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52 Weeks in the Word - Week 37

  Welcome to Week 37!  This week we will finish the book of Ezekiel and begin reading Daniel.  Chapter 37 has always been my favorite chapter in Ezekiel as we read about God taking the dry bones and bringing them to life.  If you notice, there has been a shift in our reading.  The Book of Ezekiel has gone from hopelessness to hope!  God is revealing what He will do for His people.  Chapter 37 and the dry bones coming back to life has always been a powerful imagery for me on what the Lord can do with His people scattered and all the hopelessness we had just read about in the first part of the book. Looking ahead to Week 37: The reading for Week 37 includes: Ezekiel 37 - Daniel 6. The author of the Book of Daniel is believed to be Daniel, written about 530 B.C.  To set the scene for the Book of Daniel, Jerusalem is in ashes.  The temple has been destroyed.  If you were a Jew in Babylon, things looked hopeless.  Jeremiah was right abou...

52 Weeks in the Word - Week 36

  Welcome to Week 36!  For those who might be counting, (I'm raising my hand here.) we only have about 5 more weeks until we begin reading the New Testament.  All of you are doing an absolute amazing job.  Several of you have discussed with us that this has been a new challenge of reading straight through the Word like this.  I am so thankful to have each of you joining with us as we are making new discoveries along the way.   Last week we continued reading in the Book of Ezekiel.  During this time we read chapter 16, which after a little research for further explanation, I discovered it to be the longest chapter in the book.  Interestingly enough, it is the one chapter that most preachers try to refrain from quoting in their sermons.  Depending on the translation you read, this chapter can be quite descriptive of their sins. As a side note, does anyone remember what the term "pass through the fire" means in terms of the children?  ...

52 Weeks in the Word - Week 35

    Welcome to Week 35!  Reading over the past 34 weeks has been a big commitment.   Thank you for reading with us!  Some have found themselves falling behind.  If you are more than 2 weeks behind on your reading, I suggest picking up where we are this week and reading along with us.  Then, in addition, use a Bible app, such as Blue Letter Bible, to listen 15 minutes a day to the passages you need to catch up.  You will get caught up in no time!  It is important to remember this is not designed to be an in-depth Bible reading plan, but it will give a wonderful opportunity for rich discussion throughout the entire Bible.  This will hopefully bless you with a great perspective of the Bible for future studies.   Last week we finished Jeremiah and began the book of Lamentations. In chapters 40-45 of Jeremiah, we read about Jerusalem after its fall.  Unfortunately, we saw that the Judeans failed to learn from history....

52 Weeks in the Word - Week 34

   Welcome to Week 34!  I'm not sure if you are counting yet, but there are only 18 more weeks until we finish!!  Some of you have reached out, stating that you are behind on your reading, but you all said you are not giving up!  You all are doing an amazing job.  This is no small task or commitment.   Thank you for reading with us.  If you find yourself falling behind, I highly suggest using a free Bible app, such as Blue Letter Bible, to listen to the version of the Bible you prefer.  It is amazing how listening 15 to 30 minutes a day will get you caught up quickly!  Listen while you water flowers, morning chores around the house, or on your morning commute.   Last week's reading we pressed on through the prophet Jeremiah's book.  We read the warnings from the Lord, and we read about people not listening.  We also saw mention of the child sacrifices again in Chapter 32, verse 35.   A thought shared fr...

52 Weeks in the Word - Week 33

  Welcome to Week 33!  How are you doing with your reading at this point?  Do you find it easier to make time for the Word or are you having a harder time digging in?  Wherever you might fit in to that scenario, don't worry; keep reading!   A thought shared from last week's reading: Jeremiah 17:7-8 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit." This is similar to what we read in Psalm 1, speaking to the blessings of the man who delights in the Lord God. Looking ahead to Week 33: The reading for Week 33 includes: Jeremiah 22-38. In chapter 24, we read about the baskets of figs, one good and the other bad.   Judgment was coming to Judah.  Th...

52 Weeks in the Word - Week 32

  Welcome to Week 32!  In the Scripture reading for last week, we finished reading through the Book of Isaiah and began the book of Jeremiah. A couple thoughts shared from last week's reading: Isaiah 53:5 describes Jesus' suffering, and the promises we can make about even our healing. " But He  was  wounded for our transgressions,  He was  bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace  was  upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." Looking ahead to Week 32: The reading for Week 32 includes: Jeremiah 4-21.  In this week's reading, look for ways the Scripture describes the character of God.  Do you see the Gospel message in any of the passages?  What can you learn from these passages that you could apply to your life?   Our family recently returned from a road trip.  During our time in our vehicle, we listened to a Christian talk radio broadcast.  While I can't remember the exact location, they disc...

52 Weeks in the Word - Week 31

  Welcome to Week 31!  Last week held many powerful passages in the book of Isaiah.  This week we will finish Isaiah and begin reading the book of Jeremiah.   This section of Scripture is known as the Major Prophets.  There are 5 books included in this section, which gets there name not because of their message or quality, but it is actually due to the length of the books.  Both Isaiah and Jeremiah speak about prophecy and judgement.     Looking ahead to Week 31: The reading for Week 31 includes: Isaiah 51 - Jeremiah 3  The book of Jeremiah was written by the prophet, Jeremiah, around 626 - 582 BC.  The main message is to warn Judah of their destruction, that they have sinned, and explain, or try to persuade them to submit to the Babylonians. Have a wonderful week and feel free to share your thoughts with us as you read. Blessings