1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Today's Scripture

It is impossible to know the mind of God. When terrible things happen, like the recent tsunami in the south Pacific, it is hard to understand why God would allow--or even cause? such an enormous natural disaster to happen.

But his thoughts are not ours, nor his ways our ways. But we can seek his wisdom, and look for spiritual truth that comes from his Spirit. We can have the mind of Christ if we ask God for the wisdom that is beyond our own, that seems foolishness to this world.

As we read the Scripture, let's ask God to help us discern his meaning in his Word. Let us not come to the Bible with preconceived notions, but want to learn the truth from above, beyond our comprehension. What treasures await us when we do this!


- posted by Suzi @ 7:26 AM 0 comments

 
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Today's Scripture

Paul continues on with his theme of weakness in himself and strength in Christ. He claims he did not come to the Corinthians in wisdom or eloquence, but only with the knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified. In weakness and fear, he preached his message to the people, and the power of the Spirit was at work in his words, so the people could trust in God's power, not Paul's.

So often we try to do things in our own strength. I don't know why I am still surprised when difficulties come my way and I find I can't resolve them by myself. God is our shelter, our wisdom, our strength, and when trials come, he is the one who will hold us up and guide us through our times of difficulty.



- posted by Suzi @ 7:15 AM 0 comments

 
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Today's Scripture

When I started this blog, I wasn't sure if I was really qualified to be writing about my thoughts on the Scripture. I've attended Christian colleges and I've taken theology and Bible classes, and I've been to my share of Bible studies and Sunday school classes in my 47 years. But I'm not a theologian or a minister. Do I really have anything to say to anyone?

But even if I'm not a philosopher or scholar, I can read the Bible and share what I have learned. This scripture speaks of how God uses what the world views as foolish. He chose the lowly things of this world to proclaim his wisdom.

So, as we study and share, we may proclaim the wisdom of the Lord, and boast in him and not in ourselves. Thanks be to God for elevating the small and not who the world considers wise.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:32 AM 0 comments

 
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
^{Today's Scripture}

It seems that throughout the centuries of church history, the church has been divided. Sometimes new thoughts--or a return to old thoughts--namely, the Bible--can be very good. Martin Luther was a great reformer, and brought the Bible into the hands of the people, and taught that we could come to Christ without a human mediator, that we are saved by grace, not by our own works.

But it seems that the many sects and forms of worship today can serve more to divide than unite the body of Christ. Instead of "We follow Paul or We follow Cephas," we hear, "I'm Lutheran (well what kind?) or "I'm Catholic," or "I'm Evangelical Covenant" (what does that mean?).

I'm not against worshiping in denominations with people that are like-minded. It is a wonderful thing to praise God together in a worship style that everyone enjoys, and hearing the word of God from a translation that is accurate, yet understandable. But sometimes we may take the Bible out of context and hold up a verse or two to exclude people. We need to look at Scripture as a whole, knowing Jesus welcomed "the least of these." We are not to compromise clear scriptural teachings, and we should preach against adultery, lying, homosexuality and drunkenness, for example. The Bible, not a list of doctrinal statements, should be our final authority.

As we worship in our individual churches, we need to be mindful that we are part of a larger body--the body of Christ himself. Instead of preaching Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Wycliffe, or John Calvin, we should preach Christ.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:52 AM 0 comments

 
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Today's Scripture


God's grace is evident throughout Scripture. Here Paul, who is the author of 1 Corinthians, thanks God for his grace given to the church in Corinth. God's graciousness had provided spiritual gifts for the church and strength as they awaited the day of the Lord. Paul encouraged them to eagerly wait for that time, knowing that Jesus is faithful.

People will always disappoint us. As a mother of teenagers, I know this too well. Even those we love and trust will let us down at some point in our lives--sometimes unintentionally. When we have certain expectations, that let down can be heart breaking.

But Jesus always keeps his promises. We may not always understand his ways, but he always holds us in the palm of his hand. He is always faithful, and he will always be with us--no matter what.



- posted by Suzi @ 9:13 AM 0 comments

 
Luke 2:1-10
Today's Advent Reading

Two thousand years ago, God entered history as a little baby, born to a humble tradesman and a teenage girl. He sent angels to shepherds to announce his arrival. This baby was placed in a manger of straw because there was no room to house his parents during the busy census time.

The first Christmas arrived, unnoticed by most. Only the shepherds and some farm animals welcomed the baby in the manger. He came quietly, but his impact is felt generations, indeed, millennia later.

This timeless Jesus became part of time for a generation. He touched lives as he grew, and he died to impact the whole world. For now, because a baby boy was born on that first Christmas, we can know the Father and be forgiven of our sins. This boy grew, died, and rose again to reign as King in heaven. This Christmas, let's make him King of our hearts.

Merry Christmas!


- posted by Suzi @ 9:04 AM 0 comments

 
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Today's Advent Reading

The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of things to come--of the Savior to be born, of God's redemption to unfold. The people of Israel waited for their Messiah, longing for freedom and salvation that God promised.

Now God's secret wisdom has been revealed in Jesus Christ. The Savior of the world has come--and if we look for him, God will open our eyes and hearts to receive his wondrous love and wisdom.

We can discover God through his Spirit and know even the deep things of God, if we ask him to reveal them to us. And one day, Jesus will come again, and then all things will be known--all problems and pain will cease for those who love him.



- posted by Suzi @ 8:36 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 3:31-35
Today's Advent Reading

I have always believed and experienced that Christmas is a time for families. Last year, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and at Christmastime my two sisters and I joined my brother to be with them for some great family time. Since we live in Minnesota, my parents and brother live in Tennessee, and my sisters live in Wisconsin and Illinois, it's not always easy to get everyone together at holiday time. We enjoy making the trip south whenever we can, but we also love to spend Christmas with my husband's family--his parents and brothers and their families--right here in the Twin Cities.

Not all families have happy gatherings at this time of year. Some still gather, but time together may be marred by misunderstandings, drunkenness, and disappointment.

Jesus had a mother and brothers and sisters. At the time that Mark writes about, Joseph, his earthly father, is not mentioned, so most scholars assume that he had died. Jesus' physical family was worried about him and wanted to bring him home to safety. They didn't really understand at the time what his ministry was and needed to be.

Jesus looked around him as his family was announced, and said that those who believed in him and followed his teachings were his real family.

There are those who don't have good relationships with their family, but they can have fellowship with other followers of Christ. We aren't all perfect, but with God as our Father, we can work to become loving brothers and sisters.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:36 AM 0 comments

 
Isaiah 45:5-8
Today's Advent Reading

As we go about our daily lives in December in Minnesota, it is hard not to be reminded of the holiday season. Neighbors have lights and lawn ornaments up, happy holiday signs are everywhere, radio stations play Christmas songs, some secular, some sacred, and of course the malls are covered in evergreen boughs and bright lights and bows, displaying beautiful gifts to be purchased for December 25.

This passage in Isaiah reminds us of who it is we celebrate at Christmas. The baby in a manger wasn't just a cute little bundle that we can smile at in a nativity scene in early winter. He is the Lord, the only true God. It is from him that we get our strength, though we may not even know it. He is with us, from the rising of the sun to its setting. He brings darkness and light--he can bring prosperity or disaster. What he really wants to do is rain down righteousness and shower salvation on his people.

Let us turn from the trimmings and eye/ear appeal of Christmas and look and hear with our hearts. The God of the universe calls to us at this season, as he does all year round. Let us not lose sight of him as we enjoy the festivities and busy-ness of the season.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:26 AM 0 comments

 
Luke 21:29-33
Today's Advent Reading

As I get older, it seems like less and less time passes between each Christmas. Sometimes in June, I find myself thinking--I'm already half-way to Christmas! And after the school year starts in September, it seems like no time at all until we come to this great celebration of our Savior's birth.

In Minnesota, it's easy to know when Christmas is coming--not only from all the commercialism and mall decorations, but also from the change of weather. It just doesn't seem like Christmas unless there's snow on the ground and a bit of a nip in the air.

In this Luke passage, Jesus is telling his disciples, who are with him for his first coming, of a sign when the new kingdom will be ushered in when he returns to earth. His word is reliable--even though heaven and earth may pass--Jesus' word never passes away.

Some may have lost a loved one this past year, and are facing Christmas with one less face around the dinner table or Christmas tree. Time may pass, loved ones may leave us, but Jesus is always with us, and will return one day in glory. May you find great comfort in that fact this holy season.

- posted by Suzi @ 11:15 AM 0 comments

 
Isaiah 40:9-11
Today's Scripture Reading

On that first Christmas night, the angels were the ones to bring good tidings. The chosen recipients--a group of sleepy shepherds--ones who could understand that the baby who was born in Bethlehem had come as a Shepherd King. Jesus was the one who would be the Good Shepherd, to gather lambs in his arms and carry them close to his heart. The shepherd could understand the One who would gently lead them, as they led their own sheep when they tended to wander.

The Shepherd King had all power and was a strong ruler, yet he chose to love his lamb subjects tenderly. Every time I think about it, I imagine that the scene with the shepherd at the manger would have been an incredible, holy, and tender sight. I'm thankful that my Savior and King is all-powerful, but humble and gentle enough to love me and forgive me so I can live in his kingdom forever.

- posted by Suzi @ 1:09 PM 0 comments

 
Isaiah 40:6-8
Today's Advent Reading

This Scripture passages speaks of the Word of God that lasts forever. People's words--even their lives--will only be on earth for a short time, then they pass and most are forgotten.

Jesus came at Christmas time as the living Word of God. John 1:14 reads, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (NIV)

I am thankful that Jesus' brief time here on earth was not forgotten. Indeed, he came to live as a man for only a few decades, but he lives in heaven, interceding for us as our Savior, forever. How wonderful it is to know that, as Christmases come and go, the one whom we celebrate at Christmas lives forever!

- posted by Suzi @ 11:36 AM 0 comments

 
Psalm 98
Today's Advent Reading

Psalm 98 speaks of the joy of the salvation of the Lord--the joy we should know and celebrate at Christmas. As a Minnesotan, I am thankful that Christmas is celebrated at a dark, cold time of year. Instead of focusing on the weather, we can focus on the birth of our Savior and his gift of salvation. While the trees are bare and the grass is brown, I can know that creation longs for the day of Jesus' return. In anticipation of salvation--even the sea resounds, the river claps its hands, and the mountains sing together for joy.

God is so evident in his creation. All his work testifies to his glory and majesty. As we look forward to Christmas, let us rejoice with creation in the coming of our King and Savior.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:55 AM 0 comments

 
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Today's Advent Reading

Sometimes when I see others who have a different lifestyle than mine, I find myself ready to judge them for choosing a sinful life. I think that if people would only work harder, or get off drugs, they could live a productive life. But what I need to do is focus on my own self--and not really even that--but focus on the standard God has for us all.

God is the ultimate judge--and as he came to earth the first time as a baby--he will come again as King and Judge. We should not spend our time judging others--or even ourselves--but look at God's standard. We all fall short of that, and cannot think of ourselves as better than anyone else.

Thankfully God sent a Savior at Christmastime to take away our sins. He will judge us favorably if we have given our hearts and lives to him. Let us live in his favor today and every day, thankful for the forgiveness he gives through Christ.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:30 AM 0 comments

 
John 1:29-34
Today's Advent Reading

God made it clear to John the Baptist that Jesus was the Lamb of God, the one to take away the sins of the world. He did so by the sign of the Holy Spirit descending down on Jesus and staying with him--in the form of a dove.

God has given us many signs that Jesus came to the earth to take away our sins. He sent a star in the sky to light the way for the wise men and the shepherds. He sent the prophets in the Old Testament who foretold the birth of Jesus. He gave us his Word to point the way to salvation--he gave us other Christians who can testify to the One who saved them--and he gave us his Holy Spirit--the same one who descended on Jesus the day John baptized him.

Thank you, Lord, for giving us so many signs of your salvation. May I be ever aware of the Holy Spirit in my heart and the Word you have given me so others may see the signs as well. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 10:05 AM 0 comments

 
John 1:19-23
Today's Advent Reading

When I do something to help someone, or work hard on a project, a dinner, or a party at my home, I enjoy hearing accolades. "Oh, Suzi, your house looks so nice. Boy, this really tastes good. Can I have this recipe?" At Thanksgiving, I made my first turkey dinner, and things turned out pretty well. But I really couldn't take all the credit, because I had a wonderful recipe and instructions for cooking from at least two others. Still, I was happy when people enjoyed what I had prepared.

John was the one who prepared the way for Jesus' coming. He could have received accolades and titles and names like prophet, the Christ, and Elijah. But he humbly pointed the way to the true Messiah--making a straight path to him. He fulfilled the words of Isaiah in chapter 40:3 of one calling out in the wilderness.

This Christmas, I want to be like John--not taking credit for my accomplishments of gift-buying, decorating, entertaining or baking, but to point the way to Christ. He is why we celebrate, he is why we prepare for the holiday--the holy day of his birth. Let us seek to prepare our hearts and show others that Jesus is truly the reason for the season.



- posted by Suzi @ 7:44 AM 0 comments

 
Jeremiah 2:4-10
Today's Advent Reading

Jeremiah reminds his hearers that God was not pleased when their forefathers turned away from him, even though he brought them through the desert to a fertile land. They turned to other gods and did not seek the Lord. This habit had continued to Jeremiah's generation, and the Lord cautioned them about falling away from him.

Even though the Israelites failed, God still loved them and wooed them to himself. Even after exile, he brought them back and longed for them to give their hearts to him. Time and time again, God's people failed him.

Today, we fail him as well. But now, we have a mediator--the One God sent to take away our sins and bring us before God as whole and clean. Jesus has come to bring us back to God. Let us rejoice that God sent his Son as a baby in a manger, to become a man and die so that we can be restored to our heavenly Father.

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son. Help us to always turn to you, not to worthless idols like money, material possessions, or even other people. You are the one we trust and seek with our whole hearts. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:34 AM 0 comments

 
Matthew 11:2-20
Today's Advent Reading

This season of the year is often stressful, with cultural expectations like decorating, baking, Christmas shopping (and mailing packages), sending Christmas cards, and entertaining. As a result, we may not get all the sleep we need and our immune systems may become depressed. If love ones are not present at Christmas due to death or a move, our sadness can overwhelm us. We may throw our hands up in the air, bah-humbugging the season, and forget about the real meaning of Christmas--perhaps even have doubts about our faith.

When John the Baptist, who was the one to tell of Jesus coming ministry and salvation, was imprisoned, he wondered if Jesus was really the one he had proclaimed he was. Jesus reassured John (through the friends John had sent), saying, the "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. ⁶Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” (vs 5-6, NIV).

We do not need to have doubts in our Savior. We are free to express them, but he answers them with his loving assurance and presence every time. In the midst of the season, if we doubt that Jesus is really with us, we can turn to his Word or look into our hearts and see evidence of him there. He is truly Immanuel--God With Us.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:40 AM 0 comments

 
1 Peter 1:3-11
^{Today's Advent Reading}

At Christmas time we naturally think of the birth of the baby Jesus. We ponder Mary, a young girl, pregnant, traveling many miles on a donkey with her husband Joseph. We picture the baby wrapped in cloths and placed tenderly in a manger.

Jesus did come to earth to be born as a baby. But the reason he came was so that we could have new birth. In verse three of this passage we read, "In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (NIV)

Sometimes we may feel we are dragging through life as dead men or women. We may be exhausted from trials that we are enduring, and feel unable to cope. Peter says these trials are like a refining fire--to prove us genuine in our faith. In this way we can share with the sufferings of Christ.

But as we endure, we can have the new life that Jesus came to give us. He doesn't want us to go through each day defeated or depressed. Rejoice! Jesus has come to bring a living hope. That's something that can carry us through the season and all through the year.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:57 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 13:5-13
Today's Advent Reading

Sometimes my 14-year-old daughter and I will have disagreements. Sometimes hurtful things are said and misunderstandings occur. But usually we come to an agreement and reconcile before the end of the day.

This Scripture speaks of the end times, when brother will betray brother to death, a father his child, and children will rebel and have their parents put to death. Whew! I think about my family and am grateful that we are at least not at that point! But the world will one day be so divided at that nation will be against nation, kingdom against kingdom. Even the earth itself will heave with earthquakes, and famines will occur.

Jesus warns us to be on our guard, to stand firm. As we now look forward to Christmas day, we can also look forward to the end of the age--when Jesus will come and put an end to famines, wars, and rebellion. As we wait, we can watch and be ready, and thank him for the strength to endure whatever comes. We look to him, where we can find rest in our Prince of Peace who came to save the world as a baby in a manger, and who will return as Reigning King.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:41 AM 0 comments

 
Isaiah 55
Today's Advent Reading

The invitation in Isaiah, as in all of Scripture, is to come to the Lord. If we come to him, we can be satisfied--he longs to shower us with his loving faithfulness.

Our thoughts are not his thoughts--we can't always understand why things happen in life. Who could understand that a little baby born 2000 years ago would be the Savior of the world? Who could understand the significance of his death of a cross--that it would be for the forgiveness of our sins?

This Christmas, let us focus on Christ and the thoughts of the Lord. He wants to give us joy and peace, to cause us to be thirsty no more, and to be full as we satisfy ourselves with his Word.

- posted by Suzi @ 4:56 AM 0 comments

 
Romans 15:4-13
Today's Advent Reading

I am a news junkie. I like to read newspapers, watch news channels, and listen to news/talk radio stations. But sometimes I get my fill--and I need to balance the negative news that is so prevalent with Scripture reading, prayer, and Christian radio.

It's not hard to find bad news. Wars, murders, sickness--these are evident everywhere we look in our news media. But Christmas time is a wonderful season to remember the good news--that Jesus has come to set us free! Even when bad things happen, we can find hope in Jesus. He came, not only for the Jews--but also for the Gentiles! As we put our hope in him, we can serve each other, enduring our pain and encouraging others who hurt as we come together.

Verse 13 is a wonderful verse to remember now and all throughout the year: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

- posted by Suzi @ 7:03 AM 0 comments

 
Luke 21:34-36
Today's Advent Reading

During the Advent season, we prepare for the time that we remember Jesus' birth. There was a point in time where he entered history, became human, and related to us in every way. There will be a time when he comes back to earth, as reigning king.

As we await this second advent, we will face many temptations. We need to be careful not to yield to them, for Jesus' return can be at any moment, and we want to be ready to stand before the Lord with a clean heart.

As I am now busy with Christmas preparations, decorating, baking and preparing Christmas cards for mailing. As I go about these tasks, I should also be preparing for Christ's return to earth--seeking him each day to help me live a godly life. Let our hearts be right before our coming King!


- posted by Suzi @ 7:20 AM 0 comments

 
Luke 21:25-28
Today's Advent Reading

When Christ first came to earth as a baby, there was a sign in the sky--the star that the wise men followed to his birthplace. Angels sang to shepherd in the heavens, telling them to follow the same star to see the baby who would be the Savior of the world.

When Jesus comes back to reign as King, there will also be signs. The signs will be frightening, especially to those who do not know Christ as their Savior. This passage in Luke says nations will be in anguish and perplexity at he roaring and tossing of the sea, and men will faint from terror. . . for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (vs. 26-27)

But those who know Christ, who recall his first coming, especially at this season, will not fear. They can stand up, lift their heads, and know their redemption is drawing near. (vs. 28) Christ came at Christmas to redeem us from our sins. But he is coming again to redeem us from our mortal bodies, from this dying world--to be in a place where sin and tears will be no more. As we celebrate this Christmas, let's remember that Jesus will soon come again--and we should be ready for that glorious appearance.

- posted by Suzi @ 8:03 AM 0 comments

 
Psalm 24
Today's Advent Reading

I wonder how much the shepherds understood when the angels called them to the manger to see the baby Jesus. For that matter, how much did Mary and Joseph really understand about this newborn king, the one they called their child, their son? I love the song written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green, Mary Did You Know. The lyrics speak of the majesty and sacrifice of this child, and what he would be like as he grew into a man.

God, the creator of the universe, entered humanity as a baby. The Lord, pure and holy, the Lord strong and mighty, became one of us. As this psalm calls for gates and doors to open to let the King come in, we too should allow him into our hearts this Advent season and all through the year.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:54 AM 0 comments

 
Luke 4:16-20
Today's Advent Reading


The prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. When Jesus grew to be a man, he went to the synagogue in Nazareth and read another passage from Isaiah which spoke about him: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Isaiah 61:1,2, NIV)

When my husband Tim and I were at a soup kitchen recently, we met a man who had just been released from jail. He was glad to be released, but he still yearned for a different kind of freedom. He had his bedroll with him since he was now homeless. A new friend of ours, Steve, comes down every night to this soup kitchen to sit and talk with people who come there. He had met this man before his jail sentence, and the man recognized him as someone who could give him what he needed.

Steve prayed with him and encouraged him, telling him of the hope of freedom that there is in Christ. Steve has a mission--to find single Christian men and women who will open up their homes to a homeless person and offer them a new life--not just in the world, but real hope in Christ--the one who gives freedom to the captive, sight to the blind, who releases the oppressed and proclaims the year of the Lord's favor.




- posted by Suzi @ 7:22 AM 0 comments

 
Romans 13:11-14
Today's Advent Reading

For centuries, the Jewish people anticipated the arrival of Messiah, the One sent from God to be the Deliverer. Finally, when he did come in the form of Jesus, many did not recognize that their salvation had arrived. They continued to live in darkness, unaware that the Light of the World had penetrated it and lived among them--he had come to set them free from the bondage of sin.

Now we have access to Jesus, the Light of the World. We can live in his light and shine our lights through him, living in the brightness of his righteousness, not in indecency and sin. We have already received salvation if we have trusted in him as our Savior--but one day soon we will see the day of ultimate salvation when Jesus comes back to earth. For then, death will be no more, and we will live with Jesus in heaven forever. His first coming as a baby was to save us from sin. He came in humility, born in a stable to a poor couple. But when he returns he will be known as Lord and King of the universe. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

- posted by Suzi @ 1:03 PM 0 comments