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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 72

Mar13
Day 72.  Reading Deuteronomy 5 – 7. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn NEW about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Deuteronomy 5.

Moses summoned all Israel and said to them,

“Hear O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today,

and you shall learn them and be careful to do them.”

To the new generation, Moses carefully reviews the Ten Commandments of Exodus 20. “I AM the LORD your God…..

  • You shall have NO other gods before me
  • You shall NOT make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything…. YOu shall now bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God
  • You shall NOT take the name of the LORD your God in vain
  • You SHALL observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God
  • You SHALL honor your father and mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and it shall go well with you in the Land your God is giving you
  • You shall NOT murder
  • You shall NOT commit adultery
  • You shall NOT steal
  • You shall NOT covet … anything that is your neighbor’s.

You shall be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you.

You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 

You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you,

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Deuteronomy 6.

Moses continues,

“HEAR, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is ONE.

You shall love the LORD your God

with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

(God’s very Words should be in the CENTER of all areas of their (our) lives!)

It is the LORD your God you shall fear.

HIM you shall serve.

By His name you shall swear.

You shall NOT go after other gods.

You shall NOT put the LORD your God to the test.

You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD that it may go well with you.

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Deuteronomy 7.

As for the seven nations (more numerous and mightier than them),

  • Israel was to drive out of the Land.
  • defeat them and devote them to complete destruction.
  • make NO covenant with them and show no mercy to them.
  • not intermarry with them, give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for you sons.
  • break down their alters, dash in pieces their pillars, chop down their Asherim, and burn their carven images with fire.

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has CHOSEN you to be a people for His treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.  It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set His love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all the peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that He swore to your fathers.”

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments … to a thousand generations.”

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Wow.  And now the LORD has said He’s chosen and loves all those who believe in His Son, Jesus, and will give them life and an eternal home with Him. Praise His Name! 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 66

Mar7
Day 66.  Reading Numbers 28-30. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Numbers 28-29.

The LORD has Moses review some important things for this new generation as they are poised to enter the Promised Land. The first thing is the offerings He requires daily, weekly (on Sabbath), and annually, as well as those on the special holy days. Why so many, you might ask. Doesn’t this deplete their herds and flocks?  

First, remember that these offerings, except for the sin and guilt offerings that were burned totally, were for the priests and Levites.  Their total service was to the Lord. They would not have their own flocks and herds.  This is the way Israel would support them and at the same time, acknowledge their thanksgiving and worship to God.

Numbers 30.

This section on men and women and making vows may seem patronizing, but it actually protects women who are usually (but not always) more emotional.  First, when a man makes a vow to God, it is binding. Period.  But, if a woman makes a vow to the LORD, binding herself by a pledge, her father (if she is single) or her husband (when married) can nullify that vow. 

The LORD – knowing women very well – sometimes calls these vows “thoughtless utterances of her lips.”  (We might say, frivolous, and you know exactly what He means. Women are women and sometimes nasty!)  In such a case, the man in her life could cancel those vows, and she would not be held to them before the LORD. (And I might say, to her relief most of the time!). But a husband or father, seeing an earnest heart, may also NOT void her vow.   

I think of Hannah, years later, who had no children. She went to the Tabernacle and VOWED that if the LORD would give her a son, she would give him back for all of his life.  Her husband, Elkanah, learned of her pledge and did not cancel it.  The LORD heard Hannah, saw her heart, and gave her a son whom she named Samuel. When he was weaned, she took him to the Tabernacle and gave him up for his lifetime.  God honored her vow and fulfillment by giving her other children. (1 Samuel 1 and 2)

(Of course, men make foolish vows too, often in the heat of battle or boasting!  See Judges 11:29-40, Jephthah’s tragic vow, and  1 Samuel 14:24-48 King Saul’s rash vow.)  (I bet these men wished someone had stopped their vows!!)

  • LORD, help me to never begrudge the offerings I give to You, in whatever ways you use them.   May my heart and hand be always “open.”
  • And LORD, may I always think before I speak. Help me to consider your Word and ways before I say something foolish. And when I do spout something I regret, lead me to confession and your forgiveness.

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 31

Jan31

Day 31. Reading in Exodus 4 – 6. 

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and meditate on it. What stood out to you?

Exodus 4.

From the burning bush, God told Moses that He was sending him back to Pharaoh to bring the children of Israel OUT OF EGYPT.

By now, Moses has twice told the LORD that he is “unable” to do it.  God has assured Moses that He would be with him all the way. God gave Moses His sacred Name by which he could persuade the people and even told him HOW He would rescue them. (Many times, Pharaoh would refuse, but God would plague Egypt until he agreed. )

“But the people won’t believe me,” Moses counters now.

Then, God gave Moses three signs to convince the people.  First, his staff turned into a snake and then back into a staff.  Next, his hand turned leprous, then back to clean. Finally, when Moses poured a little Nile River water onto the ground, it would turn to blood.  WOW!

“Oh, my Lord,” whines Moses, “I am not eloquent. I’m slow of speech and tongue.” (He’s spent the last 40 years with only sheep to talk to.)

God assures Moses that HE is God. He makes mouths (and ears and eyes with their deficiencies).  Moses is not to worry about that, but to “Go! I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

“Oh, my Lord. Send someone else.”

Okay, that is enough!  God is angry.  “Ok, Moses, but this is the last concession. Your brother is coming to see you. Tell and show him all I’ve revealed.  He will be your spokesman.  I’ll tell you what to say, and you can whisper it in his ear.” 

  • Wow.  Indeed, God has been exasperated with me like this many times as I make excuses not to obey Him.  Oh, the patience and kindness of our God!  Forgive me!  What a wonderful example I have in Jesus when it was time for Him to become human and die for my sins. No hesitation. And God said of Him, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Moses asks permission from his father-in-law to go and is graciously relieved of his shepherding duties.  He packs up his wife and son on a donkey. At a rest stop, God threatens Moses’ life. Why? Because he did NOT follow through with the covenant commandment of circumcision, which he should have done to his son when he was 8 days old.  Does Moses want to be part of God’s family or not?

While Moses lies dying, Zipporah circumcises their son and flaunts the foreskin. “You are a bridegroom of blood to me!” she says.  

God relents, and Zipporah is left alone with the boy until he heals before they return home. Moses leaves on foot to meet Aaron at the Mountain of God. He tells his brother everything God said, and together, the two men go to the elders of the people of Israel in Egypt and do the signs.  The people believe, and there is great rejoicing and worship of the LORD. 

Exodus 5.

Buoyed up by this reaction, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, says ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness‘.”

“Um, no!” answers Pharaoh. “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I don’t know him. I will not let Israel go.”

“Please let us go three days into the wilderness to worship our God, or He may send a pestilence on us.”

“No!  Get back to work!  You have too much idle time on your hands. Now you will have to find the straw for the bricks for yourselves instead of me supplying it.  AND YOUR QUOTA IS THE SAME!”

The elders of Israel go to Moses and complain. “You have made us stink in the eyes of Pharaoh! Things are worse than they were before!!!”

Moses goes to God. “Lord, why have You done evil to this people?  Why did You ever send me?  I have not delivered the people at all!”

Exodus 6.

“NOW, you will see what I will do to Pharaoh,” the LORD says. “For with a strong hand, he will send them out, and with a strong hand, he will DRIVE them out of his land.” (Just you wait and see!)

God speaks to Moses. “I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan. 

  • 1) I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians HOLD AS SLAVES. 
  • 2) I have remembered my covenant. 
  • 3) Say to the people, “I am the LORD, and I will DELIVER you from slavery, I will REDEEM you with an outstretched arm with GREAT ACTS OF JUDGMENT. 
  • 4) I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God.
  • 5) I will bring you into the land I swore to give to your fathers, and give it to you as a possession. I AM THE LORD.”

“Now, Moses, go in, tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to let the people of Israel go out of his land!” 

And so the contest begins. In the end, Israel will be free and wealthy. Egypt will be broken and without an army, a leader, or a son to take his place.

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As the writer of this book, Moses takes a moment to give us his and Aaron’s genealogy.  Jacob’s third son, Levi, had three sons (important regarding the duties of the Tabernacle and Temple worship). They are Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.  Moses and Aaron are descended from the line of Kohath through Amram and his wife, Jochebed.  (Levi lived 137 years, Kohath lived 133 years, and Amram lived 137 years.  At this time, Moses is 80, and Aaron is 83. Their sister Miriam is somewhere between 87-92 (sources differ).

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 25

Jan25

Day 25. Reading in Genesis 38 – 40. 

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and meditate on it. What stood out to you?

 

Genesis 38.

What a chapter. It shows that God can use the vilest of us for His glory when He changes our hearts. 

Judah, Jacob’s fourth son to his wife Leah, is the next in line for inheritance. (We’ll learn that Rueben, Simeon, and Levi were all disqualified through their actions. See Genesis 49:3-8) 

Judah takes a wife and has three sons. When they grow up, he gets a wife for the eldest, but Er is wicked, and God kills him before he can father children.  As customary in those days, Judah gives his second son to Tamar to fulfill his duty and make an inheritance for his dead brother. Onan is wicked as well and does NOT do his duty, so God kills him. Judah’s third son is still a boy. (And besides, Judah doesn’t want HIM to die too.)

Widow Tamar goes back home to wait for Shelah to grow up.  He does, but no word is sent. So she takes things into her own hands, plays a prostitute, and lures Judah into her tent (his own wife has died). He leaves his signet with the cord, and his staff for surety for the goat he promises to send her. But she disappears back home, keeping the three items. 

When it’s discovered, and Judah is told that she’s pregnant, he is outraged and says she should be burned. (Seriously, Judah?? Who’s at fault here?) Anyway, when she produces HIS three identifying items, he gulps, admits she is “more righteous than he,” rescinds the death sentence, and never touches her again.  But, his seed line, through the youngest of their twin sons, later produces King David and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Genesis 39.

This chapter contrasts sharply with the previous one. Against Judah and his family’s immorality, we see Joseph’s righteousness. 

He has become a man of importance in Potiphar’s household. The Captain has given Joseph control of his entire estate. He trusts his Hebrew slave completely, and Joseph honors God by being trustworthy. However, Potiphar’s wife is NOT so inclined. Spoiled and bored, she lusts after the handsome Hebrew slave. While her husband is away, she tries to seduce him, but Joseph wants no part of it.

One day, when no one is around, she grabs him and demands he sleep with her.  Joseph does what we all should do when tempted. He flees the scene as quick as lightning.  The problem is the shunned woman keeps hold of his garment. A woman scorned is a horrible thing, and soon the whole household hears her screams, “Rape! He tried to rape me!”

When Potiphar comes home, looking forward to his pipe and a chair by the fire, he’s confronted by his wife’s accusations. “This is what YOUR Hebrew slave tried to do to me … and here’s the proof.”

Of course, Potiphar had to act. He sent Joseph to the prison where the king’s prisoners were kept.  But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him His steadfast love and mercy.  He gave Joseph favor in the eyes of the keeper.  Soon, Joseph was in charge of all the prisoners. Like Potiphar had been, the keeper now laid back and let Joseph do his managing thing. 

Meanwhile, Potiphar had to go back to running his own estate.  Grrrr.

Genesis 40.

Joseph the young dreamer becomes a more mature interpreter of dreams. God gives him this gift, much like He will give to His man, Daniel one day in Babylon. 

The cupbearer and the baker in the king of Egypt’s palace both came into disfavor and were cast into “Joseph’s prison.”  Of the two, the cupbearer (butler) had the more crucial job. He tasted whatever was served in the king’s cup FIRST, to make sure it held no poison. Every time the king drank something, this cupbearer put his life on the line.

Anyway, there they sat in a jail cell.  Joseph comes by on his rounds, sees these important men and “attends to them.”  After a while he sees they are very troubled. He asks and discovers that they both have had very scary dreams. They are sure they mean something, but don’t know what.

Joseph pulls up a stool and asks that they tell him the dreams.  They do, and God gives Joseph understanding.  One is good news, the other foretells very bad news.  The cupbearer will be soon reinstated to his former position, but the baker will be soon executed.  And it happens as God showed Joseph. As the cupbearer is leaving the prison, Joseph pleads with the man to mention him when he goes back to the king, to get him out of prison.

The baker dies, and the cupbearer forgets Joseph … for two whole years.

  • God is faithful to His Word and to His own servants. There is no shadow of turning with Him. As I live my life day by day, His eye and hand are on me, whether I feel it or not. He sees my sin and hears my confession. He sees both mistreatment and honor and how I deal with each. He has a plan for me – maybe a far, far reaching plan – and nothing changes it. Thank You, Lord.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 12 & 13

Jan13

Days 12 & 13. Reading in Job 32 – 34 and 35 – 37. (Posted on Monday.)

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and write “in the comments” what you found meaningful. We can encourage each other.

.Job 32.

There’s a new guy on the block. Elihu has been there the whole time, but as the youngest, he’s kept quiet until now. His views differ from the three “wise” old men who spoke before him.

“I am young in years, and you are aged. Therefore, I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.”  “It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.  Therefore, listen to ME. Let ME also declare my opinion.“

He says he’s about to burst from waiting to answer! “I MUST speak, that I may find relief; I MUST open my lips and answer. I will not use flattery toward ANY person.”

Oh, dear. I’m not sure I want to hear what this young whippersnapper will say.

  • Lord, help me remember that wisdom comes from YOU. You are the only wise God. Help me not to disdain either the aged or the young enthusiast or to center my whole life on the words of one person/group. May I always look to You and your Word with help from the Holy Spirit.

Job 33. 

Right off, Elihu puts Job at ease, identifying with him as one also is “pinched off from the piece of clay.”  He’s human, fallible. He assures Job he has no need to fear him as his words will not be heavy on him. But he tells Job he’s wrong in saying God does not answer him.

Elihu lists two ways that God speaks to man. 1) in dreams or visions, God warns man. 2) in pain, God rebukes man.  Hmmm.

He tells Job that God allows suffering to bring a person to Himself and for spiritual benefit. (This seems true, at least in my own life.) Then Elihu offers Job a chance to speak. If not, Elihu tells Job to listen, “for I will teach you wisdom.”

Job 34.

Elihu then goes on with HIS speech to both Job and the other three men.  He gets a lot correct, but there are some parts he mis-remembers, attributing to Job what his other “comforters” said. (For example, Job said he was sinless, which he did not claim.)  However, Elihu does mention some pretty awesome truths about God in his speech, saying He is just, holy, impartial, and omniscient.

Sadly, Elihu starts to echo the three who went before him, “Job speaks without knowledge; his words are without insight. I would that Job was tried to the end because he answers like a wicked man. He adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”  (Sigh.)

(Three more chapters of Elihu tomorrow.)

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Job 35.

“Shame on you, Job.” is basically what Elihu says (in his wisdom). He tells Job that it doesn’t matter if he sinned or not because God is ‘too high’ to be affected by them. “If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against Him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?”

He tells Job why God does not answer his prayers and questions. It’s because of pride (vs. 35:12), a wrong motive, and he’s not patient enough.  Oh, Elihu, you are not so wise as you say. YOU don’t know much about Job’s condition either. It’s your own “human” understanding. 

  • Lord, I am like Elihu sometimes, if only in my thoughts. I think I can figure out “the mind of God” by my own human reasoning. “SURLY, this must mean that!” I say.  Humble me, Lord. Your ways and thoughts are so much higher than mine.  Teach me not to judge. Teach me to wait. Help me see my own needs.

Job 36.

Now that Elihu has leveled Job to the ground, he presumes to instruct Job about God’s opinion. (“I have yet something to say on God’s behalf.”) He now seems no different from the three older gentlemen before him. THEN he adds the words that make me choke. “For truly, my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.”   What???  Poor Job.

But Elihu does say something new in verse 15. “He (God) delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.” 

  • Suffering, trials, and persecution do make us more open to God’s words. Sometimes, that’s the only time I will listen. A gentle tap on the shoulder will go unnoticed, but a “slap up alongside my head” will get my attention.  Illness, sorrow, or a rebuke from a loved one will undoubtedly send me to prayer and His word. Why is this so? Oh, Lord, soften my heart!

Job 37.

Elihu then “waxes eloquent” about the majesty of God in creation. This is wonderful to read. All creation does reveal God like Psalm 8 says,  “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens.” (vss. 1-2)  “When I look at Your heavens the work of Your fingers, the moon, and stars, which You have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (vss.3-4)  

Elihu reminded Job (and us) that all the mighty things God does in the heavens and with weather are for a purpose. “Whether for correction or for His land, or for love, He causes it to happen.” (vs. 13)

  • Wow. I had to stop and think about this. Yes, I believe God is totally sovereign in all things. Yes, there is always a purpose to what He does (His glory and our good, according to Romans 8:28), although, like Job, we may never know (can’t even begin to comprehend) what that is. 
  • Just now (January 2025), I’m thinking of the total disasters that wind and fires have brought to Los Angeles County in the last week.  God is sovereign. This fiery “apocalypse” was NOT out of His control. Many do and will ask, “Why?” (And many will gladly place the “blame” on anyone.) It is a “wake-up” call, whether to the hearts of believers and unbelievers or merely to earthly officials and their responsibilities.
  • Job didn’t know the reason for his suffering (or for his friends’ badgering, for that matter). But we get a glimpse of the purpose in the first chapters. That in Heaven, before the evil one, GOD GETS GLORY for Job’s faith in his suffering. 

Thank you, God, for using Elihu to say this one thing, if nothing else. 

And it’s good that this young, wise “kid” ends his speech by pointing Job (and us) to God and His Majesty because God stands ready to speak in the next four chapters.  ARE WE READY TO HEAR?

 

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 10

Jan10

Day 10. Reading in Job 24 – 28. 

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and write “in the comments” what was meaningful to YOU. We can encourage each other in Him.

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Job 24.

Job continues to refute Eliphaz’s statement that the wicked are punished for their sins and suffer (i.e. himself).

LOOK at the rich, he says, they do NOT suffer! They prosper, even though they do the very things God hates (mistreatment of the poor, widows, and orphans as well as freely committing murder, theft, and adultery). They grow richer, more powerful, and successful. 

Job’s accusation to God is quite bitter in verse 12. “…God charges no one with wrong.” But in verse 24 he seems to renege. “They (wicked) are exalted a little while, and then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others.”

  • I often vacillate like Job, thinking all the millionaires and billionaires of the world just keep getting richer and do not suffer for the way they cheat and treat others.  But, when I study Revelation, I also see God’s wrath.  He will judge, we can be sure of that!  But right now, he is “patient, not willing that any perish.” 
  • And who am I that I should escape judgment. ONLY BY HIS MERCY and GRACE in “His looking at Jesus and forgiving me” do I have hope.

Job 25.

Bildad’s third comeback is brief. “Dominion and fear are with God. He has might. He is Light.”   “How can man, who is a maggot, and the son of man, who is a worm.” …be right before God?

Job 26.

A brief reply by Job magnifies the Lord God, showing His power and wisdom in creation. Job even states two modern truths 1) the earth “hangs” in space. It’s not held up by an elephant or the shoulders of Atlas, and 2) the earth is a circular globe and NOT FLAT. (vss. 7, 10)

 (This chapter is only a portion of his reply to Bildad (and the others) that covers chapters 26-31.)

Job 27.

Curiously, Job here defends his own integrity. He says nothing he has done has caused this great calamity to come on him. (And he is correct.)  Not bragging in himself, nevertheless he says “I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go: my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.”

  • This is actually how we should resist the devil when he comes to us with accusations. If we have confessed and repented of our sin, his accusations are not valid. We should “resist him.” The Holy Spirit will “convict” us of sin and send us to the cross of Christ. But Satan “accuses” us of sin and offers no hope.

In contrast, Job asks, “What is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life?” 

  •   Job 27:19-23 says, “He goes to bed rich, but will do so no more; he opens his eyes, and his wealth is gone. Terrors overtake him like a flood; in the night a whirlwind carries him off. The east wind lifts him up and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place. It hurls at him without pity; he flees from its power in headlong flight. It claps its hands at him and hisses at him from its place.” 

WHOA!   These verses emphasize to me to speed with which our “stuff” can be gone.  These remind me so much of the catastrophe which has hit the Los Angeles area just this week, where, in just hours, thousands of people have lost all they have in wind-blown fires.  The Palisades Fire completely burned up a very high-end, wealthy neighborhood over night with 100 MPH winds whipping flames out of control.

  • Father, give me compassion for all these people!  And keep me from holding my “stuff” tight and depending on it.  May I look ALONE to You, God, from where everything comes, even my life,

Job 28.

Job now tells his “friends” about wisdom. (His is no less that what they claim theirs to be.)  Their advanced ages do not automatically produce wisdom.  In verses 12-18, he asks twice, “Where shall wisdom be found? From where does wisdom come?

In these verses, he sounds like Solomon in Proverbs 1:7 – 2:9.  Wisdom is worth more than silver and gold. It’s more precious than onyx, sapphire, and other precious jewels. It’s price is above pearls, crystal, coral, and topaz.

So where can one get such a precious commodity? Job tells us in verse 29. “Behold, the FEAR OF THE LORD, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.”  (See Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 365 – the last day!

Dec31

   Day 365—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying THE REVELATION to John.

Day 365 – Revelation 19 – 22 (Rejoicing in Heaven, 1,000 years, Satan defeated, new Heaven/Earth, new Jerusalem, River & Tree of Life, Jesus is coming)

Revelation 19.

“Hallelujah! Salvation, and glory, and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just.”

“Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great.”

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready: it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.”  Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Then John saw a white horse ridden by One called “Faithful and True.” His eyes are like a flame of fire and on His head are many diadems. He has “a name written that no one knows but Himself.”

He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is “The Word of God.”  This One will defeat the nations and rule them. He will “tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.”  On his robe and on his thigh, He has a name written, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

And the “armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white a pure” (the saints) were following Him on white horses.

“I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him who was sitting on the horse and against His army. The beast was captured, and the false prophet, who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the Mark of the Beast and those who worshipped its image.  THESE TWO WERE THROWN ALIVE INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE THAT BURNS WITH SULFER.”

Revelation 20.

Then John saw an angel holding the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. “And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer.” (Until the thousand years have ended, and he is released for a LITTLE while.)

Then John saw the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. (It’s when Israel’s promised King will reign on the actual earth from Jerusalem.  (A promise fulfilled to the Jews.)

After that, Satan will be released to try to deceive men again, and there will be a great war until fire from Heaven comes down and consumes them. THEN THE DEVIL WILL BE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND SULFUR AND WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER!”

Next comes “the Great White Throne Judgment,” when all the dead will stand before God’s throne. Books will be opened and the dead will be judged by WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, as written in the books.  “If anyone’s name was not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“. 

Revelation 21.

John then saw a NEW heaven and a NEW earth.  He saw “the Holy City” descending out of heaven from God, like a bride adorned for her husband.  GOD IS GOING TO DWELL WITH MEN, AND THEY WILL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND HE THEIR GOD. 

All tears will be wiped away. There won’t be death, no mourning, no crying, and no more pain.  All things will be made new. 

Then, an angel showed John the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God. It was radiant like the most rare jewel, crystal clear like a diamond.  It had a high wall with twelve gates. Inscribed on each gate was the name of one of the twelve sons of Israel.  The wall had twelve foundations made of twelve precious jewels, with each of the twelve apostles’ names on them. 

The angel with John measured the city. It was a perfect 1,500-mile cube (about 2 million square miles in volume). It mirrored the configuration of the Most Holy Place in the temple.  It was made of pure gold, transparent as glass. 

There was NO TEMPLE because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb were the temple.

There was NO SUN OR MOON because the glory of God and the lamp of the Lamb gave it light.

There was NOTHING UNCLEAN, ONLY those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life are allowed to enter the city.

Revelation 22.

The angel then showed John the pure, crystal-clear river of the Water of Life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  It flowed through the middle of the street of the city. Growing on either side was the Tree of Life with twelve kinds of fruits, one for each month.

The servants of God and the Lamb will worship  Him.  And they will SEE HIS FACE. (see 1 John 3:2)

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John then signs his name. “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.”   

The angel told John, “Do NOT seal up the words of the prophecy of this book (like the prophet Daniel was told to do in Daniel 8:26, 12:4-10), “for the time is near.”

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, COME!

Let the one who hears (reads) say, COME!

He who testifies to these things (Jesus) says, SURELY I AM COMING SOON.

John says, AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!

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We did it. What a glorious trip through the Word of Almighty God, from pure beginning to purity restored.  Glory, hallelujah!

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 358

Dec24

   Day 358—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 358 -2 Timothy 1 – 4 (perseverance, illustrations of a man of God, farewells, requests)

This is Paul’s last letter (that we have), and it’s to his “beloved child,” Timothy. It’s written during his second imprisonment in Rome – deep in the Mamertine Prison – and this time, it’s just before his execution.

2 Timothy 1.

Paul constantly remembers Timothy in prayer, remembering his faith, that began first in his mother and grandmother and now dwells in him.  Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and strong and “fan into flame” the gift he’s been given (evangelism?), and he’s not to be ashamed of Paul in prison.

“I AM NOT ASHAMED, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day, what has been entrusted to me.”

2 Timothy 2.

Paul challenges Timothy, his child, to be strengthened by the grace that is Christ Jesus. Everything that the young man heard from Paul, he was to entrust to faithful men who would, in turn, teach others.  “Be a good soldier of Christ Jesus and not be entangled in civilian pursuits.”  “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.”

Paul urges Timothy to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth.”   “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”  I can picture Paul on his knees, praying for and encouraging his protege to be a strong and holy man of God. He knows Timothy’s weaknesses and physical problems and intercedes for him.

2 Timothy 3.

Paul warns him about false teachers and doctrines that will surely come and indeed have already. “Follow MY teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, love, steadfastness and sufferings. ”  (Indeed, all who live godly WILL be persecuted. “CONTINUE in what you have learned and believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from a child you have been acquainted with the sacred writings.”

“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 4.

Urgency strikes Paul as his letter comes to an end. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus: PREACH the Word, BE READY in season and out of season. REPROVE, REBUKE, EXHORT with complete patience.  For the time is coming when people will NOT ENDURE sound teaching.”

As for Paul, he says,  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  And now he’s looking forward to the reward – the crown of righteousness – waiting for him in heaven.

Almost with tears in his eyes (I imagine), Paul urges Timothy, “Do your best to come to me soon. And bring Mark with you. When you come, bring the cloak I left at Troas…. and the books…. and above all the parchments.”

He sends a few greetings, then again urges Timothy to “Do your best to come before winter.”  

And his final words, “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”

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Paul was martyred by beheading in A.D. 67 for the glory and everlasting praise of the LORD.  We don’t know if Timothy made it to Rome before then.  We do know that for Paul, “to die was GAIN.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 352

Dec18

   Day 352—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 352 – 1 Timothy 1 – 6 (Paul’s letter to Timothy, warnings, the gospel, gifts, overseers/deacons, church instructions/warnings, the good fight.)

This is one of two letters Paul wrote to his “beloved son in the faith.”  After being released from house arrest in Rome, Paul & Timothy (and others) traveled to Ephesus. When Paul went on to Macedonia, he left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the church. Now, Paul writes encouragement & instructions to him.

1 Timothy 1.

Paul reminds Timothy that he left the young missionary in Ephesus to clear out any false teachings that had begun there, especially by legalists who emphasized keeping the law of Moses. “The law is good if one uses it lawfully, for the ungodly and sinners.”

1 Timothy 2.

Paul urges Timothy to pray (in supplications, intercessions, and thanksgivings) for all people, kings, and those in high positions so that they may lead peaceful and quiet lives.  He reminds Timothy that Christ Jesus Himself is the ONE mediator between God and men. “I desire that in every place that men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

1 Timothy 3.

Paul then lays out the qualifications for overseers and deacons who lead in the church. “They must be “above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, NOT a drunkard, NOT violent, but gentle, NOT quarrelsome, and NOT a lover of money.  He must be able to manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive. He must NOT be a new convert. He must be well thought of by outsiders.” 

WOW!!

Paul assures Timothy that he hopes to come there soon, but in case of delay, he might know how they ought to behave in the household of God, the church of the Living God.

1 Timothy 4.

He warns Timothy that some will depart from the faith, devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teaching of demons.  If he warns the brothers to beware of these things, he will be “a good servant of Christ Jesus.”

He urges Timothy to train himself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and the life to come.  

“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth. Set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching.  Don’t neglect the gift you have by prophecy and the laying on of hands.” 

1 Timothy 5.

Paul instructs him further. “In the church, do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters in all purity. And honor true widows.” 

“As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all so that the rest may stand in fear. Keep yourself pure.”

1 Timothy 6.

Paul reminds them, “There is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and cannot take anything out of it.  If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For, the LOVE OF MONEY is a root of all kinds of evil.”

“But you (Timothy), O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” 

Then Paul bursts into doxology!  “He, who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who ALONE has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom NO ONE has ever seen or can see. TO HIM, be honor and eternal dominion!  Amen.”

Paul ends his letter by urging his son, “O, Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Grace be with you!

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 344

Dec10

   Day 344—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year and studying The ACTS of the Apostles with the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 344 – Romans 11 – 13 (Israel: remnant & olive tree, a living sacrifice, gifts of Spirit, submission & honor to authorities)

Romans 11.

Still writing about his people, Paul tells the Corinthians that God has not forsaken or rejected Israel. He has kept a remnant (like Paul) for salvation, but the rest have hardened hearts, blind eyes, and deaf ears. They have stumbled on the rock, which is Jesus the Messiah.

Their hardheartedness opened the way for the Gentiles to receive God’s salvation. Paul hopes it will also make them jealous and cause them to return to their God.

Paul also cautions the Gentiles not to become proud, for as God removed some natural branches of the Olive tree, which is Israel, to “graft” them in, He can also remove the grafted branches.

“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you (Gentiles), provided you continue in His kindness.”  Paul further cautions them, “Lest you be wise in your own eyes, I want you to understand this mystery: a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in.  And, in this way, all Israel will be saved.”

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!”

Romans 12.

Paul then appeals to the Corinthian believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewable of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Paul tells them that they are ONE body with MANY members who do not have the same function in the body of Christ. He then lists some of the gifts of the Spirit that have been given to them separately. They are to USE them.

  • prophecy, in proportion to their faith
  • service, in serving one another.
  • teaching
  • exhorting
  • contributing with generosity
  • leadership, with zeal
  • acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

(Compare these with the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 & 14)

The marks of every TRUE CHRISTIAN are:

  • genuine love,
  • honoring each other,
  • fervency in Spirit,
  • service to the Lord,
  • rejoicing in hope,
  • patience in tribulation,
  • constancy in prayer,
  • generosity in giving,
  • showing hospitality,
  • living in harmony with each other,
  • associating with the lowly,
  • repaying no one evil for evil,
  • living peaceably with everyone.

All Christians should show these traits.  (Seriously, this list is so good for all of us to ponder!!)

Romans 13,

Paul charges them to “be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist WILL incur judgment.” 

(Whoa, this is absolutely appropriate for today!!)

Rulers are NOT a terror to good conduct, but to bad. If you do wrong…BE AFRAID.  He is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.  PAY YOUR TAXES, for the authorities are ministers of God.  “Pay to all what is owed to them;  TAXES to whom taxes are owed, REVENUE to whom revenue is owed, RESPECT to whom respect is owed, HONOR to whom honor is due.”

OWE NO ONE ANYTHING except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, it fulfills the law.

“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then, let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and made no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”