tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39429318965487189762024-02-07T23:46:10.129-05:00Jason CollinsJason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.comBlogger522125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-72407696968974202922010-12-13T16:26:00.001-05:002010-12-17T09:47:15.881-05:00Day 347<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+9&version=NLT">Revelation 9</a><br /><br />These passages were written to a people who truly knew what it was to be persecuted for their faith. It brought them hope knowing that God was aware of their situation and that relief would someday finally come. I've been reading to my daughter out of the book of Acts about how the early church was persecuted. I can tell she has no concept of what that's about. I'm thankful we exist in a time and place where we can openly follow Jesus and tell others about Him.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-78188913610238746902010-12-12T16:25:00.001-05:002010-12-15T16:56:12.919-05:00Day 346<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+8&version=NLT">Revelation 8</a><br /><br />Silence in heaven (v. 1). I wonder what that's like. Reminds me of the times in my life when it seemed like God was silent. It's a pretty excruciating experience.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-16636891435641422612010-12-11T16:24:00.001-05:002010-12-14T16:13:03.069-05:00Day 345<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7&version=NLT">Revelation 7</a><br /><br />The last three verses are a great promise to remember especially in times when we face the reality of death.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-61707557673237688102010-12-10T16:24:00.001-05:002010-12-14T16:11:05.069-05:00Day 344<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%206&version=NLT">Revelation 6</a><br /><br />Got to be honest. It's tough reading a chapter with so many different images and interpretations as a devotional!Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-41494627505177804752010-12-09T16:23:00.001-05:002010-12-10T14:50:17.947-05:00Day 343<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20146-147&version=NLT">Psalm 146 & 147</a><br /><br />Psalm 147:10 & 11 - "He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love." How often do we live as if God takes pleasure in our human strength and abilities. When all the while, His delight is in our trust and hope in Him.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-16738730095351870192010-12-08T16:22:00.001-05:002010-12-10T14:31:48.710-05:00Day 342<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5&version=NLT">Revelation 5</a><br /><br />"The Lamb" in this chapter is Jesus and we get a sense for the majesty and power that He had before the beginning of the world and especially now that He has come and done the work of redemption for us. I love the phrases of worship you find all throughout these accounts.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-85926974460234725822010-12-07T16:21:00.001-05:002010-12-10T14:28:50.222-05:00Day 341<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4&version=NLT">Revelation 4</a><br /><br />As John begins to describe what he sees, it's obvious that he's using the best language he can but it's still inadequate. The point to remember when you read Revelation is not to get caught up in the imagery but to see through to the substance.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-19310933826963929872010-12-06T16:21:00.001-05:002010-12-09T16:33:16.205-05:00Day 340<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3&version=NLT">Revelation 3</a><br /><br />It's interesting that pretty much every letter, Jesus has something positive to say about that particular church but also some warnings and corrections. I would imagine that's the way it is with every church. Most get a lot of things right but none of them get it all right all the time.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-5218660848043089332010-12-05T16:20:00.001-05:002010-12-09T16:30:23.741-05:00Day 339<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+2&version=NLT">Revelation 2</a><br /><br />Reading these letters makes me wonder what the one to CCC would sound like...sometimes that's an encouraging thought. Other days not so much.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-12081140221500676882010-12-04T16:20:00.001-05:002010-12-08T15:18:37.890-05:00Day 338<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+1&version=NLT">Revelation 1</a><br /><br />Reading this makes me think of how it will be on the day I see Jesus for the first time. It's hard to fathom. It's even harder to imagine how I'll react, what I'll say, etc. My guess is that none of the things I think matter will matter at all in that moment.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-61834158224779866982010-12-03T16:18:00.002-05:002010-12-08T15:11:46.994-05:00Day 337<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+1&version=NLT">Jude</a><br /><br />Verses 20-23. Great words of instruction for any church to follow.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-89778121050963121172010-12-02T15:14:00.001-05:002010-12-04T11:11:43.209-05:00Day 336<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20143-145&version=NLT">Psalm 143, 144 & 145</a><br /><br />So much to digest in today's reading. Probably what struck me most is the pure dependence on God that David has in Psalm 143. Even though it sounds as if he's at a low place, he's right where he needs to be. Totally dependent and trusting God for everything.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-61041922205473449752010-12-01T15:13:00.001-05:002010-12-04T11:06:27.092-05:00Day 335<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3%20John+1&version=NLT">3 John</a><br /><br />When someone you taught and mentored and prayed for follows truth long after you're gone, it is a huge blessing. When they don't, it's a heartbreaker. That's John's letter here in a nutshell. And I totally get where he's coming from. It's the greatest joy and heartache of being in full time ministry.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-91293588529779540042010-11-30T15:13:00.002-05:002010-12-04T11:00:35.568-05:00Day 334<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20John+1&version=NLT">2 John</a><br /><br />Fascinating that in this short letter, John tackles one issue with an interesting command. There are false teachers threatening the message within the church. John's answer: Love one another. And he's right. True love that God reveals to us covers all the issues we face. When love drives relationships, truth, doctrine, community, morality, etc. it all works out the way God intended.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-90007957723823113962010-11-29T15:12:00.001-05:002010-12-02T21:28:28.079-05:00Day 333<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+5&version=NLT">1 John 5</a><br /><br />Struck today by how often John uses the phrase "we know." There are lots of things that God wants us to be confident and secure in.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-34980027149238184642010-11-28T15:11:00.001-05:002010-12-02T21:13:22.965-05:00Day 332<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+4&version=NLT">1 John 4</a><br /><br />Just preached not too long ago on this passage. "Perfect love drives out fear." No where have I seen this illustrated in my life better than in my relationship with my wife. The longer we're together, the firmer the foundation of love between us which means less and less fear, jealousy and worry. The same should be true for us and God, even more so.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-50422368054576622152010-11-27T15:09:00.002-05:002010-12-02T21:09:24.696-05:00Day 331<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+3&version=NLT">1 John 3</a><br /><br />Verse 20 - "Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything." That's a very good thing.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-91373153355249967482010-11-26T15:09:00.001-05:002010-11-29T21:23:17.526-05:00Day 330<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+2&version=NLT">1 John 2</a><br /><br />Verse 4 says if we say we know God yet don't obey what He commands, we're liars. Knowledge of God and devotion to Him is equal with obedience. In fact, John says they are one in the same. How many of us truly do not get that? How many people do I know who claim to follow Jesus and haven't obeyed anything God told them to do in months or even years? And do I realize that every time I choose disobedience to God, I am denying Him and not just a command He gave?Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-10602315618201318402010-11-25T15:08:00.001-05:002010-11-29T16:40:58.684-05:00Day 329<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201&version=NLT">1 John 1</a><br /><br />John begins his simple small book by reassuring us. "We have seen Him with our eyes and touched Him with our hands." I love that.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-12183772893937090572010-11-24T15:07:00.001-05:002010-11-24T15:07:00.912-05:00Day 328<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20141-142&version=NLT">Psalm 141 & 142</a><br /><br />The first part of 141:5 is easier said than done. Allowing others to bring correction to your life may be the right thing and even good for us. But in the moment, everything in you just wants to resist it.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-22201735215271369922010-11-23T15:06:00.001-05:002010-11-24T08:35:03.263-05:00Day 327<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139-140&version=NLT">Psalm 139 & 140</a><br /><br />I could read Psalm 139 every day and not get tired of it. I need that reminder of God's presence with me all the time.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-44810802771667270042010-11-22T15:06:00.001-05:002010-11-24T08:31:54.781-05:00Day 326<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21&version=NLT">John 21</a><br /><br />I recently read this story with my daughter and she was confused as to why Jesus would ask Peter if he loved Him three times. Her reaction when I explained it was so cool. I told her that Jesus was offering Peter three opportunities to affirm his love for Jesus after denying Him three times. And just like that, He gives us second and even third chances when we mess up. The message of grace is always exciting and still amazing.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-57102108869549210112010-11-21T15:05:00.001-05:002010-11-22T21:26:47.459-05:00Day 325<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20&version=NLT">John 20</a><br /><br />John makes the purpose for writing his book clear at the end of the chapter. He also proves it by including so many small details into his account of the resurrection. Never noticed it before but there's a lot of little, seemingly insignificant details. Not the kind you'd use if you were trying to pass off the resurrection as true if it wasn't. It's written like someone who's convinced and wants to prove it by including everything.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-6068724322926443272010-11-20T15:05:00.001-05:002010-11-22T21:22:18.552-05:00Day 324<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19&version=NLT">John 19</a><br /><br />You can't read the crucifixion accounts without noticing the courage with which Jesus faced His own death. Standing up to Pilate, telling him he had no power over Him. Focusing on His own mother rather than worry about Himself. Knowing that resurrection is coming changes the way you face death. It should do the same for us too.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3942931896548718976.post-26784253818647164842010-11-19T15:03:00.002-05:002010-11-19T15:03:00.629-05:00Day 323<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2018&version=NLT">John 18</a><br /><br />Don't miss the irony of Pilate's question in verse 38. Pilate asks "What is truth?" and the whole time, Truth is standing there speaking to him.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.com0