Fall 2011

Facebook Status Updates

18-Aug-11: Adrianne likes Psalm 74: God is my King..u crush the heads of Leviathan to give food to desert creatures..The day is yours & also the night; u establish the sun & moon..u made summer & winter.Remember the nation you purchased…whom you redeemed..Turn your steps toward these ruins, the destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary. // Lord, Jesus’ blood redeems all. Crush what puts us in ruin. Give food to all who need to hear your voice. Help us rebuild what is yours for the glory of our Savior.

19-Aug-11: Adrianne confesses mild irritation Thurs in a checkout line. All was well, but my patience was tested. In Lu6, Jesus sees a man w/a shriveled hand &says: Get up &stand in front of everyone. When someone offers help, requested or not, it can seem like standing in front. Prov19 reads: A person’s wisdom yields patience. Hopefully, I got some patience w/my merchandise. Lord, u r in control; thank-u 4 healing that leads 2your peace. Fear of the LORD leads 2 life; then 1 rests content, untouched by trouble~P19

20-Aug-11: Adrianne is impressed Granny reset her Yahoo password though a typo caused some grief. In Lu7, Jesus says: among those born of women none is gr8er than John. TheBaptist did what he was given 2do &arrived @ Herod’s jail. He asked if Jesus was the 1, so maybe he wondered if he’d made a typo. Pr20 reads, Man’s steps r ordained by the LORD; how then can man understand his way? Thank-u Jesus 4 miracles seen &heard. If in doubt I ask, Has God forgotten 2 b merciful?..I will remember the deeds of the LORD~Ps77.

21-Aug-11: Adrianne’s excited to start AWANA again & hopes to train a bit more for the Zoo Zoom. Blog updated – Gits of God: Legs, Hips, & Feet @ http://adriannecrouse.wordpress.com/. Have a great day!

22-Aug-11: Adrianne was surprised Helen got nervous on stairs &might’ve thought she wanted attention if she’d been stubborn b4. 2often impatient, I was glad 2recall a fear of bleachers. In L9, Samaritans dont welcome Jesus walking 2Jerusalem. They worship elsewhere & r maybe nervous a/b a new direction. The disciples say: Should we call down fire from heaven 2burn them up? Jesus rebukes them. Lord when I’m quick 2accuse, show me my fear &remind me:1 who loves a pure heart &speaks w/grace has the King 4 a friend~P22

23-Aug-11: Adrianne’s uncomfortable w/a job task requiring guesswork. I realized I foolishly try 2guess how the Lord works in our lives but avoided crunching #s fearing I’ll b wrong. Later, I leisurely drove 2the Y but didn’t give up my treadmill 2 a lady waiting. In Lu10, Martha is agitated by Mary listening 2 Jesus while she is working. Jesus tells Martha: only 1 thing is necessary..Mary chose the good part. Lord, 4give my being distracted by preparations. “Sing 4 joy 2 God our strength!” You remove the burden.

24-Aug-11: Adrianne thinks honoring the Sabbath can b difficult. For me, trying 2 live 24/7 likely contributed 2 issues over the yrs. Leviticus23 mandates festivals include days of rest: u shall humble your souls. W/o stopping my routine, I won’t c my need 4 God. Psa83 says of nations desiring 2take possession of God’s pasturelands: Cover their faces w/shame..so they’ll seek your name. Jesus tells us 2 pray: Give us each day our daily bread. Lord, thank-u 4 days of rest &prayer reminding me u alone r the Most High.

25-Aug-11: Adrianne survived leaving Helen in the big kid’s room @ church. I watched the service from the lobby b/c I walked in 2 hear: terrible mother, your child will b taken. Psa84 reads: Blessed r those who dwell in your house; they r ever praising u. A twisted flow of negativity often tries 2 drive me from the House of God. Jesus says whoever acknowledges me b4 others, I will acknowledge b4 the angels of God. Thank-u Jesus your Word was given to me by praise filled believers. How lovely is your dwelling place!

26-Aug-11: Adrianne’s excited a/b a 5K run on Sat but will miss my routine @ the YMCA. I need 2 get in the heat &crowd for this joy 2 grow a purpose. Jesus tells of a caretaker who says of a barren fig tree: leave it alone 1 more year..I’ll fertilize it. If it bears no fruit, it’ll b cut down. Jesus, my caretaker, thank-u 4 life & opportunity. Help my activities b fruitful in your purpose. Have mercy on me, Lord..I will glorify your name 4ever..Great is your love..u’ve delivered me..from the realm of the dead~Ps86

27-Aug-11: Adrianne praises God Irene lost strength.Gustav hit b4 a ZooZoom5k. I’ve prepared as I could 4 todays run. In Numbers2, Israelites prepare 4 a journey. The Lord puts tribes in divisions, assigns leaders &arranges them around the tabernacle. He knows their names, #, &position. Jesus tells crowds: those who don’t give up everything can’t b my disciples. The tribes left Egypt..not 2wander the desert 4ever. Yahweh has plans. Praise God who knows our names, postions us around His House &leads us as we follow.

28-Aug-11: Adrianne is about to be late for church. As a greeter, I used to really wonder about all those late people. Good thing I’m not a greeter now. Blog updated: Storms, Circumstances, and Evacuations at http://adriannecrouse.wordpress.com/.

29-Aug-11: Adrianne chose the VTech Laptop 4 Helen over the Notebook. I didn’t want 1 more complicated than what she’d have patience 2use. Sometimes my focus is 2much on what she’ll play w/alone. Proverbs29 reads, Discipline your children &they’ll give u peace. I believe in the rod but 4get @times discipline means instruction &exercise. Jesus says 1 faithful w/ little is also faithful w/much. Lord, teach me 2 see the brevity of life so I grow in wisdom..Help my choices meet your approval so my efforts r successful.

30-Aug-11: Adrianne’s pepping up 2 practice piano w/Helen 10 min/day. Repetition helps, & watching her learn is exciting. Numbers7 details 12 leaders bringing gifts b4 the journey 2 a new land begins.Offerings r described 13times. The repetition reminds me we serve God. Jesus says in Lk17 2 prepare 4the day He returns: 4give each other, have faith &do your duty. Lately as I struggle w/my duties, I c harshness towards others fade &know I need God. He says: I’ll protect those who trust in my name~Ps91. Praise Jesus!

31-Aug-11: Adrianne didn’t chauffeur an old friend. I prayed a/b what 2say &gave some embarrassing personal testimony. W/ decisions, I’d like 2 find agreement in the Word, trusted advice, circumstances &peace. Numb9-10 tell how Israelites leave camp when a trumpet signals the cloud lifting from the tabernacle: Moses’ words, the trumpeteer’s agreement &the peace of God moving. Lord, thank-u 4 circumstances that move me or 4 peace 2 stay per your will. 4give me when I get it wrong. God, have mercy on me, a sinner~L18

1-Sep-11: Adrianne was a/b 2start a 2nd treadmill cycle when a guest said the time limit could b changed. I noted the code but,praise God, later asked the Y if they approved. I could do damage, &2day avoiding mistakes pleases me. I love Pro1 on wisdom: the waywardness of the simple kills..but who listens 2me lives in safety. Jesus says of wise investments: 2 every1 who has, more is given. Lord, I need wisdom so my actions invest in your ways. U grant relief from days of trouble..your unfailing love supports me~P94

2-Sep-11: Adrianne munched thru a job task blessed w/ fresh insight & less anxious a/b the results of analysis. I knew I was redoing what I did b4 but w/ new info & a better attitude. In Numbers14, Israelites won’t enter the promised land b/c giants r seen; God says they’ll wander until a generation of doubters dies out. Maybe my outlook needed a change b4 I proceeded. Jesus says, fall on me & b broken or b crushed when the stone falls on u~Lk20 Lord, 4give me 4 losing faith that u r in contol. Thank-u 4 progress!

3-Sep-11: Adrianne is praying a/b what 2 buy later as Lee approaches. My mind is quick 2 justify decisions w/o pause 4 prayer. Moses, when accused, falls facedown &says: let’s bring this b4 God. Unneeded store items don’t have 2 b swallowed by the ground. The Lord helps me overlook candy & disregard sales pitches. Jesus says: B always watchful..pray u r able 2 stand b4 the Son of Man. Lately 2 quiet my justifications, I picture myself alone b4 Jesus, w/o excuse. Thank-u God 4 hearing my voice &my prayer for mercy!

4-Sep-11: Adrianne’s glad LSU won. I’m not a sports fan but praise God 4 athletic gifts, drive, &team spirit especially after discouragement. Hopefully other players &younger hopefulls grow from Aug’s incident. In Lk22, the Lord warns Peter he’ll b tested &falter: Satan asked 2 sift all of u as wheat. But I’ve prayed your faith not fail, &when u turn back, strengthen your brothers. Thank-u Jesus 4 prayers enabling us 2turn back. U bring us thru trials better able 2serve. Rejoice in the LORD &praise His holy name!

5-Sep-11: Adrianne praises God 4 holidays, workers,&stable jobs. Numbers23 tells of a king asking a diviner 2 curse God’s people but hears only blessings. Not b/c their ratings r so gr8: the new nation was just told 2wander the desert &will soon b plagued 4 sin. They’re blessed b/c God’s will is done thru them; His promise is voiced by a thief on the cross: We r punished justly..but Jesus has done no wrong~Lk24. Lord, your right hand &holy arm worked salvation 4 us~P98. I receive my blessing &celebrate your labor!

6-Sep-11: Adrianne used my heart monitor 4 an outdoor workout. I enjoyed running b4, but my new start’s been mostly on a treadmill. In Numbers26, Israelites r recounted &doubters have died off. The new ones r GPS enabled, ready 2go. Jesus’ disciples call Him Lord &ask a/b heaven but @ 1st reject the good news that He’s alive. Jesus says it’ll happen in Lk18. God is good though; He offers fresh starts &time 4 belief 2 settle. Today I pray God’s goodness appears in new form 2 all who need knowledge of &faith in Him.

7-Sep-11: Adrianne ?& Helen made Presto Dot figures together. So many things compete w/my attention 2 her, it was nice 4 us 2 b @ the kitchen table where we rarely sit. Numbers28 gives instructions 4 offerings; young Israelites learn 2 spend time w/God & r tied together as a family. John1 says of Jesus: 2 those who believe in His name, He gave the right 2 become children of God. B/c of Jesus, my offering is from the heart. I’m glad 2 believe &enter His courts w/praise..4the LORD is good &His love endures 4ever~P100

8-Sep-11: Adrianne dogs r collarless b/c a toenail got caught on a tag ring. I happened 2b close praise God. My vet might clip nails or show me how, but I need 2call soon. In Jn2 when Jesus turns water 2 wine, the servants know but not the host or other guests. All enjoy the drink but few realize the Lord acted on their behalf. I also 4get He silently supplies my needs, pointing me in right directions. Lord, your wisdom is better than fine gold. When I call on u, I rejoice in your presence &delight in mankind~Pro8

9-Sep-11: Adrianne is glad for my sweet little girl, & thank God it’s Friday! Blog updated: Babies and Births @ http://adriannecrouse.wordpress.com/.

10-Sep-11: Adrianne’s glad 4 AWANA on Sunday. Last time, an experiment in free fall motion showed how God’s love is impartial 2 physical traits ect..AWANA is open 2 any1, &every week they recite a new scripture. The book IDs key words as a learning tool: S is 4 Savior in 1Jn4:14. Psalm103 says the LORD’s love is w/those who keep His covenant–belief in His Son. Jesus says, God is spirit, &those who worship Him must worship in spirit &truth. Knowing God’s Word helps confirm my spirit 2 His teachings. S is 4 Savior!

11-Sep-11: Adrianne praises God 4 heroic acts by so many on 9/11 &prays 4 all whose lives were torn apart. God is such an awesome creator; He turns grief &ruin into redeeming brotherhood. In #s35, God says build cities of refuge 2 avoid innocent bloodshed. Our Lord is a preparer of salvation. Jesus promises: who hears my word &believes Him who sent me..has crossed from death to life. Lord, I praise u 4 rebuilding what evil tries 2 destroy. When u send your Spirit, we r created..u renew the face of the ground~Ps104.

12-Sep-11: Adrianne got 2 meet a friendly 5th grader from Helen’s school &his mom @ AWANA. She mentioned him a few times not knowing his name. I wanted 2ask an adult who he was. By grace, I waited. De1-2 &Ps105 tell of God leading the Israelites: Look 2 the LORD &His strength..Remember the wonders He’s done. Praise God, He doesnt need my worry 2 intervene. Jesus says: Who comes 2 me will never hunger &who believes in me wil never thirst. Lord, thank-u that your word reveals your faithfulness. U r the bread of life!

13-Sep-11: Adrianne baked cookies. Once Helen asked why our fast food took longer. I said they need 2 cook it. She asked, Why? I don’t like 2 cook but know my activities feed her development. Jesus says: Who believes in me..rivers of living water will flow from within them. Listeners don’t know He means His Spirit but some who believe His miracles &trust His word r ready 2 receive. I’m glad 4 scripture, prayer &worship that feed my development, preparing me 2 receive. Lord, I believe your promise &sing your praise!

14-Sep-11: Adrianne’s choosing music 4 Helen 2 bring 4 “M” day. Her favorites include loud drummy songs &God Rocks. She hears her Bible verses in God Rocks DVDs. Jesus IDs the gr8est command: Love the LORD your God w/all your heart &all your soul &all your strength(De6,Ma22). Music points us 2 something; I’m so glad 4music that builds her love 4 God. Jesus says: Who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. LORD, thank-u 4 unfailing love. Let me tell of your works w/songs of joy~Ps107

15-Sep-11: Adrianne might have reacted ungracefully 2 a quirky treadmil, but stress moved me 2 lift hands &pray in the locker room, so I was @ peace. If only I prayed more, but praise God Deu9:5 says: Not b/c of your righteousness..but on account of wickedness of other nations..the Lord will act. Our God is good &moves towards good always. Jesus says: 4 judgment I come 2 this world, so the blind will c & those who c will become blind. Lord, I believe! Help us w/ your right hand..w/ God we will gain the victory~P108

16-Sep-11: Adrianne glad for Jesus loving counselors. Blog updated: The Jesus Basket @ http://adriannecrouse.wordpress.com/.

17-Sep-11: Adrianne’s excited a/b prison ministry training. A chance 2 serve by sharing what I love is a gift. In De16, Moses reviews the law: Justice &only justice, u shall pursue. Life b4 Jesus is harsh. I’m blessed that 1200yrs later, faith survives 4 Martha 2tell Jesus after Lazarus dies: I know what U ask of God, God will give U~Jn11 Jesus says: I am the resurrection &the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies. Lord,thank-U 4 your life! Your spirit lets us pursue &receive justice w/love &mercy.

18-Sep-11: Adrianne’s still excited a/b Sat’s Kairos meeting. From the 1st song, my love 4 the Word leapt 4 joy. Deu17 instructs kings 2 copy the law &read it all their days so they may learn 2 revere the LORD. Scripture builds me daily. Ps111 reads: He provides food 4 those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant 4ever. Jesus says: I come into the world as a light so no one who believes in me should stay in darkness~Jn12 Praise Jesus, His body was broken 4 our sin. He is the Word made flesh, God’s covenant w/ us.

19-Sep-11: Adrianne planned 2 skip church but a mosquito attack on Helen interrupted my exercise. I was blessed by JaredAnderson.com’s worship &Helen’s bites went away. The pastor said self-sufficiency annoys God. In John13, Jesus commands love: As I’ve loved u, so u must love 1 another. Jesus shows love by washing their feet: Unless I wash u, u have no part w/ me. Lord Jesus, I must belong 2 u. Even in darkness light dawns..4the gracious, compassionate & righteous~P112. Wash me of attitude that separate me from u!

20-Sep-11: Adrianne ?& Helen enjoyed Lion King 3D. Simba is raised by a meerkat &hog not knowing his uncle killed his dad. His worry free philosophy is unsuspicious. Seeing God’s glory in Jesus is a process even 4 disciples in Jn14. Our Savior says: U believe in God; believe also in me. He knows our ?s & tells how: Who has my commands &keeps them loves me &will b loved by my Father..I too wil love them &show myself 2 them. His commands r in the Bible. He adds 2 our effort. He wil bless those who fear the LORD~P115.

21-Sep-11: Adrianne’s glad our lite activity schedule allows Helen 2 b on a K-5th pep squad. The teacher expressed my heart: let girls bond &develop skill w/o booty shaking or secular lyrics. Jesus says: I am the true vine &my Father the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit &prunes those that do so they’ll b even more fruitful~Jn15. LORD, thank-u 4 opportunity 4 school enrichment &teachers who lead w/ prayer. Bless the girls as they grow in skill &spirit. Help us disciple them 4 your glory.

22-Sep-11: Adrianne’s sweet nephew turned 1 Wed. The day he was born, I read today’s Deu28 where Moses lists blessings &curses 4 obeying or not. I prayed the blessings over little Ryan: http://bit.ly/qAOUHb. The curses promote Holy Spirit direction. Jesus says: Unless I go, the Advocate will not come; if I go, I’ll send Him..He will guide u. Jesus, who died 4 me, explains the Spirit of truth: from Me He receives what He makes known 2 u. Blessing! The LORD is God, &He has made His light shine on us~P118. I rejoice.

23-Sep-11: Adrianne’s glad WordPress let me update my blog in IE8 & hopes it reads well: Vessels & Versions @ http://adriannecrouse.Wordpress.com/.

24-Sep-11: Adrianne’s praying 4 self control @the goodie table. Thursdy’s cookie lesson might help. In Deu32, God tells Moses he won’t enter the promised land 4 lack of faith, a reminder 2those upholding the law til Jesus’ time. Moses says: The LORD Himself goes b4 u..He’ll never leave u nor forsake u. Jesus tells soldiers b4 His arrest: If u r looking 4 me, let these men go~Jn18. Praise God His plans succeed. Jesus goes b4 us. We r released. Lord, U put 2 death &bring 2 life..No1 can deliver out of Your hand~De32

25-Sep-11: Adrianne can’t wait 4 changes 2 begin @the Nov women’s prison weekend. Karios helps inmates form support groups 2 share the love of Christ. In Jn19, Pilate tries 2 free Jesus but fear of people overtakes fear of an unknown God. Inmates affect inmates, employees, & family outside; many r blessed by decisions rooted in love. Jesus from the cross says 2 His mother &John: Here is your son. Here is your mother. B/c of Jesus, prison & death r not the end. My comfort is this: Your promise preserves my life~P119

26-Sep-11: Adrianne saw minigolf, cookoffs, &baking contests in the church foyer. The u-can’t-ignore-this display reminded all of next week’s special time &location. B4 the cross, Jesus speaks in parables so He’s heard by who’s ready, but when He rises, the gospel is clear. He appears in a locked room 2 show His wounds: Stop doubting &believe~Jn20. B4 He says MY Father but now He says: I ascend 2 my Father &your Father, 2 my God &your God. Lord thank-u 4 a message bigger than life. U r good, &what U do is good~P119

27-Sep-11: Adrianne ate 2 much writing a/b choices 4 Kairos. I plan 2 fast a bit mulling it over. I love exercise &will soon. @ LSU, I might’ve done better w/less time @ the Y. Like a yard swing, I twist 1 direction &the Lord turns me the other-untwisting ropes 2 free me. Life’s not a swingset so praise God He’s gentle. Peter denied Jesus 3 times; in Jn21 Jesus asks 3x: Do u love me? Peter is grieved, but the reprise is among hope-ers not haters. Lord help me make right choices. Your words r sweeter than honey~P119

28-Sep-11: Adrianne read of a woman who chooses God in prison. She attends a Kairos weekend, finds strength in prayer &share groups, &survives in the free world. In Joshua7, Achan is stoned w/his sons &daughters after his theft brings death 2 36 men. W/o Jesus, sin &punishment r victorious. In Acts2, God’s plan 4 good is revealed. Peter tells onlookers Jesus is alive: He’s received from the Father the Holy Spirit &poured out what u c &hear. Lord, thank-u 4 your marvelous promise. U make known the paths of life~P119

29-Sep-11: Adrianne needs 2 get crackin on IPv6 reading. The new address scheme lets IPv6 enabled toasters connect 2 the internet -if IT admins choose 2 use that function. W/ IPv4, the toaster must 1st b on a network. In Joshua9, Gibeon knows Israel will slaughter them; they trick their way on the network but r firewalled (that’s NAT). In Acts3, Peter calls on Jesus 2 heal a lame man: By faith in the name of Jesus, this man u c &know is made strong. The power is available! Holy Spirit, help me rely on Jesus today.

30-Sep-11: Adrianne likes baking experiments but Sat I hope 2 make perfect Kairos cookies. They must b standard size 2 fit 4 in 1qt ziplocks b/c inmates treasure them 4months. The cookies must b whole &beautiful not burnt or broken b/c we r sharing God’s love which is perfect. I need 480 so if u’d like 2 help, plz message me. LORD, your angel says: stand in the courts &tell people a/b this new life~Ac5 Thank-u 4 ways 2share your love. I rejoice in your promise like 1 who finds great spoil~P119 http://bit.ly/qdYGAg

1-Oct-11: Adrianne left the Y cuz the testosterone was way out of balance &hopes 2 c more ladies 2day. Praise God 4 equilibrium. In Act6, men r selected 2 give food so ministry goes uninterrupted. On a Kairos weekend, women counsel women, but men help w/meals allowing couples 2work together. Inmates find hope in the ways of God knowing delicious meals r prepared by men. P121 reads: The LORD watches over u..the sun will not harm u by day, nor the moon by night. Thank-u God 4 harmony. U watch over our coming &going.

2-Oct-11: Adrianne ?&Helen r going 2 Bethany United 2 celebrate P Larry’s passing of the torch: http://united.bethany.com/. It’s exciting even 4 we who haven’t been w/the church long. Releasing authority 2 the new generation brings fresh hope 4 revival. I rejoiced w/ those who said 2 me, Let us go 2 the house of the LORD~P121. Lord Jesus, bless all who celebrate your authority today. Those who trust in the LORD r like Mt Zion which cannot b shaken..As the mountains surround Jerusalem so the LORD surrounds His people~P125

3-Oct-11: Adrianne was intimidated by Sun’s schedule, but Helen loved the SlipSlide @ Bethany’s party. She said it was a gr8 day. The eunuch in Acts8 reads Isaiah as he returns from worship. He doesnt know Isaiah speaks of Jesus but his effort is blessed. Philip is told: stay near his chariot. The eunuch is baptized &goes on his way rejoicing. He follows a call 2 worship, seeks more in the Word &rejoices. Lord, thank-u 4 next steps leading 2 joy in Christ. How blessed is every1 who fears U &walks in your ways~P128

4-Oct-11: Adrianne’s glad we road go-karts @ HCA night. I wasn’t 2 eager, but Helen was &praise God 4 our memories. In Joshu22, tribes build an altar of witness 2 show they all worship God lest any 4get. In Acts9, Paul, w/ sight restored, escapes in a basket. The cross of Jesus moves him 2 keep working. Lord, bless U 4 reminders of your greatness! Help me b a witness 4 you.

5-Oct-11: Adrianne saw a stray cat caretaker twice @G’mas. Possibly I looked like a good cat owner 2 her, but I can’t focus on her agenda. In Acts10, Peter’s told 2 eat reptiles, impure food 4 Israel. He says “Surely not” but God confirms His will by sending a gentile 2 hear the gospel. Peter c’s the Lord accepts who fears Him &does what is right. Joshua says b4 he dies: be very careful 2 love the Lord your God~Jo23. Lord, if my agenda doesn’t follow yours, plz give me a vision &send confirmation of your will. Thank-u Jesus!

6-Oct-11: Adrianne prays 4 God’s peace in all mourning Jobs’ passing. I like my iPhone but reading the Bible, I’m less excited a/b tech changes in the last 20yrs. The Word reminds me of God’s creation &that progress results from His giftings. I need the Word daily b/c unlike the mind, a MAC,or PC, the spirit has no memory. We c this in Jud1-3: a new generation angers God by falling into pagan ways. Praise Jesus who grants repentence leading 2 life~Acts11. Lord, your name endures 4ever, your renown thru all generations~P135.

7-Oct-11: Adrianne’s blog entries don’t get many clicks, but Wild Goats from 2days readings gets more than all combined. I wondered if it sounds hooty tooty, but knowing I didn’t mean 4 it 2 helps me receive from others when I need 2 most. In Judges5, Deborah celebrates victory. She thanks many, but the glory is God’s: When u, LORD..marched..the earth shook~v4. From the heavens the stars fought~v20. My heart is w/the willing volunteers among the people~v9. I praise you Jesus! May your Word continue 2 spread &flourish~Acts12.

8-Oct-11: Adrianne ate 3 donuts. My diet struggle testifies 2 Gideon’s words in Jud6: Lord, what can I do? I am weak. Gideon’s men surround oppressors w/horns &jars of clay. After jars r smashed, torches inside reveal Mideanites destroying each other in confusion. In Acts13, Paul carries a torch 4 the Lord telling accusers His command: I’ve made u a light. The good news: What God promised..He’s fulfilled..by raising up Jesus. Lord, in my weakness, let me hear your call &smash my will so your lite is seen. Great is your glory!

9-Oct-11: Adrianne’s glad 4 Kairos meeting encouragement on testimony &in prayer. Judges10 briefly notes 2 men who live between rulers described in gr8 detail. The Word doesn’t say what they do, only that God uses them. In Acts14, Paul returns 2 tell of Jesus after being stoned. His ministry edifies thru history, but Tola &Jair r 4ever named in the same book. Lord, I’m blessed u choose 2 use all your people. If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea..Your hand will lead me..Wonderful r Your works &my soul knows it well~P139

10-Oct-11: Adrianne’s quirky DSL is working! I usually call my cell 2 wake it up, a frustrating workaround. In Judges11, a warrior is strengthened by God but pleas 4 victory w/a devastating vow. 2 keep his word, he later sacrifices his daughter. In Acts15, some say salvation requires circumcision. Peter declares: No! It’s thru the grace of our Lord Jesus that we r saved. Almighty God, u supply my strength &my salvation. May my prayer b like incense..the lifting of my hands..sacrifice. My eyes r fixed on u, Sovereign LORD~P141

11-Oct-11: Adrianne’s blessed 2 b @ CISD & hopes 2 focus thru the afternoon w/coffee instead of desert. In Judges16, Samson reveals our God is purposeful. Blinded by captors, Samson calls on the Lord &overpowers the Philistines. His prayer aligns w/ God’s will: 2 establish a line leading 2 Jesus. Paul 2 aligns his will w/God’s. In Acts16, he &Silas share the gospel in their jailer’s home & later insist they b freed in a righteous manner. Teach me to do your will, 4 U r my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground~P143

12-Oct-11: Adrianne’s grateful Helen’s pep squad leader helped her change 4 practice. I arrived during the warmup. When Helen saw, she pointed &told her friend: My mommy’s here. In Acts17, Athenians ask Paul a/b his new idea. Paul says: your altar 2 an unknown God is 4 the creator of the world who made all nations from 1 man. God did this so they’d seek Him &perhaps reach out 4 Him &find Him. Praise b 2 the LORD my Rock~P144. U r not unknown! U’ve made me your offspring thru Christ Jesus. In Him we live &move &have our being.

13-Oct-11: Adrianne missed Wed church. Recorded messages r not the same as being in the house but can edify &grow love 4the Word. Psa145 tells how the faithful nourish each other: 1 generation commends your works 2 another..They tell of the power of your awesome works & I will proclaim your great deeds. In Acts18, Priscilla &Aquila hear a fervent talk by 1 who doesn’t fully know Jesus’ gift. Apollo receives their message &becomes a help. Lord, thank-u 4 grace 2 believe. I praise u so all may know..the splendor of your kingdom.

14-Oct-11: Adrianne’s excited a/b Sat’s Kairos meeting &hopes 4 some treadmill time. In Acts19, a silversmith fears the gospel of Christ will hurt his business; he provokes people 2 accuse Paul. The power of God is seen in the rescue: a goddess supporter dismisses the assembly. In Ruth, Naomi is blessed by her Moabite daughter in law. Lord, thank-u 4 revelations of your Almightiness. U determine the # of stars &call them each by name..U send your command 2 earth & spread snow like wool..U stir up breezes &the waters flow~P147

15-Oct-11: Adrianne &Helen had a gr8 time w/friends @ SkateGalaxy. We r so blessed. My Kairos talk highlights some not so good decisions, but praise God, we have choices. In Ruth4, the ladies r joyful Boaz redeems them. Praise God, we have choices &Christ Jesus redeems us from the bad 1s. In Acts20, Paul returns 2 Jerusalem despite prior attempts on his life. His choice 2 endure much hardship further reveals what the Lord suffered 4 us. Let us rejoice in our Maker &praise His name w/dancing..He takes delight in His people~P149

16-Oct-11: Adrianne’s glad 4 prison volunteer do’s &donts. In 1Sam3, young Samuel must tell his mentor his thieving sons will b punished. Their rebellion &the grief it causes might impress Samuel who grows in the knowledge of God. In Acts21, Paul is undetered by warnings of danger. A vessel 4 Jesus’ healing power, Paul’s seen face 2 face the glory of Christ resurrected. His experience of God trumps a spirit of doubt. Lord, I pray your Word reveals experience of U &brings glory 2 our Savior. There is no Rock like our God~1Sa2.

17-Oct-11: Adrianne hollored harshly @ my sweet girl while tired. After I was thankfully refreshed 2 comfort her. In 1Sam4, the captured ark brings tumors &death 2 Philistines: the outcry of the city went up 2 heaven. When our faith is not in God, He still hears our call 4 mercy. The apostle Paul’s testimony of salvation begins as any other. Ananias says: & now what r u waiting 4? Get up, b baptized &wash your sins away, calling on His name~Acts22. Lord, let the light of your face shine on us. U’ve put gladness in my heart~Ps4

18-Oct-11: Adrianne’s glad 4 joy in the Word. The Lord tells Paul: Take courage! As u have testified a/b me…so u MUST also testify in Rome. God gives courage, & His plan is accomplished as my heart seeks Him. He adds whats good 2 the secure foundation He lays, but sometimes a redesign is needed 2 lead His people 2 heaven. In 1Sam6, a cow leaves her calves 2 return the ark 2 Israel. The suffering is temporary, &the redesign allows many 2 believe in the God who gives life. Lord, let all who take refuge in U ever sing 4 joy~Ps5

19-Oct-11: Adrianne treadmill’d, Helen cheered, &we swam. Blessings change, & joy is from the Lord. Saul, in 1Sam9, is told he’ll b king. Despite reluctance, he c’s victory, but his reign is unstable. In Acts24, Paul declares: I believe everything in the Law &in the Prophets, & I’ve the same hope in God as these. While in jail, he shares the gospel. His joy &hope r not in the present but in eternal victory won by Christ Jesus on the cross. Pro4 says: guard your heart 4 all u do flows from it. Lord, thank-u 4 faith in your way!

20-Oct-11: Adrianne’s glad for the blood of Jesus. In Acts25, Gov Felix tries 2 name the charges against Paul. Nothing’s found b/c Paul leads a lifestyle of repentence as a follower of Jesus. Samuel, long b4, tells Israel: do not turn away from the LORD..b/c the LORD was pleased 2 make u His own..fear the LORD, serve Him faithfully &consider what great things He’s done~1Sa12 Praise God 4 making us His own by sending us His Son,our Savior. Lord, those who know your name trust in U for U have never forsaken those who seek U~Ps9

21-Oct-11: Adrianne admires Jonathan’s courage in 1Sam14. Saul’s son c’s an enemy outpost & seeks God’s favor: Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving..by many or by few. In Acts26, Paul suggests the king will accept his testimony b/c God’s work is not done in a corner: I pray all who listen may become what I am except 4 these chains. Lord, your wonders do not escape our notice. May the perfect love of Christ Jesus act on our behalf. Your Word is flawless..like gold refined 7 times~Ps12

22-Oct-11: Adrianne’s thinking of ways 2 recruit prayers 4 Nov4. David’s courage in 1Sam17 inspires: the battle is the LORD’s. Goliaths claim we r powerless &defeated but Phil4 says: I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. Faith in Jesus is a joy 2 share b/c it reveals God’s goodness &power. In Acts27, Paul’s ship sinks but all reach land safely. Our God desires the shipwrecked come 2 shore. I call on U, my God 4 U will answer..hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your gr8 love, U who save by your right hand~P17

23-Oct-11: Adrianne’s excited a/b Kairos Nov 3rd. In 1Sam18-19, Saul plots 2 take David’s life. 1st he’s sneaky, but the Lord reveals his intent &David escapes. Saul, w/o the Lord’s guidance, is bound by fear. Like many in prison, right choices elude him. Paul is bound by a guard but has many freedoms; he proclaims the Lord boldly w/o hindrance~Acts28. Some choices r not free 2 us but praise God 4 1s that lead us 2 Jesus. He guides me along right paths~P23 Those who seek the LORD will praise Him—may your hearts live 4ever~P22

24-Oct-11: Adrianne bagged 12 dozen precut cookies. Some were 2 small & got extra dough. Todays NT readings move 2 the epistles. The gospel invites, & Acts excitedly reveals Jesus’ victory 4 us on the cross. Transitioning 2 church formation is like reporting 4 duty @ a desired job: harsh @ times but full of God’s love. When David, anointed slayer of 10,000s, flees from Saul, he finds bread &sword in a temple. Of God’s provisioning he says: There is none like it~1Sa20. Lord, guide me in your truth &teach me..my hope is in U~P25

25-Oct-11: Adrianne’s glad 4 prayer &share tonight. In 1Sam22, 400 disgruntled men join David. While in a cave, he refuses 2 slay Saul: the LORD forbid I do such a thing. The psalmist cares not 2 impress an army or gain a kingdom but 2 please the heart of God. Praise Jesus, I need not b David or a prophet 2 choose to honor God. Paul writes in Rom4: we must trust in Him who makes even evil people right..God accepts their faith, &makes them right w/Him. The LORD is the strength of His people..b our shepherd &carry us 4ever~Ps28

26-Oct-11: Adrianne might b nervous a/b going 2 prison but is 2 distracted by agape preparation. 1Sam25 shows God’s grace. David’s mercy toward Saul is lost when a neighbor refuses 2 help him. As he prepares 4 bloodshed, the Lord sends a peace offering. David’s faith in God’s ways changes his course. Rom5 says: While we were still sinners, Christ died 4 us. Praise Jesus, my sin isn’t deemed unworthy of mercy. Lord, forgive me if I show compassion to 1 but not another. By your love, I may b a slave 2 goodness living only 4 God.

27-Oct-11: Adrianne’s glad 4 the psalms. In 1Sam27, David offers 2 serve a Philistine: If I’ve found favor in your eyes, let a place b assigned 2 me in a country town. Finding a place 2 serve as we seek God follows Jesus’ model too. Rom8 says: By sending his Son as an offering, God used a human life to destroy sin so we can live righteously by the Spirit..W/ that Spirit we cry out: Father. Psalmists often cry “Father.” By faith in Christ as His Son, we 2 can cry out Father & b heard: Blessed is the 1 whose sins r forgiven~P32

28-Oct-11: Adrianne’s plans 2 jog were thwarted when Helen needed cheer encouragement. In 1Sam30, David’s camp is attacked. W/ God’s blessing, he retaliates & insists “what God has given” b split among all men. Elsewhere, Saul’s death opens the throne 4 him. Rom9 speaks of fairness: humans have no right to ? God, the Potter. Lord, thank-u 4 success in your design. U make me right w/ U when I believe in my heart U raised Jesus from the dead. I declare this & so I am saved..Any1 who trusts in God will never b disappointed~Rom10

29-Oct-11: Adrianne would go 2 the Y @lunch more if I could get 2 work earlier. Rom11 soothes me: God has given all people over 2 their stubborn ways so He can show mercy 2 all. Struggles that don’t show our strength in Christ well could b vessels of mercy 4 who won’t receive our testimony. Not that I should give up the fight! It is written: offer your lives as a living sacrifice 2 Him. Your offering must b only 4 God &pleasing 2 Him..B joyful b/c u have hope. B patient..pray @all times~Rom12. Praise Jesus 4 hope! God is good!

30-Oct-11: Adrianne is glad 4 the WWW. In 2S4, bandits behead Saul’s son not knowing Judah’s king honors the govt God institutes. David executes them as he did Saul’s killer. When he laments a commander’s death, all r pleased &know the king had no part in murder. Israel is united. Paul says avoid sin but b sure opinions do not weaken a believer’s faith: Live right w/God, peace &joy in the HolySpirit. Any1 who serves Christ this way pleases God &will b accepted by others~R13-14. Lord, may all who seek U rejoice &b glad in U~P40

31-Oct-11: Adrianne can’t wait 2 go 2 LCIW Thurs. 2Sam6-8 reminds me our God is a giver of 2nd chances. King David rejoices as the ark is brought 2 Jerusalem after a 1st attempt fails. The Lord later tells David his house &kingdom will endure 4ever; God’s promise is fullfilled in Christ Jesus. Rom15 says: the Scriptures give us patience &encouragement so we can have hope. We see God’s promises fullfilled again&again from Noah to Isaac to David. 2day I pray the God who gives hope fills u w/much joy &peace while u trust in Him!

1-Nov-11: Adrianne is inspired by 2Sam9-11. David shares his home w/Saul’s lame grandson &later falls into sin w/Bathsheba. God’s promise 2 David resembles that 2 us in Christ: God, who’s called u into fellowship w/His Son, Jesus our Lord, is faithful~1Cor1. Sin hardens hearts but David invites mercy 2 his home w/Mephibosheth, the adopted son who dines @the kings table. Pr9 says: Who fosters love covers an offense. Praise God 4 what leads me 2 repent & 4 Jesus’ blood 2 cover my sin so I may dine @the kings table. God is good!

2-Nov-11: Adrianne needs grace 4 traffic court. In 2S12-13, David suffers. He weeps &worships, &his house endures. Psa46 is of Korah, those swallowed by earth after rebellion against Moses~Num16: There’s a river whose streams make glad the city of God. God is w/in her, she will not fall; God will help her @ break of day. Belief in Jesus joins us to that holy river. Angels rejoice when 1 sinner repents~L15. Paul ?s: Don’t u know u r God’s temple &His Spirit lives in u? Lord, let your presence flow. Help me make glad your city!

3-Nov-11: Adrianne is glad 4 blessed structure. In 2S15, David’s son garners support 2 overtake Israel. The king leaves. God promised his family would always have the throne, &his own son conspires 4 it. David tells a supporter: Take the ark back..If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, He’ll let me c it & His dwelling place again. In 1C6, Paul ?s Christians 2 settle disputes rather than b poor witnesses: Why not let yourselves b wronged? W/in your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love..b our guide even to the end~P48

4-Nov-11: Adrianne is excited 2 b w/the Kairos ladies. In 1S18, David asks 4 gentleness towards his rebellious son. He’s more concerned 4 the 1 who strays than the 99 who remain. He grieves: O my son Absalom..Would I had died instead of u. Psa49 reads: Truly no man can ransom another or give God the price of his life 4 the ransom..is costly &can never suffice. Praise Jesus who paid our ransom! 1C8 says: b careful your freedom does not cause the weak in faith 2 fall into sin. Lord, help my presence 2day lead your children home!

5-Nov-11: Adrianne is grateful 4 the gift of Jesus’ Spirit. In 2S20, Joab defeats a rebel per David’s orders but 1st rashly slays a warrior the king chose 4 service. Psa50 reads: Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, & 2 the blameless I will show my salvation. We r made blameless by the blood of Christ. Calling on Jesus as Lord invokes HolySpirit power 2 help us choose right in the battlefield. 1C10 tells us: u can trust God who’ll not permit u 2 b tempted more than u can stand but will give u a way 2 escape. Hallelujah!

6-Nov-11: Adrianne is glad 4 victory in overtime. Paul tells Christians 2 b team players: if 1 part of our body is shamed or honored, all other parts share in it~1C11-12. In 2Sam21, Israel’s team suffers b/c Saul afflicted the Gibeonites. David asks their leader: how shall I make atonement that u may bless the heritage of the LORD? Christ Jesus atoned 4 our sin on the cross. We r now in OT, but the victory is ours! I was sinful @ birth..Yet U desired faithfulness.Cleanse me & I’ll b clean..wash me &I’ll b whiter than snow~P51

7-Nov-11: Adrianne was overwhelmed by Christian sisterhood @the women’s prison. In 2S24, David chooses Israel’s punishment: Let us fall in the hands of the LORD 4 His mercy is gr8 but do not let me fall into human hands(see Isaiah10). 1C13 says our gifts r acivated by love &useless w/o. Our selfcheck 4 love goes on until we r perfected in heaven: Now I know a part, but then I’ll know fully as God has known me..faith,hope,& love continue 4ever, &the gr8est is love. I trust in God’s unfailing love 4ever &ever~P52. Praise Jesus!

8-Nov-11: Adrianne loves 1C15′s words on transformation: In Adam we all die..in Christ all will b made alive..But every1 will b raised in the right order. Christ was 1st..When Christ returns, those who belong 2 Him will b raised 2 life. In 1King2, David tells Solomon: bring justice 2 the guilty. The new king tells Shimai 2 stay put or die; he wanders &is killed. Solomon’s rule is established. In covenant, order is significant. Lord Jesus, I praise U 4 U have delivered me from death so I may walk b4 God in the lite of life~P56

9-Nov-11: Adrianne is glad 4 strong foundations. In 1K3-5, God grants Solomon wisdom.The king designs a magnificent temple 4 Him.The nation promised 2 Abraham grows. Solomon wrote: a trustworthy messenger refreshes the spirit of his master~P25. I’m glad 4 who refreshes God’s spirit. Paul says: The yes 2 all God’s promises is in Christ &thru Christ we say yes 2the glory of God..God is who makes us strong in Christ..He put His Spirit in our hearts..a guarantee of all He’s promised~2C1 Praise God 4 Jesus, Rock of our foundation!

10-Nov-11: Adrianne praises God 4 His glory. In 1K6, as the temple is built, the Lord promises Solomon He’ll b w/him as He promised David. Worship encourages us in the ways of God. 1Co3 says w/o Christ, God’s glory is covered in our minds: But when a person changes &follows the Lord,the covering is taken..The Lord is the Spirit &where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom..We all show the Lord’s glory..we r changed 2 b like Him. I sing of your strength..I sing of your love 4 U r my fortress..my God on whom I can rely~P59

11-Nov-11: Adrianne is glad 4 new shoes. In 2C5-6, Paul talks of trading in earthly tents 4 heavenly bodies. Whether shoes or cars, our apparatus show ourselves as imitators of God, our heavenly Father. Praise Jesus who enables us 2 graduate from training &rejoin our Creator in retirement. Paul says:We speak 4 Christ when we beg u 2 b @ peace w/God. Christ had no sin but God made him bcome sin so by faith in Christ we can bcome right w/God. LORD, I long 2 dwell in your tent 4ever 4 U give me the heritage of those who fear U~P61

12-Nov-11: Adrianne is believing 4 a quick foot healing. Adjusting my Y routine is not terrible, but 1Ki10-11 offers insight 4 trials: the Queen of Sheba tests Solomon w/hard ?s. The king’s answers please her, &they exchange gifts. Then she left: it will end! Lord, help me reap the benefit of change &b gracious, as the Lord Jesus is gracious. In 2Cor7-8, Paul tells the church he’s pleased by their response 2 correction: though I wrote 2 u, it was neither b/c of the wrong-doer nor the injured party, but rather that b4 God u could c 4 yourselves how devoted u r. By this we r encouraged. Pr28 says: Blessed is the 1 who trembles b4 God but who hardens their heart finds trouble. Surely the lowborn r but a breath, the highborn r but a lie..If weighed on a balance, they r nothing..Power belongs 2 U God, & w/ U Lord is unfailing love~P62

13-Nov-11: Adrianne is reminded by 1King12-14 that truth is strange. Rehoboam & Jeroboam rule, invite the wrath of God, & have sons named Abijah. Solomon’s 200 gold shields r taken to Egypt, but David’s great grandson becomes King to fullfill the Lord’s promise. When all appears lost, the Word holds true. B/c God’s Word is truth, the investment He made in David leads to Jesus’ birth despite generations of rebellion. Paul talks of seed in 2Cor9-10: who plants a little will have a small harvest, but who plants a lot will have a big harvest..your giving will cause many to give thanks to God..It is a proof of your faith. Christ Jesus causes many to give thanks to God. He is proof of God’s faithfulness! LORD, when overwhelmed by sin, you forgave..Blessed r those you bring near to live in your courts! We r filled w/the good things of your holy temple~P65

14-Nov-11: Adrianne is looking for the encouraging word in 2Cor11-13. Paul pleads w/the church to check themselves against Jesus’ teachings: I promised u to Christ, but I fear your devotion to Him will be corrupted. 1King15-17 also illustrates a good start faltering. Asa, king of Judah, honors God, prays away an attack, & stirs up revival, but after 35 years of peace, he entreaties a pagan nation & becomes oppressive when reprimanded by a prophet (2Chron14-16). During Asa’s span, Israel is corrupted by several kings b4 Ahab & Jezebel oversee the rebuilding of Jericho & a 3 year drought. Elijah brings hope in the Lord beginning w/ a poor widow, telling her: the jar of flour & the jug of oil will not be used up until the LORD sends rain. Praise God for relief by rain & by the coming of Christ Jesus. His birth restores hope, & His resurrection restores life. May God bless us still, so all the ends of the earth will fear Him~P67.

15-Nov-11: Adrianne ?, unfortunately, identifies w/Ahab too well..on a less glorified scale. Ahab c’s the power of God set on fire a water soaked calf &rides home in the rain when Elijah’s prayers end the 3 year drought. Jezebel vows to kill Elijah, but Ahab listens to a surviving prophet who says the Lord will give him victory over an opposing army: I will give it into your hand today, &then u’ll know I am the LORD~1Ki18-20. Ahab receives a similar word during the battle but then invites the defeated king into his chariot & negotiates a peace offering. Paul tells Galatians whose convictions r swaying: some people r confusing u; they want to change the Good News of Christ..u have already accepted the Good News. If anyone is preaching something different, let that person b judged guilty~Gal1-2. Lord Jesus, forgive my sin. Let my decisions not b weighed down by unbiblical ideas, past or present. Create in me a new spirit. If I am confused, remind me 2 consult your Word & seek your counsel rather than inviting the enemy in. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves~P68.

16-Nov-11: Adrianne recalls asking how Christ saves us a few years back & likes Paul’s explanation in Gal3-4: We were once like children, slaves to the law, but God sent His Son, born of woman & under the law so He could buy our freedom & we could become His children. God is love! B/c our God is also just, the law is fullfilled in Christ Jesus; b/c our God is a spirit, the process is spiritual, enacted by declarations & demonstrations of our faith. Adoption can b difficult especially when someone else wants to reclaim custody. Unlike most children, we not only r free to choose our spiritual father, but we must do so. Catherine Clifford speaks of freedom in her new book, Journey to Redemption: “Deliverance & freedom is still a process that continues in my life. It will continue until I arrive in Heaven w/my Father, loving Savior & precious Spirit. Yet I can say, whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” Praise Jesus! Forever changed means the process has begun!

17-Nov-11: Adrianne is glad 4 websites that show scriptures in different versions. Gal5-6 reads: We have freedom now b/c Christ made us free..For through the Spirit we eagerly wait 4 the hope of righteousness by faith. Calling on the name of Jesus helps me refocus my faith &invokes the Spirit who makes us right w/ God, the pinnacle of my hopes. I have that hope even as I wait b/c the Spirit is alive. In 2Ki1-3, Elisha tells Elijah he’d like a double portion of his spirit. Elijah responds: U’ve asked a difficult thing, yet if u c me when I’m taken, it will b yours. Elisha c’s his master drawn up in a whirlwind, cries “My Father!” & knows the search team won’t find anything. It all begins w/ faith. Elisha asks the Lord for a miracle seen earlier: Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah? B/c of Jesus, the Spirit of the Lord is freely given to all who ask Jesus 4 forgiveness & new life w/ Him. He has made everything beautiful in its time..yet no1 can fathom what God has done from beginning to end~Eccl:3-4.

18-Nov-11: Adrianne’s excited to hear what the Dr has to say about the knot on my foot. Once a shot to my hand cleared up a painful swelling lickity split. 2King4-6 foreshadows the miracles we see in the gospel. The effort looks a little different w/ Elisha who might b armed more by a fierce understanding of the power of God than divine command & great compassion. When surrounded by an army, Elisha prays for the Lord to reveal His presence -1st to his frightened servant, then to the enemy: Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see. In Eph1-2, Paul also prays for revelation for us: I ask God to give u a spirit of wisdom & revelation so u’ll know him better & so u’ll know the hope to which He has called us & how glorious r the blessings God has promised His holy people..U will know God’s power is very great for us who believe. That power is the same as the great strength God used to raise Christ from the dead &put Him at His right side in the heavenly world. Praise God for dedicated servants, prayer, & miracles of healing!

19-Nov-11: Adrianne is glad for inspired perspectives in the Holy Bible. So much happens in 2King7-9, I am glad to review the events in 2Chronicles. I highly recommend Ray Stedman’s Adventuring Through The Bible as a resource to understanding how the Scriptures fit together & gain insight per Book in a condensed format. Stedman describes Ephesians using 6 metaphors for the church & our relationship to Christ; in Eph3-4, the church is a mystery & a new self. Paul writes of a secret plan hidden by God who created everything: God’s purpose is now to show the rulerss & powers in the heavens the varities of His wisdom through the church. This was consistent w/the plan He had from the beginning of time that He accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord. Other versions say “manifold wisdom” or having many features & forms. Too often we consider the things of God as from a single package, but the Bible shows His wisdom is all-various through the Psalms, historical narratives, 4 gospels, & many letters. In Ecclesiastes, we even have the perspective of a man who knows God’s authority but lacks hope in His promise: I said,”I am determined to be wise” but this was beyond me. So I turned my mind to understand the scheme of things…the stupidity of wickedness& the madness of folly~Ecc7. When I let go of my persistence in doing good, my energy flows elsewhere. My persistence, for what it is, comes from faith in God’s plan accomplished thru Christ Jesus our Lord. For many years I lived as Ecc. commends: for the enjoyment of a meaningless life. Praise Jesus Ecc is only 12 short chapters. Hopelessness ends where love begins, & the promise of God is foretold by the prophets. Eph4 says: Christ gave gifts to prepare God’s holy peole for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger…We must grow until we become like Christ & have His perfection. Lord, thank You for the variety of gifts in Your people, the church, & the all-various perspectives in Your Word that lets us grasp Your promise in any circumstance.

20-Nov-11: Adrianne thinks heaven will b an exciting place. In Eph5-6, Paul likens the church to a bride & lastly to a soldier. In 2Kings10-12, evil is overturned. Jehu, previously annointed by Elijah, eliminates traces of Ahab, Jezebel, & Baal from Samaria. He tells a comrade: Come w/me & c my zeal for the LORD. In Judah, a priest deposes a self appointed queen & instructs Josiah, the child king, in the ways of God. Paul says: Our fight is not against people but the rulers, authorities, & powers of this world’s darkness. B4 Christ, sacrifices r flesh & blood. Praise Jesus, today we r given the armor of God: stand strong w/the belt of truth & the breastplate of right living. On your feet wear the gospel of peace..use the shield of faith 2 stop the arrows of the Evil One. Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, & take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times. Lord, thank-you for your armor! In your righteousness, rescue me & deliver me..Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things~P71

21-Nov-11: Adrianne forgot my tithe yesterday for the 2nd time in a row & looks forward 2 showing faith in God’s provisioning later by dropping it in the box. In 2Kng13-15, Israel is rewarded when an evildoer king weeps at Elisha’s deathbed: “My father! My father!” Elisha tells Jehoash victory is coming & instructs him to shoot arrows on the floor. The king’s faith appears weak when he stops at 3, the # of times Israel will then defeat an oppressive nation. So often we r distracted or otherwise moved to stop what will ensure our victory. I’m so thankful Jesus was not distracted or moved to quit while ministering to the needy & hard headed. Paul writes in Phil1-2, Christ was like God in everything but did not think being equal w/God was for His own benefit..He humbled Himself & was fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death on a cross. Even the worldly writer of Eccl12 ends w/a prophecy of our Lord Jesus Christ: The words of the wise r like goads, & like nails firmly fixed r the collected sayings; they r given by one Shepherd. Lord, I am so thankful for your love & mercy. Help me follow the leading in your Word: Keep working to complete your salvation w/ fear & trembling b/c God is working in u to help u want to do & be able to do what pleases Him. Hallelujah! Praise Jesus!

22-Nov-11: Adrianne is enjoying my Christmas CDs. I love the words in Emmanuel: “what fear we felt in the silent age..400 years can He b found..but broken by a baby’s cry..rejoice in the hallowed manger ground.” In 2King16-17, Judah struggles while Israel c’s their last king b4 deportation. A preceding king replaces their altar w/a replica of Assyria’s. Later, the foreign king repopulates the promise land. Newcomers r attacked by lions until Levites return to teach people a/b Yahweh. Despite continuing idolotry, the Lord’s authority is demonstrated for the new citizenry. Praise God for what allows us to be in His presence. Long b4, Solomon composes Songs1-2: Arise my love & come away for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over & gone. Praise Jesus whose indescribeable love ends the silent winter. Paul writes in Phil3-4: Now I am right w/ God, not b/c I followed the law, but b/c I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right w/ Him. Thank-you Lord for songs of joy, altars assuring me of your promise, & your Word directing me daily! Paul continues: Rejoice in the Lord always..He is coming soon..pray for every need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts & minds in Christ Jesus. Lord, you r good & worthy of praise!

23-Nov-11: Adrianne hopes all goes well w/driving school this morning, but sadly, i’m more concerned a/b a run i registered for on the 3rd. Lord, how can I possibly represent you well? As a Sister in Christ, I find joy knowing everywhere in the Word is evidence of Christ’s love for us: How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine& the fragrance of your oils than any spice~Songs3-4. If my love for the Lord is sincere & pure, glory to God. In 2King18-19, the good king Hezekiah takes the throne in Jerusalem during Israel’s final days. When Assyria threatens Judah as well, Hezekiah dramatically humbles himself b4 God & His people. The prophet Isaiah’s response is: Once more a remnant of Judah will take root below & bear fruit above..The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. The opposing army shrinks & w/draws. Paul prays for the church in Col1-2: may your life honor & please the Lord so you will b fruitful. God will strengthen you so you’ll be patient & joyfully give thanks to the Father who enables u share in all He has prepared in the kingdom of His dear Son. The Son paid for our sins, & in Him we have forgiveness. Praise God for His Almighty zeal that allows a remnant to take root below & bear fruit above! Lord, your great love frees me, & I am blessed to b in Christ. Strengthen me to serve you well!

24-Nov-11: Adrianne is thankful for family, sleep, & 4 day weekends. 2King20-22 shows the human side of Hezekiah. 2Chronicles29-35 details his reign & suggests how his faithfulness is birthed. As soon as he becomes king, he opens the temple doors & demands changes: now I’ll make a covenant w/the Lord so His fierce anger will turn away from us…The Lord chose u to stand in His presence, minister to Him, lead the people in worship & present offerings to Him. Both Hezekiah & Josiah hold festivals to honor God & spur revival. We can b thankful their lives also demonstrate our need for a savior since both default into pride late in life after many great works. Paul writes of our salvation in Col3-4: Since u were raised from the dead w/ Christ, aim @ what’s in heaven where Christ sits @ the right hand of God. Think a/b things in heaven, not things on earth. Your old self has died, & your new life is w/ Christ in God. Christ is your life, & when He returns, u will share in His glory. 2Chronicles says of horsemen inviting the nation to celebrate God’s glory in Jerusalem: God’s hand was on the people giving them 1 heart to obey the orders of officials who were following the word of the Lord. Father God, thank-you for our great country, daily blessings, & your precious Son Jesus. As Paul writes, I pray You give us an opportunity to tell people Your message, the secret You have made known a/b Christ in whose name we have life forever.

25-Nov-11: Adrianne likes what Songs7-8 conveys of God’s love: How beautiful r your sandaled feet, O prince’s daughter! The passage vividly compliments God’s creations. Just as Christ died for each of us, we r each vividly seen & loved by Him. In 2Kings22-25, Josiah reads the Law, repents, & publicly renews his covenant w/ God. He celebrates the Passover as directed. He travels about ridding the nation of mediums & household idols..Neither b4 nor after Josiah was there a king who turned to the LORD as he did. Subsequent kings choose not to honor God; they tax the land to supply Egypt & Babylon w/gold until the oppressors’ demands stirs rebelliion. Finally, the majority r taken captive & exiled for a generation. The Word reads: Surely these things happened to Judah according to the LORD’s command, to remove them from His presence b/c of the sins of Manasseh who filled Jerusalem w/ innocent blood, & the LORD was not willing to forgive. The Lord says thru Moses long b4: blood pollutes the land. Our God is just & merciful; unequivocal evil will be met w/ unequivocal good. Paul encourages the church in 1Thes1-2: And u wait for God’s Son, whom God raised from the dead, to come from heaven. He is Jesus, who saves us from God’s angry judgment that is sure to come. Song of Soloman continues: Place me like a seal over your heart..for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. Praise God for His holy jealousy! He seeks our eternal well-being. He is a benevolent God, the God of love & truth, mercy & justice. Brothers & sisters, God loves u, & we know He has chosen u b/c the Good News brought to you came not only w/ words but w/ power, w/ the Holy Spirit, & w/sure knowledge that it is true~1Thes1. How good it is to be near God~Psa73.

26-Nov-11: Adrianne looked forward to Isaiah after Songs, but the reading plan moves to Job. I’m going to walk in faith & stick w/ the plan. Praise God for simple exercises in humility & obedience. Job perseveres through much worse as his livelihood, children, & health r attacked. He tells his wife: “Shall we accept good from God & not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin nor blame God. Soon Job’s friends go to sympathize w/ him; they sit for 7 days & nights not saying a word b/c they saw how great his suffering was(J1-2). The Word does not say they pray. The Lord Jesus opens the channels of prayer to our God w/ His death on the cross; the veil in the temple closing off the holy of holies is ripped top to bottom(Mat27). Praise God for believers’ prayer. I personally have many to thank. Paul writes to the Thessalonian church: Night & day we continue praying w/ all our heart that we can give u things u need to make your faith strong. Ray Stedman in Adventuring Through the Bible speaks of the persecution of the early church including financial pressures & a highly unwholesome environment. Paul commends their endurance & addresses some things they strugggle against: May the Lord make your love grow more…May your hearts b made strong so u will b holy & w/o fault before our God & Father. Peter also reminds us to love first: Most importantly, show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins~1Pet4. 1Chron1-2 traces our geneology from Noah to David including extended family branches. Lord Jesus, thank-you for your great love that covers my sins, draws me into your royal ancestry, & allows me to speak to our Holy God in prayer. You are radiant with light~Ps74-75.

27-Nov-11: Adrianne received the sweetest gift after completing my 1st Bible Study class. My table leader Vicki gave me The Prayer of Jabez (1Ch3-4). I’d started my Christian walk engaged & finished the class single, so her hope &prayers were needed even if I was not spiritually mature enough to appreciate Jabez. Plus the book is lovely to the eye. Thank-you Jesus, & bless your servants! When Job bemoans his birth, his friend suggests he look for his guilt: Should not your piety b your confidence & your blameless ways your hope? Praise God, in the New Testament, no! My piety &blameless ways r more likely stumbling blocks for feeble hands & faltering knees. B/c I love God, I aim for righteousness, but Christ Jesus is my confidence & my hope. Calling on His name & seeking the strength of His Spirit will bring victory. Paul says in 1Th5: God did not choose us to suffer His anger but to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died for us so we can live together w/ Him. In 1Ch4, Jabez cried out to God. “Oh, that you would bless me & enlarge my territory! Let your hand b w/me & keep me from harm so I will b free from pain.” And God granted his request. The promises of Jesus r guaranteed, but evidence of our Father’s generous love is found all over in nooks & crannies when we seek Him. In Thes, Paul continues w/ some practical advice: Warn..Encourage..Help..Be patient..Be joyful..Pray continually..give thanks whatever happens..test everything..keep what is good & stay away from evil. Praise God for prayer & for practical advice when the flesh tangos w/the spirit. Paul’s prayer, like that of Jabez, is for blessing: Now may God Himself make u pure, belonging only to Him. May your whole self—spirit, soul, & body—b kept safe & w/o fault when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. U can trust the One who calls u to do that for u. Hallelujah! The Lord is great & greatly to be praised.

28-Nov-11: Adrianne is reminded during holidays that my cooking is plain. I might have saturated a chicken breast once or twice experimentally, but usually I just add seasoning b4 eating. The taste difference is noticeable of course, & in 2Thess, Paul saturates the church w/ encouragement for their cause. Their suffering has intensified. Like Job in Job4, the Thessalonians may be asking: What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects that i should b patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Paul reminds the church of the day of reconciliation, noting that it will come but is not here yet: That day of the Lord will not come until the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears..&that Man of Evil will go into God’s Temple & say that he is God. Ray Stedman wrote: Paul says something restrains the power of lawlessness..Jesus makes it clear what the restraining force is: You r the salt of the earth & the light of the world…It is the presence of God’s people on earth..but we should understand this: It is not we who hold back the darkness, but the Spirit of God, living in us, acting through us (Adventuring, pg653-654). Praise Jesus for the “glory that comes from the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ”(2Thes1). 1Chronicles5:20 says some Israelites saw victory in battle after crying out to God: He answered their prayers b/c they trusted in Him. My prayer today for myself & any in need is Paul’s: May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself & God our Father encourage u & strengthen u in every good thing u do & say. God loved us, & through His grace He gave us a good hope & encouragement that continues forever~2Thes2.

29-Nov-11: Adrianne’s glad for Sheerah, a daughter of Ephraim who built cities. 1Chr7-8 also notes the sons of Asher as choice men, brave warriors & outstanding leaders. Hallelujah for good examples. Jesus, of course, is our perfect example. He is without sin. In 1Tim1-2, Paul writes of himself as an example of God’s mercy: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But I was given mercy so Christ Jesus could show He has patience w/o limit. Good examples r so precious since our God-given free-will & intellect cry out for understanding. I am so glad the Living Word opens my memory banks to examples the Lord has for me when a conviction is stirring but needs revelation or reinforcement. Pro29 reads: Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Paul writes: Continue to have faith & do what u know is right. Some have rejected this, & their faith has been shipwrecked. Lord, forgive me when I do not readily accept your correction. Praise Jesus, today I may sense a lesser joy if my attitude weakens my faith. Job, in his trial, does not question God’s authority but His purpose for us: What is mankind that you examine them every morning & test them every moment? Why do you not pardon my offenses & forgive my sins? 1Tim assures us: God our Savior wants all people to be saved & to know the truth. Job eventually cries out for a mediator to bring his case b4 God. 1Tim says: There is one God & one mediator so human beings can reach God. Christ Jesus, who is himself human..gave Himself as a payment to free all people. Thank-you Lord for revelation of Christ Jesus as my Savior. I pray your vision is revealed to leaders & builders & that your sons & daughters in distress find examples of your great love & mercy in their memories & environments. To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor & glory forever~1Tim1.

30-Nov-11: Adrianne admires Job’s vivid descriptions of the Almighty God & is glad to know the role of our mediator is filled by Jesus. In 1Tim3-4, Paul instructs us on the roles of church overseers, elders, & deacons. He says of the family of God: That family is the church of the living God, the support & foundation of the truth. 1Chr9-10 also talks about roles & functions in God’s family. The Levites were dedicated to the Lord for service; among their positions r gatekeepers & those who care for temple articles, mix spices, bake offering bread, or serve as musicians. 1Chr9 begins: All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings..They were taken captive to Babylon b/c of their unfaithfulness. In the movie Tangled, the lost princess draws over & over the scene painted above her crib b4 she is taken. She rebels against her captor & searches for the truth. People w/o our nation’s blessing of freedom must rebel in some way to worship the Lord in spirit & in truth as He desires. Job compares his position w/ that of the Almighty: Even f I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty. What can prepare me for the awesome glory of God, our Creator? Job goes on: You gave me life & showed me kindness, & in Your providence watched over my spirit…but now it seems..if I sinned, You would be watching & not let my offense go unpunished. Praise Jesus who suffered for us so our offenses may be forgiven. Paul says, “the secret of our life of worship is great: He was shown to us in a human body, proved right in spirit, & seen by angels. He was proclaimed to the nations, believed in by the world & taken up in glory.” Thank-you Lord Jesus, God Almighty, for your model, your mediation, & salvation by your name! May many be drawn to your everlasting service!

1-Dec-11: Adrianne did a google search to c if others use weights the week b4 a longer run. A list of responses indicated most did not, but 1 said, “yes, but I do 3 sets @ my warmup weight instead of 1 @ my warmup weight & 2 @ my workout weight.” I appreciate a specific answer. In 1Tim5-6, Paul has a specific word on widows in the church. The Bible understands my desire for detail even while showing God desires our faith. 1Chr11-12 details mighty men who follow David, whose great faith pleases the heart of God. In 1 story, David says he’s thirsty but refuses water that his top 3 cross enemy lines to obtain: “God forbid that I should do this! Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” His faith in the Lord & concern for his men overide his present discomfort. Job’s faith in God also overrides his present discomfort. He says of the Almighty: “In His hand is the life of every creature…What He tears down cannot be rebuilt…If He holds back the waters, there is drought. If He lets them loose, they devastate the land” (J11-12). Praise God for faith inspiring specifics! The apostle Paul, like David, inspires as well as directs. He reminds believers to avoid prideful quarrels & the love of money: “But u, man of God, run away from all those things. Instead, live in the right way, serve God, have faith, love, patience, & gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever…Do what u were commanded to do w/o wrong or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” I love the Living Word: how to now & how to for eternity. The Lord Jesus gives specific instruction in beatitudes & in parables seeks our faith to guide us in our daily walk. Our Savior desires our love so we can enjoy His presence. “He is the blessed & only Ruler, the King of all kings & the Lord of all lords. He is the only One who never dies. He lives in light so bright no one can go near it..May honor & power belong to God forever.”

2-Dec-11: Adrianne chatted w/ a skating enthusiast while Helen practiced on the carpet. He suggested the carpet’s resistance not only helps her by slowing her down but also builds her leg muscles. In 1Chr13-15, David gathers Israel to bring home the Lord’s ark, but a tragic mishap occurs. The effort is stopped. David is soon distracted by problems in his field: battling the Philistines. Twice he seeks the Lord’s blessing & c’s victory, but the 2nd time God changes his strategy. Praise God for what suggests we need extra direction. David then employs the Lord’s methods to bring the ark back & celebrates as they triumphantly approach the palace. His wife Michel c’s his dancing & despises him. Job, in ch13, tells his friends: If only u’d b altogether silent! For u, that would b wisdom. Michel is a/b to say something she might regret. As an addict, I often said things i regretted. After deliverance, that behavior persisted. Children w/an attitude often benefit if sent to their rooms. Especially then, w/o some harsh training in interpersonal communications, that behavior might have taken from me what addiction did not. Praise God for help employing His strategy. Despite being a work I/P, as a reborn Christian, today the ark is w/in sight. I dance & sing triumphantly ever grateful for His presence. In 2Tim1-2, Paul says of sound teaching for our faith in Jesus: guard the good deposit entrusted to u—guard it w/ the help of the Holy Spirit. As David danced b4 the ark, Michel despised him. Animosity frequently arises in the presence of the Lord, but b/c of Jesus, we can overcome this. 2Tim says avoid quarrels: Opponents must b gently instructed in the hope God grants them repentance leading to knowledge of truth so they’ll escape the trap of the devil who’s taken them captive to do his will. Lord, thank-you for your gentle instruction & your forgiveness. I entrust my life to you. Please accept my heart & guide me in your ways.

3-Dec-11: Adrianne is excited about the BR beach 1/2 starting in a couple hours. In 1Chr16-18, David, the most faithful & reknowned king of Judah, prays to God a/b building Him a temple. The Lord responds that David’s son will build it instead. David is grateful for the Lord’s promise that his family line will continue on the throne. He then wars w/ various groups, bringing them under his rule & collecting articles of gold, silver, & bronze. Bloodshed in war prevents David from building the temple, but he uses that hardship to bring glory to the kingdom God is building. Paul says in 2Tim3-4, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season..keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” Lord, help me represent you well & do my very best today! In moments of doubt, “I will wait for my renewal to come. I will call & you will answer me” (Job14). All praise to the Lord Christ Jesus, my Savior!

4-Dec-11: Adrianne praises God 4 sun, fun, & exercise yesterday. My achy footpads might have benefitted from more outdoor running b4, but I’m blessed by the attempt. In 1Chr19-21, David’s men slay Goliath’s brother & a huge Raphite w/24 fingers &toes. Overcoming Goliath is celebrated & remembered, so when the brother comes & look-alikes rear their heads, only a few words describe their defeat. Goodness comes from God who is good & faith from He who is faithful. Later, Israel suffers a plague. 1Chr reads: Satan rose up against Israel & incited David to take a census. Our reverence for God & faith in His power is ever challenged. After David repents, he’s instructed to build an altar on a citizen’s property. Araunah will give the king anything he owns, but David insists on full payment: I’ll not take for the LORD what’s yours, or sacrifice an offering that costs me nothing. I must b careful my devotional time doesn’t interfere w/ lovingly raising my daughter or doing work He expects of me. God, help me c my wrong if I offer to you what is not mine to give or what costs me nothing. I value this time for myself. Titus reads: “To those who r pure, all things r pure, but to those who r full of sin & do not believe, nothing is pure. Both their minds & their consciences have been ruined.” I praise God 4 daily renewal thru processes I can understand. Training 4 a long run on concrete almost exclusively on a treadmill was not pleasing to my soles. God willing, I’ll modify my process 4 the next effort. My mind & conscience need renewal to survive & b useful as a spiritual person. Paul writes: We lived in malice & envy..but when the kindness & love of God appeared, He saved us b/c of His mercy. Lord, show me malice & envy in my heart that escapes as impatience, coldness, & defensiveness. You save us through rebirth & renewal through Jesus Christ, poured out on us, so…we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life~Titus. Hallelujah for the process!

5-Dec-11: Adrianne is excited a/b God’s plan. In today’s readings, David charges his son w/ the building of the Lord’s temple. Paul asks the church to accept a partner in the faith, & Job prophesies our redemption thru Jesus. David (1Chr19-22) says: the house to b built 4 the LORD should b of great magnificence & fame & splendor in the sight of all nations. It is a witness to God’s authority. He pulls together resources of wood, stone, & precious metals & turns his focus to the people. He gathers together all the leaders..Levites over 30 r counted, & David assigns #s of persons needed as temple workers, officials, judges, gatekeepers, & praise musicians. The clans r listed noting descendants of Aaron set aside for the priesthood. In Philemon, Paul writes to a church that meets in homes: the body of Christ drawn together by love for God’s holy people & faith in the Lord Jesus. Christians r to love everyone, however loving people whose mission is the same but whose style & giftings r not can b trying. Paul writes: I pray your partnership in the faith deepens your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Job, in J16, experiences difficulty loving his well meaning discouraging brothers. God prepares us for everything in the Word. Job addresses the Lord: You have shriveled me up—&it has become a witness. Job doesn’t know Satan is actively working against him. Job’s words a/b his plight allude to our Lord Jesus on the cross: People open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn & unite together against me. W/o pity, he pierces my kidneys..yet my hands have been free of violence & my prayer is pure. How true of our Savior! Job cries: “Earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry never be laid to rest! Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.” Our Advocate is on high. His blood of love & mercy cries out on our behalf. In Philemon, Paul asks the church to welcome one who was useless to them but is now a son in the faith. Jesus makes that same plea to the Father for us when we call on His name. Thank-you Jesus for your blood, the Word, & the giftings of your Holy people whose dedication to your service draws many to you. Brothers & Sisters, your love gives joy & encouragement b/c u have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Praise Jesus!

6-Dec-11: Adrianne is sad to see my boss leave but knows change can b good, too. My natural job enthusiasm has grown a little stale, & i may benefit from having my comfort zone slightly altered. 1Chr25-27 describes various functions of King David’s court. Clans r set aside as to prophesy, thanking & praising the Lord w/ music: Young & old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties. Other work is assigned, & members of a military division r put on monthly rotations. Job’s misery might seem to him like a unfortunate casted lot. He doesn’t know his suffering is on a rotation, but amazingly, in his despair, he expresses faith in the Lord’s infrastructure: “innocent people r upset w/those who do wrong.Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, & those w/clean hands will grow stronger…If the only home I hope for is the grave…where then is my hope?(J17). Hebrews1-3 responds to Job. Paul contrasts the position of Jesus to those of men & angels & uses scripture to show our faith should be w/the Lord: “The Son reflects the glory of God &shows exactly what God is like…God wanted to have many children share His glory, so He made the One who leads people to salvation perfect through suffering…Jesus had to b made like His brothers & sisters in every way so He could b their merciful & faithful high priest in service to God. Then Jesus could die in their place..&now He can help those who r tempted, b/c He Himself suffered &was tempted.” Praise God for our high priest. There is none above, none other who is both human & divine. Paul’s use of scripture builds my faith; the Word functions that way, in the Old & the New Testaments & in all corners of the world. Praise God for what refreshes our belief & work enthusiasm. “So brothers &sisters, b careful none of u has an unbelieving heart…Help each other so none of u become hardened b/c sin has tricked u. We all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning.”

7-Dec-11: Adrianne looked for fresh motivation @ lunch Tues & found it this morning. Praise God for the Word, alive & active! Hebrews4-6 points to scriptures a/b not entering God’s rest as evidence that rest exists: for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish. Job18 describes our existence if separated from God, not in His eternal rest: He is torn from the security of his tent &marched off to the king of terrors…He is driven from light into the realm of darkness &banished from the world.Surely such is the place of one who does not know God. Wow. I’m moved once again to share the joy of the Lord. In 1Chr28-29, David reviews details of the temple Solomon will build with the Israelites. The Archaeological Bible says: The temple was Yahweh’s palace on Earth, the Holy Place His audience hall & the Most Holy Place His throne room. The Most Holy Place was once reserved, but Paul’s letter in Hebrews declares our relationship with God through Christ: since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize w/our weaknesses…Let us then approach God’s throne of grace w/confidence, so we may receive mercy & find grace to help us in our time of need. David tells the people in 1Chr: “Be strong & courageous, & do the work. Do not b afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is w/ u. He will not fail u or forsake u until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.” David praises God for provisioning the materials for the temple & prays over the people:LORD…keep the desires &thoughts to honor you in the hearts of your people forever, &keep their hearts loyal to you…give wholehearted devotion to keep your commands & build the temple for which you’ve provided. Thank-you God that you provide all we need to know &share your love! Praise Jesus for every day in your rest!

8-Dec-11: Adrianne felt the rotary calf machine in my shoulder yesterday. I’m so glad for time, health, & means to pursue various activities. The cold weather might even rekindle interest in our piano. Today’s readings remind me my freedom is great, & a great price was paid for it. In 2Chr1-3, Solomon needs materials &expertise. Having received wisdom from the Lord, he requests logs & a man skilled w/ precious metals &artistry from who helped his father, Hiram king of Tyre: “I am about to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God & dedicate it to Him..But who is able to build a temple for Him, since even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I to build a temple for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices b4 Him?” What is my contribution worth in light of who God is? Our God who accepted the blood of bulls & feeds many from a small offering of fish &bread does great things w/our efforts. Hiram responds: Praise b to the Lord who made heaven and earth! I am sending u a man of great skill. Our God sends help in the form of men, praise Jesus. 2Chr3:8-14 describes the dimensions & decor in the Holy & Most Holy Places. Paul, in Hebrews7-9 says: only the high priest entered the inner room, & that only once a year, & never w/o blood, which he offered for himself & for the sins the people had committed in ignorance…But when Christ came…He went through the greater &more perfect tabernacle not made w/human hands…He did not enter by means of the blood of goats & calves; but by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. How much more will the blood of Christ who offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” Job declares in ch19: “I know that my Redeemer lives, &that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him..How my heart yearns within me!” Hallelujah! Heaven is near!

9-Dec-11: Adrianne wonders what an average person of faith experienced during Solomon’s temple dedication. 2Chr5:14 says: Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, &the priests could not perform their service 4 the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God. When I participated in a Christian conference, I was excited a/b giving my testimony. A delay led worship to continue as I waited on the side. I enjoy worship &the peace of God had been prayed over me, so I was glad for the unexpected change. If only a team of believers were available to pray over me &sing praise songs every time my plans r interrupted. In the temple, King Solomon, son of David, leads the people in prayer: May your eyes be open toward this temple night &day..so you’ll hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place..Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, &when you hear, forgive. A logistically unimaginable #of sacrifices follows. Praise God for faith in action. In Hebrews10-11, Paul honors Old Testament heroes of faith. Of Enoch he writes: b4 he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. & w/o faith, it is impossible to please God b/c anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists &that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. In Job20, Zophar speaks of the mirth of the wicked: his food will sour in his stomach &become the venom of serpents within him. Compared to the peace of God that often blesses me, venom describes nicely what seems to emanate from my spirit at times when a priority plan goes awry &my accusing mind seeks a perpetrator of injustice. At the conference, I knew God was in charge, & I was blessed to be in that environment. Don’t I know that is true in every circumstance? Paul cites: “He who is coming will come &not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I’ll not be pleased with him.” LORD, thank-you for the Lion of the tribe of Judah who changes my agenda. Thank-you for revelation of your glory. Forgive me for forgetting the countless times you’ve rescued me from deserved consequence. Let a siren sound within me when I lose sight of your almighty control, & help me grasp your peace. May your Spirit always b present in my service. You are the Lord, & I praise your Holy Name!

10-Dec-11: Adrianne remembers when Helen was finally able to get in the car unassisted. Three was a good year. In 2Chr7-9, the Israelites celebrate the temple dedication for 23 days. Their visible prosperity &divine blessing allow a monumental occasion to begin their journey. After the ceremony, the Lord tells Solomon: If you turn away, I will reject this temple..I will make it a byword &an object of ridicule among all people..all who pass by will be appalled. I can find encouragement in the phrase “all people.” Our God desires His walk be known &chosen by all people. Job’s friend says his suffering must be punishment deserved, but Job21 argues that others live in outward rebellion w/o affliction: “They spend their years in prosperity..yet they say to God, ‘Leave us alone!’ Who is the Almighty that we should serve Him?” B/c of the glory God bestows on Jerusalem, the Queen of Sheeba &many others travel far to see Who is the Almighty. The Queen declares: The report I heard a/b your achievements &wisdom is true. But I did not believe until I came &saw..Indeed not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard. Likewise, Job’s achievement &wisdom in faith will be known by many in distant lands as his life is restored. In Hebrews 12-13, Paul says: endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. Too often, pride &ego interfere w/my discipline, training that corrects, molds, or perfects. Jesus says blessed r those who r not offended by me. Hebrew12 promises a shaking to remove all that can be shaken. Praise Jesus whose perfection in suffering welcomes me into the kingdom. Let all that offends Christ Jesus b shaken away. The Queen of Sheeba’s words to Solomon speak well of my rebirth as a Christian: I heard the report, but I did not believe, &my joy in walking w/ God far exceeds what words can describe. From Sheeba: “Praise be to the Lord your God..B/c of the love of your God for Israel &His desire to uphold them forever, He has made you king to maintain justice &righteousness.” Praise Jesus, my Lord & Savior!

11-Dec-11: Adrianne ate cookies this morning to sweeten my disposition. Coerced recognition of weakness can b so humbling. In Job22, Eliphaz suggests Job’s turmoil results from being unmerciful: that is why snares are all around you…why it is so dark you cannot see. Eliphaz’ reaction to Job’s suffering reveals his own lack of mercy. Often, if anger flares w/in me, a prayerful pause reveals my own guilt. James, in his letter to early Christians, possibly poor & oppressed, encourages peace: anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Psalm 122 reads: may peace be within your walls. Peace in the heart is a wall of defense for me against sin &rebellion that lead away from God. 1King12-14 & 2Chr10-12 both discuss Rehoboam son of Solomon’s reign. Both note his cruel attitude towards serving the people, & both say when the split between Israel & Judah occurred, Rehoboam intended to fight but turned back after a prophet said it was God’s doing. 1King says little more than Rehoboam did evil, but 2Chr details an act of faith early in his reign. The Archaeological Bible says Chronicles was written after Kings, &the audience was primarily those who returned to Jerusalem after Babylonian captivity. With the temple destroyed, they need to know God is still interested &His covenants remain in force: “Subsequent generations that read 1&2Chronicles were reminded that, as God is faithful to His covenant promises, they also needed to remain faithful.” Praise God for hope amidst despair. James 1 provides a verse on sin that neatly summarizes patterns of addiction in my past, but he too offers hope in God’s promise: “Every good &perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the Word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits for all He created.” God is good! Praise Jesus, He is good!

12-Dec-11: Adrianne looks forward to Helen’s Christmas dance recital tonight. After praying this summer a/b the expense of her dance classes, I reluctantly decided against sending her again not knowing an instructor would offer dance at school during after care. What a blessing! In today’s readings again, 1 king, referred to in 1King15 as not fully devoted to the Lord, demonstrates faith in his actions &is blessed. In 2Chron13, Abijah wars against his brothers; he reminds them the priests r in Judah: “As for us, the LORD is our God, &we have not forsaken Him. The priests who serve the LORD r sons of Aaron..We r observing the requirements of the LORD our God..He is our leader.” Of Jeroboam, Israel’s leader, 1King13 says: “Anyone who wanted to b a priest he consecrated..This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its destruction.” Before Jesus, only sons of Aaron had divine calling to the priesthood. Abijah’s prayer has personal meaning for me. Almost 6 years ago, pregnant &high, moving furniture around for my soon to be new sober housemate, I became overwhelmed w/worry about my future, dropped to my knees, &said the Lord’s prayer. Six months later, I started my walk as a drug free person. I didn’t read the Bible then, but my mother read it to me sometimes while I was in recovery. Job tells his friends: “God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. Yet I am not silenced by the darkness.” B/c of Jesus, our high priest, neither r we silenced by darkness. In 1Chr13-15, Asa son of Abijah removes foreign altars, fortifies Judah’s cities, & prospers. At war, he also prays: LORD, there’s no one like you to help the powerless..Help us, LORD our God, for we rely on you, &in your Name we have come against this vast army. Later, Asa, encouraged by a prophet, initiates more reforms: “They took an oath to the LORD w/ loud acclamation, w/shouting, trumpet, &horns..They sought God eagerly, & He was found by them.” James3-5 speaks of the power of our words for both good &bad: “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil..It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, &is itself set on fire by hell.The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful & effective.” James points to Job as proof of God’s faithfulness: “You have heard of Job’s perseverance &have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion & mercy.” Indeed! Lord, may my words b prayers inviting sparks of life. Glory to God!

13-Dec-11: Adrianne blames less sleep &strenuous exercise before work yesterday for less focus &a discouraging attitude by evening. It reminds me, at least, that Helen sometimes bears that brunt, so I need to be more wary of her when scheduling my workout time. 2Chr16-18 reveals even the faithful kings of Judah err in their walk. Both Asa &Jehoshaphat please God by following His commands. Late in his reign though, Asa seeks help from a foreign power instead of the Lord when Israel mounts an attack. In Asa’s defense, idolatry is flourishing in Israel such that a succession of wicked kings prompts the drought forecasted by Elijah. Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son who serves the Lord, actively seeks peace w/ Israel. His effort does not bode well, but his blessed rule continues after Ahab is killed. Later, (ch20), he will again form an unfruitful alliance, &his son will follow in Israel’s ways. I love Old Testament scripture b/c it’s what God uses to help show us who He is. Job cries in J24: “Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment? The groans of the dying rise from the city, &the souls of the wounded cry out for help. But God charges no one with wrongdoing.” I am blessed not to be charged w/ my wrongdoing. Even if I’m not guilty of bloodshed, our words & actions influence others simply by charging the atmosphere, &our souls r at stake for eternity. Job continues: “But God drags away the mighty in power; though they become established, they have no assurance in life.” Peter writes to early Christians of their faith in Jesus: u are filled w/an inexpressible &glorious joy for u r receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Peter says, “Through Him you believe in God.” When I was young, I believed in God but didn’t understand how Jesus fit in. The Old Testament telling of my life story shows me I believe b/c of Jesus; w/o the love &sacrifice of Jesus, I would b doomed in a world dominated by evil. Praise Jesus for assurance in life. 1Peter1-2 reads: “you r a chosen people..a holy nation..belonging to God that u may declare the praises of Him who called u out of darkness into His wonderful light..once u had not received mercy, but now u have received mercy.” Hallelujah! Lord, help me again today in my walk for your glory. Remind me to love my brethren &show respect to everyone so my life shows I fear God &honor the King. Thank-you, Jesus!

14-Dec-11: Adrianne looks forward to 3 weeks of prayer, praise, &fasting in January w/ my church. Jehoshaphat, in 2Chr19-21 proclaims a fast for Judah when Edomites launch an attack: the people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him. Earlier, the king is rebuked by a seer for partnering w/Ahab. Jehoshaphat then enlists the help of others; he appoints judges in each of Judah’s fortified cities: “you r not judging for man but for the Lord who is w/ u whenever u give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be upon u. Judge carefully, for w/ the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” Job’s unsympathetic friend Bildad says: “Dominion & awe belong to God; He establishes order in the heights of heaven.” Jehoshaphat’s delegation of God honoring authority plants seeds of righteousness. Pandemonium ensues for some years after his grandson’s brief rule, but then town leaders band together to restore divine order to the throne: the king’s son shall reign as the Lord promised (2Chr23:3). Hallelujah! Peter writes of serving, suffering, &submission in 1P2-5: follow in Jesus’ steps who committed no sin yet did not retaliate &made no threats. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms..so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” If we suffer as Christians, Peter writes: rejoice that u participate in the sufferings of Christ so that u may b overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” As Jehoshaphat empowered others to work for God’s glory, we r empowered to serve Christ when we accept Him as Lord &Savior. Peter encourages believers to demonstrate their faith through baptism, “the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” I am grateful our God is moved by baptism & periods of corporate prayer & fasting. Lord, “we do not know what to do but our eyes r upon you” (2Chr20). Peter writes: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift u up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him b/c He cares for you.” Praise Jesus! Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.

15-Dec-11: Adrianne is saddened by Joash’s outcome in 2Chr22-24 but hopes in his redemption as a chosen one of God. His father, Ahaziah, aligns himself w/ sons of Ahab & is killed when Jehu executes judgment on Ahab’s house. Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah then attacks the royal family in Judah in order to hijack the throne. Little Joash is saved by an aunt & hidden until he is made king at age 7. Led by a righteous priest Jehoaida, Joash honors the Lord & repairs the temple. At Jehoaida’s passing, tragically, deception overtakes him: the officials of Judah came, paid homage to him, and he listened. They abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their Fathers. When the son of his trusted lifelong advisor Johoaida confronts his change of heart, Joash has him killed. Previously, when Joash is coronated, Athalia tears her robe & shouts ‘treason, treason.’ The enemy does not confess wrongdoing & back down. Early in my pregnancy, shortly after I returned from rehab, a drug addict friend called crying over the pains of w/drawl symptoms & begging for help. I’d had my fix, &his call caused friction w/ my then boyfriend, so I was unsympathetic. I said, “Can you believe that guy? I’ll never be like that again.” I didn’t know until a month or so later, I was already there. In 2Peter1-3, the apostle reminds believers to live righteously to maintain their faith. “I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live..We have the word of the prophets made more certain, & you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns & the morning star rises in your hearts.” I pay attention &rely on the Lord for grace in a confusing world. Peter writes: “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; & to goodness, knowledge; & to knowledge, self-conftol; & to self-control, perseverence; & to perseverence, godliness; & to godliness, brotherly kindness; & to brotherly kindness, love…these qualities will keep you from being ineffective & unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Wow, that’s quite a to-do list, but the Jesus in me can do all things. I have great expectations! The Lord does not disappoint. Peter continues: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life & godliness..Through these He has given us His very great & precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature & escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Praise Jesus for life in the divine nature. Job26 describes God’s many wonders; Job remarks: “And these are but the outer fringes of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?” Lord, thank-you for today. Hear hearts calling on your name. Free us from deceptive ways & strenghen us for the glory of Christ Jesus.

16-Dec-11: Adrianne gets to c Helen cheer her 1st game tonight. Hustle blazers hustle! 2Chr25-27 looks at 3 kings under whose reign Judah prospers. Amaziah hires Israelites to join him in battle; a man of God warns the partnership will not b blessed. Amaziah asks a/b lost payments; assured the Lord’s reward is greater, he orders the mercenaries to leave. Enraged, they plunder Judah’s towns. Amaziah returns from war to sacrifice b4 the defeated nation’s idols. Rebuking godly counsel, he declares war w/ Israel despite their king’s resistance &is defeated by the rejected ally. 1John1-3 addresses believers: “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” My God-given conscience might recognize ungodly motives, but love for Christ & God’s grace can defeat them whether by affecting my plans or my heart. John writes of the Lord: “If we confess our sins, He will forgive us & purify us from all unrighteousness. Thank-you Jesus for purification. Amaziah’s son, Uzziah, advances Judah in many ways; he works the fields &builds military strength. His fame is widespread until pride scores when he is struck w/ leprosy after rejecting priestly authority in the temple. John writes: “do not let anyone lead you astray..The one who does what is sinful is of the devil b/c the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” A vivid picture of the battle for our souls enters my mind; hopefully, it will b held hostage. John’s letter repeatedly points to what is of God & what is not. Job27 reads: “Here is the fate God allots to the wicked: the east wind carries him off, & he is gone..It claps its hands in derision & hisses him out of his place.” Praise God, Jesus appears to destroy the devil’s work! We need divine help to be victorious in our battle. I see our hope of redemption in Uzziah’s move into a period of isolation while his son Jotham governs Judah. Time alone w/ the Lord is beneficial. Jotham grows more powerful as he walks steadfastly b4 the Lord. 2King15 says Judah’s war w/ sin continues & trouble is brewing, but we know God’s promises are fulfilled. John exclaims: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” John’s letter instructs us to confess & obey: “if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them…this is his command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, & to love one another.” Lord, thank-you for my child. Help me be a more selfless mommy so she knows she is cherished. Let an unselfish spirit of love brew & gain strength in my walk. May my mission always b wholeheartedly to share the love you’ve given me, for your glory, Christ Jesus.

17-Dec-11: Adrianne likes Job 28 so much, I’ll have to wait till tomorrow to write a/b faithful Hezekiah. Job speaks of God as the source of wisdom & of man’s efforts to bring hidden things to light: “There is a mine for silver &a place where gold is refined…Mortals…search out the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness. Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft, in places untouched by human feet; far …from other people they dangle &sway.” This could b hell, but 1John4-5 is a/b love. Copper is a highly functional element, malleable & ductile. As an imitator of my Father, I see God seeking our souls in the farthest reaches through His Son Jesus, the lamp upon our feet who alone carried the sin of the world. We too are highly functional elements; God makes us that way. John writes: “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one &only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us &sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1John4-5 reminds us since God is love, to b w/ God, we must love God & one another as Jesus commands. John says to pray for brethen whose sin does not lead to death. Ignoring portions of scripture is not faith building, so i’m glad the Living Word addresses the ? of which sin does lead to death. Gen38:30 says, “But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death.” 1John4 tells us: “Whoever lives in love lives in God, & God in them.” Praise God for what shines in the blackest darkness. John closes his letter: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” Idols, metallic or modern, do not love or enable us to love in spirit & in truth. In 2Chronicles28-30, Ahaz king of Judah seeks the false gods of the Israelites. He makes idols & sacrifices his children in the fire. It may sound extreme, but Ahaz is only 1 generation away from 2 God honoring kings. I’m glad for direction in 1John: “This is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory..Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” Bless the Lord! He sought me, a lost sheep dangling in a pit, lifted me out, & refines me still. Praise Jesus!

18-Dec-11: Adrianne is blessed by family. 2John speaks of love & truth, fundamentals given by my parents. John tells the reader to walk in love & beware of decievers: “Anyone who..does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father & the Son.” In 2Chr29-33, Hezekiah begins his reign by instituting revival. During a non-standard Passover celebration, he prays: “‘May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God..even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.’ The LORD heard Hezekiah &healed the people.” Some years later, the Assyrians who deported the northern Israelites surround Judah. Hezekiah assures the people: “With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us & to fight our battles.” The Assyrians denounce the Lord in Hebrew to terrify them. The king & the prophet Isaiah cry out to God who defeats the foreign army in their camps. During this trial, Hezekiah builds a tunnel to bring water into Jerusalem while under seige. The Archaeological Bible says the tunnel cuts 1,750 feet through solid rock & today still brings water into Jerusalem. Hezekiah’s honor & riches are famed, but Isaiah later rebukes him for pride after Babylonians rulers seek the source of the miraculous Assyrian defeat. Lord, “forgive me for times I’ve honored your gifts more than your presence” (unknown). Hezekiah is unmoved by the rebuke since prosperity is promised for his lifetime. Lord, bless me w/ greater eternal perspective. Job bemoans his losses in Ch29: “How i long for..the days when God watched over me, when His lamp shone upon my head & by His light I walked thru darkness!” Hezekiah’s bloodshedding idolatrous son Manasseh voices a similar plea after being shackled & taken captive. Job declares his kindness towards others & their appreciation of him. “I was eyes to the blind & feet to the lame. i was a father to the needy; i took up the case of the stranger. i broke the fangs of the wicked & snatched the victims from their teeth.” How true of our Lord Jesus! Hezekiah’s tunnel brings water into Jerusalem, but the Babylonians sought something miraculous: the salvation God gave Judah under attack by the Assyrian superpower. Knowing my need for a Savior is a divine gift. Believing He cleanses me not by the rules of the sanctuary but by His precious blood unites me with truth & love &not just while under seige. The truth which lives in us will b w/ us forever~John2.

19-Dec-11: Adrianne finds assurance of God’s leading in the child king Josiah. 2Chr34 says he is crowned at age 8. Then, “he began to seek the God of his father David.” After a few years, he travels a/b purging the nation of idols, eliminating shrines built during Solomon’s rule. Next, the temple is restored following some 70 years of neglect. During the cleaning, Hilkiah finds the Book of the Law. Josiah tears his robes when a reading reveals Judah’s sin. I’m often amazed at how our God prepares us for what’s next as we walk with Him. Josiah oversees a lot of change b4 the Book alters his perspective. In my own walk, changes often take place b4 the reading of the Word alters my perspective, but seeking God through the process allows it to happen. Josiah initiates a law abiding Passover celebration: “the Passover had not been observed like this..since the days of the prophet Samuel; & none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah with..Judah & Israel.” What encourages me so much here is the Lord’s goodness in giving lasting exuberant hope. Within 30ish years, many will be deported & the temple will b destroyed. Job30 describes a scene similar to Judah’s experience under the final king’s reign: “On my right the tribe attacks..They advance as through a gaping breach..my safety vanishes like a cloud.” Judah’s families attending the historic Passover service will walk to Babylon in shackles. Possibly they reminisce their magnificant experience of God at the temple to be rebuilt by the next generations. John3 reads: “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God.” Praise God for demonstrations & memories of what is good. Lord, lead & empower me to close breaches that threaten my peace & prosperity. The NKJV Chronological Study Bible displays the warnings of Zephaniah & Jeremiah within the history of the kings. It also inserts some Psalms suggesting hymns may have been sung during the Passover celebration: “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations..Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help & our shield. Our heart shall rejoice in Him b/c we trust in His holy name. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us as we hope in You~P33.

20-Dec-11: Adrianne’s church prayed for people looking for jobs on Sunday, & I believe God for their sure reward: life, prosperity, & honor. Lord, blessed is he You discipline..the man You teach from Your law; You grant him relief from days of trouble (Pr21). Transition can b difficult. In today’s readings, Ezra the priest returns to Judah after years in exile, Job orates his final defense, & Jude closes the epistles, the final chapter b4 Revelation. Ezra continues the history of 2Chronicles w/ a gap in time, but poets & prophets living then tell more a/b the 70yrs or so of transition: The deportation begins. Daniel & Ezekiel serve God in Babylon. Jerusalem falls. Persia’s new leader Cyrus gains power & conquers Babylon; respecting the gods of other nations; he declares: “All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me & He commanded me to build Him a house in Jerusalem..Who is among you of all His people? Let him go & build the house of the LORD. Let the men who stay help w/ gold, goods, & freewill offerings.” Cyrus sends them home w/ treasures taken from the temple. Cyrus worships another god but does the Lord’s will as the prophet(s) said he would. Job, of the chosen nation, worships God exclusively. In his last oration, he reveals the Lord as the source of his righteousness: If I have deny justice..”what will I do when God confronts me?” Selfish or unmerciful? “I dreaded destruction from God, & for fear of his splendor I could not do such things…these also would be sins..for I would have been unfaithful to God.” Job maintains trust in God despite bewilderment over his circumstances. Jude writes of those who choose another path: “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.” Lord, show me if my motives or behaviors r geared towards victimizing others, consorting w/an enemy of faith for personal gain, or defying authority. Strengthen us w/ your righteousness & peace, particularly in times of transition! Jude continues: To Him who is able to keep u from stumbling &to present u without fault &with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power & authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord..now & forever!

21-Dec-11: Adrianne thinks today’s readings r hillarious in their fitting together. John’s prologue to Revelation sets the framework for the vision of Christ Jesus’ return that follows. Elihu also introduces himself to Job & friends before delivering a word that precedes the voice of God. Ezra3-5 mirrors the plight of Job & all mankind since creation: the chosen nation lays the foundation for the temple in Jerusalem, but an accuser inhibits their work which is to glorify God. The rebuilders write to the king: “b/c our fathers angered the God of heaven, He handed them over to Nebuchadnezzar..who destroyed this temple & deported the people..then Cyrus gave them to a man he’d appointed governor & told him: rebuild the house of God on its site..So he laid the foundations, & since then, it has been under construction but not yet finished.” Elihu, the speaker in Job32, is angry at Job for justifying himself rather than God & angry w/ the friends for their condemnation. However, he is respectful, noting that he’s waited for their silence &now he must speak: “for I am full of words, &the spirit within me compels me; inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.” The people of Judah were able to return home by following Cyrus’ direction to rebuild; however, the locals found a receptive ear in a later king to condemn them as troublemakers; at this point, God’s people have an excuse to quit. Praise God, they r compelled to persevere. John’s words to the 1st 4 churches in Rev2 suggest that, like the temple in Ezra’s Jerusalem, our foundation has been laid, but we are still under construction. John’s word encourages & states where improvement is needed. Each church is promised an eternal reward for overcoming: the right to eat from the tree of life, to not be hurt by the 2nd death, a white stone w/ a new name, authority over the nations. Praise God, the rebuilding continues; it’s completion will be marked by the return of Christ Jesus. John states in his intro, “Look, He is coming w/ the clouds, & every eye will see Him.” The Lord revives John who falls at the sight of Him: “Do not be afraid. I am the First & the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, & behold I am alive for ever & ever!” Hallelujah! May we each overcome & b prepared to hear the voice of the Lord.

22-Dec-11: Adrianne likes Stedman’s description of heaven in Adventuring Through the Bible. In Rev3-4, after John writes the Lord’s message for 3 churches, he’s told: “Come here, & I’ll show u what must take place after this.” Stedman says: “Each time John is ‘in the Spirit,’ it signals something highly significant is happening. ‘At once I was in the Spirit, &there b4 me was a throne in heaven w/someone sitting on it’ (Rev4:2)..the scene shifts now from earth to heaven. By “heaven,” I don’t mean somewhere out in space. In the Bible, heaven is the realm of the invisible..wherein God reigns hidden from our eyes but present among us. It is a spiritual kingdom that surrounds us on every side..What we think of as ‘reality’ is a mere vapor compared w/ the reality of the heavenly realm”(pg788). In Job33, Elihu speaks of God reaching wayward people: “if there is an angel at their side..sent to tell them how to be upright, &he..says to God, ‘Spare them. I have found a ransom for them..then that person can pray to God &find favor w/ Him, they’ll c God’s face &shout for joy; He’ll restore them to full well-being. And they’ll go to others &say, I’ve sinned..but I did not get what I deserved. God has delivered me from..the pit, & I shall live to enjoy the light of life.” In Ezra6-8, the temple rebuilding is completed, festivals r held, & Ezra is sent to Jerusalem. The king instructs his officers to help: give him whatever the God of heaven wants for the Temple.” The king declares temple workers will not pay taxes &tells Ezra to choose judges. Ezra says: “Praise the Lord..He caused the king to want to honor the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. The Lord has shown me, Ezra, His love in the presence of the king..B/c the Lord my God was helping me, I had courage, & I gathered the leaders of Israel to return w/me.” Praise God for divine help, love in the presence of the King. The effect is visible! John’s message to one church is that b/c they r lukewarm, He’ll spit them out: “I wish that you were hot or cold! U say, ‘I am rich..&do not need anything.’ But u do not know” Soon, many will celebrate the birth of our Angel of Mercy, the Son of God, who says, “Here I am! I stand at the door &knock. If u hear my voice &open the door, I will come in &eat w/ u & u will eat w/me.” To be in the company of Grace & Truth in the heavenly realm: this is favor. Praise Jesus!

23-Dec-11: Adrianne is excited a/b seeing my little nephew this evening &prays the flight goes well. Today’s readings r a/b judgment, & traveling w/a 1 yr old sometimes renders the parents both the judge & the judged. Sometimes we might even question our qualifications. In Ezra9-10, Judah’s families marry outside their tribes, an act the Lord specifically forbids for them. Ezra tears his clothes, falls to his knees, &prays w/hands towards God. The people assemble, confess, & agree to move towards seperation: “We have been unfaithful to our God…But even so, there is still hope..Now let us make an agreement b4 our God..Let it b done to obey God’s Teachings.” Ezra may also question their qualifications, but his faith is in God whose strength prevails. Elihu, in Job34, likens Job’s complaint to rebellion: Job “keeps company w/evildoers..for he says, ‘There is no profit in trying to please God.’” Rev5 tells us John hears “every creature in heaven &on earth &in the sea singing, ‘To the One seated on the throne & to the Lamb b blessing &honor &glory &might forever & ever!’ This is easy to believe as I actively seek God. Elihu asks Job: “Should God then reward u on your terms, when u refuse to repent?” Judah’s families knew their sin. Elihu suggests a lack of repenting means we’re in need of a demonstration: “Oh, that Job might b tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!” In Rev5-6, John sees the scroll that unfolds God’s plan for the world. John cries bitterly when no one is found worthy to break the 7 seals. Stedman describes the 1st 6 seals as: the gospel’s conquest of the world, war, famine, death, prayers of the martyrs, & cosmic disturbances (pg789-790). These events introduce the next phase of God’s plan. Only someone w/ expertise in each can break open the scroll, &only Jesus qualifies. An elder tells John: “Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll &its 7 seals.” John cries bitterly b/c judgment by the God of love & truth ends injustice. Job’s present trial is nearly over. The Messiah will b born to the families of Judah. Lord Jesus, “You are worthy..b/c w/ the blood of your death you bought people for God from every tribe, language, people, &nation. You made them to be a kingdom of priests for our God, &they will rule on the earth.” Hallelujah!

24-Dec-11: Adrianne is glad little Ryan is awake since Helen started asking a/b him at 6:30. Explaining CA time to her did not have much effect. Timing in the Old Testament is a little confusing, too. The historical books of Nehemiah & Esther follow Ezra but may have happened 1st. Stedman suggests the queen in Nehemiah 1-2 is Esther & offers a set of themes that could be related their ordering. The CS Lewis Bible has a post in Revelation comparing civilisations to individuals entitled “What it means to live forever”. Elihu’s words to Job remind me our God seeks individuals to build an eternal civilisation: “Look up at the heavens &see; gaze at the clouds so high above u. If u sin, how does that affect Him? If u r righteous, what does He receive from your hand?” Our God is so patient, waiting for souls to choose His way so we can be perfected by Him in heaven. Nehemiah learns the remnant in Judah is vulnerable, unprotected by a broken wall. Like Ezra, he prays for God’s favor in the presence of the king: “Lord..You keep your agreement w/those who love you &obey Your commands..I confess the sins we have done against You..We have not obeyed the commands You gave..Remember what You taught Moses, saying, ‘If u r unfaithful, I will scatter u among the nations. But if u return to me &obey my commands, I will gather your people from the far ends of the earth &bring them from captivity to where I’ve chosen to be worshiped.” Revelation7-8 also speaks of the Lord reigning in His people b4 the destruction that precedes rebuilding. An angel says: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we mark w/a sign the foreheads of the people who serve our God.” John hears the # of Israel’s descendants marked & then sees “a great # of people..from every nation, tribe, people, & language of the earth..standing before the throne & b4 the Lamb…the elder said to me, ‘These r the people who have come out of the great distress. They have washed their robes & made them white in the blood of the Lamb..they will never be hungry or thirsty again..b/c the Lamb will be their shepherd.’ Lord Jesus, thank-You for opportunity to exit captivity b4 the great distress! I pray your favor draws many to worship in your presence & join the rebuilding of your kingdom.

25-Dec-11: Adrianne is happy to celebrate Christmas w/my family. I pray God’s peace & love fall on any whose circumstances r less pleasing. The birth of the baby Jesus is such an extravagant gift. Since I began seeking to know Him, I am certain I never want to be away from God. Joy from praise songs, prayer, & studying the Word staples me to faith in Christ Jesus, Immanuel. I try to read scripture commentary when detail or obscure passages stump me. Adventuring Through the Bible’s chapter on Nehemiah increases my curiosity. Stedman likens Judah’s rebuilding of the wall to rebuilding our faith so we can b alive & activated as Christians. He discusses scriptural associations w/ each gate’s name. The Sheep Gate is 1st; the Lamb of God who gave His life for ours on the cross is the start & end of the Christian faith. The Water Gate is not paired w/ a repair crew as the others; water, Stedman says, is the Word of God which never changes. John 1 says Jesus is the Word, so this makes perfect sense. Jesus is perfect; He lacks nothing that God desires & possesses nothing that offends Him. The other gate names represent aspects of our faith walk to maintain: witnessing, honoring truth, avoiding compromise that defies God, repenting, the cleansing from the Holy Spirit that follows repentence, the process of spiritual warfare, &, if i remember correctly, renewal & prayer. Maintaining our wall of faith keeps us in God’s security, here & after we die. Elihu says in Job36: “God is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden w/choice food.” Rev9-10 describes a period of torture &death b4 Jesus’ return. BibleGateway.com’s commentary points to the scroll John eats as evidence of God’s love & hope in the vision. John’s told to go &prophesy to many; God’s aim is to restore. Elihu offers advice for keeping our faith: “Beware of turning to evil, which u seem to prefer to affliction..Remember to extol his work, which people have praised in song…How great is God—beyond our understanding!” Before Jesus, most people were not drawn to worship or even acknowledge Him. God chose a man of faith, developed him into a nation, & like a chef, waited for each ingredient to ripen, simmer, & stew until the time was right for the birth of His Son. Jesus creates a way for all of us to know God. Today, as His birth is celebrated, I pray massive walls of faith draw many to seek salvation from Jesus, to seek perfect place God is preparing & desires to give us. Thank-you, Lord! Merry Christmas, & God bless you!

26-Dec-11: Adrianne praises God for 2 4 day weekends! I’m excited a/b what 2012 might bring. Whether there’s lots or little visible change, I know God is good, so His good works will continue somewhere, somehow. In Rev11-12, survivors on earth r getting through 7 years of tribulation. 2 witnesses who speak under God’s protection r killed, r raised back to life, &ascend to heaven. At this time, some people may turn to the Lord: “In the same hour there was a great earthquake…7000 people were killed &those who did not die were very afraid &gave glory to the God of heaven.” Nehemiah, in Ne6-8, is hounded by locals who scheme against efforts to restore the wall. When the repairs r completed, God’s intervention is seen: “When all our enemies heard about it &all the nations around us saw it, they were shamed. They then understood that the work had been done w/the help of our God.” Judah celebrates the feast of tabernacles wherein they live briefly in tents to remember they r pilgrims who belong to God (www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Neh/Feast-Tabernacles-Joy-People). Praise Jesus for change that initiates the salvation of souls. Rev12 includes a vision of warfare & redemption that leads to victory in heaven &hardship on earth: “The salvation &the power &the kingdom of our God &the authority of His Christ have now come. The accuser..has been thrown down…our brothers &sisters defeated him by the blood of the Lamb’s death & by the message they preached…So rejoice, u heavens &all who live there! But it will b terrible for the earth &sea b/c the devil has come down..filled w/anger b/c he knows he does not have much time.” Praise God, the hater’s time is limited, but so is ours. We must choose God b4 the choice is removed by death or destruction. In Job37, Elihu speaks of God’s wonders, power, & might: “God’s voice thunders in wonderful ways; He does great things we cannot understand…Do u know the miracles of God, who knows everything? U suffer in your clothes when the land is silenced by the hot, south wind…Tell us what we should say to Him; we cannot get our arguments ready b/c we do not have enough understanding…No one can look at the sun when it is bright in the sky after the wind has blown all the clouds away. God comes out of the north in golden light, in overwhelming greatness.” Praise Jesus, by His Name I call out to God for miracles, mercy, & grace. He is great, & He is good!

27-Dec-11: Adrianne & Helen cried during an ASPCA commercial yesterday. We watch DVDs @ home, so i was caught off guard by all the forlorn animals in need of loving homes. Today I’m glad for images of eternal bliss in Rev13-14. John writes: “Then I looked, &there b4 me was the Lamb…I heard a sound from heaven like the noise of flooding water &like the sound of loud thunder…like people playing harps. And they sang a new song b4 the throne.” Job38 offers an exciting glimpse of our God; the Lord answers Job: “Can u shout an order to the clouds &cover yourself w/a flood of water? Do u hunt food for the female lion to satisfy the hunger of the young lions?’” Many things try to weaken our belief in an Almighty God who is always good & whose purpose is always good. Rev13 describes a beast w/ multiple horns & heads: “there was a crown on each horn. A name against God was written on each head.” Enemies of faith have muliple horns & heads, no doubt, but all r defeated in the Word of God. Nehemiah9-10 agrees: the people assemble, recall the great works of God that developed them into a nation, & vow together to support the temple as required by the Law. They need divine strength as they await the Messiah. Jesus teaches us to worship in Spirit & in Truth, to love God w/all our heart, mind, & strength. & to love our neighbor as ourselves. Demonstrating my love for God is an effective starting point for me if i sense a loosening in my trust in the Lord. I want my faith tightly woven. Rev14 says: “Blessed are the dead who die from now on in the Lord…they will rest from their hard work, &the reward of all they have done stays w/them.” The alternative is just so unpleasant! Nehemiah’s people live through much affliction; they know they need divine strength & pray to God: “Blessed be your wonderful name..You made the heavens..the earth..you give life to everything…You keep your agreement of love.” Thank-you God for keeping your agreement of love in Christ Jesus! The life you give is an awesome life! Guide us in your magnificent plan. Reveal gifts that may have been overlooked or underappreciated so our walk better illuminates your blessing. Inspire us in new ways to bring glory to your holy name! You are the Lord!

28-Dec-11: Adrianne is glad to work in a customer support role. Helen suggests I should work at her school, & while I would love for us to share vacation time, I’d need a divine prompting to re-investigate the education environment anywhere. (Kudos, teachers!) Nehemiah, in Ne11-13, returns to Jerusalem after some time way to find unlawful behavior in Judah: Tobiah, a foreigner, has a room in the Temple courtyard…people r not giving the Levites their shares…they work & permit trade on the Sabbath day. Nehemiah takes action to correct these issues. “Then I ordered the Levites to purify themselves and to guard the city gates to make sure the Sabbath remained holy.” Next he finds impure marriages: “I argued w/those people, put curses on them, hit some of them, &pulled out their hair. I forced them to make a promise to God…U r unfaithful to our God when u marry foreign wives.” In Rev15-16, the wrath of God is poured over the earth in what sounds like the results of modern warfare: painful sores & burns, deadly poisoning of waters, darkness, demonic activity, earthquakes & hailstorms. This woe is delivered by 7 angels, but first, John sees a crew of escapees: “I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. All of those who had won the victory over the beast..were standing by the sea of glass. They had harps that God had given them. They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, &the song of the Lamb: ‘You do great &wonderful things, Lord God Almighty. Everything the Lord does is right &true…Only you are holy. All the nations will come &worship you.” Praise God for revelation that we have escaped something; great joy is known when the heart is flooded w/gratitude & love for God. The Lord speaks of His creations in Job39: “Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn? Their young thrive &grow strong in the wilds; they leave & do not return. The wild donkey laughs at the commotion in the town.. It ranges the hills for its pasture &searches for any green thing. The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully. She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers for God did not endow her with wisdom.” Thank-you God for wisdom. Help me laugh at fear, b afraid of nothing, & not shy away from the sword. Teach me to dwell on a cliff, make a rocky crag is my stronghold, & detect what I seek from afar. Be my Lord, & strengthen me to b trusted to haul in your grain &bring it to your threshing floor. I am pleased to serve you, rely on you, & stay by your side~Job39

29-Dec-11: Adrianne is glad for her sister’s visit & sad to see them go. Such brief interludes may seem inconsequential, but praise God for the joy & hope they bring, building faith in God’s goodness. In Esther1-3, the Persian king, blessed instrument of the Lord that he is, dethrones 1 queen to have a new queen b the voice that rescues his kingdom from near tragedy. Xerxes invites all men of the city to celebrate &drink as they please for 7 days. Then, in high spirits himself, he calls on his wife to entertain them. She refuses. Speculation surrounding Vashti’s motives exists, but all the Bible says is that she refuses, &her position is given to Esther. Haman, an exalted official of the court, later tells Xerxes God’s people don’t obey the king’s laws, & based on that, Xerxes agrees they can b killed. Praise God for those used by the Lord to teach readers of the Word. Regarding Vashti, not speculating over every little circumstance &just praising God has been a big learning curve for me as a mere participant in God’s plan. Regarding Haman, Rev17-18 describes the wretched outcome of a woman called Babylon: “The woman u saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.” Babylon’s described as a prostitute; sin desires that we trade what is right w/God for what brings momentary pleasure. Rev17-18 suggests sinful worldliness is just a grip used by the devil &his advocates; at judgment, it is no longer useful &is destroyed: “The 10 horns &the beast u saw will hate the prostitute. They will eat her body &burn her w/fire. God made the 10 horns want to carry out His purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule until what God has said comes about.” The Book of Esther is a precious interlude showing us God works out the details. I have faith that what God says will come about. In Job40, God questions His servant: “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?” I am glad for the Lord’s work in Xerxes; the king yields, & salvation springs forth. Praise Jesus when I don’t get in His way. God tells Job: “Unleash the fury of your wrath…look at all who r proud &humble them, crush the wicked where they stand.” Job yields. Rev17-18 says of the beast &the 10 kings: “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them, b/c He is Lord of lords &King of kings. He will defeat them w/His called, chosen, &faithful followers.” Hallelujah! May today bring a faith building interlude to the hearts of many!

30-Dec-11: Adrianne exposed ignorance asking a/b something in the news earlier this month. Not that its so unusual, but while I’ve worried a/b neglecting some other things lately, I thought my twitter feeds &occasional headline sweep kept me sufficiently alert to news items. Today’s readings remind me I need to remain teachable. In Esther4-6, when Mordecai learns of the edict against Jews, he tells Esther she must act. She responds that she is virtually powerless. Mordecai suggests if she does nothing, she may not be saved by what the Lord may do anyway. She agrees to approach the king, punishable by death &asks Mordecai to lead a fast. Mordecai carries out her instructions. In the meantime, the king asks to hear the royal chronicles. He learns Mordecai had exposed 2 officers who’d conspired to assassinate him &seeks a proper reward: “When Haman entered, the king asked, ‘What should b done for the man the king delights to honor?’” Haman, w/the help of others, had formulated a new plan against Mordecai. When he tells his wife &advisors a/b the king’s latest order on Mordecai’s behalf, they retract: “b/c he’s Jewish, u cannot stand against him!” In Job41, the Lord continues speaking of his powerful creatures: “Can u make a pet of Leviathan as u would a bird? If u put one hand on it, u will never forget the battle, &u will never do it again! Nothing else on earth is equal to it…it is king over all proud creatures.” Yet, Leviathan belongs to God, & b/c of His great love & mercy, so do we. In Rev19-20, an angel tells John: “Write this: Blessed r those who r invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!…These r the true words of God.” John falls @ the angel’s feet who explains he is just a servant as is John: “Worship God.” John recieves a vision of Christ Jesus: “I saw heaven standing open &there b4 me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful & True. W/justice He judges &wages war. His eyes r like blazing fire..He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, &His name is the Word of God. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations..On His robe &thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” My Savior, Lord Jesus, I believe you r the Son of God. Thank-you for sacrificing yourself for me. I repent for my sin, for falling short in loving God w/all I have &my neighbor as myself. Please forgive me &write my name in the Book of Life. Help me give more attention to what might build faith in others. “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice & b glad &give Him glory!”

31-Dec-11: Adrianne is pleased to think of people all across the world selecting their 2012 Bible reading plans, versions, &/or thematic studies. Regarding versions, I often like the NIV, ESV, or NASB. When I want something more plain, such as w/ Paul’s letters, I like the NLT or NCV. BibleGateway.com & BlueletterBible.org r great tools for viewing passages in different versions &reading online commentaries. The “One Year” plan completes the Bible w/readings taken from the Old & New Testaments daily. My church has a wonderful daily devotional based on a 1 year plan: www.bethany.com/devotional/. I’ve been reading almost daily for 3 years but don’t necesarily stick to one plan, version, & theme for a whole year. For 2012, I have a new Complete Jewish Bible & CS Lewis Bible to accompany my other unfinished studies. I find singing a praise & worship song & saying a brief prayer asking for revelation make my reading much more effective, although i sometimes unfortunately neglect this. In today’s readings, trials come to an end &new practices r set in motion. In Esther7-10, the pepetrator of evil is killed along w/his 10 sons &many others who come against God’s people on the day Haman’s edict named for their annihilation. Although in the past, plundering has been encouraged, they choose not to plunder now. Their lack of want for anything belonging to their enemy compliments Esther’s request to the king: “if it pleases you, grant me my life-this is my petition. And spare my people.” Haman’s command is given to Mordecai who encourages God’s people to celebrate the victory annually w/ feasting &gifts to the poor. Likewise, in Job42, the Lord tells Job’s friends to prepare a sacrifice &instructs Job to pray for them for speaking falsely a/b God. Job obeys, &his godly prosperity is restored. In Rev21-22, John is told to share his vision w/the church: The angel said to me, “These words r trustworthy &true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” The angel’s words r confirmed by the King of kings: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give u this testimony for the churches. I am the Root &the Offspring of David, &the bright Morning Star.” In Rev21-22, I am particularly encouraged by John’s passage on what he sees, the unimaginable: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven & a new earth,’..&there was no longer any sea…I heard a loud voice saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people’..He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” Friend, have a safe &joyful New Year’s Eve, & may the Lord bless you w/an awesome awareness of His glory.