[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Monday, August 31, 2015
Bonus Reading, Isaiah
Wasted Opportunities
Today's reading is a lament about the failings of the chosen people to live up to God's hopes and expectations. God's people are compared to a vineyard, carefully planted and tended, but which yields only wild grapes. The parallel is clear: the Jews had received God's blessings and protection -- especially the Promised Land. Despite many opportunities, they failed to develop into the free and faithful people God desired. So, now God is cutting the loss. Like a planter who abandons a vineyard that does not adequately produce, so God is abandoning the chosen.people.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
A Rest Stop
We have reached the last of the summer rest stops along Godsway 66. This will allow for a final break before we finish the final prophets in the Hebrew Bible. The overview for the next book, Zechariah, will be posted on September 13.
In the meantime, enjoy some bonus readings from previous books. This week, there are extra readings from the prophet Isaiah. They offer some more of the lengthy oracles of the famous Hebrew prophet, including some less well known items. These include the promise of salvation for unexpected nations (including Egypt) and the first vision of "new heavens and a new earth."
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Haggai, Day 3
A Day to Catch Up
If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Haggai you might have missed.
Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
- If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
- Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
- Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Haggai on Sunday at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Haggai, Day 2 Readings
Unholy People in a Holy Land
Today's reading is the conclusion of the prophet Haggai. The first rebuilding of the Temple -- with limited resources -- was quickly completed, but paled in comparison to David's Temple (and to the Temple that would be build soon after). God promised, however, that they would soon have the money to build an even grander Temple.
There also was a warning for those who returned from exile -- simply because they had reclaimed the holy land did not make them a holy people. Instead, using the logic of clean and unclean, these people are unclean (unholy). Only with God's help, and with faith, will they be holy.
Today's reading is the conclusion of the prophet Haggai. The first rebuilding of the Temple -- with limited resources -- was quickly completed, but paled in comparison to David's Temple (and to the Temple that would be build soon after). God promised, however, that they would soon have the money to build an even grander Temple.There also was a warning for those who returned from exile -- simply because they had reclaimed the holy land did not make them a holy people. Instead, using the logic of clean and unclean, these people are unclean (unholy). Only with God's help, and with faith, will they be holy.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Haggai 2 today.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Haggai, Day 1 Readings
Where Is God's House?
Today's reading is the beginning of Haggai, who prophesied at the beginning of the return from exile in Babylon. While the histories of Ezra and Nehemiah suggest that the returning Jews were eager to rebuild the Temple and city wall, Haggai suggests differently. Instead, the people worked hard to build their own houses and plant their own crops. However, their hard work did not yield much. The land was gripped by famine.
Haggai told the people that the reason for this was God's unhappiness that they had done nothing about the Temple, which laid in ruins. Until this changed, God would continue to limit the fruits of their labors. After hearing this, the people began to rebuild the Temple.
Today's reading is the beginning of Haggai, who prophesied at the beginning of the return from exile in Babylon. While the histories of Ezra and Nehemiah suggest that the returning Jews were eager to rebuild the Temple and city wall, Haggai suggests differently. Instead, the people worked hard to build their own houses and plant their own crops. However, their hard work did not yield much. The land was gripped by famine.Haggai told the people that the reason for this was God's unhappiness that they had done nothing about the Temple, which laid in ruins. Until this changed, God would continue to limit the fruits of their labors. After hearing this, the people began to rebuild the Temple.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Haggai 1 today.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Haggai, Overview
Godsway 66, Book 37 - Haggai
Haggai was a prophet to the first people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon. He offered a very pointed message to people about the need to put God first -- in particular, to put the rebuilding of God's house, the Temple, first.
Instead, when these people were released from Babylon, they worried about their own homes, fields, and vineyards. Their works was doubly hard because they faced obstacles to their work, especially famine.
Haggai revealed that the problem was with their behavior. While they worked long hours on their own properties, the former Temple was simply a pile of ruins. As long as God's house remained unbuilt, God would limit the fruits of the people's labors. However, if they return to God in faith -- and rebuilding the Temple is one part of such faith -- God will reward their efforts. Eventually, they will gain the wealth of other nations (after they are punished by God for their sinfulness).
Instead, when these people were released from Babylon, they worried about their own homes, fields, and vineyards. Their works was doubly hard because they faced obstacles to their work, especially famine.
Haggai revealed that the problem was with their behavior. While they worked long hours on their own properties, the former Temple was simply a pile of ruins. As long as God's house remained unbuilt, God would limit the fruits of the people's labors. However, if they return to God in faith -- and rebuilding the Temple is one part of such faith -- God will reward their efforts. Eventually, they will gain the wealth of other nations (after they are punished by God for their sinfulness).
Friday, August 21, 2015
Zephaniah, Day 4
A Day to Catch Up
If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Zephaniah you might have missed.
Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
- If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
- Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
- Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Zephaniah on Sunday at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Zephaniah, Day 3 Readings
The Redemption of Jerusalem
Today's first reading offers a harsh assessment of Judah, especially condemning the stubbornness of the people in refusing God's teaching. Again and again, God has tried to turn the people away from idolatry, but instead these people have followed bad leaders and unfaithful priests. Now, God hopes that the punishment of the surrounding nations -- and God's transformation of them -- will irrefutably prove God's power for Judah, so that the people will return to faith in God.
Today's first reading offers a harsh assessment of Judah, especially condemning the stubbornness of the people in refusing God's teaching. Again and again, God has tried to turn the people away from idolatry, but instead these people have followed bad leaders and unfaithful priests. Now, God hopes that the punishment of the surrounding nations -- and God's transformation of them -- will irrefutably prove God's power for Judah, so that the people will return to faith in God.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second reading promises a better day for God's people after the "Day of the Lord." After the punishment of nations, and the resulting encouragement for Judah to return to faith in God, the past will be forgiven. And God's chosen people will live in freedom, with riches, and in peace.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Zephaniah 3 today.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Zephaniah, Day 2 Readings
The Punishment of Nations
Today's reading again promises that God will punish all of the nations who have worked against God's will and against God's purposes. This is also true for the unfaithful people among Judah -- they will not escape God's destructive wrath. However, those who are faithful may be protected from the worst. And a remnant of the faithful will be given the riches and lands of the defeated nations.
Today's reading again promises that God will punish all of the nations who have worked against God's will and against God's purposes. This is also true for the unfaithful people among Judah -- they will not escape God's destructive wrath. However, those who are faithful may be protected from the worst. And a remnant of the faithful will be given the riches and lands of the defeated nations.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Zephaniah 2 today.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Zephaniah, Day 1 Readings
No One Will Avoid God's Hand
Today's reading is the beginning of Zephaniah, another of the prophets who predict the "Day of the Lord." In this reading, there is the expected promise of destruction and punishment for Judah -- particularly for the idolatry among God's people. However, there is also a specific warning for the wealthy. They believe that their money and power will protect them from anything that may happen, but God warns that even they will feel the pain of God's punishment.
Today's reading is the beginning of Zephaniah, another of the prophets who predict the "Day of the Lord." In this reading, there is the expected promise of destruction and punishment for Judah -- particularly for the idolatry among God's people. However, there is also a specific warning for the wealthy. They believe that their money and power will protect them from anything that may happen, but God warns that even they will feel the pain of God's punishment.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Zephaniah 1 today.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Zephaniah, Overview
Godsway 66, Book 36 - Zephaniah
Zephaniah, another of the "minor prophets," prophesied about the coming "Day of the Lord." While not as graphic as Joel or Amos, Zephaniah emphasized that God will punish the unfaithful nations on a day of judgment. After this, a remnant of God's faithful will enjoy peace and prosperity.
The greatest sins were idolatry and an unwillingness to follow God's teaching. They were evident among both Judah and the surrounding nations that threatened to defeat Judah. All would face God's punishment. Interestingly, there is a special warning in Zephaniah for the wealthy, who believed that riches would allow them to ride out any changes.
Through these overwhelming punishments, God's chosen people would again recognize the power and glory of God, and they would return to be God's people. They would follow God's laws and leave in peace.
Zephaniah, another of the "minor prophets," prophesied about the coming "Day of the Lord." While not as graphic as Joel or Amos, Zephaniah emphasized that God will punish the unfaithful nations on a day of judgment. After this, a remnant of God's faithful will enjoy peace and prosperity.The greatest sins were idolatry and an unwillingness to follow God's teaching. They were evident among both Judah and the surrounding nations that threatened to defeat Judah. All would face God's punishment. Interestingly, there is a special warning in Zephaniah for the wealthy, who believed that riches would allow them to ride out any changes.
Through these overwhelming punishments, God's chosen people would again recognize the power and glory of God, and they would return to be God's people. They would follow God's laws and leave in peace.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Bonus Reading, Psalms
A Prayer of Confession
Today's reading is one of the most famous laments in the Bible (probably because it is the great prayer of confession suggested for daily use in the Book of Common Prayer). In its 19 verses, it offers a variety of ways for God to transform a sinner into a person of faith, by transforming the heart, the brain (through the knowledge of good and evil) and the mouth (through ways to give God praise instead of condemnation). "Create in me a new heart, O God, and restore a right spirit within me."
Today's reading is one of the most famous laments in the Bible (probably because it is the great prayer of confession suggested for daily use in the Book of Common Prayer). In its 19 verses, it offers a variety of ways for God to transform a sinner into a person of faith, by transforming the heart, the brain (through the knowledge of good and evil) and the mouth (through ways to give God praise instead of condemnation). "Create in me a new heart, O God, and restore a right spirit within me."
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Bonus Reading, Psalms
A Personal Cry for Forgiveness
Today's reading is a personal lament from among the "songs of ascents" -- the music that people would sing together as they climbed the mount to worship in the Temple. It is a prayer of confession, admitting the soul's suffering from guilt for wrongdoing and sinfulness. From the opening phrase, "out of the depths," they offer a vision of despair that seeks God's comfort and forgiveness. And yet, it ends with a word of hope for God's support and love.
Today's reading is a personal lament from among the "songs of ascents" -- the music that people would sing together as they climbed the mount to worship in the Temple. It is a prayer of confession, admitting the soul's suffering from guilt for wrongdoing and sinfulness. From the opening phrase, "out of the depths," they offer a vision of despair that seeks God's comfort and forgiveness. And yet, it ends with a word of hope for God's support and love.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Bonus Reading, Psalms
The Foolishness of Disbelief
Today's reading is a lament about the power of disbelief, which distracts many people from the existence of God. God's hope is always in the faithful, especially those who seek after the ways of God. However, there are many people -- here derided as fools -- who cannot fathom God's existence or God's actions in the world. They would be terrified if they realized what God could do to them, especially those who do evil to other people.
Today's reading is a lament about the power of disbelief, which distracts many people from the existence of God. God's hope is always in the faithful, especially those who seek after the ways of God. However, there are many people -- here derided as fools -- who cannot fathom God's existence or God's actions in the world. They would be terrified if they realized what God could do to them, especially those who do evil to other people.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Bonus Reading, Psalms
A Prayer of Deliverance
Today's reading is a powerful prayer from David, asking for God's protection and deliverance from enemies. It demonstrates a strong faith in God's continued security, even in dangerous and uncertain times. However, it asks God to intervene for the suffering faithful and give them a life of peace and security.
Today's reading is a powerful prayer from David, asking for God's protection and deliverance from enemies. It demonstrates a strong faith in God's continued security, even in dangerous and uncertain times. However, it asks God to intervene for the suffering faithful and give them a life of peace and security.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Monday, August 10, 2015
Bonus Reading, Jeremiah
The Punishment of Egypt
Today's reading is a prophecy against Egypt during the time of the Babylonian reign of terror. The cause of this punishment, like the rest of Jeremiah, is the Egyptians' worship of false gods. However, there is an underlying cause too -- it seems that the Egyptians had formed an alliance with Judah, hoping that the small kingdom would be a buffer state between the two empires. After Judah was defeated by Babylon, Egypt was next. The prophet Jeremiah suggested that this was a punishment for Egypt picking the wrong side (the idolatrous Jews), so they too would suffer at the hands of the Babylonians.
Today's reading is a prophecy against Egypt during the time of the Babylonian reign of terror. The cause of this punishment, like the rest of Jeremiah, is the Egyptians' worship of false gods. However, there is an underlying cause too -- it seems that the Egyptians had formed an alliance with Judah, hoping that the small kingdom would be a buffer state between the two empires. After Judah was defeated by Babylon, Egypt was next. The prophet Jeremiah suggested that this was a punishment for Egypt picking the wrong side (the idolatrous Jews), so they too would suffer at the hands of the Babylonians.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Rest Stop Continues
Our August break for Godsway 66 continues this week. The overview for the next book, Zephaniah, will be posted on August 17.
In the meantime, enjoy some bonus readings from previous books. This week, there are extra readings from the prophet Jeremiah and the Psalms. Jeremiah explains that God's judgment extends beyond the Jews and their oppressors, to others who are unfaithful and idolatrous (like Egypt). The selections from Psalms are a few of the powerful personal confessions that ask God's forgiveness and transformation for people guilty of sins.
In the meantime, enjoy some bonus readings from previous books. This week, there are extra readings from the prophet Jeremiah and the Psalms. Jeremiah explains that God's judgment extends beyond the Jews and their oppressors, to others who are unfaithful and idolatrous (like Egypt). The selections from Psalms are a few of the powerful personal confessions that ask God's forgiveness and transformation for people guilty of sins.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Bonus Reading, Jeremiah
Another Denunciation of Idolatry
Today's reading is another of God's harsh warnings against the persistent worship of false gods. In some ways, it seems that God is exasperated by the chosen people's refusal to heed God's warnings about worshiping, or condoning other people worshiping false gods. So God has decided to completely wipe out the practice among the Jews. Some have been exiled to Babylon, but others imagine they can escape to Egypt. Even there, God warned, they will be punished because they plan on continuing to worship multiple gods.
Today's reading is another of God's harsh warnings against the persistent worship of false gods. In some ways, it seems that God is exasperated by the chosen people's refusal to heed God's warnings about worshiping, or condoning other people worshiping false gods. So God has decided to completely wipe out the practice among the Jews. Some have been exiled to Babylon, but others imagine they can escape to Egypt. Even there, God warned, they will be punished because they plan on continuing to worship multiple gods.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Bonus Reading, Jeremiah
From Bad to Worse
Today's reading is a description of what happened in Judah after the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem and the first part of the exile. Those who remained in Judah fought among themselves, bringing about more death and destruction. Ironically, this suffering was not caused by Babylonian soldiers, but by the remaining Jews fighting each other. Such behavior confirmed God's judgment to use those in exile for the eventual restoration of God's people, rather than those living in the Promised Land.
Today's reading is a description of what happened in Judah after the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem and the first part of the exile. Those who remained in Judah fought among themselves, bringing about more death and destruction. Ironically, this suffering was not caused by Babylonian soldiers, but by the remaining Jews fighting each other. Such behavior confirmed God's judgment to use those in exile for the eventual restoration of God's people, rather than those living in the Promised Land.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Bonus Reading, Jeremiah
Good and Bad Figs
Today's reading is an image of the people who receive God's on-going favor during the Babylonian exile. God compares the Jewish people to good and bad figs, but in an unexpected way. Most people thought that God had lost favor with those who were captured by the Babylonians and exiled from the Promised Land. However, God promised that those who remained faithful in exile were the good figs -- the chosen. Those left behind had lost God's favor and were the bad figs. (This is yet another prophecy that shows how God intended to use the exile as a tool for restoration, rather than a punishment.)
Today's reading is an image of the people who receive God's on-going favor during the Babylonian exile. God compares the Jewish people to good and bad figs, but in an unexpected way. Most people thought that God had lost favor with those who were captured by the Babylonians and exiled from the Promised Land. However, God promised that those who remained faithful in exile were the good figs -- the chosen. Those left behind had lost God's favor and were the bad figs. (This is yet another prophecy that shows how God intended to use the exile as a tool for restoration, rather than a punishment.)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Bonus Reading, Jeremiah
The Shepherds Mislead the Sheep
Today's reading is a lament about the false prophets who have mislead God's people. Such leaders -- political and religious -- presented ideas that they said were God's teaching, but they were not. Their visions are figments of their own imaginations, not any holy guidance from God. Such false prophets were so rampant in ancient Israel that God has lost patience with them and stopped using official "court prophets" (those who were paid advisers to the king), like Isaiah. (Instead, God started using outsiders to offer a true word of God's intentions, people like Amos.)
Today's reading is a lament about the false prophets who have mislead God's people. Such leaders -- political and religious -- presented ideas that they said were God's teaching, but they were not. Their visions are figments of their own imaginations, not any holy guidance from God. Such false prophets were so rampant in ancient Israel that God has lost patience with them and stopped using official "court prophets" (those who were paid advisers to the king), like Isaiah. (Instead, God started using outsiders to offer a true word of God's intentions, people like Amos.)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Monday, August 3, 2015
Bonus Reading, Jeremiah
No Mercy
Today's reading is another presentation of God's punishments for the wayward people of Judah. Here, after Jeremiah offers a prayer that God send rain, he then shares God's promise that the drought is well-deserved consequence of the chosen people's faithlessness. In fact, all supposed prophets who suggest that God will grant the people peace (in the form of not only protection from enemies, but economic peace when rains water the crops and herds) are false prophets.
Today's reading is another presentation of God's punishments for the wayward people of Judah. Here, after Jeremiah offers a prayer that God send rain, he then shares God's promise that the drought is well-deserved consequence of the chosen people's faithlessness. In fact, all supposed prophets who suggest that God will grant the people peace (in the form of not only protection from enemies, but economic peace when rains water the crops and herds) are false prophets.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Sunday, August 2, 2015
A Rest Stop
We have reached another of the summer rest stops along Godsway 66. Hopefully, these breaks allow time to enjoy vacations and other wonderful summer activities without falling behind in this trip through the entire Bible. The overview for the next book, Zephaniah, will be posted on August 17.
In the meantime, enjoy some bonus readings from previous books. This week, there are extra readings from the prophet Jeremiah. Mostly, these are further explanations of the reasons why God is punishing the chosen people with defeat and exile. However, there are also reasons for hope, as God explains the beginning of the painful process of moving from faithlessness to faith, especially in the now-chosen people -- a remnant of those exiled in Babylon.
In the meantime, enjoy some bonus readings from previous books. This week, there are extra readings from the prophet Jeremiah. Mostly, these are further explanations of the reasons why God is punishing the chosen people with defeat and exile. However, there are also reasons for hope, as God explains the beginning of the painful process of moving from faithlessness to faith, especially in the now-chosen people -- a remnant of those exiled in Babylon.
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