Month: January 2025

Posted on

Isaiah 431-7

I will be reading these verses at church in about a half hour. I joke that reading the Bible at church is as close as I will ever get to being a prophet. I pray that my fellow members will take these verses to heart.

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel.”

It begins with a reminder of who God is and what He has done for us. I have noticed that God does this often when He speaks.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by my name, you are mine.”

God changed Jacob’s name to Israel in Genesis. For us, He called us into His church. By this, I mean the universal church that includes all of the redeemed.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

This verse is often quoted on inspirational images and calendars. It reminds us that God will walk beside us in the midst of our worst trials. Yet, I can’t help but think of the California fires and the many people who have lost their homes and most of their possessions. I think they are overwhelmed with all that has happened to them. I pray that God is lavishing His loving presence on them and encouraging the people around them to help in a large variety of ways.

“I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you.”

Normally, I am cautious about applying scripture that was spoken to a specific audience to myself. However, the Bible states that God loves us  in many other areas. Jesus died for us. God loved us so much that He gave his only Son so that we may be saved and live with Him forever.

The verses continue on the promise that God would bring the Israelites back from all corners of the world.

Posted on

Prayer for people involved in California wildfires

I have been hearing about fires on the radio. I have not even watched any video (well, I did watch one but it was satellite images) or looked at pictures because the descriptions are already touching my heart. So many people have lost their homes while others desperately seek pictures of their streets. I have no idea what these people are feeling right now. But, God knows their struggles.

May God be with them in a special way. May others treat them with loving kindness and compassion.

Thank You for the first responders and many others who are fighting the fires or helping the survivors. Please protect them and guide them as they work to help others.

In the name of Jesus who loved us enough to die for us. Amen.

Posted on

Prayer for unity

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may move every human heart, that the barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease, and that, with our divisions healed, we might live in justice and peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978

I am reading through Genesis and listening to a Bible study podcast on the book as part of my new year’s goals. The podcast recently talked about how God created man in his own image. I have always loved how God created us in a much more hands on way than He did for the rest of creation. It makes me think that God loves mankind in a special way. Then, He called us “very good” rather than “good.” Since we are created in God’s image, we can show our love for God by treating His creation with love especially His most loved creation, mankind.

Unity is on my mind because this country, USA, feels very divided right now. I encourage everyone to remember that the opposing party is not evil. Both parties have honest, hard working Christians in them. We just disagree on what is best for the country. The media shares the most extreme views of both parties.

Here is another prayer from the same book about the diversity of the human race.

O God, you created all people in your image. We thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Lutheran Book of Worship 1978

Posted on

Epiphany

On January sixth, we celebrate the coming of the three wise men or Magi.

Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Lutheran Book of Worship 1978

I pray that God will continue to reveal himself to us, his believers, and to all mankind. While we know about His love and glory, I suspect very few of us can understand the depth of His love for us. His glory is brighter than the sun which is hard for me to imagine since I can’t look at the sun.

Here is the lyrics of a hymn titled As with Gladness Men of Old that we sang at church today. I love how it applied the story of the wise men following the star to my life today.

As with Gladness Men of Old did the guiding star behold; as with joy they hailed its light, leading onward burning bright; so most gracious Lord, may we ever more be led by thee.

As with joyful steps they sped, Savior to thy lowly bed, there to bend the knee before thee, whom heav’n and earth adore; so may we with willing feet ever seek the mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare at thy cradle, rude and bare, so may we with holy joy , pure and free from sin’s alloy, all our costliest treasures bring, Christ to thee, our heavenly king.

Holy Jesus every day keep us in the narrow way; and when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last where they need no star to guide, where no clouds thy glory hide.

In the heav’nly country bright need they no created light; thou its light, its joy, its crown, thou its sun which goes not down; there forever may we sing alleluias to our king.

Posted on

Bye 2024. Hello 2025

This is my end of the year post. Since I want to continue to work on some of these things in 2025, I am including my hopes for the new year.

I went from 185 pounds to 155 pounds in 2024. I can’t believe that I lost 30 pounds thanks to my hard work and the guidance and encouragement of the EVO study. I hope to lose another 20 pounds and get down to 135 pounds. I might quit early if I think I look too skinny or something. I can’t imagine what I will look like at 135 pounds.

May 5th 2024. Before.
Nov. 28, 202

I had 211 views with 179 unique visitors in 2024. It was my second best year on views (2019). I pray that those visitors have found encouragement on the site. I posted 44 posts. I want to continue to encourage people through this blog.

My other goal for 2025 are to read the Bible for the majority of the days each week. Since I have read all of the King James version and New International version, I decided to use the Jubilee Bible that I happen to have on my Kindle. I like to read different versions because the familiarity of some versions makes it seem mundane or normal. Then, I refer to other versions if I see something interesting in it.

My last goal is to pray twice a day for most days of the week. Martin Luther recommends using the Lord’s Prayer as a guide. So, I will try to start there. I am reading a book on prayer that reminded me of Luther’s recommendation.

What have you achieved in 2024?

What are your goals for 2025?