Day 1 - WEEK 50!! It's official - at the midpoint of our journey!!

Can you believe it?  This week we will have 50 verses stored (OK, if you're like me you may say semi-stored!), in our memories.  As I've said before, don't feel badly if you can't recite all 50 in a row...go back and review sections and try to get them firmly re-established.  We've covered a lot of ground, and there's no need to give up just because every verse isn't secured.  I've already figured out that at the end of the trip, I will need to go back and probably spend 1-2 weeks on each section, solely concentrating on those verses, to get them truly anchored in this ol' brain of mine!  Kind of like looking at you pictures after a great trip, just so you'll remember everything a little clearer for a little longer!

Since we are at the midpoint, let's look at ALL 50 verses so far...

The Four Corners of the Bible: (4)
Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:14 "And 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 God full of grace and truth."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the word that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

The Romans Road to Salvation: (5)
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 5:8 "But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 12:1 "Therefore, dear brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship."

The Gift of Scripture: (6)
2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correction, for training in righteousness."
Joshua 1:8, "This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth, you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do."
Psalm 119:11, "I have treasured Your words in my heart that I may not sin against You."
Deuteronomy 6:4-6 Listen, O Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. These words I am giving you today are to be in your heart.

Deuteronomy 6:7 Repeat them to your children, talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Hebrews 14:12 The Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints and marrow. It is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

The Gift of Prayer (3)

Hebrews 4:16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence we have before Him, whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

1 John 5:15 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

The Gift of Assurance (10)

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and that life is in His Son.

1 John 5:12-13 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God, does not have life. I say these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know you have eternal life.

John 14:1 Your heart must not be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansion, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3 And if I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you unto Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or afraid.

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed . (KJV)

Isaiah 53:6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquities of us all.

Praise and Thanksgiving (4)

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

Promises of God (10)

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)

We have two more verses in our group of Obedience.  Jumping from Hebrews to Proverbs...in some ways it seems this should have been our very first verse, well...you'll see what I mean!

Proverbs 1:7  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Foundational, isn't it?  Without realizing that God is absolutely supreme, all powerful, all knowing, we can't even begin to understand any of His words.  And there's a lot more to discuss here as well. 

Going into the second half of our journey, I intentionally scheduled starting a new verse on Sunday.  I think starting each week with our verse is a better timetable...something to launch the week on.  Nothing better, is there?

Please keep going with me this second half...we are taking the best steps that can be taken in this journey of life.

Day 7 - Week 49 - Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

"...and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Oh how we could go on and on regarding the closing phrase of this week's verse.  Lots and lots of things we could discuss here.

First and foremost, we are urged to be consistent and faithful in our fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters, to exhort each other, all through the centuries...but "so much the more" as we see "the Day" approaching.   Seems to imply that the closer we get to the day of Christ's return, it becomes more and more important for Christians to bind together in unity and in common purpose.

Makes sense, doesn't it?  Think of all the warnings that we are given as to the times prior to Christ's return.  Jesus tells us, ""Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to me. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But those who endure to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally, the end will come." 

Can you see why it will become more and more important to encourage each other to remain faithful?  To join together in worship and praise to our God in the midst of our trials?  For those living at that time, it will be imperative to hear the words of James, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

The other thing that I think bears noting is that we will be able to "see the Day approaching."  There are always those who say, and quite correctly, that no one knows the day of Christ's return.  And no one does, and no one will.  But we are told to watch and be ready, to be aware of the times and the seasons, and as this verse states, alert Christians will be able to see that the Day of Christ's return is growing near.

There are many, and I tend to agree with them, that believe this glorious Day is approaching.  How quickly, we cannot say.  But there are many, many signs in our world today that are unprecedented and, to me, indicate that things are on a fairly fast track toward Christ's return.  And as we move closer and closer to that Day, I encourage all of us to heed this week's verse to remain faithful to the fellowship of our Christian brothers and sisters.  To become more enthusiastic in our faith and to be more and more willing to share our testimonies of what Christ has done in our life with those around us.

One thing that we can say without any uncertainty, the Day of Christ's return is nearer than it has ever been before.  Challenge your faith now so that it will stand firm in times to come.

Dear Lord, I ask you to strengthen our faith...to set our hearts on fire for You so that we are not found to be lukewarm in our commitment to You.  Whether Your return is near, or still years and years away, help us to be ready.  Give us an urgency to share Your message with those around us, for we never know how much time is left for each of us.  Help us to be encouragers to each other, uniting with our brothers and sisters in standing for You.  We love You Lord...help us to love You even more.  In our Savior, Jesus Christ's name....Amen.

Day 6 - Week 49 - Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Robert J. Morgan writes, "The local church is the only institution Jesus established on earth.  He didn't found hospitals, civic clubs, mission agencies, Bible colleges, or crisis centers.  Many of these organizations come out of the local church and are sponsored by it.  But the local church is Ground Zero for God's work on this earth.  The church is God's agenda for this world."

Jesus told Peter, "Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."  We are also told that the church is Christ's bride, awaiting the return of her bridegroom, and we know that Christ's bride will be in existence when He does return.  So, we have confidence that the church has never disappeared, and remains today, as "God's agenda for this world." 

The church has certainly gone through change throughout the centuries since Christ ascended.  There are those who say we are to replicate the 1st century church, but it seems to me that we are called to be the 21st century church.  We have been placed in 2012 to ensure that God's message is conveyed to the people of our time. The church is where the message must be proclaimed that this world does not provide the truth that we seek.  As Robert J. Morgan puts it, "We need a weekly counter cultural experience to counter the culture we're in.  We must counteract the popular culture in our lives.  When we go to church, we're participating in a global weekly network of people doing the same thing at the same time; we're participating in an ancient practice that goes back to the origins of the church and to the very beginning of the creation and involves all God's people of every epoch and age; and we're involved in a habit that the Bible says is increasingly vital as time draws to a close." 

We cannot abandon the agenda.  We cannot change the message.  The methods of conveying the message may change, but the message remains the same...go back to our first four verses of the Bible's cornerstones and then our five verses of the Romans Road and refresh yourself in the message of the truth of God's Word and the way of salvation that is so imperative for a dying world to hear.

We need the church...we are the church.  We cannot forsake coming together as a body, or the body will be weakened and will become ineffective.  We need to continue to show the world the good works that the church has historically provided in times of need...orphanages, hospitals, medical care, disaster relief. 

Never fear, the church will always survive...it is God's agenda.  We must never forsake it.

Day 5 - Week 49 - Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

One of my favorite "together" times is my women's Bible study group on Tuesday nights.  This is a great time of being united with Christian women who encourage me in so many ways. Just seeing their smiling faces each week reminds me that I share a faith that brings hope and joy.  I know our verse is generally used to encourage Christians to not become lackadaisical in their attendance of worship services, which I absolutely agree with, but anytime that you can come together with other Christians in an atmosphere of worship, of study, of prayer together, is not to be missed!

As Christians, these times should be our priority, for they are times that add so much to our earthly lives.  They bring growth, they bring joy, they bring the knowledge that we are not alone in our struggles.  When we have doubts, we hear that others may have had the same doubts, and which of God's words spoke to them at that time.  When we have trials, someone may share God's words of encouragement that He will work through those trials to bring about His completeness to our lives, just as He did in theirs.  What better company can we hope for than the company of fellow Christians who have the same goals as we do and who are walking the road of faith along with us?

On the flip side, we cannot isolate ourselves and never form relationships with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as their Savior, for then we can never be effective in bringing them to a saving faith.  Balance - everything in our lives require it.  We must not forsake the assembling together with other Christians where we are continually replenished with the hope and joy that Jesus Christ brings to us, and we must not forsake those in the world who need to know the source of our hope and our joy. 

Find a church body - find a Bible study - find Christians who you can praise and pray with...find a "together" place!

Day 4 - Week 49 - Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

As instruction to us on how to successfully live as Christians, the writer of Hebrews tells us not to forsake the assembling together with other Christians.  Why is it important in our Christian walk to stay in fellowship with fellow believers?

One reason is included in our verse...because believers exhort other believers when we meet together.  Exhortation - Greek word, "Parakaleo"...and listen to some of the definitions:

to admonish to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort to encourage, strengthen to instruct, teach I see all of these things happening within the church family.  The church is a place of admonishment when we need correction; the church is a place where we are consoled when we are in need of comfort and consolation; the church is a place to find encouragement and strength when we are are feeling weak; the church is the place where we receive instruction in understanding God's Word.  See why it is so important to find a church home and attend regularly?  Without this piece of our Christian life, we cannot grow in the same manner that we can when we have it firmly in place.  God knows that this life is hard, and He knows that going through it alongside a community of like-minded believers makes the journey not only easier for us to bear, but also that we will learn it's lessons in a more profound way.  Others help us to understand.   Our perspectives may be limited and sometimes skewed by past experience...but a solid Christian sojourner can sometimes be just the voice we need to hear to help us see what it is that God is showing us through our current circumstance. The Christian life is not meant to be travelled alone.  We are called to be humbled into receiving help from others along the way, and to be that same help to those who come along beside us in their time of need.  Just as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:4... He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. I have been fortunate to have been in a church environment all of my life.  It seems the most natural thing in the world to me.  But I know there are many others who have not had that background that being in church every Sunday morning would seem, if not a chore, at least compulsory rather than what you really wanted to be doing on a Sunday morning.  But I promise you, if you will prayerfully seek a church where you can come together with other believers in worship, find true Christian fellowship, and start learning more of God and His will for you, you will grow to love this time so much.  You will grow to love the people that you see and the smiles on their faces as they worship their Father. I'll close with these verses from Ecclesiastes 4 reminding us of the strength in being bound together... Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!   Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?   Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Day 1 - Week 49 - Right on the cusp of halfway!

Here we are on the edge of halfway!  Trekking along the Appalachian Trail we would be just a little bit southwest of Gettysburg National Monument.  In the morning, you might wake to look to the east to view the scene pictured.

Gettysburg - a sight of such sorry and yet where President Lincoln issued such great words to a broken country.  "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."  Most of us know the opening sentence, don't we? 

But I love the closing even more..."It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." 

I love the spirit of patriotism that this evokes in me...I hope it does in you as well.  We hear so many negative things about our country, but this country has and continues to serve a great purpose.  It is a land of liberty and one that many, many people would love to be able to call their home.  As we continue through this turbulent election year, I hope we can all remember that America has been a blessed nation; I pray that God continues to bless us, but I also am fearful that as we change the course of our country from one that was born out of the desire to enable people to draw closer to God, to one that distances itself from God and His teachings, that His hand of blessing may not be so often felt.  And while I am deeply patriotic, I also view myself first and foremost as a child of God, joining with Christian brothers and sisters worldwide in a fellowship even sweeter than that of patriotism.  I love the words in Revelation that remind me that in the great forever there will be representatives from every nation, tribe, people and language!!  What a glorious scene that will be!

So...where were we?  Oh yes, we are trekking along and looking back...here is our current review list:

Praise and Thanksgiving (4)

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

Promises of God (10)

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.



Now this week's additional verse of obedience....

Hebrews 10:25  "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)

This will be an interesting verse this week because I know of so many Christians right now that are struggling with finding a church home.  More so than ever before, it seems.  Well, we must!  We need to be in Christian assembly on a regular basis.  Here's a challenge...if you are not currently in regular worship in a congregation of believers, join me in praying over this verse this week and opening our hearts to where God is leading us. 

Day 7 - Week 48 - 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

One last night on giving..so let's focus on the cheerful part!

You know what is a very good indicator of where your heart is in giving?  If you have a smile on your face as you give.  If as you are writing out a check, you are already thinking of how soon you can write another one and wishing it could be sooner, and wishing it could be bigger.

See, we should find real joy in giving to God's kingdom. Knowing that our gifts may be just what is needed to bring the Word of God to someone who has not yet heard and bringing them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  We never know how our gifts may add to the number of saved souls that we will meet on heaven's streets in our eternal lives.  When you think about that, how can you not smile?

We should find real joy in helping others as they need help and doing so in Jesus' name.  Letting them know that we are helping them because of the love that is in our hearts that has been put there by the Spirit of Almighty God.  A love like no other.  A love that expects nothing in return.

When you find yourself wanting to give, and then wanting to give even more, you know you have become a truly cheerful giver...and we know that...