Today, my good friend John Ring, founder of BuddyWatchWalk.com, is finishing his second charity walk where he is fighting to brighten the light on issues facing many of our Veterans. He will be finishing his Buddy Watch Walk East, where John and his crew (headlined by MOS Clothing founder Jimmy Mathews) have journeyed from Mississippi to Savannah, GA in just over two months. These two have walked thousands of miles to champion their cause, meeting thousands of strangers who have done all they could to get involved. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that so many across America need help. From Veteran’s struggling with PTSD, to children being sold into slavery, to the ever growing chasm of poor, the millions of orphans needing a home, and the lonely widows just needing a hand to hold. As daunting as standing up to these problems seem, today I am sharing a friendly reminder: It’s Christmas. The season where God showed humanity the impossible, sending His Son to bring us salvation. Tis the season to spread the love and cheer.
Chris Tomlin and Hillsong Worship come in at the number 23 spot. I love both these songs, but especially the Hillsong anthem. Let’s make a joyful sound and lift up all those around us to feel the miracle and love of the baby in the manger!
December 3
7”Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all people on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen.
8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:7, 8)
These verses include two Old Testament references. In the very first line comes an allude to Daniel 7:13 which reads:
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and people of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7: 13, 14)
The second OT reference comes at the end of that same stanza in Revelation . This is from Zechariah, which you will be reading next week. So pay attention when you get to Zechariah 12:10. After today, it should sound familiar.
John was extremely well-versed with the Jewish Bible, which can be seen in his references throughout his vision. But John is not sneaking these verses in to make himself seem like an expert in the Jewish faith, this language is there because Revelation is the end of the story. The end of a story started millenia ago when God chose the Israelites to demonstrate His power to the world, and then sent Jesus to save all mankind. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first letter and the last in the Greek alphabet. The beginning and the end, and everything in between.
Reading plan: Revelation 3
Deeper reading plan: Haggai 2:10-19
Prayer and meditation: This month we pray that the world comes together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We pray that the miracle of the child in the manger changes this world forever, as it should have nearly 2000 years ago.
Fitness challenge: Day 94-94 reps:
- Hand-release Push-up
- Sit-up
- Jumping squat
- Leg lift
- Burpees
Distance run day: 7 miles at a nice comfortable pace.
Common Sense Reborn 