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    Day 121 Judges 13:1‐14:20; John 1:29‐51; Psalm 102:1‐28; Proverbs 14:15‐16 The Means of Salvation In the Gospel reading, we find significant pictures of salvation. First there is the proclamation by John the Baptist: “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.“ Offerings of lambs sacrificed in the temple were common…

  • Preparation

    Day 67 Numbers 10:1‐11:23; Mark 14:1‐21; Psalm 51:1‐19; Proverbs 10:31‐32 Preparation “…Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He…

  • Idolatry of Self-Reliance

    Day 205 2 Chronicles 11:1‐13:22; Romans 8:22‐39; Psalm 18:37‐50; Proverbs 19:27‐29 Idolatry of Self-Reliance A few years back, I heard a well-respected preacher and teacher exclaim, “The two biggest sins of the Old Testament are idolatry and self-reliance!” His off-the-cuff remark sums up our reading from 2 Chronicles. In chapter 12, verse 2 we are…

  • This Is Good News!

    Day 271 Isaiah 54:1-57:13; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8 This Is Good News! I am so grateful to one of my seminary professors, Dr. Richard Pratt, who instilled in me a way of comprehending the Old Testament prophets and their writings. Often in the Scriptures, we find forms of various “oracles” or declarations spoken…

  • Strong and Courageous, or Fearful and Foolhardy?

    Day 158 1 Kings 2:1-3:3; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25 Strong and Courageous, or Fearful and Foolhardy? David told Solomon to “be strong and courageous”; instead, Solomon is fearful, and consolidates his power by killing all of his perceived enemies, including his own brother. On the other hand, the apostles ARE strong and courageous,…