A Weekly Walk in the Word

Revelation 21:6-7 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”

It is done! You did it! You made it through the entire New Testament this year. It is bittersweet, like finishing a good book. Because, you have just finished the BEST book. So, now where will you go from here? What are your reading goals for 2024? How will you draw closer to God in the upcoming year? My prayer for you is that you will place God on the top of your 2024 priority list. God Bless You in the New Year.

Luke 2:4-20 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Revelation 14:1-3 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song, before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders.

It is Christmas Eve! I have been preparing for this day for the past 2 months. The house is quiet now, but within hours it will fill with the most wonderful sound of our children’s chatter and laughter. We will have Christmas music playing for one more day. During prep time, I think I have heard every version there is of Mary Did You Know, The Little Drummer Boy and Silent Night that have been recorded. I love Christmas as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. But, I am ready for a new song! I am ready to celebrate the life of Jesus and look forward to Him coming again… to learn a new song.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings will complete our New Testament readings in a year. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Revelation 15:1-8

Monday – Revelation 16:1-21

Tuesday – Revelation 17:1-18

Wednesday – Revelation 18:1-24

Thursday – Revelation 19:1-21

Friday – Revelation 20:1-15

Saturday – Revelation 21:1-27

Sunday – Revelation 22:1-21

Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Our calendars fill up quickly, especially during the holidays. It is so easy to become overbooked making it hard to slow down enough to celebrate baby Jesus’ birth in the manger. To celebrate Mary who leaned into her call to be a young mother to the Christ child. To celebrate Joseph who listened to the angel and chose to be a husband to Mary and father to Emmanuel. In the verse above, Jesus is standing at your door waiting for you to accept the invitation he has for you. How will you respond to Jesus’ unique call for your life? Enjoy your intimate connection with Him.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Revelation 8:1-13

Monday – Revelation 9:1-21

Tuesday – Revelation 10:1-11

Wednesday – Revelation 11:1-19

Thursday – Revelation 12:1-17

Friday – Revelation 12:18-13:18

Saturday – Revelation 14:1-20

2 John 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

As I sit writing Christmas cards, I am experiencing the same feelings John felt as he wrapped up his letters in 2 John and 3 John. Receiving letters are lovely, but I wish I could reach through my Christmas card to hug the recipient. I wish I could sit with each one over a cup of coffee to catch up on the past year. These days we have so many ways to stay connected with all the technology options. But, there is nothing like talking face to face. We all crave that human interaction. There is nothing like worshiping in person and holding the hand of the person next to you while praying the Lord’s Prayer. Let’s stay connected and take the time to really be there for each other.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. We have started our last chapter in the New Testament – Revelation! This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Revelation 2:1-17

Monday – Revelation 2:18-3:6

Tuesday – Revelation 3:7-22

Wednesday – Revelation 4:1-11

Thursday – Revelation 5:1-14

Friday – Revelation 6:1-17

Saturday – Revelation 7:1-17

2 Peter 1:3-8 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the time of year when everyone begins setting goals and planning to be productive in the upcoming year. I have already started my list of writing goals for 2024. In the verses above, Peter is pointing to the basic building blocks to help grow spiritual maturity. He is giving a DNA code for a healthy Christian life. Together, these qualities make believers effective in their spiritual lives and help them grow deep in their understanding of Jesus. Building on these qualities help us grow into the call we have been given. Read through the list of these core attributes of a healthy follower of Christ again as you prepare your goals for 2024.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – 1 John 3:7-24

Monday – 1 John 4:1-21

Tuesday – 1 John 5:1-21

Wednesday – 2 John 1-13

Thursday – 3 John 1-15

Friday – Jude 1-25

Saturday – Revelation 1:1-20

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Families across the states came together this past week to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our family was no different. It was just the best to have all of our kids home. To watch them visit, reconnect and laugh. (Even if I am the brunt of that laughter) I feel blessed to experience the love and harmony amongst our children and their spouses. But, that love shouldn’t end at midnight on Thanksgiving. That love isn’t reserved only for the people around our dining table. When we love as brothers, that love will spill over into our neighborhoods, cities, states and world. Only then can we live in harmony with one another.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – 1 Peter 4:7-5:14

Monday – 2 Peter 1:1-21

Tuesday – 2 Peter 2:1-22

Wednesday – 2 Peter 3:1-18

Thursday – 1 John 1:1-10

Friday – 1 John 2:1-17

Saturday – 1 John 2:18-3:6

Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work is us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.

Nora, one of my Border Leicesters found herself in a difficult situation on Thursday. Somehow, she ended up in the hay feeder. At first, I thought it was cute. Until I realized she was stuck and couldn’t get out on her own. She was sitting quietly, not making a sound. I rocked the feeder. Still, I couldn’t get her to roll out. I turned the feeder upside down. Still, she couldn’t break free because of the bar above her back. Finally, with the feeder on its side, I was able to push her enough to get one leg out and then another followed. She was free and on the ground. I stayed in the pasture for a while longer to make sure she was able to walk freely, and she was. Nora ran to the others and is doing well.

My whole ordeal with Nora made me think of our great Shepherd, Jesus. Isn’t it just like us to be like Nora, getting stuck doing life and unable to find a way out? Jesus, our Shepherd comes in to rock our world, turn it upside down and even then when we aren’t moving, he gives us a shove in the right direction. I pray that you are able to feel the hand of Jesus as he sets you free from the bars that hold you down.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – James 2:18-3:18

Monday – James 4:1-17

Tuesday – James 5:1-20

Wednesday – 1 Peter 1:1-12

Thursday (Happy Thanksgiving) – 1 Peter 1:13-2:10

Friday – 1 Peter 2:11-3:7

Saturday – 1 Peter 3:8-4:6

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We were created to be in community with others. My heart is full when I am giving, helping and loving others. Through vulnerability I am able to spread Jesus’ unconditional love to others without the fear of being judged. Worship with others is one of the greatest gifts I have been given, and often take for granted. When I walk alongside other Christians we support each other on our faith journey. I could never do it alone. Thank you to all those who have come beside me to encourage me as I continue to share the Good News of Jesus. Let’s not give up meeting together.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Hebrews 11:1-16

Monday – Hebrews 11:17-31

Tuesday – Hebrews 11:32-12:13

Wednesday – Hebrews 12:14-29

Thursday – Hebrews 13:1-25

Friday – James 1:1-18

Saturday – James 1:19-2:17

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. (NLT)

I love this Bible verse in any translation! In fact, this is the verse I write in my book when I sign it for readers. Spending time in the word of God is by far the best way to gain insight into your life. Soak in every word!

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Hebrews 7:1-17

Monday – Hebrews 7:18-28

Tuesday – Hebrews 8:1-13

Wednesday – Hebrews 9:1-10

Thursday – Hebrews 9:11-28

Friday – Hebrews 10:1-17

Saturday – Hebrews 10:18-39