December 31
Malachi 3:1-4:6 | PS 150:1-6 | Prov 31:25-31 | Rev 22:1-21
We come to another year through the Bible. Behind our push to have people join us in going through the Bible is the realization that a relationship with God is real, not through an earthly middle person, but God will pour into each and every one of us if we simply open our ears and our hearts to Him. Recently speaking to a 43-year-old woman who was contemplating another pregnancy (she is Orthodox Jewish and has 7 children), I was asked my opinion. Being otherwise healthy, her increased risks are only that of giving birth to a child with a chromosomal abnormality (1/50 Down's Syndrome, 1/33 all abnormalities). She stated she also went to her rabbi. I asked her if she went to God. God can use physicians and people of faith to help guide, but it is so much better to go directly to God and seek His will. No, more than likely you will not receive an audible response, but if in faith, if in a relationship, it is the peace that you receive if you are aligning your will with His or not. This concept seemed novel and intriguing to her. Recently, another Orthodox patient of mine was concerned and anxious (if I remember correctly, it was surrounding the events of October 7th). She stated that she could not calm down, though she would read her prayer book, etc. I asked her if she has spent time in God's Word and allowed Him to guide her thoughts and actions directly. She admitted that she had not been directly in His Word for a very long time (I'm not sure how strong this is encouraged). She was intrigued by this and stated she would consider.
God very much desires a relationship, a direct relationship with any who would desire to come to Him, as we read in Revelation 22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." Notice, no specific groups are mentioned here, just those willing to enter that relationship. God avails His words to all, as we read in 22:10, "And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand." The Word is pure and is not to be altered in any way, and this is very important for those of faith who might be asked our views on a whole host of topics, as we read in 22:18-19, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Jesus concludes with a promise, and what should be the desire of our heart is seen in 22:20, " He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"
To those who think the Bible is too confusing, you are wrong. To those who think trying to understand Scripture should be left in the hands of a select few, deemed leaders of your congregations (rabbis, pastors, priests, etc.), you are wrong. The Bible is God's love letter, gift wrapped for you. If you come to Him in humility, with an earnest desire to hear from Him, you will indeed hear from Him and take your first steps towards the most important relationship you can ever have. This is the whole purpose to the One Year Bible Challenge, which we will start again tomorrow, on January 1, 2026. This year, we will go through as we did last year, with passages from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs on a daily basis. Please join us. If you fall off, just jump back in, don't try to catch up. We will be reading through the One Year Bible Plan, which you can join along in your own bibles if you look at the reading plan (on our website (CCOB.org, resources, 2026 One Year Bible Challenge )), purchase your own bible specifically adapted to this plan (easy to access), or join along through the YouVersion app (just search under plans). The world is changing, but God is not, and His desire is for you to seek Him this year. Everything else offered on our website (which you can receive a daily post or join our FaceBook group by going to this site) is simply meant to facilitate your walk. There will be prayers, quotes from famous Christians, commentaries, links to downloaded messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley, and worship songs. We look forward to you reading along with us. Consider asking others to join with you, so that you can come alongside one another and encourage each other.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: