Day 729 - Revelation 22:12-21 & Proverbs 31

 Julie

We have come to the end. I am proud of us for making it through and look forward to going through again next year.

This ends with Jesus reminding us that he is the Savior and that doing things the wrong way will keep us out of everlasting life. He is also telling us to trust in the Word of God.

Proverbs ends by telling us what a good women is supposed to be.

Michelle

I too am proud that we went through this entire study.  

This section is short and seems to be Jesus telling us that our reward for doing good is with him and that we will be given reward based on what each of us has done.  And that those doing the wrong things, will be left outside.  There is a warning as well not to change any of the wording of this information from the scroll.  

Sometimes I read this Proverb about the wife of noble character and think that I try to be like this, but then as I read, I am thinking I don't even like to do some of these things and am I still supposed to if it's not in my character or skill.  It almost makes me feel unworthy because I can't live up to this standard.  The other thing that stands out in this reading is in the beginning the mother is talking to her son about the type of king or man he should be, and this seems very impactful.  

Day 728 - Revelation 21 - 22:11 & Proverbs 30

 Julie

John explains what the new Jerusalem will look like and what is to come once all is said and done. What stood out the most was the last line we read. "Let the evildoers still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy." John was told not to seal of up the Word and to allow these things to happen as they will. We are still given a choice of how to act...will we choose correctly?

I feel like overall this is saying that even the most insignificant thing is more wise than some. 

Michelle

This reading has me questioning how long it's been since Jesus died and was resurrected.  I too found that verse to stand out amongst them.  We are given a choice of if we will follow God or not.  This also has me asking has this time already passed or are we still waiting.  I am not sure how to interpret this timeline.  It's hard to tell.  

This does seem to be saying that even the smallest things can have more significance.

Day 727 - Revelations 19:11 - 20 & Proverbs 29

 Julie

This is one of the most mentioned parts of Revelation, the rider and the white horse, which signifies Christ returning. The thousand years, however, is probably one of the most confusing parts of Revelation because so one really knows or understands the timing of that thousand years. So they have what they call premillennialists that believe the thousand years will start once Christ returns. Then there is the postmillennialists that believe that Christ will return after the thousand years. Then there are the Amillennialists that believe that the thousand years is happening right now. For me the question becomes has the white rider already come or is this something that is to come, because by the way this reads the thousand years does not begin until the white rider has come and locked satan in the cage. However, if this has already happened and that is the seal which is to be broken and he will return then we might be in the middle of it right now. I think there are so many ways to look at this. However, if this is as it is said a vision that has been recorded then this has not happened yet and we will still experience this at some point. 

I would just say more words of wisdom. 

Michelle

I do not believe I have ever read this, and my head is spinning right now.   What does stand out is that the rider's name is Word of God.  Throughout the bible we are constantly being reminded to remain in the word of God.  

Yes, more wisdom being imparted on us.  

Day 726 - Revelation 18 - 19:10 & Proverbs 28

 Julie

So the great prostitute of the world is all of the bad things that people are enticed to do and those that give into those temptations will be judged harshly in the end. Those that are followers of God will rejoice when God reigns down his judgement on them.

We should have integrity, love and care for others and not turn our back on those in need.

Michelle

In this reading, Babylon, sounds like a city of terrible things and people doing terrible things that go against what God has commanded.  That being the case, it sounds like God will destroy Babylon for these things and he and the angels are telling people to repent and leave so they do not fall with Babylon.  When you read about Babylon's history it talks about "the Queen of the Night" goddess of sex and love that is worshipped by people.  This seems to relate, but historical info says Babylon has "fallen" twice in history.  So, I can't tell, again, if what we are reading has actually happened or will happen in the future, like there will be another Babylon.

I think that's a good interpretation of today's Proverb.  This one seemed to have a theme compared to the others.

Day 722 - Revelation 13 & Proverbs 24

 Julie

I might still be a little confused here. I haven't ever questioned Revelation in this way before because everyone reads it as if it has not happened yet, but I am wondering if that is the case. 

Michelle

I can't tell if it's a vision of future events, or things that have already happened.  I had always thought that it was still to come but reading through it has me questioning a lot of things.  

Lots in this one about wisdom and not following the evil ones and their wicked schemes.  The end stood out and seemed to be saying not to slumber or have idle hands too long as it leads to poverty and ruin.

Day 725 - Revelation 17 & Proverbs 27

 Julie

I did have to read the explanation for this one. Apparently, this is explaining the fall of Babylon. 

More words of wisdom. Again, seems like they are saying the same things just in different ways.

Michelle

So, I guess I didn't read chapter 16 yesterday, so I will include that one here.  This chapter sounds like God's wrath is being rained down on the earth.

I don't believe I have every read this part.  When I think of the fall of Babylon, I was not thinking mother of prostitutes Babylon, but city of Babylon.  And maybe it's the same thing, I do not know for certain.  This book is confusing me a little as it's hard to tell if we are reading past, present, or future events, and if this is a metaphor or if we will or have already seen this person and events.

There are a few well known verses in this reading.  It seems each individual verse tells us something, and I agree that they are saying the same things with different metaphors.

Day 724 - Revelation 15-16 & Proverbs 26

 Julie

Seven seems to be an important number in Revelation and in the return of Christ. One of the explanations for things in my Bible says that Revelation uses a lot of symbolism to explain things instead of calling things what they are. I guess that this is also a vision that John is having so this might be the future...as in our time or a time still to come...maybe...

Gives the ways in which we should be lying or deceitful.

Michelle

Ok, so by your explanation or understanding, it sounds like this is possibly a vision.  It does seem to have a lot of symbolism running through it and maybe that is what makes it hard to understand.  And we do not know when or if this has or has not happened yet.  This book feels a little overwhelming.  

Lots of drunkards and liars in this reading.

Day 723 - Revelation 14 & Proverbs 25

Julie

It's no wonder that people are having a hard time figuring out Revelation, this is very confusing and sometimes doesn't really make sense. I don't really understand the significance of the 144,000 because it makes it sound like most people on the earth, regardless of their forgiveness status wouldn't fit into this category. This is definitely one that required much more studying.

This seemed to cover a lot of ground. It's important to have patience, self-control, speak kindly and being kind to others, just to name a few.

Michelle

This seems to be talking about some of the same things from earlier in Revelation, then it seems it's different.  I am confused as well.  the 144,000 they spoke of earlier, sound different in this section.  I am not sure how to interpret any of this.  

Yes, there were an abundance of issues here.  While I was reading this section, I kept thinking that we have to be careful with people and how hard it is to trust someone because you don't know their intentions.  

Day 721 - Revelation 12 & Proverbs 22:17 - 23

 Julie

This story seems like a metaphor for what we may be experiencing now. We are the offspring that are in war with the devil because we are followers of God.

We should not give ourselves to outside vices, but should trust in the Lord.

Michelle

That sounds accurate.  I had a hard time following this one, but it seemed a metaphor.  It talks about Satan being thrown to earth, which would explain why so much evil seems prevalent and why people have such a hard time fighting those urges.

I started dozing off reading this Proverb.  Don't know if it's just me today or that I wasn't comprehending this one well today.  Again it's a long reading.  

Day 720 - Revelation 10-11 & Proverbs 21-22:16

 Julie

I didn't really understand this one. What's the purpose of eating the scroll? Is it a metaphor for taking in the Word of God and sharing it? The only part that really made sense is that the heavens open at the sound of the seventh trumpet.

The righteous will prevail, the Lord will condemn the wicked.

Michelle

I did not understand much either.  As for eating the scroll, upon first reading this I was unsure, then my bible referenced a passage in Ezekiel which talks of this very thing, which I assume then this is Ezekiel who is sharing this message in Revelation.  But then I got confused.  After reading the reference verses, it does appear to be that he is eating the scroll to then share the words God is saying through him.  The end seems as if the heavens have opened and given you a peak of what is there.  

I think your synopsis of this one is accurate.  I feel like we are reading longer passages in this round of Proverbs and it seems like I don't get as much out of it as when we read shorter passages.  I get lost in the long ones.

Day 719 - Revelation 8:6 - 9 & Proverbs 19-20

 Julie

This sounds very scary and not really something that I would want to experience. The one thing that stood out and I am wondering if I missed it previously is those having the seal of God on their foreheads being saved. Has this seal been mentioned before and I don't remember? Is this something that shows if you are a true follower of God?

More words of wisdom for how we should live and what we should avoid doing.

Michelle

I agree, this does sound like a horrible experience.  Regarding the seal of God, it was very briefly stated in chapter 7, "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of God".  I don't know that we would actually know if this was done to us or not as it seems the Angels are the ones saying this.  And in today's reading, as they are each killing a third of mankind, it makes me think that this is a vision of the future as we are a great many people at this point, and back in that time, it would seem that there wasn't as many.  Now, I could be totally wrong about that, and they could have had similar numbers back then and only after such an event would there have been smaller numbers on earth.  But it seems that we must repent for whatever sins we have committed in order to be given the seal of God.  In addition to that, we must maintain our focus on God and godly things.

There are many things in this reading of the Proverbs.  Nothing specific stood out, just that I wondered if they were just randomly writing these as they came mind because all of the Proverbs seem to be all over the place.  Good information, but it's all random and it seems they could have been sectioned out by theme at some point.  

Day 718 - Revelation 7 - 8.5 & Proverbs 17 - 18

 Michelle

This reading has me questioning whether this has already happened, as it sounds like it from the reading, or if it is still to come, and this is a vision of the future.  It says that the seal of God will be placed on 144,000, which in this time is not many people.  And I how do we know if we belong to one of these tribes.  It goes on to say that those sealed by God are now in white robes and says they have come out of the great tribulation.  So that makes me ask, "What is the great tribulation?".  The seventh seal is then opened, and the censer filled with fire is hurled on the earth, which caused thunder, lightning, and earthquakes.  

Julie

I was having some of those same thoughts while I was reading. It does seem as if this has happened, but then it also seems as if it's a vision. I agree that did not seem like a lot of people... There seems to be a lot of confusion around the tribulation and what that is really going to be. It's been convoluted so much that I think the real meaning behind has been down played or hidden and made into something that may not be right. Although, I cannot say that I yet know what it really means. 

I really struggle with what to say about the Proverbs because each line seems to be one of it's own thought and I feel like I would have to comment on each one. With that being said...nothing stood out specifically today, but these are still telling what a righteous person is and what an evil person is.

Day 717 - Revelation 6 & Proverbs 15:30 - 16

 Julie

We have reached the opening of the seven seals and it looks like Jesus is the one that opens them and brings the end upon the earth. There are definitely some similarities to things going on today that can make you wonder if this has begun. Over time people have thought that this was going on during their time, but do we really know? All we can do is stay faithful and trusting of God and stand for our beliefs so that we can be one of those donning the white robe and being given everlasting life.

Gaining our wisdom from God and following his will, will gain us righteousness and falling to the evil will lead to destruction.

Michelle

I had a lot of thoughts during this reading.  It does sound like Jesus is the one opening the seals and when reading this it sounded like the 7 horsemen of the apocalypse were being sent out.  When reading this it does sound like things that could be going on today, and also things to come.  If we think about the span of time in the bible, especially in the Old Testament, time moves differently, and things are happening over 100s and 1000s of years verses decades.  So potentially it could be that some of these things have happened or are happening now.  These things could run over a long span of time, before and after our generations.  

Two things stand out in this reading.  "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones".  I am feeling this one right now, I am needing healing to my bones and my soul.  The second one kind of made me laugh a little inside, "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness".  I don't know if I am a righteous person, although I try to be my best, but it made me think I need to look at my gray hair as a "crown of splendor".  LOL.  

Day 716 - Revelation 4-5 & Proverbs15:1-29

 Julie

This talked about the throne in heaven and the scroll and the lamb. The thing that stuck out to me was the seven seals on the scroll. The breaking of those seven seals...I believe...is part of the return of Christ.

This seems to be more way to be righteous and showing how God despises evil.

Michelle

I didn't recognize any of this reading, aside from some verses in chapter 4, which are things we recite in church from time to time.   My mind is too focused on something else as I am trying to bring it back to where it should be, so I didn't quite get much understanding in this one. I didn't understand the seals, but it seems they are speaking of the Lamb, meaning the sacrificial lamb, Jesus.  And then toward the end are more verses we recite in church.

This reading seems to be speaking to what we say and how we say things and how they can affect things, which is a reflection of the righteous verses unrighteous persons.  As I was reading this a thought came to mind, it seems that people will choose one or some of a verse in order to suit their point, verses using the whole bible or book as a reference.  I don't know why that came to mind, but it seemed important.

Day 715 - Revelation 3 & Proverbs 14

 Julie

There are many verses that I have heard from this reading regarding the coming of Christ. "I will come like a thief in the night" and some like that. Again, it seems as if they are being told who will not be saved and who will, and what it takes to be saved.

Be wise, be kind, be faithful.

Michelle

There are many verses that are familiar in this reading.  He, again, is reprimanding the various churches and their followers for their misdeeds and telling them to do better.

This continues about wisdom verses folly.  What stands out is a verse about being hotheaded.  But that's probable because I am upset and angry today.  Trying not to be, but there it is.

Day 714 - Revelation 2 & Proverbs 12-13

 Julie

So they seem to be going through the seven churches and telling them what will happen to those that are sinning and asking those that are not to stand firm and they will be rewarded.

Explains what a righteous man is as compared to an evil one.

Michelle

It sounds like someone is being directed to write Jesus' words to the various churches.  He seems to be chastising them for the bad things still being done in their congregations, and he is telling them all to repent and do as God instructed.  

I think your explanation is accurate.  It continues on wisdom verses folly and good verses bad choices.  

Day 713 - Revelation 1:9-20 & Proverbs 10-11

 Julie

This sounds like God is telling John to write the New Testament. Since he is telling him to write what has happened and what is to come, which parts are the future? Is it Revelation or is it throughout the NT? 

I don't know if I have really realized it before but most of these Proverbs seem to be not only reminding us about wisdom, but how we should love others.

Michelle

Those are good questions.  At first it sounds like it's God showing himself, then it sounds like Jesus based on what he is saying.  I am not sure how to interpret this one.

There is a lot to unpack in this proverb.  The first one seems to be telling us not to be lazy.  Then goes into being a good person, loving others, being good.  The second one tells us not to be wicked but generous and kindhearted instead.  

Day 712 - Revelation 1:1-8 & Proverbs 9

 Julie

This introduces Revelation telling us that these are the Words from Jesus explaining his return. "Behold he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." 

So as I was reading this the image that came to mind was how in the movies you see prostitutes standing on the street or outside of a building (depending on the time) calling out to men to get them to come in or to take them somewhere. Men have been tempted for centuries to fall and they unfortunately usually do. 

Michelle

Can't believe we are at Revelations.  I know we have been doing this a long time, but I guess I thought we had a while to go still.

I don't quite understand this reading other than the end that says God is the all-powerful.

Interesting vision of this reading.  This seems to be talking about wisdom and how folly is an unholy woman calling out to you.

Day 711 - Proverbs 7-8

 Julie

There was more instruction on how to avoid being coerced into adultery. This time it seemed to show how easy it could be. The biggest part of this was talking about how having the wisdom of God is a blessing. If we ask God to share his wisdom and knowledge and we follow that wisdom we will be blessed.

Michelle

This was a warning against adultery and women who may try to coerce you.  The second one talked about wisdom and that we should listen to the wisdom given to us and ask for God to give us wisdom and he will provide.

710 - Jude & Proverbs 5-6

 Julie

The writer is telling Jude to remember that God does punish false prophets and those that are blasphemous. We must persevere and withstand those that do things out of their own selfishness and try to cause us to stumble in our walk with God.

These seemed to be clear warnings about avoiding adultery. 

Michelle

He is reminding that the Ungodly are doomed and easily drawn to sin.  We should hold strong to God and stay away from the ungodly desires that come to us.

These tell what happens when you commit adultery and that you should "drink water from your own cistern" which seems to mean you should be faithful to your own wife and find satisfaction in her always.

Day 709- 3 John & Proverbs 3-4

 Julie

I don't really know what to say about this one at all. I don't really see or understand the whole point of this. It just seems like a letter to someone and the meaning is only pertinent to them.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths." These proverbs talk mostly about wisdom and how we should search out the wisdom of God and not follow the ways of those that are evil. It also tells us here that we should give back to the Lord some of what he has given to us.

Michelle

This does just seem like another letter.  In it he talks about someone specific and how they are being malicious.

Reading this today I just kept thinking that I should have Nathan read these ones.  The Proverbs talks alot about staying on the right path.

Day 708 - 2 John & Proverbs 1-2

 Julie

This seems to be a gentle reminder that we should love everyone and do not trust those that do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Obviously, this is very important for it do be repeated in over and over again. 

There is something in this that I do not remember noticing before but I remember mentioning how confusing the Proverbs seem. "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understand obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles." While this also seems like a riddle it did stand out today and I think it's explaining the proverbs and that the only we can understand them is to immerse ourselves in them and be open to the learning and wisdom that comes from them. As it says through the rest of the reading, if we ask for wisdom and guidance we should then be open to listening and accepting the Words that God is giving us, because if we ask for guidance and are open to receive he will speak. We just need to learn how to listen.

Michelle

It does seem to be a repeat that he is just writing to a different person.

Both of these proverbs seem to be telling us the benefits of wisdom and that we should be listening intently and with an open heart.

Day 707 & 1 John 5 & Psalm 150

 Julie

What stood out the most to me...and if I understood it correctly...is that we should pray for those around us that may not be following God. Our prayers can help to save them. 

Everyone and everything should Praise the Lord!

Sometimes I feel like there is not much that needs to be said about what we read and then I wonder if I am not putting enough effort into it...

Michelle

I feel you on that last statement.  

This seems to be saying the same thing as before about loving others in the name of Jesus.

This sounds like we should be praising God with instruments and music.

Day 706 - 1 John 4 & Psalm 149

 Julie

This is an interesting notion of testing the spirits. However, I wonder if as they are false prophets that they would lie to try and get us to believe. God is Love!! I am not sure that there is much more to say than that. We cannot say that we love God and then say that we hate others. We should love everyone...even if it's difficult.

Sing praises to the Lord.

Michelle

I find it interesting that they are telling us we should test the spirits to make sure they are not the antichrist and how to do it.  But you are prob right about false prophets.  The rest is about loving God and if we love God, we should be loving people and we can't say we hate people if we truly love God.  Loving everyone is challenging, but I see the point.

I don't know why but the beginning where it tells us to praise the Lord and sing him a new song stands out.  

Day 705 - 1 John 2:28 - 3:24 & Psalm 148

 Julie

Practice righteousness and love others. This reiterates that we should love everyone as God loves us. 

Praise the Lord!

Michelle

This is saying we should have a heart for others, sharing what we have and helping those in need.

This is saying to praise the Lord.  It also goes through all the things on earth that should and do praise the lord.  

Day 704 - 1 John 2:3 - 2:27 & Psalm 147

 Julie

I think that this is saying that we should walk the walk and talk the talk. If we say we are followers of God and then spew out hate then are we really? I think that this is telling us to be careful of falling into the trap of not loving others. We should also not place all of our trust and faith in worldly things and not live for those, but live for God. The part about the antichrist was a bit confusing but I believe it's saying that we need to be careful because we could be easily deceived.

The Lord heals the brokenhearted and helps them find peace if they let him. 

Michelle

I think you explained this one perfectly.  What stood out was the section on not loving the world.  This seems to be one that I need to share right now.

The Lord is our strength and support.  He delights in those who fear him and put their hope in his unfailing love.

Day 703 - 1 John 1-2:2 & Psalm 146

 Julie

Walking in the light means accepting that we have sinned, but understanding that even if we have we can confess our sins and be forgiven. God's grace is not an open invitation to sin, but a way for us to be forgiven if we fall from grace or make mistakes. 

We should put our trust in God and not in man or men of power.

Michelle

What stands out is, " ...God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth."  This was very powerful to me.  We cannot be constantly sinning and say we walk with God.  That all seems like a lie.  It's one thing if we make a mistake but if we are constantly sinning then we aren't really walking with God.  

This is a psalm of praise to God.  And we should put our trust in God.

702 - Psalm 145

 Julie

This psalm praises God for everything. This could be a good psalm to use as a prayer of thankfulness and praise to God for all he does for us.

Michelle

This psalm speaks about all the good things God does for his people.  You are right, it could be a prayer for thankfulness and praise.

Day 701 - 2 Peter 3 & Psalm 144

 Julie

The day of the Lord will come and we would be wise to remember that and that he has come in the past. We need to remember that the Lord is not ignoring us but is patient and waiting to see if people will change their ways. It's really interesting that after centuries people have been given chance after chance and no matter what happens they still fall into the same traps over an over again. So they are asking that we think about this and decide which side righteousness we want to be on when the Lord returns.

They are praising the Lord for his protection and asking him to deliver them from evil. They are also saying that they will sing his praises for all to hear. They also show that they know that the Lord will bless them.

Michelle

The verse that stands out most to me is, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?".  This seems a reminder that we need to be mindful of what kind of person we are and how we are behaving.  That God is always watching and even though our sins are forgiven, we can be taken, or the world could end at any moment, so you should live each day like it's your last. 

Ugh, my mind is all over the place today.  The last verse stands out, and I think it's saying that we are blessed if God is our Lord. 

Day 700 - 2 Peter 2 & Psalm 143

 Julie

The overarching theme today is watching for false prophets, which can be very difficult. Although this seems to explain that they will preach and include sinful desires. 

I don't know if you feel this way, but a lot of the psalms feel as if someone is on their knees almost in tears asking for God's mercy, forgiveness, or for him to hear them. This one sounds like all of those including telling him that they yearn for him in their lives.

Michelle

I don't recall doing this, but I have a verse underlined in this reading.  "People are slaves to whatever has mastered them."  This feels like a warning to myself to make sure I am not being mastered by the things in my life.  Which is a challenge for me sometimes.  

Yes, it does feel like that.  They become repetitive to me and hard to read after a few of them.  I think I always thought the bible was supposed to be uplifting, yet after reading it, it shows how broken people were and are.  And I agree, these sounds like he is doing just what you say.  

Day 699 - 2 Peter 1 & Psalm 142

 Julie

We are reminded of the qualities that we should possess as followers of God. The author even recognizes that they are repeating these, but mentions that they are intentionally repeating to make sure that they are at the forefront of our minds and thoughts. They are also explaining that prophecy did not come from man's interpretation of God's Word, but from God himself. 

God is our refuge. This psalm shows that he will take care of us and we should lean on him and give it all to him.

Michelle

I didn't quite understand the section titled "Confirming one's calling and election".  It seemed to be talking about realizing what our calling is or what God is guiding us to do.  But I can't be certain.  I did find it interesting that they spoke, in the second half, about actually hearing God's voice in relation to Jesus and letting them know he was sent by God and that he loves him and is well pleased with him.  You don't really hear about people hearing the voice of God all that much.

This psalm is about crying out to God and asking to be set free from what they are going through.  I feel like this is a prayer said by most people all the time.