November Archives

November 1

Matthew 25:31-46; John 12:20-50; Mark 14:1-11; Matthew 26:1-16;

Luke 22:1-6; John 12:1-11

Holy Father, when I read that Jesus will say, “Come, you are blessed by My Father” it makes me look at the Beatitudes of Matthew’s 5^th chapter a little differently. It is You – Your Spirit – that reveals Your holiness, which exposes sin and brings brokenness and poverty of spirit, which brings mournfulness and repentance of sin, which results in the abandonment of arrogance and the embracing of meekness, which results in a hunger for righteousness, which of course produces a whole new method of interaction called mercy, which purifies the heart and promises a visual revelation of God, resulting in wanting others to know the peace that is only given by Christ, and of course when this message of peace is shared it inevitably leads to the highest blessing of persecution. You revealed Your blessings through Your Son in the Sermon on the Mount. You now reveal the end result, the inheritance of the blessed. Amen.

November 2

Mark 14:12-17; Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14; John 13:1-20;

Mark 14:18-21; Matthew 26:21-25; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30;

Luke 22:24-30

Father, it is so difficult to enter this reading, but of course, it is always needful. The emotion of Jesus becomes more intense and easier to sense as I read. John was probably the most dramatic writer and he adds the account of the foot-washing. The themes of taking up one’s cross and laying down one’s life begin to unfold more dramatically here, but they are still imbedded within other themes like the Passover meal, service, and betrayal. Father, all of these strike my heart, because of a life of many failures. And yet, I am also stricken with the emotion of Your grace and mercy in that You have passed over my failures because of belief in the shed blood of Jesus – His death, burial, and resurrection. When we sing songs of Your love and the extent of Your love, we actually cannot comprehend – we can only bask in the light of Your love, revealed to us in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

November 3

Mark 14:22-26; Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:15-20; John 13:31-35;

Mark 14:27-31; Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-38;

John 13:36 to 15:17

Loving Father, I see this “new commandment” and wish to affirm it again. You had already noted the commandment to “love your neighbor” but this was something new. You speak now of a “family” love that would actually cause others to know that we are disciples. Loving within the Church reveals love for Jesus. It can’t be hidden. It can’t be suppressed. We love Him, so we love one another. The disciples would panic and scatter, but they couldn’t remain apart for long. We sometimes become overwrought because we may have failed our Lord or our Church family. It is only natural we should hurt over this. The pain is a testimony that we are His. And so we should repent and embrace once again the peace that Your Son gives. This peace is not like the peace that the world gives. Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me true peace and sacrificial love for Your followers. Amen.

November 4

John 15:18 to 17:26; Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46;

Luke 22:39-46

Father, so much to say – I think the words regarding the world hating those who follow You may be a bit of an indictment against (so-called) Christianity in America today. Much too often, Lord we are more concerned with “propriety” than with delivering your message and (ultimately) than with the souls of people. Father, who would of thought (as Jesus stood there) that He could go away and send one more powerful and more empowering than Him? But I suppose, at the time, He was in the flesh and in physical ways was subject to time and space. The Spirit is not, but clearly the Holy Spirit is all about Jesus. Father, I can’t say much with this pen about the Lord’s Prayer in John 17, except never has a prayer been recorded like this one – so beneficial to all and so simple and so perfect for imitation of style. Finally, Father, thank You that we can be honest with You in prayer – clear and frank – and then yield our emotions to Your will. Amen.

November 5

Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11;

Mark 14:53-72; Matthew 26:57-75; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:12-27

Father, what is the difference between betrayal and denial? I suppose betrayal implies one who committed or vowed to protect or stand with; but then, instead of protecting from danger, deliberately exposing to danger. Father, I think the difference, at least in this case is self-prosperity versus self-protection. One gave Your Son over to those who meant Him harm. The other intended no harm to His Lord; he just either panicked in the excitement of the moment, or was so concerned with staying close to his Lord, (perhaps thinking He might still call His followers to arms) that he compromised the standard of truth and lied about being a disciple. Perhaps he thought it was a justified lie, because the moment was too important – too urgent. Sometimes compromises must be made for the “greater good.” Sounds like Peter, Lord. I don’t think Peter lacked courage; I think he lacked wisdom. In fact, I think he wrestled with that problem all of his life. And yet, he was used by You mightily. Father, I lack both courage and wisdom, but I know with your Holy Spirit, I will have an abundance of both. May it be so, Lord. Amen.

November 6

Matthew 27:1-10; Luke 23:1-12; Mark 15:1-5; Matthew 27:11-14;

John 18:28-38

Father in heaven, reading about Judas, it seems this is the first time I have seen an example of repentance without belief. I think it is not a true repentance, because Father, it appears the two (repentance and belief) are unavoidably joined – one is included in the other and vice versa. But Judas does confess that he has sinned, and yet his words reveal he has the Law in mind but not in heart. Perhaps his intent is betrayed by the lack of capitalization of the phrase “innocent blood.” He does not seem to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, but only that He is innocent of the condemnation of the chief priests and elders. I am not sure, Lord. Only You know if he meant Innocent Blood in a perfect sense. Only You know the heart of a person and only You know who goes to heaven or not. The truth is, Jesus’ words about the fate of His betrayer are not words that he will go to hell, but rather that he will regret his decision with great anguish, which he did. Ironically, both Judas and Peter were both called devils by Jesus. I realize it is arguable whether or not Jesus addressed Peter directly. The point is, one chose – the other did not. And one had Your protection. Thank You for Your protection. Amen.

November 7

Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25;

John 18:39 to 19:16; Mark 15:16-20a; Matthew 27:27-31;

Luke 23:26-32; Mark 15:20b-21; Matthew 27:32; John 19:17a

Father, I know that You have emotions and reactions that are expressed in the languages of man. I know that we have to be careful how we interpret such passages as we consider Your attributes. But based on what we are allowed to read of Your emotions throughout the Old Testament and Your Son’s emotions in the New Testament, I find such treatment of Jesus unimaginably provocative before You. If anything, it makes me think (once again in human language) that You must have exercised restraint that was nothing like human restraint (in measure). My Savior gave Himself obediently, totally submitted to Your will, interceding for those who harmed Him, loving those who despitefully used Him. And when I consider His life and His communications with You, I have to believe (in some sense, Father) You felt all the suffering. We will soon see the resurrection, but always with the cross in the visual foreground. Amen.

November 8

Mark 15:22-41; Matthew 27:33-56; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:17b-37

O Father, how unimaginable the emotion of the Godhead. Father, I know my language uses human terms loosely, but there seems to be so much evidence. And yet with that being written, I also notice in this text (or in me), a sense of unamazement or unexcitement. Maybe what is captured here is how casual of a day it seemed to be for so many that did not follow Jesus. Today, that same kind of people would have to admit this almost casual text described the most important event in world history, even though they may look at it differently than Christians. As unique as each Gospel is, there is one thing I could not help notice being in all four Gospels. I didn’t check, but Lord, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was only perfectly common to all four. It is the words, “they crucified Him.” Father, I shudder at the true scope of that word, “they.” I reckon the scope reaches me. Thank You for grace, my Lord. Amen.

November 9

Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-61; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42;

Matthew 27:62-66; Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-12;

John 20:1-13; Matthew 28:9-10; John 20:14-18

Wonderful, Holy, Eternal, Loving Father, how powerful it is to me to consider that my Lord was claimed by a courageous Joseph while He was still in the womb of Mary, and now His body is claimed by another courageous Joseph – before His birth and after His death, God ordained the intervention of individuals bearing the name which was itself a variation of the name, Jesus. Your salvation was surrounded by Your salvation. Joseph – Jesus – Joseph – amazing grace. And Father, I cannot imagine more drama than the encounter between Mary Magdalene and the Lord. Father, isn’t this a picture of every genuine encounter with Jesus – a broken spirit, a sense of great loss and mournfulness, a quest in meekness that turns into earnestness, hunger, and thirst for that which is of ultimate value, and then He calls by name – Mary – and the revelation of the Lord is complete. New life – eternal life – new Spirit – new everything! Thank You, Father. Amen.

November 10

Matthew 28:11-15; Luke 24:13-43; John 20:19-31; Matthew 28:16-20;

John 21:1-25; Luke 24:44-53

Glorious Lord and loving Father, it is no wonder to me that so many books have been written about these verses today. I think of the books that deal with the critics who grasp at the variations in the different Gospel accounts. I also think of the books that use these verses heavily in presenting reasonable proofs (or defense) of the validity of the resurrection. It strikes me a little funny, Father, that the same critics who point out the variations would no doubt be the critics who would cry collusion if the accounts were exactly the same. The appearances of the Lord after His resurrection are numerous, vivid, and took place over several weeks. He was gracious to the doubters, but says that greater grace is enjoyed by those who believe without seeing, because of course that is the essence of faith. Father, fill my heart with these verses and their sense. Fill me with the Spirit that brings them to mind when needed. Amen.

November 11

Mark 16:9-20; Acts 1:1 to 2:47

Holy Father, the first thing that strikes my heart is the importance of prayer, patience, and being filled with Your Spirit. The second thing that emerges as being of primary importance is realizing the message is simple – Jesus died for sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead as witnessed by many. The response to the message is also simple; in fact, it is part of the message – repent – change one’s mental reliance to the Christ preached, and testify to that change by baptism – immersion, showing the death of one’s old life, and being raised to a new life in Christ. Father, You are truly holy. One other thing that should be said is that dedication to the Scriptures and prayer will reveal the Savior Jesus as Lord. This is obvious in the New Testament, but it may be even more important to learn what the Old Testament has to say about our Lord. This shows You are wholly holy – wholly other – separate, yet intimate. Praise Your wonderful Name! Amen.

November 12

Acts 3:1 to 5:16

Father in heaven, thank You for Peter and John, and for all those through the centuries, and thank You for my pastor. Simple men, flawed men, but oh what a difference is created by the prayers of Jesus! Peter was sifted by Satan, but prayed for by Jesus. And the funny thing is, I find myself still struggling somewhat when I look at Peter. I am a little more drawn when I consider the miracles done in the name of Jesus. But when I read the sermons of Peter, that’s when I see – I visually witness the power of Jesus’ prayer. And I am so encouraged. The journey of my pastor from drugs and homelessness, and my journey from weakness and inconsistency – we understand the sifting of Satan; but how much more the prayers of our Savior. The drama of how the Holy Spirit worked in the newborn Church is exciting and sobering, and if we had lived back then, we might have added the word “frightening.” But the work was successful. Jesus, You are Lord. You are Lord! Amen!

November 13

Acts 5:17 to 7:53

Father in heaven, there is not much open persecution in America today. In general, a person would have to take the Gospel to another country to be counted worthy of suffering for Your Name. There are isolated exceptions and one or two advocacy groups that bash Christians, but mostly we can still do what we want. The problem is, we do not want to do much, because it seems we have become overly concerned with “stirring the waters.” Lord Jesus, You said we will suffer persecution if we live godly. I wonder if a lack of the latter indicates a lack of the former (or is it the reverse of that)? Help us, Father; forgive us. Help me; forgive me. I am afraid we have “waited on tables” to an imbalance and neglected prayer and the ministry of the Word. Stephen does not seem to have this imbalance. He surely does his assigned duties, but we also find him causing considerable attention from Jewish leaders who lied about him, leading to his death. I don’t know how much study time he got, but it was enough, because he spoke by Your Spirit. Amen.

November 14

Acts 7:54 to 9:31

Holy Father, we know the heart is desperately wicked and it cannot be known by any, except God. We know that Jesus knew what was in the hearts of people. And we know that people have different levels of courage, passion, honor, tenderness, hardness, and various virtues – all coming from the heart. Father, You know all from beginning to end. Is it wrong to think that, while forming a human in the womb, You include a magnificent mystery that might be called free agency, even as the sinfulness of the parents is passed through their seed? Is it wrong to believe that the passion and intelligence and diligence and sincerity (even though misplaced) is seen by You and employed by You because You know all and You know what it will take? You know how Your Spirit will empower and employ the unique resources of each individual. Many theologians would stand against this in defense of Your sovereignty but I wonder if their conclusions inadvertently diminish Your sovereignty. It is much to wonder after, but I know Your Word will be my guide. Amen.

November 15

Acts 9:32 to 11:18

My wonderful Father, processing the amazing account of the Jews realizing the Gentiles are part of Your plan and are allowed salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus, is a continuing dynamic. It seems I come to understand Your ways a tiny bit better each time I read this. Thank You. There is so much here, Father, which seems to fly in the face of conventional conservative theology. We know that all of our righteousness is as filthy rags in the eyes of God. We know there is no other name under heaven whereby men might be saved. And yet here is a man, Cornelius, who has offered prayer and human benevolence to You, my God, and it reaches You and is responded to. This brings great pause because the man clearly does not yet understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And then the ironies begin to multiply, because the man’s devotion to You obviously prompts Your dispatch of Peter to go to the man and insure he hears and understands the Gospel. But it doesn’t stop there, Lord. All of this is so that through this message he would be saved (11:14), which indicates he was not yet saved! To say the least, this sure unsettles a few systematic theologies. Amen.

November 16

James 1:1 to 3:18

Dear Father, so many preach relationship versus religion, but I think the message of the Bible and of James is that true religion flows from relationship. If relationship flows from religion, then it is a tragic relationship, because it really is just a relationship with self. But when a person has a genuine relationship with You, Father, the actions of that person will appear to be religious in nature. Such actions will be pure, humble, generous, consistent, and disciplined. And it will be because they flow from love. These actions must flow from love – not try to produce love. When we say someone is surely going to heaven because of good deeds, it suggests that one’s good deeds can produce love from God, but God loved us already – when we were living in sin. In fact, You loved us so much that You sent Your Son. We cannot produce love in God. God IS love. Thank You, Father, that I do not have to produce a religion to produce love in You. I just need to trust that You already love me. Thank You. Amen.

November 17

James 4:1 to 5:20; Acts 11:19 to 12:25

Father in heaven, be praised this day. Be glorified in your children in Your Son. Jesus, may all who see my actions and hear my words know that I have been with You and live in Your Spirit. Forgive me, fill me, anoint me for the service appointed to me. James does an inspired job of proving the thesis that Christianity is not a part time job – an occasional deed, or periodic piety. He illustrates that a true change of heart and mind causes a conversion of the entire life. While repentance is initiated with a decision, it is continued and perpetuated with a conversion. All things become new! Father, help me to live in the light of Your love – in Christ. I desire no part time repentance. Please protect my mind and my heart. Your Word is such a delight to me – may it always light the way. I love the verse (24): but the Word of God continued to increase and spread. Many kings and rulers to come would persecute millions, but they would die and the Word of God would increase. Amen.

November 18

Acts 13:1 to 14:28

Holy heavenly Father, so often we look at the words written and never consider how much was not written. This reveals even greater the inspiration and importance of the words selected by the Holy Spirit to be presented to us. Your Spirit speaks in the precise succinctness needed to attract the faith in the souls of listeners. Dear Lord, as someone once said, “If you have to be brief, be brilliant,” so has Your Spirit perfectly blended wisdom and brevity. Apparently, Luke received an inscription of Paul’s sermon at Pisidian Antioch. Although it is brief, it appears complete. Considering the environment, it likely was (wisely) brief, yet full. There was a clear opening, perfect to draw in his audience of Jews; and a clear closing, intended to bring his listeners not just to a decision but to a conversion. He does not push for a public decision, but for a private decision to convert, which inevitably becomes public knowledge. Gospel speakers would do well to study Paul’s technique. Thank You, Lord for the wonderful examples. Amen.

November 19

Galatians 1:1 to 4:7

My Father, I think the problem Paul dealt with in Galatia is a continuing problem. In fact, it is an easy thing to slip into. We turn around and are justified by faith in Christ, and then we turn around and try to improve our position before the Father (before You) with good works. Father, may my love for You and your love in me always be the motivations for doing good works. May it never be a love for my position in Christ and a desire to improve that position, but let it be only love for Christ Himself. How quickly we can move from liberty to bondage. How quickly we can jump from the Tree of Life to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and evil. Keep us Father, by Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm. Do not guide us in wrath. Father, be patient with Your children so prone to deviation. Bring us to our last breath sanctified by love. In Jesus Name. Amen.

November 20

Galatians 4:8 to 6:18

Father, Your Word is relentlessly wonderful! Paul teaches so much. In fact, he teaches the teacher many things here. One thing is the exposition of Scriptures regarding its symbolic value. Of course, when he interprets figuratively, he simply brings out an obvious and clear, inspired message. He is not arbitrary and subjective. He is not using Scripture to support an ego. He shows Scripture interpreting Scripture. Father, I so appreciate the listing that Paul gives regarding the sinful nature. But also important is the word “obvious” just before the list, and the closing phrase “and the like.” These words, along with the list make a perfect statement, but if any one of those (the opening, the list, and the closing) had been left out, someone would have made a religion out of it. Perhaps some try anyway, but they act foolishly if they do. Father, what a powerful teaching that Paul delivers to rescue the Galatians. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

November 21

Acts 15:1 to 16:40

Father, it seems Your hand deliberately preserved a specific group of apostles and elders (even through the persecutions) as a primary source of inquiry concerning disputes in doctrine. Paul and Barnabus were apostles and recognized by all in that capacity, but they were also recognized as those who would need to petition this council in Jerusalem. Father, this reveals a structure that seems very wise to me – a structure of submission and accountability. I suspect there is more to the structure than is revealed here, but the language remains fairly silent about it. I think this reflects Your holiness, which when applied to Your creatures, means they are set apart for Your purposes. They are placed in the perfect place within Your plan to accomplish Your purpose. It seems when holiness is pursued, structure is discovered – divine structure. Each person is in his/her own place according to Your purpose. And when one realizes this, concerns are relieved, and peace and joy prevail. At least, that is the case with me. Thank You, Father. Amen.

November 22

Acts 17:1 to 18:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1 to 2:16

Father, it is interesting to me how the Bereans are praised over the Thessalonians by Luke, regarding their respect for anyone preaching and teaching the Scriptures, while confirming the message in private. It seems they distrusted the messenger and their own knowledge of the Scripture, but their hunger for truth drove them to validate or cease their distrust. But what really captures me, Father, is even with Luke’s deliberate (and inspired) praise of the Bereans over the Thessalonians, Paul praises the Thessalonians and their faith as a model for all of Macedonia and Achaia. Paul is especially impressed with their suffering for the Gospel, but he is also careful to record the powerfully simple testimony he hears about the Thessalonians from other towns he visited. I don’t know if the testimony would impress the theologians of Berea, but then I am not reading of the global testimony of just the Bereans – am I? Thank You, Father, for simple faith and powerful testimonies. Amen.

November 23

1 Thessalonians 2:17 to 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Holy Father, I know that Paul deals strongly with views and actions regarding end times. But he also deals strongly with issues of morality, purity, and holy living. Indeed, it appears that he is dealing with problems, (likely heard from Timothy) that apparently show the two issues are connected somehow. One thing I am certain of is that if I had to pick a single word to summarize what Paul is communicating, it would be “sanctification.” And I never cease to be amazed by the mystery of divine/human cooperation in this. Father, my heart is always laid open before You. No one can hide even a single, tiny thought. You know that it makes me want to scream at times when I think that we simply cannot stand against temptation without Your help, and yet we are held responsible for failures. I am consoled in this by the work of Your merciful grace in forgiveness, but it is not cheap, and should never be thought so. Be glorified, my God. Amen.

November 24

2 Thessalonians 2:1 to 3:18; Acts 18:18 to 19:41

Loving Father, this is so rich a section of Scripture that I am surprised at the length. There is so much in Your Word that surprises me with delight. That is a pleasant change, because there was a time when most of the surprise was negative. Today I was a little surprised to read that “not everyone has faith.” The context refers specifically to evil men. Father, since You allot to every man a measure of faith, it appears that one can lose the faith that You have given. This is confirmed in chapter 2. When men refuse to love the truth, You apparently dignify their choice with strong delusion. And faith cannot co-exist with delusion. I suppose then that “lose” is not the right word to use regarding those who no longer are capable of believing truth. Instead of “lose” it would be better to say “deliberate expulsion.” Father, I was also a bit surprised by the phrase “keep away from every brother who…” The context reveals much about this, but I think it should be a wake up call to the way some of us do ministry. Some things should not be indulged. Amen.

November 25

1 Corinthians 1:1 to 4:21

Father, Father, sometimes correction calls for gentle handling and sometimes firm handling. Paul understands both. He obviously wants to be guided by You. He knows he has the mind of Christ and he knows this operates in tension with the mind of man. Father, too often in life I have yielded to the mind of man, not just operating in others but in me. The mind of Christ guided but I resisted. The Lord never ceased His loving Shepherding, but the servant was rebellious and mischievous. Forgive me Father. I know You have forgiven me. Father, I thank You that You have given me the mind of Christ when You filled me with the Spirit of Christ. May I live after Your Spirit – not after the things of the flesh (the mind of man). Help me to see others through Your eyes and treat them with the mercy that yields righteousness. The message of Grace is not a message that fits comfortably into the mind of man. And in fact, only Your intervention makes the message of our salvation receivable. Amen.

November 26

1 Corinthians 5:1 to 7:40

Father, the clarity here is such that I would think much of the biblical commentary for other Scripture would be found here. Paul is blunt, but he detects that he must be because of the flagrant toleration of immorality in the church. This clarity exposes some underlying messages that may be less clear in other areas of Scripture – but no ambiguity here. It fascinates me that no sexually immoral person will inherit the kingdom of God, but the man in the church who was committing sexual sin should be turned over to Satan so his spirit would be saved while his sinful nature is destroyed. Apparently, it is possible for a person who has genuinely repented to have a lapse in judgment and be drawn into immorality. And apparently this person does not lose the salvation of his spirit. Father, this shakes the sensibilities of many, but it squares with the rest of Scripture. Thank You, Father, for Your calling of us. Amen.

November 27

1 Corinthians 8:1 to 11:1

Father of Glory – Wonderful Savior – Generous Lord, I love You and I want to know You. I am struck by all of the reading today, but perhaps a summary will help my focus and my interaction with You. I will use three thoughts in the reading. The first is “Am I not free?” Father, I thank You that all is permissible. I thank You that the only constraint given me is the constraint of love – love for You – love for others. This brings me to the second thought. If I wound the weak conscience of a brother, I sin against Christ. And so I see again that my freedom operates with complete liberty constrained only by love, which of course can only be truly offered by free will. And the third thought is “Whether I eat or drink or whatever I do, do it all for the glory of God.” Again, Father, I am brought to the lone constraint of love. This is written last, but truly it goes first; because true love for You and then for others, is the only path of genuine personal freedom. Amen.

November 28

1 Corinthians 11:2 to 13:13

My Father, Your love is true love – the only force that never fails. That is why Your Word said You are love. There is nothing that describes better Who You are. Which is not to set this against other words describing You, such as holy. You are all these things in simplicity. One does not stop where the other starts. You are not a god of components. You are the God of simplicity. Paul could not have been more inspired than when he wrote these 13 verses and placed them where he did. Father, this was Your doing and I thank you. I know that unless my life conforms with chapter 13, all else is wasted and useless. And yet, I think chapter 13 is impossible except in Christ. Indeed it is a description of being in Christ. It is a description of being baptized into Christ – into His Body – into His Spirit. Not only is it being totally immersed into the Spirit of Christ, it is being totally filled even to overflowing with His Spirit. Father, it is the initial, as well as the ultimate, evidence of this baptism. May it be so with me, Father. Amen.

November 29

1 Corinthians 14:1 to 15:34

Father of Glory, when I read through this section, I wonder about the many prevalent misconceptions regarding style of worship or what the Gospel really is. Could it be that the church at Corinth (in its early days) is alive and (not so) well today? I have been to churches, Father, that worship in a very disorderly, confusing way; and that do not have a single person who can speak clear and biblically about the Gospel. And it appears there are many of them. It seems to me that the Bible is either ignored or mishandled by many who call themselves Christians. Father, how can a person be a Christian, when they do not know the Christ of the Bible? We should seek to work through this wonderful gift – the Scriptures – in a systematic way. By Your grace it is do-able. Laziness does not desire to try to do this. Many prefer to incline toward the strongest entertainment style of worship, but what about the message preached? That is the way You are pleased to save. Praise Your Name. Amen.

November 30

1 Corinthians 15:35 to 16:24; Acts 20:1-6; 2 Corinthians 1:1 to 2:4

My Father, it seems there is no limit to Your lavish generosity. You give us the confidence of Your seal upon us and fill us with Your Spirit as a deposit to guarantee what is to come. Even now we enjoy the benefits of eternal life. We have a blessed hope that enriches every moment, every thought, every action. You erase the vanity and flood our lives with meaning that comes from access to Your throne through Christ. Every breath is for Your glory, and so every breath reaches beyond the perishable dust of the body. You command us through Paul to do everything in love, and so we live our lives in ministry to others. Father, this must be where the quality of life truly begins, because everything else leaves us flat. There is no abundance in fame, fortune, or power. Such as these always leaves us in need of more. But true satisfaction, true abundant living begins at the taking up of one’s cross and following Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ó 2007 C. E. Briggs