It occurred to me this morning just how much of a quintessential cat lady I've become (minus the misguided altruistic white woman leftism) as I looked at these 4 in my backyard.

I've nicknamed Vinnie the Ginger "Judas" because he's always the one that stirs up trouble and doesn’t understand the symbiotic relationships being formed around mealtime.

Judas is a prime example to the other cats to be "sheep among wolves...shrewd as serpents (be aware, head on a swivel), and harmless as doves (always be kind)." (Matthew 10:16 NLT)

A lesson we all need to hear, truth be told.

/1
CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Good morning, all.

Straight into the Bible study today:

CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/1 LEVITICUS 16

THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

Leviticus 16:1-19 NLT
[1] The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron’s two sons, who died after they entered the Lord’s presence and burned the wrong kind of fire before him. [2] The Lord said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover. [3] “When Aaron enters the sanctuary area, he must follow these instructions fully. He must bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. [4] He must put on his linen tunic and the linen undergarments worn next to his body. He must tie the linen sash around his waist and put the linen turban on his head. These are sacred garments, so he must bathe himself in water before he puts them on. [5] Aaron must take from the community of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. [6] “Aaron will present his own bull as a sin offering to purify himself and his family, making them right with the Lord. [7] Then he must take the two male goats and present them to the Lord at the entrance of the Tabernacle. [8] He is to cast sacred lots to determine which goat will be reserved as an offering to the Lord and which will carry the sins of the people to the wilderness of Azazel. [9] Aaron will then present as a sin offering the goat chosen by lot for the Lord. [10] The other goat, the scapegoat chosen by lot to be sent away, will be kept alive, standing before the Lord. When it is sent away to Azazel in the wilderness, the people will be purified and made right with the Lord. [11] “Aaron will present his own bull as a sin offering to purify himself and his family, making them right with the Lord. After he has slaughtered the bull as a sin offering, [12] he will fill an incense burner with burning coals from the altar that stands before the Lord. Then he will take two handfuls of fragrant powdered incense and will carry the burner and the incense behind the inner curtain. [13] There in the Lord’s presence he will put the incense on the burning coals so that a cloud of incense will rise over the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. If he follows these instructions, he will not die. [14] Then he must take some of the blood of the bull, dip his finger in it, and sprinkle it on the east side of the atonement cover. He must sprinkle blood seven times with his finger in front of the atonement cover. [15] “Then Aaron must slaughter the first goat as a sin offering for the people and carry its blood behind the inner curtain. There he will sprinkle the goat’s blood over the atonement cover and in front of it, just as he did with the bull’s blood. [16] Through this process, he will purify the Most Holy Place, and he will do the same for the entire Tabernacle, because of the defiling sin and rebellion of the Israelites. [17] No one else is allowed inside the Tabernacle when Aaron enters it for the purification ceremony in the Most Holy Place. No one may enter until he comes out again after purifying himself, his family, and all the congregation of Israel, making them right with the Lord. [18] “Then Aaron will come out to purify the altar that stands before the Lord. He will do this by taking some of the blood from the bull and the goat and putting it on each of the horns of the altar. [19] Then he must sprinkle the blood with his finger seven times over the altar. In this way, he will cleanse it from Israel’s defilement and make it holy.

/2

You ever get that satisfying *pop* in your back, knees, shoulders or hips that you've been trying to self-adjust forever?

Got that this morning when I was stretching. My hip popped back into normalcy, finally. Feels so good. I still smell like Bio-Freeze though.

What's that saying?

Nature is healing.

And of course, by nature, I mean God's hand.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

For every complaint that crosses my mind or lips now, an equally impactful blessing, from a different perspective, crosses right after.

For instance, Mimiaow started meowing about an hour before I wanted to get up. Yes, I was a little irritated. And then the blessing hit me:

Ah, but you have two hearing ears with which you are hearing her. What if that sense was gone?

It's a very interesting way to live now.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

I saw this sign posted in one of the renovation shows' made-over houses:

"Today's a good day to make it a good day."

I've enjoyed 3 days off. I had a whole lot I wanted to get done. Did I get stuff done? A bit. Not as much as I'd liked to have checked off my list, but it'll do.

Now it's back to the grind, and I must remind myself every mornin how blessed I am to be working, even part time, at this point in my life. And from the comfort of my own home.

Yup. Today is gonna be a good day.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Again, I had some crazy dreams last night.

The one I remember most was walking the halls of my high school and noticing how many students now pushed strollers, complete with offspring, going in and out of their classrooms. It seemed a normal occurrence for these kids to bring their babies to school as they got their education.

When I woke up, I was appalled at the phenomenon, wondering why they weren't taught about responsibility from their parents in the first place. Very judgmental and tsk-tsk-y.

As I've had a moment to think about it, I praised God that these young people themselves were making positive changes in their own lives: accepting the responsibility of their own choices and doing what they needed to do (getting an education) so that they could provide for their kids, rather than destroy a baby's life because of convenience or shame.

I know it was just a dream, but yet again, the Lord is showing me the difference between my perspective and His; mine using a finger of blame, His using a finger to point THE WAY.

Keep it coming, Lord. I feel I'm a student myself these days.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

One of the best things I've learned through this downtime of recovery with the Lord is not to get upset when things don't go "my way".

Granted, I've had several missteps along the way, but I no longer stress out about it or try to manhandle it back to "my way" of thinking.

One example that comes to mind is my idea on how best to *fix* something in my garden. My boss came to help, but said *his way* was better.

"Okay," so I let him do it his way.

Then it didn't work his way. I was fairly certain my way would work having 30 years' of life experience and preference doing this one thing *my way*.

The thing is, I didn't micromanage; I let it go. Once he realized I was right, *he* couldn't let it go.

*How could I possibly know better than him?*

Ah, the age-and-experience (and sometimes treachery) wins again over youth-and-skill. But don't tell him that. He'll have to learn the hard way like I did: growing older.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

My ex, who had been in remission for 18 years from Stage 4 cancer of the throat, tonsillary pillar, and lymph node, had cancer rear its ugly head again. He underwent surgery on Monday to remove a lymph node, and tissue removal from his tongue and cheek.

A little background story: his first go-'round with cancer was when he and I first got together. I stuck by his side throughout the cancer treatment (chemo & radiation was gruesome).

I had my first real (real to me as an adult) interaction with the Holy Spirit one night during the worst of his healing when I was awakened around midnight when I *heard* this whispered into my own spirit: "Go into the bedroom and lay your hands on his (the ex's) head and pray for healing." I said "no," because I didn't want to wake him up. The third time I heard the instructions that night, instead of resisting, I got up, went to the bedroom quietly, and laid my hands on his now-bald-from-chemo head and prayed for him. He never stirred from sleep.

Fast forward to one week later -- his birthday -- and he got a call as we were driving to celebrate his birthday at the Getty Museum. It was his oncologist calling to wish him a happy birthday and to tell him he was cancer-free.

The ex thanked him for the news, pulled the car over, and looked me straight in the eyes and said "*You* did this, right? You knew I'd be cancer free. I know what you did the other night. You put your palms on my forehead. After you left my room that night, I could feel a powerful *whoosh* as something felt like it was leaving my body."

That was 18 years ago. He has been agnostic since then, even after a trip to Turkey and Rome and reading about Paul's travels (I'd asked him to take pictures of relevant places I'd read about in the Bible.) He went into every church he could and said he "put in a good word with the Big Man" for me.

He himself has been prayed for many times over the years, by many people. And I've planted the seed in his mind about Jesus and salvation, but it hasn't *spouted*...yet. It's not my job to convert him, but it has been my job to tell him about the Lord. Now 18 years later, and in a dire health situation again, he is facing a long road to recovery.

I told him that God still has His eyes on him, and that he's not getting any younger. I also asked him to do a little soul-searching about his life, and see if the things I'm telling him about the Lord ring true fir him in his heart at all.

So he texted me early this morning, told me his nurses said today would be the worst pain of his recovery, but that the key is to stay positive and maintain a sense of humor.

I agreed with him, but added that he missed one other important point: it's also a necessity to understand what's waiting for you after this life.

I explained that my own recent recovery, while not easy, was made easier because I knew the Lord and where I'd spend eternity. He, of course, hasn't made his *destination and travel plans* yet.

I suggested he spend the rest of his hospital stay thinking on these things. He's seen how it's manifested itself in my life, especially in the tumultuous times.

Maybe he'll finally see the light of Jesus. I can only hope and pray. Which leads me to ask you all to keep M, my ex, in prayer.

Thank you all for this. Now here's today's Bible study:

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Drawing a blank this morning. I need the Lord to fill me up with his guidance today because I'm depleted of all resources.

Praying the Bible study will get the job done:

CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/1 EXODUS 19
THE LORD REVEALS HIMSELF AT SINAI

Exodus 19:1-25 NLT
[1] Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. [2] After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. [3] Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: [4] ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. [5] Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. [6] And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” [7] So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. [8] And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord. [9] Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.” Moses told the Lord what the people had said. [10] Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. [11] Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. [12] Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. [13] No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.” [14] So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. [15] He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.” [16] On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. [17] Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. [18] All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. [19] As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. [20] The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain. [21] Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. [22] Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.” [23] “But Lord,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’” [24] But the Lord said, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or he will break out and destroy them.” [25] So Moses went down to the people and told them what the Lord had said.

/2

Good morning, y'all.

Remember the Bible camp mission in eastern Europe I was raising funds for with @DaGhostOfRichie?

Well, today's the first day of the first camp, and 50 excited kids showed up!

Please be in prayer for the kids, their families, their church leaders and the mission team itself.

It's a volatile world out there. Now is definitely the time for them, and all of us, to learn more about and cling to the Lord for protection and well-being.

Lord, this next generation is in Your boot camp right now, training to be Your soldiers. May they fight for Your honor and glory in the coming years' battles. In Your name, Amen.

Ready for a little Bible learning of our own?

/1 /2

Slept so soundly last night I woke up with a stiff neck. I'm good with that.

I remember a comedian (or someone) said waking up with aches and pains meant you were "still alive." Praise God! Another day to glorify Him 🙌😇

/1 FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY: A CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

I had a long conversation with a friend yesterday who is dealing with a chronic illness. She depends on many friends and family for her care.

She asked me how I have been able to do the things that I have, being alone. I said I had many caregivers at the beginning, but at some point, I gave myself "permission to heal".

IOW, as easy as it would have been to keep accepting *all* the help, physically and financially, my recovery depended on me getting back to living and doing the day-to-day on my own. I still rely on rides to doctor's appointments and delivery services for basic needs, but now I am able to handle the day-to-day living by myself.

She finds herself relying on all her friends and family for many day-to-day things she's told herself she's "not feeling up to". I let her know that once she starts to do *anything* on her own, she'll recognize her own abilities to do things like make phone calls to lower her utility bills, etc. I also gently reminded her of the spending she's used to, and that saying no to impulse buying and amassing stuff, and basically just *whim spending*, should be her new rally call. No more buying ice cream makers that you use once then store in the garage.

Part of the problem is she's always been a very large part of providing for her family and extended family, and even though she can no longer work, she still spends as if she does. She never says no to herself or her friends and family.

I told her generosity is always a great thing, but her financial generosity might need to shift to a relational one now. Build up her friendships by reaching out to people rather than waiting for them to make the first move. Invest in the friendships with those who care about *her*, not her *money*. It will become obvious who is there for money only, not for friendship. I heard an almost audible click as that thought registered with her.

Then I was actually able to explain how to take back her financial life in a few tangible ways. Once she realizes she is quite capable of making one phone call a day to the utility companies to ask for senior discounts to lower her bills in line with her new budgetary restrictions, she'll recognize her independence start to return. THAT'S permission to heal. Not just physically, but relationally, financially, emotionally, etc.

I pep-talked her a little more and I do believe she's ready for baby steps to freedom.

/1 FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY: A CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Four hours' sleep. I'm wiped out already.

And all because of the carbs I had yesterday. Way too many.

Back to clean eating and intermittent fasting. Wish I could power-wash my insides from yesterday and start over.

Glad the Lord power-washes my spirit and behavior each morning. He gives all us believers a clean, fresh start every day. One of the best perks of faith and repentance.

A good Daniel fast might be just the thing to get me back on track.

/1 FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY: A CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Spoke last night to my chiropractor's office for the first time since before January and filled them in about the stroke.

Like everyone else, they were shocked. Then they told me about the success they've had with LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) on their patients who've had strokes. They knew my insurance situation and said they'd give me a great deal on a few sessions.

After hearing a few anecdotal stories on their patients' improvements, I looked into it. Seems legit in the stroke recovery world.

Since I want to take healthy habits back into my own hands (rather than stay on meds that keep me chained to a disease, like GERD medications) maybe this will help me jump-start my stroke recovery that has seemingly stalled.

I told my chiro's assistant that making healthier choices is scary after a life-altering event because I feel extremely vulnerable, but there's so much I don't trust about the medical field anymore (especially after watching the covid debacle unfold), that I'm tentatively willing to take a chance.

Ultimately, I'm putting my trust in the Lord as the supreme healer, for his guidance and wisdom to lead me over my fear.

After all, the Lord led me to call my chiropractic office, didn't He? I had no idea what would transpire in that conversation.

Ask and ye shall receive, the Bible says (Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10) especially when you pray for guidance and wisdom (Proverbs 6-8). He never fails if your ears & heart are attuned to Him.

Okay, ready for a few minutes of Bible reading to start your day off right?

Great. Follow along:

/1 FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY: A CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Let's start Saturday out right, shall we?

FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY: A CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you bette understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/1 JOB 28

JOB SPEAKS OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Job 28:1-28 NLT
[1] “People know where to mine silver and how to refine gold. [2] They know where to dig iron from the earth and how to smelt copper from rock. [3] They know how to shine light in the darkness and explore the farthest regions of the earth as they search in the dark for ore. [4] They sink a mine shaft into the earth far from where anyone lives. They descend on ropes, swinging back and forth. [5] Food is grown on the earth above, but down below, the earth is melted as by fire. [6] Here the rocks contain precious lapis lazuli, and the dust contains gold. [7] These are treasures no bird of prey can see, no falcon’s eye observe. [8] No wild animal has walked upon these treasures; no lion has ever set his paw there. [9] People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains. [10] They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones. [11] They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures. [12] “But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? [13] No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. [14] ‘It is not here,’ says the ocean. ‘Nor is it here,’ says the sea. [15] It cannot be bought with gold. It cannot be purchased with silver. [16] It’s worth more than all the gold of Ophir, greater than precious onyx or lapis lazuli. [17] Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. [18] Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies. [19] Precious peridot from Ethiopia cannot be exchanged for it. It’s worth more than the purest gold. [20] “But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? [21] It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. [22] Destruction and Death say, ‘We’ve heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.’ [23] “God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, [24] for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. [25] He decided how hard the winds should blow and how much rain should fall. [26] He made the laws for the rain and laid out a path for the lightning. [27] Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it. He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. [28] And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”

/2

Good Thursday morning! I just accidentally skimmed a bunch of California politics posts. That's how *not* to do mornings. 😉

Here's today's Bible reading and thoughts about them:

FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY: A CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/1 JOB 22

ELIPHAZ'S THIRD RESPONSE TO JOB

Job 22:1-30 NLT
[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: [2] “Can a person do anything to help God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him? [3] Is it any advantage to the Almighty if you are righteous? Would it be any gain to him if you were perfect? [4] Is it because you’re so pious that he accuses you and brings judgment against you? [5] No, it’s because of your wickedness! There’s no limit to your sins. [6] “For example, you must have lent money to your friend and demanded clothing as security. Yes, you stripped him to the bone. [7] You must have refused water for the thirsty and food for the hungry. [8] You probably think the land belongs to the powerful and only the privileged have a right to it! [9] You must have sent widows away empty-handed and crushed the hopes of orphans. [10] That is why you are surrounded by traps and tremble from sudden fears. [11] That is why you cannot see in the darkness, and waves of water cover you. [12] “God is so great—higher than the heavens, higher than the farthest stars. [13] But you reply, ‘That’s why God can’t see what I am doing! How can he judge through the thick darkness? [14] For thick clouds swirl about him, and he cannot see us. He is way up there, walking on the vault of heaven.’ [15] “Will you continue on the old paths where evil people have walked? [16] They were snatched away in the prime of life, the foundations of their lives washed away. [17] For they said to God, ‘Leave us alone! What can the Almighty do to us?’ [18] Yet he was the one who filled their homes with good things, so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking. [19] “The righteous will be happy to see the wicked destroyed, and the innocent will laugh in contempt. [20] They will say, ‘See how our enemies have been destroyed. The last of them have been consumed in the fire.’ [21] “Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you. [22] Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart. [23] If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored— so clean up your life. [24] If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river, [25] the Almighty himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver! [26] “Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God. [27] You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to him. [28] You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you. [29] If people are in trouble and you say, ‘Help them,’ God will save them. [30] Even sinners will be rescued; they will be rescued because your hands are pure.”

/2

This morning's Bible verses and probably some thoughts afterwards:

FROM EDEN TO ETERNITY: A CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/1 JOB 7

Job 7:1-21 NLT
[1] “Is not all human life a struggle? Our lives are like that of a hired hand, [2] like a worker who longs for the shade, like a servant waiting to be paid. [3] I, too, have been assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery. [4] Lying in bed, I think, ‘When will it be morning?’ But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn. [5] My body is covered with maggots and scabs. My skin breaks open, oozing with pus.

JOB CRIES OUT TO GOD

[6] “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope. [7] O God, remember that my life is but a breath, and I will never again feel happiness. [8] You see me now, but not for long. You will look for me, but I will be gone. [9] Just as a cloud dissipates and vanishes, those who die will not come back. [10] They are gone forever from their home— never to be seen again. [11] “I cannot keep from speaking. I must express my anguish. My bitter soul must complain. [12] Am I a sea monster or a dragon that you must place me under guard? [13] I think, ‘My bed will comfort me, and sleep will ease my misery,’ [14] but then you shatter me with dreams and terrify me with visions. [15] I would rather be strangled— rather die than suffer like this. [16] I hate my life and don’t want to go on living. Oh, leave me alone for my few remaining days. [17] “What are people, that you should make so much of us, that you should think of us so often? [18] For you examine us every morning and test us every moment. [19] Why won’t you leave me alone, at least long enough for me to swallow! [20] If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity? Why make me your target? Am I a burden to you? [21] Why not just forgive my sin and take away my guilt? For soon I will lie down in the dust and die. When you look for me, I will be gone."

I've had an interesting phenomenon happen with my older friends lately. They'll invite me to dinner, or offer to bring lunch, and I'll pass saying I'm more comfortable sticking to my own home-cooked keto-carnivore stuff. Zero seed oils, minimal added sugar, lower carbs. That, and I'm still unsteady on my feet, and (TMI alert), navigating to the restroom through a crowded restaurant 10x in a visit has no appeal for me.

Their response? "Oh, you're still trying to do the healthy thing? Figured you'd quit that after the stroke since it didn't work."

😳 Wut?

Are they suggesting that the keto-carnivore lifestyle contributed to the stroke?

If anything, I feel it made the stroke less debilitating. I can't prove that anymore than my neurologist telling me there's a likelihood of another one in the next two years will occur, but I trust his expertise. And I trust God's path for my life more.

It's probably not a great analogy, but the way people and their thought processes work is truly odd.

Just because I had a stroke doesn't mean my attempts at healthy eating failed.

Just because I read the Bible every day doesn't mean I don't sin or fail at being more like Jesus.

The point is, every day I stick to eating healthy and strengthening my relationship to the Lord by reading his Word.

Setbacks happen. Sometimes through our own missteps, sometimes not.

The point is, to quote an old saying, if you fall off the horse, it's important you get right back in the saddle.

Am I making sense here?

I hope I am.

And speaking of falling off the horse, I'm not entirely pleased with the new Bible study I started yesterday. It wasn't the chronological reading plan I was looking for. It was probably a great way to incorporate OT with NT and a Psalm or Proverb every day, allowing one to look at the ENTIRE Bible through the lens of Jesus, but it wasn't chronological.

So, back to the drawing board. Starting a new chronological one today (but with Day 2, since we already read the Genesis verses of Creation yesterday).

Fell off the horse, getting back in the saddle with a new horse today. 😉

/1 A YEAR IN THE BIBLE
WITH DAILY GRACE

Day 2

Before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

I've been finding myself itching to move on from the current Bible in a Year devotional.

I've done this same Bible study for 4-5 years now, always learning something new or relevant to my life within the familiar devotional. What I didn't expect was to be solely reading the devotional after posting my own thoughts. I had stopped reading the Bible itself. I felt the routine of reading the devotional was giving me the gist of the Word of God.

So today, not June 1, I'm taking the plunge back into daily Bible reading with a chronological reading plan. I'm no longer going to be content with someone else's interpretation or understanding of the scripture.

Of course, the previous Bible study helped get me to the current desire for my own understanding and interpretation, and for that, I'm thankful.

But today begins a new journey. No middleman. Just God and I, with His Word leading me to a better understanding of his character and will for my life, through the second person of the Trinity, Jesus', ultimate sacrifice for us.

Speaking of sacrifice, today, Memorial Day, we honor those who fought hard for our country's freedom. Take a moment to remember them, and in prayer, thank the Lord also for his ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

/1 To be clear, this Bible reading will be both Testaments each day, chronicling the Old and the New, concurrently as they happened. There will be a *lot* of scripture each day.

/2

I am up to *here* with videos of emotionally unhinged people and their latest rants about politics, criminal activity support, and all matters in between.

But Jesus specifically said "love your neighbor" (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31 NLT), so even though I'm fed up with all of the selfish anger in the world, the best way I know how to "love them" is to pray for them, that they will someday find salvation and learn the truth about our Lord.

Praying for their change of heart, sharing the gospel, and relating my own testimony about the Lord *is* "loving my neighbor."

It's probably the most compassionate way I know how to love people seemingly devoid of love.

/1 HOW TO FINISH WELL
by Nicky Gumbel

(Mush note: I've been doing this same Bible in a Year study for the last few years, always learning something new about the Bible and myself and my faith, then sharing it with my X followers for at least the last 3 years. But after prayer, I believe it might be time for a change, so at the inspiration of a friend, starting June 1, I will be starting a different kind of Bible In A Year study. It will be chronological event Bible reading, and I'm excited not only to switch things up, but to share it with you all. Okay, on to the usual Bible study:)

You can finish well. You may have had a bad start in life. You may have messed up along the way. You may have made mistakes. You may have regrets. But you can *finish well*, and that is what matters most. Some *start* well but fall.

In the recession, many of the companies that business consultant Jim Collins had profiled in his international bestseller, "Good to Great," fell. Even the "mightiest" of companies can fall. In his most recent book, "How the Mighty Fall", he examines the path towards doom. The first stage of the process begins with "hubris born of success". As with Saul in the Old Testament passage for today, it is pride and arrogance (1 Samuel 15:23) that begins the process by which the mighty fall. Saul started well but did not finish well. It is more important to finish well than to start well. In the New Testament, Saul (of Tarsus) started off very badly (as a persecutor of Jesus), but he finished well (as the great apostle, Paul). Jesus, as always, shows us the way. His life was relatively short. He died in his early thirties, yet he finished well. He "completed the work the Father gave him to do" (John 17:4).

This is my ambition in life. I want to complete the work God has given me to do. How can we all make sure we finish well?

/2

I posted yesterday about one of my favorite *concept* albums from a few years back called *The Heroin Diaries*.

It was my favorite album for a time because of the honest vulnerability found within the lyrics of a man searching for truth amongst the hedonistic trappings of his life.

One of the song's lyrics seemed to be a last-ditch effort to tackle the question of faith and God after at least one near death overdose.

The search leads the songwriter/drug user to the precipice of God's truth, but never quite reaching or understanding the answer. Again, the trappings of this life are too strong for him to abandon, let alone acknowledge or embrace the existence and essential need of a savior.

The songwriter is the modern-day, rock-and-roll version of the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 in the Bible, but without the admission of the need to come home to forgiveness of his Father for the life he has been leading.

Instead, he is more like the rich young man seeking answers in Matthew 19:21-24:

[21] Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
[22] But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
[23] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
[24] I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

I, too, was a lifetime prodigal daughter, and these last few years, I have been immersed in the forgiveness of the Father for a lifetime of pleasure seeking and squandering of His *gifts*. I am living proof of the Lord's grace and mercy and forgiveness.

We have a choice to make: follow our whims and desires in this life, or follow the Lord, for our true pleasure and treasure is waiting for us in heaven.

It's true what the old adage says: it's never too late for a dog (or Kat) to learn new tricks. It's worth it to change the trajectory of your life.

/1 TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE
by Nicky Gumbel

"A glimpse of heaven" is how one twenty-seven-year-old woman described her experience at our annual church holiday (Focus). She also spoke about the year she missed it in order to go on an exotic holiday: each day, she could only think of how she longed to be at Focus. Focus is the time when [our whole church] community comes together in a festival of celebration, worship, thanksgiving, and praise. We often experience a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is a time of spiritual growth when we listen to visionary and practical teaching from the Bible on how to live our lives. It is a time of laughter and fun as we meet together for a week-long party: playing, picnicking, singing and dancing. We make new friends as well as having a great holiday. It really is "a glimpse of heaven". It takes time, but celebration is an important part of life.

/2