen today?  Also, I'm struck by the "they've made their bed, now they have to sleep in it" tone that seems to be coming through in God's message through Isaiah.  Thank God we're under a better covenant, one of grace, and not just one of fulfilling the requirements of laws.  I wouldn't want God to judge me based on me solely.  I need His grace to be "good enough".

Also, in Luke 5- now with this "sin consciousness" perspective, I'm noticing how so many of the early disciples (check out Peter's initial response to Jesus- "Master leave, I'm a sinner and can't handle this holiness...") were unprepared even to accept God's new gift of grace.

there's a link there- between accepting God's grace and forgiveness and real power.  People who are full of themselves miss this link..but those who are empty vessels...they're open to Him.

5.19.12

Reel thoughts
What competes for your affection? How can you be sure that there are no idols in your life?

5.18.12

bible reading: 2 kings 24-25, Luke 4

reel thoughts:
Recognizing greatness when you see it involves not squashing it when it's within your grasp, and giving it the time and space to grow when it's not.

5.17.12

bible reading: 2 kings 22-23, Luke 3

reel thoughts:
The biggest surprise was that none of the kings had actually celebrated Passover or many of the other customs written into the law, because they hadn't actually read the law.  Look how far they diverged from the original purpose of their nation.  I wonder what lessons that has for us today.

Another key message from both scripture readings: reforms alone aren't going to cut it.  God is looking for a complete change of heart and mind.

5.16.12

bible reading: 2 kings 20-21, Luke 2

reel thoughts
twice now i've seen the phrase..."and Mary held these things deep within herself..." as she heard or witnessed extraordinary things about her son Jesus.  What's the signficance of her response? (or lack thereof?)

5.15.12

bible reading: 2 kings 18-19, Luke 1

reel thoughts
God gives everyone opportunities to believe.  The question becomes, what will we do with those chances?

5.14.12 mercy

bible reading: 2 kings 15-17, Luke 1

reel thoughts:
His mercy flows in wave after wave, to those who are in awe of Him- spoken by Mary, Mother of Jesus after learning that she was chosen to give birth to the Messiah.

5.13.12 do you expect me to believe?

bible reading: 2 Kings 12-14, Luke 1

reel thoughts:
Zechariah said to the angel, "Do you expect me to believe this?"  What more proof did he need?  He was talking to an angel who knew his entire story!

5.12.12

reel thoughts
even when I find myself at my most tired, I can still remember that God's love never tires of me.

5.11.12 regular check ups

bible reading: 2 kings 10-11, 2 corinthians 13

reel thoughts:
When I give myself a regular spiritual check-up, where do I look?  What will I find?

5.9.12 unconventional God

bible reading: 2 kings 6-7, 2 corinthians 12

reel thoughts:
God is an unconventional God- but he's what you would expect in one category: He demands, deserves, and expects full and total surrender to Him of your life, will, choices, everything- in order to be in real relationship with Him.  How's that for unconventional?  In a day and age where we all like to get something for nothing, God demands everything we have for everything He has to offer.  And conventional wisdom says that the cost is too high...well we all know how misguided "conventional wisdom" can be.  God's the only convention I need.  It's when we start living by this motto, that we'll really experience the fullness of everything He has to offer, including His grace and love.  

5.9.12 what you say about yourself...

bible reading: 2 kings 3-5, 2 Corinthians 10

reel thoughts
"What you say about yourself means nothing in God's work.  It's what God says about you that makes the difference."  This is Paul's advice to the Corinthian church.  How does it impact your life?

5.7.12 giving

bible reading- 2 kings 1-2, 2 Corinthians 8

reel thoughts:
look at how Paul talked about giving with the church.  what gets you excited about giving?

5.6.12- God's proud of you

bible reading: 1 kings 20-22, 2 Corinthians 7

reel thoughts:
After reading the way that Paul expressed his excitement and enthusiasm for the people of Corinth- in particular saying, "i'm so confident and proud of you" he just expected the best from them...despite their track record...I hope God feels the same way about me.

5.5.12

reel thoughts
God is good, all the time.

5.4.12 the fire

bible reading: 1 kings 16-18

reel thoughts
love the story about the day the fire fell from heaven.

5.3.12

bible reading: 1 kings 14-16, 2 corinthians 5

reel thoughts:
a few quotes i've found interesting thus far- one about king Asa: "but he was well intentioned- his heart was in the right place, in tune with God".  referring to a man who didn't completely get rid of the evil in his country.

5.2.12 unmerited grace

bible reading: 1 kings 12-14, 2 corinthians 4

reel thoughts:

not a day goes by without God's unmerited grace.  how does this impact the way you view your life?

5.1.12 fake gods

bible reading: 1 kings 9-11, 2 corinthians 3

reel thoughts:
how can a man as wise and blessed as Solomon be seduced into allowing false gods to capture his attention?  how do we do the same thing everyday, knowing what we know about the true God?

4.30.12 honoring God

bible reading: 1 kings 8, 2 corinthians 2

reel thoughts:
I love how Solomon made it his focus to honor God with the building of the temple.  And then afterwards, praying "all these bold and passionate prayers" before the people to help them remember what it was all about. They were there to celebrate the fact that God had kept the promise He'd made.

Solomon's prayer is one of the longest found in the bible- i want to spend more time with this prayer making it my own b/c there are some good nuggets of wisdom contained in this prayer.

4.29.12 His gifts, His work

Bible reading: 1 kings 4-5, 2 Corinthians 1

reel thoughts:
God doesn't need perfect people to do His work.
God was more interested on what Solomon constructed in his heart, than the temple he was building.
Solomon took such painstaking efforts to build this temple unto God, what does that indicate about how much effort, care, and energy i should be putting into the things I do for God?

the coolest thing about being one of the artisans who worked on the temple, was that one day they could come back and say, "God used me to dream this up, and then build this."  that's the power of using your gifts and talents for God to create something.

Nowadays we talk about creating things and only think of commercial interest/gain.  But truly, anything created by, for, and with God's help has value in and of itself.  You don't have to market your talents/gifts.  A man's gift makes room for him (notice how Solomon sent for Hiram, and how David was instructed by God to leverage skilled artisans in His work).   God knows how to connect your gifts to His projects.

Remember Paul's advice to the Corinthian church- stand by your faith.  But also be willing to expand your faith with greater understanding of God and His will.

4.27.12 what you ask God for

Bible reading: 1 kings 3-5, 1 Corinthians 16

reel thoughts:
Did you notice what Solomon asked God for?  It wasn't fame, power, money or anything.  He recognized the moment, the need, and his limitations and he asked God to give him a God lead heart so that he could lead God's people.

4.26.12 don't waste grace

bible reading: 1 kings 1-2, 1 corinthians 15

reel thoughts:
God's given me the gift of grace and I'm not going to waste it.

4.25.12 you get what you expect

bible reading- end of 2 Samuel, 1 corinthians 14

reel thoughts:
Right now i'm listening to the Whitney Houston song "I go to the Rock" and i'm thinking about all the times in which i've literally been able to rely on God in the past few days and seen Him come through.  Imagine if i raised my expectations for what's possible?  David, a man who trusted and believed the best even when circumstances dictated otherwise- always expected the best- of both himself and what he was capable of and also what God was capable of.  I'd rather put my life in the hands and mercy of God than man.

Even now, listening to Mary Mary's song "I got it" is reminding me that whatever I need, God's got it.  Jesus promised us that in this world we'd have tribulation, but be of good cheer, because he's already overcome the world and everything in it on our behalf.  I've got to keep my expectation up there.

4.24.12 surprised to be loved

bible reading: 2 sam 20-22, 1 corinthians 13

reel thoughts:

coolest scripture from a song David sang to God:  "I stood there saved- surprised to be loved!"  How often do we find ourselves surprised to be loved by God?

4.23.12 a part of the body

bible reading: 2 Samuel 17-19, 2 Corinthians 12

Reel thoughts
A scripture from today's reading, "For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of."

4.22.12 traditions of faith

bible reading: 2 sam 14-16, 1 Corinthians 11

reel thoughts:
What are the traditions of faith you've been taught?

4.21.12 when God gets started

reel thoughts
...nothing can stand in the way.  Not even you or me.  But let's not be on our worst enemies.  Let's align with what God is doing.  Be on the winning side.

4.20.12 unto God

Bible reading: 2 Sam 11-13, 1 Corin 10

Reel thoughts:
Do everything heartily and freely unto God.  God wants us, all or nothing.  Everyone faces temptation, it's how you face it that matters.

4.19.12 finishing well

Bible reading: 2 Sam 9-10, 1 Corinthians 9

Reel thoughts:
Paul said, "but i'm running hard for the finish line."  Truth be told, it makes me reflect on how hard I run towards the finish line in my own life.  How can I show more of the tenacity that Paul displays, he's so focused and committed to his end goal.  God wired him for that specific role, I've got to better understand my own wiring, and in doing so I'll finish well too.

4.18.12 the conscience of others

bible reading: 2 sam 3-6, 1 Corinthians 8

reel thoughts:
read 1 Corinthians 8 again.  What does this tell you about how the consciences of other believers should take priority over your religious freedom in Christ?

4.17.12 while i'm waiting

bible reading: 2 Samuel 3-5, 1 Corinthians 6

reel thoughts:
It's amazing how long David waited for the fulfillment of God's calling.  It makes me think about how I should maintain perspective and perseverance as I wait for the evolution of what God has called me to do/be.

4.16.12 timing

Bible reading: 2 samuel 1-2, 1 corinthians 6

reel thoughts:
Timing is in God's hands.  It's not a matter of "if" but "when".  Get in God's timing, and find your rest.

4.15.12 our responsibility

bible reading: 1 samuel 28-31, 1 Corin 5

reel thoughts:
God has given us a clear path, we can either take it or not.  However, we will be held accountable for doing what we know is right.

4.14.12

reel thoughts:
Believe in God, believe in what God says about you, and you'll go far.

4.13.12 not just talk

bible reading: 1 samuel 25-27, 1 corinthians 4

reel thoughts:
"for the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk, it is living by God's power."

4.12.12 doing the right thing

bible reading: 1 samuel 22-24, 1 corinthians 3

reel thoughts:
Sometimes doing the right thing is inconvenient, however when you make the decision to do the right thing you won't regret it when you look back on the life of integrity that you've built.

4.11.12 the secrets God whispers

bible reading: 1 samuel 19-21, 1 Corinthians 2

reel thoughts:
what are we supposed to do with the secrets God whispers to us?  Live them out.  He's already finished everything, He declares the end from the beginning.  The secrets are a peak into our future, so have peace and joy and embrace through faith what's happening.  Live out what God says.

4.10.12 the david difference

bible reading: 1 samuel 14-16, 1 corinthians 1

reel thoughts:
David and Saul were so different, and the biggest one was confidence.  David had no fear and was confident.  Saul, despite having God's blessing initially and God's spirit initally, never was able to fully tap into the confidence that comes with being chosen by God.  We've got to be more David's willing to confront and slay the giants in our lives, than Saul, unconfident in our God given talents and abilities.  Here's another thing: David's gifts and talents made room for him before the king, and again, he was best when he was his natural self.  I don't know if we ever saw that with Saul.

4.9.12 the message of the cross

bible reading: 1 Samuel 13-15, Mark 16

reel thoughts:
I heard a man say today, "you can't accept the teachings of Jesus, if you won't accept the story of redemption that comes from Him dying on the cross."  The two are inextricably linked.

4.8.12 that day

bible reading: 1 Samuel 10-12, Mark 15

Reel thoughts:

isn't it interesting how on the day Jesus was crucified, while all his "followers" fled, and others mocked Him, it was a Roman solidier, a religious "outsider" who noticed at Jesus's last breath that "this man is the Son of God."  I wonder why he noticed and the "insiders" didn't...

4.7.12

reel thoughts:

what a week.  reading about the "good" friday, when Jesus labored in the garden of Gethsamane and then was publicly mocked, beaten, and finally hung has helped me keep this Easter holiday in perspective.

4.6.12 Jesus is real

bible reading: 1 Samuel 6-9, Mark 14

reel thoughts:
After spending the evening reading some of the biblical account of what happened before Jesus was crucified, I started wondering, what would it be like to not believe in God or Jesus?  Since I was raised in the church, it's like this is all I've ever really known, though I have made the concsious decision as an adult to believe, it certainly was a path paved easily for me to do so.  But as I started to ponder, it occured to me that the same things would still draw me to Him.  I just believe that humans are created with a purpose, by a purposeful Creator.  And I just believe that this Creator has designated a path to knowing and being in relationship with Him through Jesus, a story which by the way, only makes since in the context of the entire bible.  Jesus is how I connect with God, (and the path I'll share with my children) and that's what matters most to me.  My life then should be an open book of how this relationship is real.

4.5.12 the word of the Lord was rare

Bible reading: 1 Samuel 3-6, Mark 14

Reel thoughts:
At the beginning of Samuel's ministry, it took him some time gaining experience recognizing God's voice.  And the word of the Lord was rare in those days.  How fortunate are we that this isn't the backdrop of our experience with God?  We can literally hear from Him anytime we want, by picking up our bibles or spending time in prayer.  But how often do we choose to do so?  Is the word of the Lord still rare, at a time when it should be more accessible than ever?

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4.4.12 stay watchful

Bible reading: 1 Samuel 1-2, Mark 13

Reel thoughts:
Jesus's words of warning and encouragement to all generations: stay watchful and be prepared for His return.

4.3.12 did what they felt like

Bible reading: Judges 19-21, Mark 12

Reel thoughts:
What is it that leads people to thinking that it's ok to do whatever they feel like doing?  And how far does our society have to sink before it's something that we take notice of?

4.2.12 right in their own eyes

Bible reading: Judges 17-18, Mark 11

Reel thoughts:

A common refrain in the book of Judges is, "and in those days there was no king in Israel.  So the people did what was right in their own eyes."  How many things are wrong with this scenario?

4.1.12 KOG

Bible reading: Judges 15-16, Mark 10

Reel thoughts...

The Kingdom of God isn't about you.  It's about Him.

3.31.12 decision points

For the past week, there have been numerous opportunties to see what happens at crucial decision points in our lives.  The more telling examination is what happens leading up to the decision.

3.30.12 salt

Bible Reading:  Judges 13-14, Mark 10

Reel thoughts:
If salt loses it's salty flavor, what is it good for?  Make sure that doesn't happen to you.

3.29.12 obedience for today

Bible reading: Judges 10-12, Mark 9

Reel thoughts:
God does not want promises for the future but obedience for today.

3.28.12- let Him lead

Bible reading: Judges 7-9, Mark 8


Reel thoughts:


Anyone who comes with Him, must let Him lead.

3.27.12 a fleece for change

Bible reading: Judges 4-6, Mark 7


Reel thoughts:


Did u notice how many times Gideon tested God, asking God to demonstrate evidence that he'd keep his promise?  How many times does God need to promise something before you decide to believe?  What more do you need to see or hear before you're willing to believe?


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3.26.12 generation to generation

Bible reading: Judges 1-3, Mark 6


Reel thoughts:


When the people forgot about God for one generation, the entire nation went to "hell" figuratively.  What are the implications of this for us today?

3.25.12 choose this day

Bible reading: Joshua 22-24, Mark 6:1-29


Reel thoughts:


At the end of his life, Joshua challenged the people of Israel to "choose this day who you will serve.  And as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  That choice will always cost you something, but the reward will always be well worth it.

3.24.12 justice or mercy

Over the past week while reading the books of Joshua and Mark, I've seen both sides of the same coin.  Justice, while much deserved is often a hard pill to swallow.  Mercy on the other hand, is undeserved and can be an equally hard pill to swallow, particularly for those who question the lack of justice.  God decides when to administer mercy, intervening in the cause of justice.  But I wouldn't take the risk that this will always happen.  


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3.23.12 faithful

Bible Reading: Joshua 19-21, Mark 5


Reel thoughts:


God is faithful to us even though we're not always faithful to Him.  

3.22.12 getting ahead

Bible reading: Joshua 16-18, Mark 4


Reel thoughts


it's not about getting ahead in the way most people think it is.  Jesus said in Mark 4, Listen carefully to what I'm saying- and be way of the shred advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own.  

3.21.12 thicker than blood

Bible reading: Joshua 13-15, Mark 3


Reel thoughts:


Jesus said, obedience is thicker than blood.

3.20.12 when it looks impossible

Bible reading: Joshua 9-11, Mark 2


Reel thoughts
When it looks impossible...it's a job for El Shaddai.

3.19.12 lessons

Bible reading: Joshua 6-8, Mark 1


Reel thoughts:


lessons from today:
- It always pays to be patient and get things in God's timing, not your own
- What a great way to mark an occasion, by reading and remembering God's word/promise about that particular event
- Jesus got up, well before dawn to pray.  Then, when the demands of the day began, he got to work because he was fueled and ready to go.

3.18.12 do the work

Bible reading: Josh 3-5, Mark 1


Reel thoughts:


After the children of Israel crossed over into the promised land, the first thing that happened was the manna stopped.  The daily miracle that sustained them in the wilderness, ceased because now they'd arrived at a land that was good for planting and harvesting.  It was time to do the work that they'd been destined to do.  No longer was the miraculous necessary.  Reaping daily rewards of provision in your promised land only requires doing the work God gives you, and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of you.  


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3.17.12 the right way

So, throughout the past week of readings, there's been this undercurrent of discovering "the right way".  I only put this in air quotes, not because I don't believe there is a right way (which denotes a wrong way as well, by the way), but because I believe that we're all still trying to figure it out.  Spoiler alert: we don't have to figure it out anymore.  Once you find God, you've found your way.  


The hard part is getting yourself to accept this truth.  Now that's a bombshell.

3.16.12

Bible reading: Joshua 1-2, Galatians 6


Reel thoughts:
It is not what you and I do, it is what God is doing.

3.15.12 Freedom

Bible reading: Deut 32-34, Galatians 5


reel thoughts:


Interesting scripture from tonight's reading: Its absolutetely clear that God has called you to a free life.  Just make sure that you don't use thi freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom.

3.14.12 God's way

Bible Reading: Deut 29-31, Galatians 3


Reel thoughts:


I'm more convinced now than ever that walking with God is a requires daily committment, and it's something to not be taken lightly.

3.13.12- rules and regulations

Bible reading: Deut 26-28, Galatians 3


Reel thoughts:


Both readings for today explore the purpose of rules/regulations.  What's your opinion about the role that God's commands play in your life?  Are they suggestions meant to be taken into account, or a script to follow exactly?  Is there room for deviation or interpretation, and if so what is the cost?


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3.12.12 our true social safety net

Bible Reading: Deut 23-25, Galatians 2


Reel thoughts:
While reading today's old testament reading, i realized that the bible, in particular the old testament Levitical laws, has a lot to say about how to live in peace with one another. It specifically also has much to say about our treatment of the poor, powerless, widowed, and those who need help.  Imagine if we were as thoughtful about how to protect the unprotected today, imagine the social safety nets we could create.  But the thing is, it's been tried and failed.  We can't create social safety nets large or reliable enough because we're fallible people.  Paul's letter to Galatians reminds us that God's our only safety net.  


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3.11.12 the only thing left to do

Bible Reading: Deut 20-22, Galatians 1


Reel thoughts:


I've been thinking about this a lot lately, at what point do we reach the place where we realize that really, submitting our lives to God is the only "reasonable" thing left to do?  And why does it take so long sometimes?  Of course we each personally know these answers.  For me, it may be because of my own stubbornness, or sense of pride, or fear about relying on God.  For others it may be the same things.  Whatever it is, everytime I read God's word, it reminds me of two things: first, everything God put on the line for me to make a quality decision to know Him, and second, everything that i put on the line when I fail to accept what He offers.  


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3.10.12 The gulf

Reel thoughts
A lot of the readings over the past few weeks has been about the gulf between what God wants, and what we do.  There's no real way to bridge that gulf on our own.  We've tried and failed through the entire history of humanity.  That's why we need God.  It's for our own good (even when we don't understand why).  

3.9.12 The whole truth...

Bible reading: Deut 17-19, Romans 16


Reel thoughts:
...and nothing but the truth.  Key verse: Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble.  We're more complete, when we take the time to get the full story, and not just a portion.  But that requires patience, discipline, and suspending judgment in order to listen.  


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3.8.12 Strength in us

Bible Reading: Deut 14-16, romans 15


Reel thoughts:
there was one verse in particular in today's reading, which dealt with the beauty of sharing our faith.  It said, those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us.  Strength is for service, not status.  It was a good reminder, along with the rest of the passages today about helping the poor among us, that we are all called to serve where we are.  Just when i'm prepared to complain about what I don't have, or how tough I think I've got it, I'm reminded that there's always others who have it worse, and indeed, I have something to offer even in my own difficult times, that can help someone else.  And this brings me perspective.  


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3.7.12 Your relationship with God

Bible Reading: Deut 9-11, Romans 14


Reel thoughts:


Verse of the day: Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others.  You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent.  


I wonder what this means for our everyday lives as Christians, and what the power of our testimony should be?


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3.6.12

Bible reading: Deuteronomy 8-10


Reel thoughts:


verse of the day: make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up, make sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God your God.


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3.5.12- Place your ordinary life

Bible Reading: Deut 5-7, Romans 12


Reel thoughts


It's interesting that the two chapters in Deuteronomy coincided with Romans 12. The key message overlaps: the first commandment, and really the only one that matters is to put God first, and everything else will fall into place.  That's a helpful reminder when you're feeling overwhelmed, have too much on your plate, or you're just tired from all the work that you feel you have to do to keep up with the pace of your everyday life.  I suspect that we've complicated things (i know I have), and made things more difficult than they have to be.  If only we'd simply put God first, I wonder how much more easily everything else would fall into place? 


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3.4.12- What pleases God

Bible reading: Deuteronomy 3-4, Romans 11


Reel thoughts


God is a jealous God, and He's also a compassionate God.  Both of those two go together, and in our understanding of his compassionate, jealous love for us, it's our job to please Him.  We can never earn His love, that's been freely given, but we can return His love by obeying Him.  That's what pleases Him.  


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3.3.12

Being a Christian is free, but it'll cost you everything.  That's the synopsis of the readings for the week.  i think about the Al Green song Let's stay together...how can this be the way we describe our love relationship with God?  

3.2.12 experience is a costly teacher

Bible reading: Deut 1-2


Reel thoughts:


The sermon that Moses gives in Deuteronomy (which also happens to be his last), was a powerful reminder of basically all the lessons God has taught this generation's parents through experience.  But since many of the folks listening to this sermon hadn't actually witnessed these things, just heard about it from their parents, they needed rationale to understand why God's way was the best way.  Moses was trying to spare this generation a generation of heartache and poor decisions like the former.  I'd personally much rather get lessons for free than have to pay for them with experience.  Experience sometimes is a costly teacher.  


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3.1.12 God projects

Bible Reading: Numbers 35-39, Romans 9


Reel thoughts:


How often do you get caught up in your "God projects" that you miss God? 

2.29.12 real talk

Bible Reading:  Numbers 32-34, Romans 8


Reel thoughts:


So, I've been thinking about this lately: God is so good isn't He?  I mean, think about all of the things that we put Him through, denying His attempts to love us, yet He still doesn't give up on us.  The old testament readings are a testament to this fact.  Then there's the promise, that nothing can drive a wedge between us and God.  Not hard times, not self-inflicted wounds, nothing.  It's encouraging and inspiring all at the same time.  


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2.28.12- Getting Me out of the way

Bible Reading:  Numbers 30-31, Romans 8


Reel thoughts:


What does life on God's terms look like? 


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2.27.12 Freedom

Reel thoughts:


continuation from yesterday's reading...Freedom.  


You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom.

2.26.12- What you're held accountable for

Reel thoughts:


Don't leave grace, or what you know about God and what's possible on the table.  That's why God holds folks who know Him, accountable.  The more you know, the more you can do.  And God has allowed you to get to the point where you know enough to do something.  So, the question is, what are you doing?


Balaam, a key character in the past few days readings certainly had me fooled (which really says more about me than him right?).  Here's a man who talks the talk, yet, if you look closely at his life, he's constantly skirting the fine line between the real deal, and totally unreliable.  Just when you think he can be trusted, he goes and demonstrates that either he's not fully obedient or has ulterior motives.  What a waste of grace...


I wonder what leads to this?  I wonder if Balaam was so seduced by what he could get, or what he could experience, that he forgot about what was most important.  Here is a man who knows at least some of the bounty of God, yet he still manages to take his attention off of it.  


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2.25.12 Questions

Reel thoughts:


From this past week's readings, a key question is:
How do the extremes of God at His best, and people at their worst coexist both in the bible and in reality? 

2.24.12 What we can learn from Balaam

Bible Reading: Numbers 21-23, Romans 5


Reel thoughts:


I was thinking about this during today's reading.  Why is it that it was so easy for an outsider to see, and pursue God's power, but God's very own people seemed to get too "familiar" with Him and took Him for granted?  They grumbled when they didn't get exactly what they wanted, yet, they called out to God when they needed Him (sound familiar, I know it does to me).  How do we continue to remind ourselves of just how honorable God really is, particularly when faced with the temptation to take God and everything around us for granted so easliy?  


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2.23.12 love on the line

Bible reading: Numbers 18-20, Romans 5


Reel thoughts:


God put his love on the line for us by offering His Soon in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatsoever to Him.  


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2.22.12 The contrast

Bible Reading: Numbers 15-17, Romans 4


Reel thoughts:
If you look at the contrast of today's readings it tells the story of belief and disbelief, and the disparate paths they each take you down.  


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2.21.12 God's response

Bible reading: Numbers 12-14, Romans 3


Reel thoughts:


The verse that matters the most right now: 
What we've learned is this:  God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does.  We've finally figured it out.  Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.  


I don't want my life to be about my agenda.  I want it to be about God.


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2.20.12 Be careful what you ask for

Bible reading: Numbers 8-10, Romans 2


Reel thoughts:

The readings in Numbers are particularly interesting because it recounts how God's people grumbled against him, including his leader Moses.  How did God respond?  By giving them what they begged for, so much that they regretted asking for it.  And all the while, God asked one central question to Moses, so you think I can't take care of you?  In what ways do we make Him ask us that question as well? 


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2.19.12 Illiterate regarding life

Bible Verses: Numbers 6-8, Romans 1


Reel thoughts:


Every time i'm reading the litany of old testament laws, rules, and regulations my mind is tempted to wander, and I begin to wonder, why is this important?  Then it dawns on me...it costs a price to be in relationship with God.  What am I willing to sacrifice?  


A few verses in Romans that affirms this thought process for me: 
...they pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life


Since they didn't bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. 


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2.18.12 Fallibility

Reel thoughts:


As I think back over the past week's worth of bible readings, a theme sticks in my mind: the difference between how God designs things to be, and how they sometimes turn out.  We're fallible beings, which means that by nature, we need an infallible God to make things work the way they're supposed to work.  


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2.17.12 God's plan

Bible Reading: Numbers 3-5, Romans 1


Reel thoughts:


I've been recently spending some time reading a book about the Holy Spirit.  As it so happens, a lot of the reading in that particular book overlaps with the questions I've been asking myself about God's plans.  For example, how do we fully understand God's plan, especially what He expects of us?  How do we live up to God's standard?  What about our fears, worries, concerns, how do we get those addressed?  


I believe that everything we need can be found in God's will.  Jesus pretty much promised that in Matthew 6 saying that when we seek Him first, everything else that He already knows we needed will be taken care of.  So as I continue to read about all of the old testament laws that seem so trivial and hard to uphold now, while concurrently reading about God's new system of grace, I think some pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together about how to live in God's plan.  It requires first loving God, and second caring to learn and obey God's plan.  


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2.16.12- What matters most

Bible Reading: Numbers 1-2, Hebrews 13


Reel thoughts:


Right now, the three verses that are most resonating with me from tonight's reading:  


Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others.  


Don't be obsessed with getting more material things.  Be relaxed with what you have.  


Don't be lured away from Him by the latest speculations about Him.  The grace of Christ is the only good ground for life.


Powerful.  Great reminders of what matters most.  I'm also digging on this song by Chris August I want to be real.  I had an interesting conversation with my wife a few days ago about these very things, and interesting conclusion, we both decided that we want what matters most.  We named what that is for us.  And now we're pursuing it.  Not taking things for granted, not being obsessed with things that are fleeting.  God's blessed us tremendously, and now, while we're having the time of our lives we want to extend the opportunity for others to join the party.  


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2.15.12- God's way

Bible Reading: Leviticus 26-27, Hebrews 12


Reel thoughts:


The major point of the readings for today: God's way is the best way.  Either way you choose there are consequences.    


My favorite verse from today: Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short term appetite.  


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2.14.12 God's love

Bible Reading: Leviticus 24-25, Hebrews 11


Reel growth:


How do you measure God's love?  Is it in the moments you have each day?  Or the opportunities that come your way?  Perhaps it's in the ability to believe, and the hope for a better tomorrow.  Either way, we wouldn't have any reason to believe, any hope at all, without God's love.  And that's something worth celebrating.  The scriptures for today have a lot to say about that.  


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2.13.12- Birthday readings

Bible Reading: Leviticus 22-23, Hebrews 10


Reel thoughts:


So, as could be expected, on my birthday I'm a bit introspective.  Particularly as I read the readings for today, and most of the Old Testament readings dealt with celebrating the past, in particular the way God delivered His people.  It makes me think about the greatest joys of my days usually come from reliving a victory, and using that encouragement to tackle a current obstacles.  God was (still is) pretty big on keeping our memory fresh.  And thus the biggest reminder in Hebrews: 


So let's do it- full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out.  Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.  He always keeps His word. 


We've got every reason to believe, and when we replay past victories, no excuse not to believe.  
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2.12.12- Freedom

Bible Reading: Leviticus 18-20, Hebrews 10


Reel thoughts:


I keep wondering, what does it have to take to get us (me included) to realize that God has given me an enormous degree of freedom?  I'm literally no longer bound by the limitations of human frailty, because I have the grace of God to overcome everything.  So what's holding me back?  


http://youtu.be/wCEUvY2bCDA 


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2.11.12 Draw near to me

Reel thoughts:


The author of the Message Bible had this to say about this previous week's readings: 


Over the past 6 days you read how the holy God provided a way to bring you and everything about you, into His presence.  And then he posed an important question worth pondering: What stands in your way as you try to get closer to God?  Is it TV?  Too many other "obligations" that make you tired and unable to spend time with Him?  Fear, disbelief?  What would it take for you to get to know God better, to want to substitute time spent doing something else, for time with Him?  There's something special about being in God's presence.  Don't take the opportunity to interact with Him lightly.  We've seen the results of that before.  


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2.10.12 The Atonement

Bible Reading: Leviticus 16-17, Hebrews 9

Reel thoughts:

What does it take for us to really understand the power and significance of Jesus's atoning blood?  The contrast in today's bible reading is a good start.

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2.9.12 What does God care about?

Bible Reading: Leviticus 13-15, Hebrews 7


Reel thoughts:


So, while reading the old testament Leviticus law, and also reading in Hebrews about how Jesus came to create a new order, or way of interacting with God- I began to wonder- what do these two different ways of engaging with God (the law and Jesus) tell me about what really matters to God?  With the old testament laws, it was primarily about compliance, but not just for the sake of compliance.  Looking at a lot of these rules, they were common sense rules for healthy living.  Other things may have been particular to the context of their given setting or God's personal preferences.  Jesus, the new method of connecting to God freed us from compliance via our own efforts, and put the focus on God's saving grace and our receiving of His gift.  Both are God's attempts to connect with the people He created, to give them better lives with Him.  


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2.8.12 Growing Up In My Faith

Bible Reading: Leviticus 11-12, Hebrews 5:11-6:20


Reel thoughts:


One of my favorite PJ Morton songs is entitled Growing Up and it's about the difficulties of growing up.  I think about this song often sometimes as I'm pondering my own spiritual growth (and growth in other areas).  I don't know that spiritual growth should be so difficult (but hey, no pain, no gain right?), however even the writer to the Hebrew church felt the need to tell his folks to grow up.  God was so concerned about how the Israelites would function that he methodically told them how to govern seemingly every aspect of their lives so that they would grow well.  It's a wonder that we don't pay more attention to the things God tries to tell us that could probably ease more of our growing pains.  


For me, that could be simple things like...be obedient, the first time instructed to do something.  What heartache, wasted time and energy that might save me... Or, always remember that you represent and are full of the grace of God.  We are all witnesses.  So act like it.  Even now, I'm reminded of these things, and when I think about how I carry on sometimes, I want to tell myself to just grow up.  But I also have to remind myself that growth doesn't equal perfection, it just reflects development over time.  It can be passive, or an active process.  I prefer to be proactive about my growth process (at least my spiritual, mental, and emotional growth) by turning in trust to God.  He'll help mold me, I'm sure of it.  


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2.7.12- The Privilege of Serving God

Bible Reading: Leviticus 8-10, Hebrews 4


Reel Thoughts:


In both Aaron's priesthood and in the Messiah's priesthood, the illumination is made that service to God is both a privilege and an awesome responsibility.  So we should esteem it highly, and give it the due diligence of our full attention, energies, passion, obedience, basically everything we have to offer God.  Because He accepts nothing less than our best in service to Him. 


Service keeps you honest before God.  Service keeps you grounded and humble. Service gives you a greater perspective of your need for God.  


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2.6.12 Sin

Bible Reading: Leviticus 4-7; 


Reel thoughts:


God doesn't judge the person, but the sin.  But, God is in love with us as individual people, and hates our sin.  It's our sin that separates us from Him.


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2.5.12- The offerings

Bible Readings: Leviticus 1-3, Hebrews 1


Reel Thoughts:


The whole offering and the peace offering were both depicted in today's reading as opportunities to express dedication and gratitude to God.  While reading through these depictions, I can't help but think, how cool that they had a dedicated way to express these kinds of convictions.  It makes me wonder, hw do I do the same thing today? 


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2.4.12

The past week's readings have been about a few things: creating a temple made with human hands (the old testament scriptures) and paving the way for temples of men's heart where God can dwell.  There are a lot of parallels between the two for how to prepare to receive God and how to reverence His presence. 


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2.3.12- Finishing Things

Bible Reading: Exodus 38-41, John 21


Reel Thoughts:


Today's bible reading was about bringing things full circle, finishing stuff.  Jesus wanted Peter to commit to finishing the work of his life's calling.  Moses finished completing the elaborate creation of a dwelling place for God to be worshiped.  The beauty of finishing things is in knowing what you've accomplished, and being able to hear God say, well done.  


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2.2.12 The stuff we bring to God

Bible Reading: Exodus 35-37, John 20:19-31


Reel Thoughts:


A few verses caught my attention: 
Gather from among you an offering for Go.  Recieve on God's behalf what everyone is willing to give as an offering.  


Everyone whose heart was roused, whose spirit was freely reponive, brining offerings to God for the building of the Tent of Meeting


The people were ordered to stop bringing offerings!  There was plenty of material for all the work to be done.  


All this giving was in order to create a dwelling place for God to live.  God put this gold, jewelry, and wealth in the people's possession, not for them to create a god unto themselves with it (which they'd previously done), but for them to give it the building of a place for Him to live.  God still wants our stuff to be used to create places for Him to live, except now we're building temples on the inside of people.  


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2.1.12- A Jealous God

Bible Reading- Exodus 28-31, John 20:1-18


Reel thoughts:


While reading what happened to the Israelites while Moses was up on the mountain meeting with God, and seeing God's "harsh" reaction (i say "harsh" because i'm certain that's how I initially viewed it), I now realize that God really is a jealous God.  He doesn't just want to to be my "whenever I feel like it" God or my "convenient" God, but rather He wants exclusive, unlimited, uninterrupted access to my life in the form of an ongoing, constant relationship.  Is that too much to ask?  Does He need to even justify why?  


On another note, Moses was gone for a little over a month (40 days) and the people's commitment to God had already waned in just that short time away.  It makes me think about my own commitment to do something so simple as read my bible daily and chronicle my reflections.  How interesting, that things start to feel like a chore, when you lose sight of the passion that initially drove you to them #refreshinglyinsightful.  


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1.31.12

Bible Reading: Exodus 28-31, John 19


Reel thoughts:


Have you ever been in a position where you doubted God's love for you?  Read story of Jesus's death on the cross again today and see if it doesn't change you mind.  


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1.30.12...and they saw God

Bible Reading: Exodus 24-27, John 19: 1-15


Reel thoughts


There's a particular verse in Exodus before the author starts to describe the instructions God gives for the creation of the temple.  It says, they saw God, and they ate and drank.  This was all a part of their experience fellow-shipping directly with God.  How cool must that have been?


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1.29.12- The Spirit of the Law

Bible Reading: Exodus 21-23, John 18


Reel Thoughts:


Isn't it interesting that for a man who had committed no crime, the religious leaders of Jesus's day were willing to have him killed?  Juxtapose this with the Israelites in Exodus, who just seemed to fall over themselves breaking commandment after commandment, all in a self-destructive attempt to flagrantly disobey God.  It's like, God goes through all this effort to show us the right way to live, but we keep choosing our own way.  Probably much to His chagrin.  


But, as I read through the laws in Exodus, I wasn't thinking about how comical some of them sound now (though, perhaps they haven't lost all relevance), but rather I was trying to figure out the spirit of each of the rules.  What was the purpose of the laws?  That's what got the men of Jesus's day in trouble.  They were defending a way of life that they felt Jesus threatened, meanwhile, they didn't understand what they were defending.  They totally missed the spirit of the matter, and thus missed out on all the privileges that come with it.  Don't let that happen to you. 


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1.28.12- the one who holds the future

Reel thoughts:


Over the past week I've read about the Israelites Exodus from Egypt, and Jesus's last days before his Crucifixion.  And though neither of the stories are free from ups and downs, there's also a sweet resoluteness that comes from knowing how the stories end.  That's not necessarily a luxury that I can say that I have right now (none of us know exactly what the future holds).  But as the saying goes, as long as we know the one who holds the future, we don't have to worry about what the future holds.  So, for me, living in the moment begins with putting the moment in perspective of the one who gave me this moment.  There's nothing greater than what God has in store for us.  So relish the time we have right now as we live for Him.  


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1.27.12- questions

Bible Reading: Exodus 18-20, John 17


Reel thoughts:
1. Why did the people keep their distance while Moses approached God?  Why didn't they want to experience Him for themselves?


2. Why are we still struggling today with these 10 commandments that God gave to the Israelites?  How central are they to conducting the everyday business of living? 


3.  Why didn't Moses realize the reality of burnout on his own?  What made him think he could take on the world by himself?


4.  Jesus said, "I gave them a mission."  Later He said, "The goal is for us to become one heart and mind with Him.  Then the world might believe that God sent Him."  His mission was for us to know Him and the father.  Why is that so difficult to accept for some?

1.26.12- Do you finally believe

Bible reading: Exodus 15-17, John 16


Reel thoughts:


Favorite quote was Jesus' question to the disciples after they'd told him, now you're finally giving it to us straight, in plain talk, and we understand.  Jesus said, Do you finally believe?  Then He went on to share what would immediately challenge their purported belief (new obstacles), but He also told them to be of good cheer because He has already overcome their difficulties.  Funny how belief is sometime followed by an opportunity to validate/test that belief (see Exodus 15-17 to see how the Israelites responded in this exact situation).  


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1.25.12- Awe of God

Bible Reading: Exodus 12-14, John 15


Reel thoughts:


The people were in reverent awe before God and trusted in God and his servant Moses.  This is recorded after God split the Red sea, creating giant sea-water walls that allowed the Israelites to walk through the sea on dry land.  Pause and imagine for a moment what that experience must have felt like.  Now, can you picture yourself ever doubting God again after seeing him come through in such a spectacular manner?  


When have you seen God come through for you in your own life?  Isn't that enough for you to believe forever?


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1.24.12- If you love me..

Bible Reading: Exodus 9-11, John 14


Reel thoughts:


Key verse: If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you.  So difficult to follow, yet, so easy to understand why He said it.  It's for our own good, and God certainly knows what's best for us.

1.23.12- new introductions

Bible Reading: Exodus 6-8, John 13:18-38


Reel thoughts:


Did you notice how God mentioned to Moses that the distinction between his forefathers is that they knew God by a different name (The strong God, or God Almighty), while the Israelites were getting ready to be introduced to The Ever Present God?  What's the importance of knowing God in this new way as they move forward?  


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