Due to low use... we are discontinuing the Blog of our reading plan. We encourage you to continue the reading plan (you can get the pdf on this site - check the right hand column). We are also brainstorming other ways to help people stay in the Word. If you have ideas, you can email office@crosswindschurch.com
This was a great experiment and we look forward to trying something else in the future.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Week 48 - December 20 - Taylor Hays
Nehemiah 5
A lot of leadership seminars in business teach the concept of “servant leadership.” Over 2500 years ago Nehemiah was already practicing this principle. He was a leader who truly had the best interests of his people at heart. In this chapter he gives a clear message to all of the wealthy people in Israel… stop oppressing the poor. In order to live in the land that had been ravaged by invaders the people had to mortgage their land from their enemies and borrow more every year just to get their crops in the ground. They were so far in debt that they even had to sell their children into slavery. Nehemiah had repaid the debt to their enemies so the people would be free. But his own noblemen were now loaning money with high interest rates to the people and they were becoming enslaved to debt again. Nehemiah rebuked this practice and “practiced what he preached.” He loaned money interest free and never asked the people to give him anything. His desire was for them to prosper. Compare his actions with many political leaders today who are out to serve their own interests.
When I am in a position of leadership I want to always keep in mind Nehemiah’s example… serve others needs first (Philippians 2:3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.).
Nehemiah 6
Nehemiah’s strength of character shines again in this chapter. His enemies used intimidation (today we call it extortion and blackmail) to convince Nehemiah to stop rebuilding the wall. In fact Nehemiah saw his mission not as simply a construction project but as a project to rebuild the lives of the people he served. He knew that he would face opposition and he took it head on. His main ally in standing against his enemies was his integrity. Although his enemies attacked his character, Nehemiah lived in such a way that their accusations simply would not stick. None of us is perfect but living a life of integrity provides no opportunity for our enemies (or The Enemy) to accuse us. (see 1 Peter 5:8-9)
Psalm 48
We will get to see it some day too…
“We had heard of the city's glory, but now we have seen it ourselves— the city of the LORD of Heaven's Armies.”
This is the place that Jesus has prepared for us (see John 14:1-3). It will be our safe home forever.“It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever.”
Proverbs 5
Sexual sin is the fastest way to ruin your life. It robs you of true love and relationship with your spouse and family; it robs you of health (mental and physical); and robs you of a close relationship with God. I have seen dozens of examples of this have in my lifetime and I am sure you have too.
Acts 27
This is probably the most detailed description of a 1st century sea voyage found in any ancient writing. Beyond reading the great description of the action at sea, We see Paul demonstrate his unshakeable faith in God. Imagine standing in the hold of this ship that is being tossed by a hurricane, surrounded by over 200 souls that are seasick and fearing for their lives. Paul broke bread and gave thanks to God for what He was about to do. Paul’s faith was great not because of his own strength but because of the great God he served.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Week 45 - November 29 - Robyn Watts
For those who are visual learners here's a depiction of the priestly garments described in chapter 39. It strikes me that Israel throughout this time had been extremely obedient (following the golden calf disaster). Many times it is mentioned that things were done by Moses, "according to all that the Lord commanded him."
And finally, Moses finished the work. God comes and dwells with his people. He comes by the cloud and fire (significant symbols throughout the Bible of the manifestation of God's glory). God is reminding them that He is their God... that He brought them out of the land of Egypt in order that He might dwell among them. How they must have enjoyed this closeness with God. They knew He was there. Often times, for me, this also happens following a period of obedience. I feel the nearness of God. Not that He's not always there, but I am able to sense Him so much more the more obedient I am.
Psalm 45
This psalm celebrates a royal wedding. Whose is unclear, but it would be a king in the line of David... the line through which God would bless His people and carry out his whole world mission. It begins with words speaking to the king... focusing him in on character and ideals he should have as a king. It then moves onto the bride...she will leave her family and join her husband in a new life. The psalm ends coming back to the king showing again that God will bless all the nations through the line of David.
Proverbs 2
A couple results of seeking wisdom....
1. You will understand the fear of the Lord (what does this really mean?)
2. You gain an understanding of righteousness and justice and equity (wow!)
Acts 24
I think if I had been Paul, I would have been close to giving up by now. Unlike me, Paul uses this "opportunity" to come before Felix and yet again proclaim the truth of the Gospel. He confesses to the middle charge Tertullus brings against him (being a Christian ringleader), but denies the first and third charges (stirring up riots and profaning "the temple") To the Romans, the first charge would have been the worst (threatening Roman peace). I find it interesting Felix is said to have, "an accurate knowledge of The Way". Probably because of his Jewish wife? But, in the end, Felix does nothing to free Paul, despite this knowledge. He decides to keep him in prison another 2 years and then was removed from office, leaving Festus, his successor to deal with Paul. At least Paul was granted "some liberty", which I'm guessing meant he was not sitting in a jail cell the whole time.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Week 43 - November 15 - Dan Swartz
Exodus 35
There is lots of talk these days about nature vs. nurture for many talents, abilities, characteristics, and traits. This chapter throws in the curve ball of supernatural gifting for not pastors, teachers, or prophets, but craftsman! It’s always encouraging to see God gift people for what have ya, and watch them do their work with excellence.
Exodus 36
Verses 1-8 are what pastors dream about. Hold up on the offerings congregation – we have more than enough! What a testimony that would be. . .
The rest of the chapter describes in pain-staking, seemingly redundant detail how Bezalel and colleagues completed the Tabernacle as directed. Nothing like the lingering taste of ground up golden cow in your water to remind you of the importance of obedience and focus.
Psalm 43
This may sound a bit harsh, but I don’t see much that distinguishes this from many of the previous psalms. If repeated must be important?
Ecclesiastes 12
Verse 11 is an important lesson to learn early. Sometimes painful things teach us important lessons, and can be life saving (both temporal and eternal).
Acts 22
This chapter reminds me of the importance of simply telling my story and how Christ has changed my life. Also noteworthy is that doing so may infuriate some. Although a Christian first, Paul wasn’t shy about playing the Roman citizen card. We shouldn’t be shy about playing similar cards in our lives to advance God’s kingdom.
There is lots of talk these days about nature vs. nurture for many talents, abilities, characteristics, and traits. This chapter throws in the curve ball of supernatural gifting for not pastors, teachers, or prophets, but craftsman! It’s always encouraging to see God gift people for what have ya, and watch them do their work with excellence.
Exodus 36
Verses 1-8 are what pastors dream about. Hold up on the offerings congregation – we have more than enough! What a testimony that would be. . .
The rest of the chapter describes in pain-staking, seemingly redundant detail how Bezalel and colleagues completed the Tabernacle as directed. Nothing like the lingering taste of ground up golden cow in your water to remind you of the importance of obedience and focus.
Psalm 43
This may sound a bit harsh, but I don’t see much that distinguishes this from many of the previous psalms. If repeated must be important?
Ecclesiastes 12
Verse 11 is an important lesson to learn early. Sometimes painful things teach us important lessons, and can be life saving (both temporal and eternal).
Acts 22
This chapter reminds me of the importance of simply telling my story and how Christ has changed my life. Also noteworthy is that doing so may infuriate some. Although a Christian first, Paul wasn’t shy about playing the Roman citizen card. We shouldn’t be shy about playing similar cards in our lives to advance God’s kingdom.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Week 42 - November 8 - Taylor Hays
Exodus 33 and 34
What a difference a day makes! One day the whole nation was celebrating God’s glorious presence and the next they are worshiping an idol (the “golden calf”). One day they are walking close to God and the next they have completely abandoned him. In our lives we may not see these extremes, but these patterns of becoming warm and cold toward God happen to all of us at some time.
In Exodus 33 we see God’s response… judgment. Had it not been for Moses’ interventions, they would have lost their relationship with God. In chapters 33 and 34 we also see the stark contrast between the people and Moses in the way they approached God. Moses had a personal and intimate relationship with God. In verse 33:33 God told Moses, “I know you by name.”
In these chapters Moses is a picture of Jesus. He has a personal and intimate relationship with God and He is our go-between with God, just as Moses was to the people. But Moses could not do for Israel what Jesus does for us because Moses was a man with all the same imperfections as all his fellow Israelites. As the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews notes:
4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
In these chapters of Exodus only Moses can approach God. Now we all can approach God and never have to be far away from him again.
Psalm 42
Where do your thoughts turn when you are down? The writer of this Psalm was dealing with the difficult circumstance of being constantly harassed by his enemies. Their constant taunts were really getting to him. How did he get past his problems?
His thoughts turned to better times when he felt close to God and then he remembered (verse 5)…
God had not moved. God’s power to help him had not diminished. This Psalm reminds me that when I am really discouraged there is one constant… God’s never failing love for me.
Ecclesiastes 11
In verses 1-6 the theme is life’s uncertainty. Living wisely means that we should do all we can to limit that uncertainty but we know we cannot eliminate it. Invest your time and money wisely, work hard when the opportunity is there, and leave the rest to God.
Verses 7-10 provide advice about life for everyone from 9 to 99 years old. For the old “rejoice in every day” (verse 8) and for the young “enjoy every minute of it” verse 9). Enough said!
Acts 21
In this chapter we see the beginning of the final drama in the book of Acts. Paul has now returned to Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey that took him through what is now Turkey and Greece. He returned to Jerusalem even though many had warned him that trouble was waiting for him there. After his report to the Jerusalem church leadership team, they asked Paul for a favor. Because many of the Jewish Christians had heard rumors (that were all false) that Paul was teaching openly against the Jewish customs, the church leaders asked him to accompany 4 young men who were Jewish Christians through a Jewish ceremony at the temple. When some Jews who were not believers in Jesus saw Paul in the temple they started a full blown riot and encouraged the mob to kill Paul. He was rescued by the Roman soldiers who were stationed nearby and as the chapter closes Paul is about to speak to the crowd.
One question that puzzles me as I read this is why did Paul keep going toward Jerusalem when he was told it was too dangerous (and as we see, the concerns for Paul’s safety were right on target)? You have to keep reading in Acts (and other books like Philippians) to find the answer. One thought that kept Paul going through this and other ordeals to come is found in Philippians 4:12-13 “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
What a difference a day makes! One day the whole nation was celebrating God’s glorious presence and the next they are worshiping an idol (the “golden calf”). One day they are walking close to God and the next they have completely abandoned him. In our lives we may not see these extremes, but these patterns of becoming warm and cold toward God happen to all of us at some time.
In Exodus 33 we see God’s response… judgment. Had it not been for Moses’ interventions, they would have lost their relationship with God. In chapters 33 and 34 we also see the stark contrast between the people and Moses in the way they approached God. Moses had a personal and intimate relationship with God. In verse 33:33 God told Moses, “I know you by name.”
In these chapters Moses is a picture of Jesus. He has a personal and intimate relationship with God and He is our go-between with God, just as Moses was to the people. But Moses could not do for Israel what Jesus does for us because Moses was a man with all the same imperfections as all his fellow Israelites. As the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews notes:
4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
In these chapters of Exodus only Moses can approach God. Now we all can approach God and never have to be far away from him again.
Psalm 42
Where do your thoughts turn when you are down? The writer of this Psalm was dealing with the difficult circumstance of being constantly harassed by his enemies. Their constant taunts were really getting to him. How did he get past his problems?
His thoughts turned to better times when he felt close to God and then he remembered (verse 5)…
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
God had not moved. God’s power to help him had not diminished. This Psalm reminds me that when I am really discouraged there is one constant… God’s never failing love for me.
Ecclesiastes 11
In verses 1-6 the theme is life’s uncertainty. Living wisely means that we should do all we can to limit that uncertainty but we know we cannot eliminate it. Invest your time and money wisely, work hard when the opportunity is there, and leave the rest to God.
Verses 7-10 provide advice about life for everyone from 9 to 99 years old. For the old “rejoice in every day” (verse 8) and for the young “enjoy every minute of it” verse 9). Enough said!
Acts 21
In this chapter we see the beginning of the final drama in the book of Acts. Paul has now returned to Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey that took him through what is now Turkey and Greece. He returned to Jerusalem even though many had warned him that trouble was waiting for him there. After his report to the Jerusalem church leadership team, they asked Paul for a favor. Because many of the Jewish Christians had heard rumors (that were all false) that Paul was teaching openly against the Jewish customs, the church leaders asked him to accompany 4 young men who were Jewish Christians through a Jewish ceremony at the temple. When some Jews who were not believers in Jesus saw Paul in the temple they started a full blown riot and encouraged the mob to kill Paul. He was rescued by the Roman soldiers who were stationed nearby and as the chapter closes Paul is about to speak to the crowd.
One question that puzzles me as I read this is why did Paul keep going toward Jerusalem when he was told it was too dangerous (and as we see, the concerns for Paul’s safety were right on target)? You have to keep reading in Acts (and other books like Philippians) to find the answer. One thought that kept Paul going through this and other ordeals to come is found in Philippians 4:12-13 “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Monday, November 2, 2009
Week 41 - November 1 - Doug Weincouff
Exodus 31
This chapter is broken into two separate topics. The first is God’s instructions to Moses regarding the creation of the Tent of Meetings, the Ark of the Covenant and all the furniture and garments for the priests. Two thoughts strike me about this passage. The first is about how detailed God’s planning was. God identifies the people for Moses’ that he has gifted to create the items. He has also given the artist all the materials from the Egyptians to create the items. It reminds me that God is a God of organization and structure. When it comes to God, events are not random but intentional. It is seen in this chapter and all over the Bible. God has given us instructions for life. The challenge is our willingness and unwillingness to live life God’s way. It makes me ask how am I doing at following God’s instructions?
The second half of the chapter focus’s on the Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath has always been a puzzle to me. Most of us have reduced it to a couple of hours at church on Sunday. When I was growing up my family would once a year go visit my mother’s family in Alabama. Let me say the South is another country. I noticed that on Sunday’s all the stores were closed. In Chicago where we lived the stores were open. My Dad explained that they had “Blue Laws”. Blue Laws were designed to enforce religious life, in this case keeping the Sabbath. Over the last 40 years the south has become more sophisticated. The Blue Laws were deemed unconstitutional and now you can shop till you drop on Sundays even south of the Mason Dixie Line. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? Does it require an entire day? How do you personally put aside a time of rest and reflection for God?
Exodus 32
Chapter 32 reminds us how quickly what God has given us for good we can turn to evil. Without spiritual leadership the people decide to create their own altar and idol to worship. The same skills intended to create the Tent of Meeting and all the items for the priests are used to create a golden Calf. The same gold and silver from Egypt are used to make the idol.
What strikes me is how quickly the spiritual temperature of the nation of Israel turned. It is a warning for me to not let too much time go by without reading my Bible or spending time with other believers. I need to stay focused on my relationship with God because I can easily become distracted. I can start to follow my own plans. Are you using the talents and resources God has given you for his plans or your own?
Psalm 41
It was written by David during a time when life was not going well. He was seriously ill. He believed it was a result of sin in his life. He felt like all his friends had turned on him. In some ways David was throwing a pity party. The encouraging aspect of this Psalm is that David turns to God for mercy and help. It reminds me that when life is not going the way I want it to go I need to refocus on God. Is there anything in my life I need to address so that I am doing life God’s way.
Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes 10 is a chapter of sayings that hold one common theme: be wise! As I read the chapter I can’t help but have a picture of 16 or 17 year old guys learning things the hard way. Having been one, I can say with confidence that often during the teen years guys come up with what they think great ideas or plans that in theory are awesome and in practice not so good. I can remember when some of my friends and I thought having a Roman Candle fireworks battle was a good idea. I wish someone older and wiser would have been around to stop that idea. We almost burnt a house down. This chapter reminds us to think first before acting or speaking. In both of these areas I need to continue to grow. How about you?
Acts 20
In Acts 20 we find Paul planning his return to Jerusalem. He knew that life was about to get harder. God had given him the insight that prison and suffering awaited him. Even knowing this he goes forward with his plans. It is reminiscent of Jesus talking to the disciples the night before his crucifixion. He wants the very best for them. He warns them that there will be challenges ahead and people that want to destroy the church. Being faithful and following through with God’s plans is the most important value of Paul’s life. I hope that at the end of my life I will be able to look back and see that I have kept the faith and run the race God had set before me.
This chapter is broken into two separate topics. The first is God’s instructions to Moses regarding the creation of the Tent of Meetings, the Ark of the Covenant and all the furniture and garments for the priests. Two thoughts strike me about this passage. The first is about how detailed God’s planning was. God identifies the people for Moses’ that he has gifted to create the items. He has also given the artist all the materials from the Egyptians to create the items. It reminds me that God is a God of organization and structure. When it comes to God, events are not random but intentional. It is seen in this chapter and all over the Bible. God has given us instructions for life. The challenge is our willingness and unwillingness to live life God’s way. It makes me ask how am I doing at following God’s instructions?
The second half of the chapter focus’s on the Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath has always been a puzzle to me. Most of us have reduced it to a couple of hours at church on Sunday. When I was growing up my family would once a year go visit my mother’s family in Alabama. Let me say the South is another country. I noticed that on Sunday’s all the stores were closed. In Chicago where we lived the stores were open. My Dad explained that they had “Blue Laws”. Blue Laws were designed to enforce religious life, in this case keeping the Sabbath. Over the last 40 years the south has become more sophisticated. The Blue Laws were deemed unconstitutional and now you can shop till you drop on Sundays even south of the Mason Dixie Line. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath? Does it require an entire day? How do you personally put aside a time of rest and reflection for God?
Exodus 32
Chapter 32 reminds us how quickly what God has given us for good we can turn to evil. Without spiritual leadership the people decide to create their own altar and idol to worship. The same skills intended to create the Tent of Meeting and all the items for the priests are used to create a golden Calf. The same gold and silver from Egypt are used to make the idol.
What strikes me is how quickly the spiritual temperature of the nation of Israel turned. It is a warning for me to not let too much time go by without reading my Bible or spending time with other believers. I need to stay focused on my relationship with God because I can easily become distracted. I can start to follow my own plans. Are you using the talents and resources God has given you for his plans or your own?
Psalm 41
It was written by David during a time when life was not going well. He was seriously ill. He believed it was a result of sin in his life. He felt like all his friends had turned on him. In some ways David was throwing a pity party. The encouraging aspect of this Psalm is that David turns to God for mercy and help. It reminds me that when life is not going the way I want it to go I need to refocus on God. Is there anything in my life I need to address so that I am doing life God’s way.
Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes 10 is a chapter of sayings that hold one common theme: be wise! As I read the chapter I can’t help but have a picture of 16 or 17 year old guys learning things the hard way. Having been one, I can say with confidence that often during the teen years guys come up with what they think great ideas or plans that in theory are awesome and in practice not so good. I can remember when some of my friends and I thought having a Roman Candle fireworks battle was a good idea. I wish someone older and wiser would have been around to stop that idea. We almost burnt a house down. This chapter reminds us to think first before acting or speaking. In both of these areas I need to continue to grow. How about you?
Acts 20
In Acts 20 we find Paul planning his return to Jerusalem. He knew that life was about to get harder. God had given him the insight that prison and suffering awaited him. Even knowing this he goes forward with his plans. It is reminiscent of Jesus talking to the disciples the night before his crucifixion. He wants the very best for them. He warns them that there will be challenges ahead and people that want to destroy the church. Being faithful and following through with God’s plans is the most important value of Paul’s life. I hope that at the end of my life I will be able to look back and see that I have kept the faith and run the race God had set before me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
