October 27, 2010
Day 300
65 remaining
"Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!
Luke 21: 27-28
My Take Aways
Something Old:
My ransom has been paid. His angels will gather me up with all the believers on all corners of the earth. Our class will finally get to see one another. Wow!
Something New:
Don't let anyone mislead me. (Mark 13:5)
Salvation means redemption-a releasing of payment of ransom, liberation procured by the payment of a ransom. When He comes there will be a major releasing! Hallelujah!
Something to Do:
Stand and look up! My salvation is near.
25 Comments:
Good morning all,
Wendy, I admit I am grateful that today is the day your post ran and that we have a chance to testify to the truth of what you said! This is the second year I have read through the Bible with you. I plan to do it again next year and I have talked to my husband about joining us. I imagine he will not post... :)
Every day it is something new revealed. Even the very familiar passages display something new! I also particularly like the Chronological Bible because it orders the scriptures (as best it can) along the timeline that things happened. Even the Gospels, that cover the same events, are ordered according to the time they were written, so Mark is first, then Matthew, then Luke, then John. I discovered this year that the Gospel of Luke (written by the same author as the book of Acts) is believed to be a document written at a time when many "false accounts" of the life of Christ were prevalent. He strove to confirm the facts he wrote "by the fullest evidence" through witness testimonies and interviews. One commentary even said the Gospel of Luke may have been presented at Paul's trial.
Anyone who is new to this study, or who is contemplating joining, I welcome you! The sharing that goes on here is so enriching, and the community of kindness, encouragement, and prayer are a great bonus!
Be blessed,
Karen, Basel
Comment two; this one on today's readings. Whew! I struggle with these passages every time! What has happened already? What is yet to happen? It's all fine to say "Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that His return is very near, right at the door." (Mark 13:28-29)
These things... 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. (Matthew 24:7-8)
But in each age it appears these things happen. Just yesterday Indonesia was hit with a volcanic eruption and a Tsunami! Not to mention the wars and famines... And then the persecution. The book of The Acts of the Apostles tells specifically the story of persecution, trials, and death of the Apostles of Christ. But the verses "A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 13 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Mark 13:12-13), can still be seen today. Here is what David Guzik says about these verses:
The followers of Jesus should expect the most painful kinds of rejection and betrayal as they seek to stand strong for Jesus.
i. It is easy for us to underestimate how difficult a time of persecution can be. Inside this building, I can easily say, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”
a. If I came from an orthodox Jewish family, they might consider me a blasphemer and account me as dead for choosing Jesus.
b. If I came from a strict Muslim family, I might be rejected by my family and be literally killed for choosing Jesus.
c. If I came from a Hindu family in India, I could be rejected and martyred for choosing Jesus.
d. In China, I would be allowed to practice Christianity only in the state-sponsored church - or be persecuted. My church might be one of the 1,500 destroyed or shut down since November of 2000.
e. In Sudan, I might be killed or literally enslaved by a Muslim army.
f. In Indonesia, I might be given a choice by Muslims: convert to Islam or die, or I might have my church bombed during a worship service.
g. In Pakistan I might be jailed by Muslim government officials.
ii. According to David B. Barrett in his book Today’s Martyrs, some 165,000 Christians died for their faith in the year 2000. Researchers estimate that since the Day of Pentecost, more than 43 million Christians have been killed for their faith. A persecution index provided by Open Doors with Brother Andrew lists 28 countries with strong or even massive persecution. In another 23 countries Christians suffer discrimination and in some regions severe harassment.
Wow! It is so comforting to know that we are fully redeemed; that we will not perish, and that our salvation is near!
There is much more to discuss, the destruction of the Temple and the second coming of Christ, but this is pretty long now, so I will defer to the rest of you to share your nuggets.
Have a good day today!
Karen, Basel
Good morning GIGs(Girlfriends in God) and to any who are visiting from Wendy's Proverbs 31 devotional!
When I think back about reading Wendy's devotional last year about this Bible Study, I see now that the Lord "quickened my heart" to think hard about doing this. I had read the Bible on and off on my own for years, was a church attender in the past, and even taught Sunday School. But I sensed that this Bible Study would bring something entirely new to my life, and I was so right! Before this year, I knew about God. Now I know God . In what ways have I learned to know him from this study? Let me share with you a benediction I read just recently in a book that sums it up beautifully, and which has become a prayer I now pray for myself and others, including the wonderful sisters I have met through "Wendy Land."
May the Living Christ go with you. May he go behind you to encourage you, beside you to befriend you in obedient ministry, above you to watch over you, within you to give you peace, and before you to show you the way.
That is the Lord I have come to know through this study. Halleluijah and Amen!! (And thank you for being an obedient servant of the King, dear Wendy.)
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
I haven't watched the video yet, but I did this reading late last night and here is what I took away from it:
In the very beginning, the disciples are marvelling over the temple's design and building. Christ warns them to not look in the buildings and hold stock in them for they will crumble. It made me think how that sometimes we can hold too much stock in our place of worship. Like we have to always be in a "building" to worship God. God doesn't live inside a church building. He lives inside of us. The church building will one day crumble, but as long as we have Christ in our hearts we will live forever.
Mark 13:7-9 "...don't panic when you hear things of war. They still must take place but the end won't immediately follow. Nation will go against nation, and earthquakes & famines will happen...but this is only the birthing pains with more to come. When they start to happen WATCH OUT!"
Makes me think about all that has happened with the all the different storms that have wiped out cities and nations. I've always thought the end of time was near. I don't know when, but the something new I learned from this scripture was that "this is only the birthing pains" of things still yet to come.
Something To Do:
Don't hold stock in buildings, for they will one day crumble.
Hold on tight to my faith in Jesus Christ.
Use these times/opportunities to share Christ. (During wars, earthquakes, & famine, etc.)
Be on the look out for Christ return and stand up for what I believe in!
Allow God to speak through me.
Don't panic at the signs of the times.
Be true to God and His Word, not in what others thing I should be doing.
Blessings!
...miis-type..."not what others THINK I should be doing."
Something else for us to do is "WATCH OUT" for His coming. When you see this several times within a passage of scripture, take it as a warning from Christ and "watch out!". Be on the look out of His coming.
I love that song too Wendy! Thanks so much for what you shared with us today. :o)
Hi Everybody…
This reading was puzzling ….until reading the commentaries in a few different places. Was left with more understanding. Going and reading the bible verses given in the commentary helped tremendiously. Will be looking up more tonight.
Welcome All!! This bible study to me… has made me look up things, given me understanding, and has been a great start to growing in knowledge of his Word. This here Chronological Bible I did like the events in how they happened….but I have to put this “but” in there. Through out searching and looking at other Chronological Bibles I’ve found one that is catholic…with the one we are using some of the books are left out. This group of gals have been a great tremendous help….Great encouraging from each other has drawn me to it. Growing in Him and having a personnel relationship with Him is all powerful.
Commentary: from workbook for lectors and gospel readers by James L. Weaver
Luke21:5-19
The Gospels, including today’s reading, relate that Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2; Luke 21:5-6). The Temple was, in fact, destroyed roughly 40 years later in the year 70 AD when the Roman general Titus, son of the Emperor Vespasian (reigned 79-81 AD), took Jerusalem. That Jesus also threatened the Temple was a charge arising at his trial (Matthew 26:61; Mark 14:58). John, unlike Mark and Matthew, records that Jesus actually made the threat, but places his utterance of it at a different point in his ministry and gives it a different meaning (John 2:19-21). The gospels also report that Jesus drove vendors and moneychangers from the Temple (Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15-16; Luke 19:45; John 2:14-16). In purely historical terms, this deed likely set in motion the chain of events culminating in Jesus’ Crucifixion. The Temple was the center of Jewish national hope, Jerusalem was packed with Jewish pilgrims for Passover, the city’s Roman garrison was almost certainly on highest alert, and any disturbance at the Temple world have been swiftly and mercilessly dealt with.
In Luke, as in Matthew and Mark, the prediction of the Temple’s destruction stands at the head of what is often called the “little apocalypse.” But before its cataclysms and false teachers (Luke 21:7-11), before its predicted invasion of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24), and before the heavenly and earthly portents is says will precede the advent of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25-28), Jesus predicts a period of his followers’ persecution (Luke 21:12-19).
The effort to use the “little apocalypse” with the book of Revelation as a guide to modern history occurs from time to time. Some of these efforts have become quite popular. We are wise to be skeptical of those who claim the power to read these signs in our times. Many persecutions, disasters of all sorts, false teachers without number, and repeated conflict in Jerusalem have thus far not ushered in the Son of Man. Barring any decisive information, we would do well to remain “vigilant at all times” (Luke 21:36).
A side note of the reading: The whole reading pivots on the word “but.” Obviously the last line puts all the forging in a different light. “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” ….for it speaks to all of us who wait and endure.
Wait and endure = perseverance
Persevering,
Rhonda
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What is the definition of a Christian and a good Christian
Wendy, thanks for continuing next year. I want to do this again, I joined in August of this year and want more. Even though you don't see me, there is an accountability with the study. I can't wait to compare my notes with yours and the others.
Jesus tells us to pray that the end times doesn't fall on the Sabbath. Courson's commentary tells us that even today, in Isreal, all transportation shuts down on the Sabbath. It would be holy chaos for the people to try to flee to the hills on the Sabbath.
Interesting fact, huh?
More proof of God being an all-knowing God.
Morgen
Hi girls,
Thank you for your prayers - my mom has had a significant change in health and attitude. She is very encouraged and is once again preparing to leave this Friday. She asked me what prayer list I had added her to - because she could "feel" your prayers. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts as she readies herself for Israel this Friday! I am so excited for her. God is good - thank you so much for your prayers!!!
I am doing ok, the meds the doc gave me make me feel a little spaced out but I am getting some more rest at night which is good. Time is short today, I have a sick hubby and teething baby on my hands. All 4 of Elliot's molars are making their way through, but at least I can see some of them now which means we are on are way to it being over at some point. Thanks to those who have been praying for me. I really appreciate it.
Take care and God bless you all. I am so grateful for each of you!
Jodie from Ottawa,
ps Rhonda - I might try the rosary if I get a chance.
Thanks Wendy. I had no trouble getting to the blog.
Today's reading, teaching, and song lifted my spirit. I am so thankful for your devotional last year and the invitation to join this journey through the Bible. The teaching, comments, digging of all the GIGs has enriched me beyond words. The love and compassion that has flowed through the comments and prayers for all requests shows the true body of Christ Jesus. The way the Chronological Bible ties together the events as they happen makes understanding easier for me.
Welcome to all who are contemplating and praying about joining our journey next year.
Karen and Michelle a loud Amen to your comments.
Jules, thank you for bringing out about the Temple.
Rhonda, thank you for your comments each day.
SAP (Stop And Pray) for your requests. Jodie, did your Mom get to go to Jerusalem? Praying for you.
Blessings dear GIGs and precious Wendy.
Teeny
Jodie, praise the Lord! I'm so happy that your Mom is going to Israel on Friday. God does give us the desires of our heart. Praying for traveling mercies and good heart for this trip for her.
Still lifting you and your family up. Four molars at one time!
Teeny
Wendy,
Thank u so much for this Bible studying...I have been yearning to read the Bible thru in a year and have been searching online for a good Bible study...I have found it!...Can't wait to order the Bible & get started now...God is going to change my life & it needs it...I know only He can do it and He will if I allow Him to...
Hi Gigs, happy day 300!!!
Wendy, I love your new website look. I love that you put headings which will make it easier and quicker for me to get to things on the site. I can't use a mouse but the screen reader program I use allows me to jump one heading and link etc. at a time. I love the song Days of Elijah. Two Saturdays ago I was going to post this song with my comment.
I'm back from my trip. I had many awe moments. Friday three of us went to stay at my friend Karen's cabin in the woods. My friend Holly lives within walking distance of the cabin so she had us over for dinner Friday night. It was such wonderful fellowship. Saturday morning there were three deer outside the window and one was looking right at us, awe moment. It was a warm day so we took a long walk and I loved hearing the leaves crunching under my feet and smelling the woodsy smells. Every now and then I'd stop walking and just listen to the peace and God's creatures praising him. Awe moments. Saturday we went to a ministry for the deliverance ministry my friend Holly and her husband started. Saturday and Sunday night I stayed with my spiritual mom. It was such a sweet time with her. She always makes me feel so loved. We had such beautiful weather all weekend and today it's raining hard.
Jodie from Ottawa....That is great news about your Mom's trip to Israel...Answered prayers....Thank you Lord!! She will continue in prayers until a safe return. That is just so awesome Jodie.
Jodie will keep you in my prayers...To pray the rosary is to spend time with Jesus and Mary.
Take Care of hubby and teething baby with the strength from God. Jodie the one year...my youngest son got the chicken pox (bad case) for 2 to 3 weeks on the third week son #1 had a bad cold which lead into his asthma...when done with that week He ended up with chicken pox...(bad case) when was done with them...another week with his asthma again. Jodie holding him one night on the couch so he would be sitting up to help stop the coughing and all the drainage from going down his throat. I cried out to him...Hubby over the road truck driver. Today looking at it his strength did pull me through. Keep persevereing. Keep Believing.
Peace...God Bless
Rhonda
Thank you Wendy!
I have never read the Bible :( I am a new daughter of Christ! So, I will take this time that you are given and hopefully read all of the Bible.
Thank You Wendy for an amazing year in God's Word!!
I have been a Christian for a long time and this year I am reading through the entire Bible for the first time. God quickened my spirit last fall when Wendy gave the invitation to join her in 2010. I was intrigued by the idea of reading this Chronological Bible every day but I was also afraid that I wouldn't stay committed to it. Well, here it is, Day 300, and altho I have had to squinch a couple days...ok, a FEW days...of reading into one, I can say, praise God, that I have remained committed all year. And what a blessing it has been. Wendy's comments, her vlog, and the posts that follow always give great insight. Those days when I couldn't find that nugget, someone else always did. I have loved digging deeper, looking up words, cross referencing. I encourage anyone considering doing this study in 2011 to go for it - it is life changing!
My familiar but heard in a new way: As the followers of Jesus stand trial, "this will be your opportunity to tell them about Me."
So although they are imprisoned, hated, persecuted, bound and beaten, yet THIS is their opportunity - not to retaliate, not to fight back, not to try to escape, not to dissolve in despair and hopelessness, not to be defensive - no, it is their chance to tell their persecutors about the love of Jesus. Wow - I pray that in times of personal difficulty, I can rise above my SELF and glorify the Lord somehow.
My Didn't Know: I need to go back to the book of Daniel to find out about the sacriligious object that causes desecration. My memory fails me on that one.
My Take Away: Luke 21:14 - "So don't worry...about how to answer the charges against you for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply to you or refute you." Hmmm...imagine having just the right words (usually I think of "just the right words" about 2 days later) and such wisdom so that when I speak of Jesus to someone they have no reply and no argument. He is able to do this in me! Gosh, I need to trust Him more than I do!
Looking forward to 2011, to new insights, to more life changing truth, to online fellowship (a huge hug to all who have posted faithfully - I have gleaned so much from all of you), and to falling deeper in love with the Author of it all.
God Bless!
Val
Listening to the song, Wendy, as I work! Thank you for sharing it! The first time that I heard this version was at pick-up time from my son's summer camp! All of the kids were singing and had hand motions--he was even doing this! A very sweet time!!
Much to think about in today's lesson. Girls, great comments! Jules, I really liked what you said about not putting so much faith into the actual building where we worship, but in Him. We're in the process of trying to pay off a new building at church, and this really opens up some questions.
I'm looking forward to repeating this study again next year and have invited many of my friends to join me! It has been awesome.
Hugs!
Susan
Hi everyone I'm starting very late with my Bible reading but I've prayed about it and Im going to give it a try. I purchased my Bible from the Proverbs 31 Ministries site and just waiting for it to arrive.
Hey all...don't know what happened to the comment I left early this morning...said it would be posted after blog moderation??? Anyway...just was returning with an update on my Dr. appt. My next tests aren't scheduled until Tuesday, November 16th. Praying the Lord will be doing a work of healing before then.
Trust you've all had a wonderful day. Thank you to those of you who were praying for me.
Hugs,
Joy
This study has been as someone else mentioned, an accountability, a wonderful conversation starter for spiritual issues, a place to come and share with a belief that others care... and a great way of digging deeper in God's word.
Today I needed to hear His words "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28 (AKJV)
Standing firm on my faith, looking up to Him for everything,
Gaylene
Just voted and we're #1 again!!!!!
Kelly
Wendy,
I am just popping in to say that I have absolutely loved joining you in this journey. Thank you for sharing your heart with us each day and taking the time to teach us from God's Word. I am so thankful for the insights, kindness, wisdom, prayers, encouragement etc. that are shared here. I am so looking forward to continuing the journey with you all next year!
In Him,
Michelle from VA
Just found my comment...it appears on what seems to almost be a "duplicate" blog. Very strange. When I click on the blog link through my email feed, it takes me to the exact same message/video etc, but the comment form is completely different, and obviously it is posting elsewhere. Strange. Anyway....here's what I said on Wed.
Good morning all! WOW…can you imagine when we will get to really see one another! Wendy, it was through this read-thru last year, that a dear friendship across the miles developed and I drove over 12 hours to meet a precious gal “face-to-face”. She was definitely a gift from God who came like a lovely surprise as I remained faithful to His Word each day. (Lord willing I am travelling down this Saturday to spend time with her again.) I just want to say to anyone new who is considering doing this in 2011, yes, you could read through the Bible on your own…but speaking as one who tried that this year…thought I could do it on my own…the ‘family’ that develops here…the community…the accountability (I had gals emailing me…looking for me….that’s powerful, and makes you feel wanted and loved)…the committment to prayer…you miss out on the treasure of “one another” that God speaks about so much in His Word. He wants us in fellowship with others. We weren’t created to be alone. Come join us. It will be a life changing year.
Today a verse spoke to me when I read it in each Gospel. I will quote it from Luke 21:5, “Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls.” For some reason that took my attention. Not that there was anything wrong to appreciate beautiful architecture, but the Architect Himself was standing with them. I wonder how often I spend time admiring the work over the Creator? I wonder what I spend my conversation on? Do I speak more of temporal than eternal? I ended up spending yesterday afternoon with a gal I don’t know that well. She wanted company as she travelled out of town to pick up a delivery and asked if I would go with her. For almost the entire drive up and back we shared about the Lord. We talked about the things the Lord has been doing in our lives. We shared prayer requests. I came home so refreshed and encouraged. I know our conversation would have pleased the Lord. I pray today my words will not be just about “stonework” or “decorations”.
I want to thank those of you who prayed for my medical tests last week. I found out late yesterday afternoon that so far tests have been clear, but the Dr. knows something is still amiss. I return today at 4pm for further testing. Trusting the Lord.
Live today with passion and enthusiasm…for Him,
Joy
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