1973
Sept. 1,1973 Ez. 15-16, Ps. 70, Rev. 6
Why is there God’s condemnation? “They have acted unfaithfully. We step out of FAITH.
What a picture! Ez. 16 is a vivid look at the nation Israel as compared to a harlot or prostitute. Such detail here too. God really uses the unfaithfulness and filth as a prostitute as a comparison to His people.
“Let all who week You rejoice and be glad in You” (Ps. 70:4).
Sept. 2, 1973 Ez. 17-19, Rev. 7
Ez. 18:4 – “Behold all souls are mine, the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine. The soul who sins will die.
Ez. 18:20 – “The person who sins will die.”
+ Wow – what a chapter! Ezekiel. 18. Beautiful word from God on each one of us dying for our sins, the way of repentance, the fact that God doesn’t want people to die, and our foolishness in thinking that God isn’t just.
*How many times have I heard, “Well, that isn’t fair,” or “that can’t be right.” Look at Ez. 18:25 – “Is it not YOUR ways that are not right?” Yes, Lord.
Sept. 3, 1973 – Ez. 201-21, Ps. 111, Rev. 8
Ez. 20:25 – Question? “And I also gave them statutes that were not good and ordinances by which they could not live.” I don’t quite understand this.
Man – this is very heavy. I don’t understand…What does this all mean?
Ps. 11:5 – “He has given food to those who fear Him.”
*God will take care of me. He is so wonderful.
Rev. 8 – The great tribulation begins. What an awesome time this will be.
*Lord, I have sinned. I am being drawn away from you by a woman…when we should be drawing towards You. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).
Sept. 4-5, 1973 Ez. 22-28, Rev. 9-10
The lewd example of a harlot is one of God’s favorite comparisons to His people. Here it is again in Ez. 23.
+ Some people will face these words someday: Ez. 23:25 – judgment.
Ez. 28 – What a revelation here of the one-time beauty and position of Satan before he rebelled.
I’m so tired…Lord, thank you for keeping me going.
+ Lord, we need a place for Young Life. I want to believe You for a miracle. Lead us to “Your place” for this year.
Sept. 6, 1973 Ez. 29-32, Rev. 11
+ Lord Jesus, I feel bad. I just feel alone and hurt and just bummed. Why do I allow Satan to do this to me? Why is it so hard to reach You at times with my faith?
Lord, I need your intimate love and assurance of safety. Where?
Sept. 7, 1973 1 Kings 25, 2 Chr. 36, Jer. 40-41, Rev. 12
There is a lot of history and dealings here that are really something. God is a God of history, working powerfully behind and in the scenes of time.
Rev. 12 – I felt as I read this chapter that God was revealing it to me—like for the 1st time. I was getting a glimpse into the symbolism.
+ The woman is the church of God—God’s people (v. 17). No—maybe something else. Anyway, this is kind of a history of the ages revolving around the Cross—the old battle between Satan and the Lord.
Yes, ISRAEL is the woman. There is a lot here, but I just can’t seem to collect it on paper.
Lord, please guide me in choosing the place for Young life for this year.
John 11:40 – “Did I not say to you if you believe you would be the glory of God?”
Sept. 8, 1973 Jer. 42-44, Ps. 48, Rev. 13
Jer. 42: 3 – “that the Lord your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do.” *Thank you, Lord, for showing us this about a place for Young Life this year.
*Father – C. and I almost called it quits last night and now I don’t know where to go from here. I’m stumped, not sure how to act. On April25, 1973 you said to me, “go your way, let it be done to you as you have believed.” I don’t want to let go of that confession. Lord, I believe that C. is your gift to me. I don’t feel it, but I believe it. We can’t even relate to each other at times, but should we expect to? All I know is that I love her and BELIEVE that You want us to be a TEAM for You.
Lord, make that real for us. United us today in the assurance of our love.
Sept. 9, 1973 Lam. 1-2, Obadiah, Rev.14
Lord, I’ve got to settle this today. You’ve got to either bring C. and I together or take us apart.
I feel like Jeremiah today—just really yucky. My heart feels faint too. Jeremiah said (v. 21), “there is no one to comfort me,” and Jesus said, “I will send you the Comforter.”
Holy Spirit: I need your comfort and guidance today. Don’t leave me alone.
Nothing fresh, Lord. I feel like I’m going through a real valley. I love you and want to move on, but I feel powerless and faithless. I need a miracle today. Yes, I need a miracle of God to raise me out of this “pit.” It’s ugly…lonely…mental torture.
We’re going to settle it today.
Sept. 10, 1973 Lam. 3-5, Rev. 15
+ My Lord – C. and I are n the brink of disaster…it all came about yesterday, and she just doesn’t love me. Father—I need to get something straight. I don’t want to let go of my confession of faith concerning C., but I also don’t want to make a lingering, painful mistake of hanging on if it’s not meant to be.
+ Do I still have a word about C. being the girl that will complement my ministry?
Man is this me! Lamentations 3.
+ The Answer: (v. 23,24) – “Great is Your faithfulness, therefore I have hope in Him.” And (v. 57)– “You drew me near when I called on You. You said, ‘do not fear.’”
*Thank you, Lord Jesus. I’m going to stand fast in faith and see the glory of the Lord (John 11:40): “Did I not say if you would believe you will see the glory of God.”
Sept. 11, 1973 Dan. 1-2, Ps. 87, Rev. 16
I love the story about God giving Daniel the wisdom to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. God is so wonderful! I really wonder what the dream is about, what nations, what times, how it all fits together. This was a gift of the Spirit—a word of knowledge.
Rev. 16 – “they did not repent…they did not repent…” I just don’t get anything else.
Lord, thank you for strengthening me today. I really needed it, but I’m really rejoicing and watching. I don’t know what to do about this coming weekend and how you want me to move, but I know You’ll show me.
I, like Daniel, praise you tonight, Lord Jesus. I’m learning…and it’s hard…but we’ll make it.
September 14, 1973 Ez. 36-37, Ps. 110, Rev. 19
*Ez. 36:25-27 – Lord, I want so badly to claim these verses for C. and me. We need new hearts, a new start.
This week has been a real lesson and testing time for me. Lord, where do I turn, and what will be the outcome? I don’t know if I can continue to give love that is not returned.
*Lord Jesus – I need you desperately. I’m strong, but so weak, and so unsure about the future now. Am I to suffer and hold to my confession of faith, or is now the time to get out and begin all over anew? I’ll wait for Your word and until then, continue by faith—though it hurts.
Sept. 15, 1973 Ez. 38-39, Ps. 145, Rev. 20
Ez. 38 – the prophecy of the war with Russia. I have doubts about the symbolism here, especially if there is a symbol for the United States, but it sure is an interesting prophecy!
+ Lord, I’m having problems relating to all this prophecy about “Israel” to who you are talking to, and what going to actually happen. Could you open my eyes to see?
Ps. 145: 18-19a – “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him.”
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this encouragement.
Rev. 20 – This is world history being told. I really wonder about it. I’ve got to really dissect this chapter someday. I’m just not sure how everything is going to happen. The Lord will show me.
Sept. 16, 1973 Ez. 40-41, Ps. 128, Rev. 21
Hmmm. I wonder why the Holy Spirit is giving us such elaborate detail about the measurements of the Temple in Ez. 40-41. There must be a reason. Is the temple another “type” of God’s whole plan of salvation (like the tabernacle), or something else?
*Psalm 128 – There is real beauty in having and raising a family, God’s way. And here is a promise (v. 5) – “And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.”
*Wow! The New Jerusalem. This is the same city that we saw in Ezekiel, but this is the real thing. What a place! It’s fantastic. God really gave me a quick revelation about it as I read this. Praise God I am a citizen of the New Jerusalem!!
Sept. 17-18, 1973 Ez. 42-46, Rev. 22, Luke 1
Jesus appears here again in the O.T. in Ezekiel 43.
Lord, I’ve had to hurry, but really uncovered some beautiful new things. I’m tired of rushing our time together. I’m not going to do it anymore.
September 19, 1973 Ez. 47-48, Luke 2
Wow! There are so many parallels here about this vision and the one in Revelation of the New Jerusalem. Here in Ez. 47 is the “river of life” with its leaves “for healing” (v. 12, compare to Rev. 22:2).
Ezekiel ends…what a book, full of deep truths. I’ve learned a lot from here.
*Luke 2:51 – “He continued in subjection to them.” Jesus, the Son of God, as a youth was subject to his parents. What a profound revelation…He obeyed his parents.
I’ve got to learn something here—how to follow God and especially through my parents. Thank you, Jesus.
September 20, 1973 Dan. 5-6, Ps. 130, Luke 3
Dan. 5 – the handwriting on the wall. What an amazing thing God did here.
Dan. 6 – The story of King Darius delivering Daniel over into the lion’s den. Look at this—Daniel may have been saved by his own faith, but also the faith of the king: “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” He did.
+ What a testimony – Daniel 6:23 – “…and no injury whatever was found on him because he had trusted in his God.”
Ps. 130:5 – I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word, do I hope.” Thank you, Lord Jesus.
What a neat genealogy in Luke 3. It is exciting! Jesus’ ancestry traced back to Adam.
Sept. 21, 1973 Dan. 7-8, Ps. 137, Luke 4
The Lord really gave Daniel some amazing visions. I sure wonder what this one in Daniel 7 really means.
Daniel talks to Gabriel the angel. I will do that someday. What an unfathomable thought.
These prophecies are about world history and dominion, lading toward the Anti-Christ and the ultimate victory and eternal kingdom of our Lord.
Ps. 137 – This is really a moving little song.
*Luke 4 – I believe God has given me this today. I’ve been going through a lot of temptation and anxiety lately and I haven’t been standing on God’s Word that Jesus did here. I’ve got to get more scripture in my heart and use it against the devil when I’m bummed.
And I’ve got to use the power of the scriptures—not just some of the leadings God has given me about many things. Thank you, Lord Jesus.
Sept. 22, 1973 Dan.9-10, Ps. 123, Luke 5
I really like the prayer of Daniel in this chapter. He really collects his thoughts and presents them before God, even though God already knows them. Gabriel answers his prayers—the vision of the seventy weeks.
Daniel 10: 19 – “Peace be with you. Take courage and be courageous!”
Luke 5:11 – “And when they had brought their boats to land, they left EVERYTHING and followed Him.” What a statement. Am I willing to leave everything?
Luke 5:17 – “The power of the Lord was present for him to perform healing.”
I really want to know, Lord, how the power of your Holy Spirit is present to heal and glorify Jesus. I’ve been thinking so much about this lately. How does one appropriate by faith the supernatural power of God?
Sept. 23, 1973 Dan.11-12, Luke 6
Dan. 11:32 – “But the people who know their God will display strength and take action.”
Dan. 12:9 – “Go your way, Daniel.” The Lord is speaking to me again. He wants me to go to Germany, confirming His former word to me. Thank you, Jesus.
Dan. 12:13 – “But as for you, go your way to the end. Then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at eh end of the age.”
Real love “expects nothing in return” ((Luke 6:35). This is something I must learn.
Luke 6:40 – “A disciple is not above his teacher. But everyone after he has been trained will be like his teacher. Awesome statement, Lord. Guide and teach me into the fullness of this truth. I am willing…
September 24, 1973 Ezra 1, Ps. 84,85, Luke 7
Ezra – This book is about the return of the Jews to Jerusalem following the proclamation of Cyrus, king of Persia. *This is a neat “type” of the move of God today in the realm of the Holy Spirit returning His people from captivity to powerlessness to “rebuilding the temple” (of the Holy Spirit).
Ps. 84:5, 6 – “How blessed is the man whose strength is in You. In whose heart are the highways to Zion. Passing through the valley of Weeping (Baca) they make it a spring. The early rain also covers it with blessings.
Thank you, Lord, for leading me through a low time recently. This verse is for me.
Luke 7 – What a beautiful story here of the women who wept over Jesus’ feet, cleaned them and anointed them with perfume. *Jesus wants our love, shown by an act of faith.
*We need to preach the forgiveness of God!
Sept. 25, 1973 Ezra 2,3, Luke 8
It was a year ago today that we set out on our miraculous adventure to New Zealand. I just can’t believe that a year has gone by—amazing…So much has happened in that year.
Luke 8 – the parable of the sower. This strikes me: faith is perseverance. There are those who will hear God’s Word, believe it, but will fall away (v. 13). But the disciple of Christ will “hold it fast” being strong, a real act of the will (v. 15).
Luke 8:21 – But He answered and said to them, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
Jesus heals the woman with the hemorrhage and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead.
Lord Jesus, I long to live by FAITH in You so much. To see your power and glory change people.
Luke 8:50 – “Do not be afraid any longer. Only BELIEVE and she shall be made whole.”
Sept. 26, 1973 Ezra 4, Ps. 113, 127, Luke 9
Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! (Ps. 113). *It is so neat to be free to praise God and express love to Him.
Ps. 127:1,2 – Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, and to eat the bread of painful labors. For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”
Luke 9 – There is a lot in this chapter.
*Lord – things are really falling into place for YWAM in Germany. I know this is your will for me and I praise you for opening the doors.
Lord, you’re teaching me a lot about authority too. Help me get under authority and yet not lose my love for You. I want to be your MAN, your DISCIPLE. My life is yours. You know it.
Sept. 27, 1973 Haggai 1-2, Ps. 129, Luke 10
There was a real problem at South Kitsap when a charismatic group came up to the school and started speaking about “tongues” and showed no love or discernment and really turned a lot of kids off—confusion.
*Lord, how do we share some of your neatest gifts in love and patience for your glory? Especially about the filling of Holy Spirit?
Haggai 1:8 – “Go up to the mountain, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified, says the Lord.” Thank you, Lord! *Also, Haggai 2:5.
Luke 10:9 – Jesus commanded all his disciples to heal all the sick people they met “in the Name” of Jesus (v. 17).
+ Lord—your Word was so alive today.
Sept. 28, 1973 Zech. 1-3, Luke 11
Zechariah is really a heavy book and I’m not sure if I understand it too well.
Zech. 4:6 – “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord.”
+ Thank you, Lord for all the insight and conviction You’ve given me at Basic Youth Conflicts this week. What a shower of blessing.
Luke 12:48 – “And from everyone who has been given much, shall much be required. And to whom they entrusted much of him they will ask all the more.”
Lord, I’m kind of in a hurry and I’m sorry. Really feed your people today and guide us this morning in our Body Life meeting. We need the peace and unity of your Holy Spirit.
Sept. 30, 1973 Zech. 7-9, Luke 13
Lord, thank you for really speaking to me and putting the pressure on me about my moral life. I just can’t stand the heaviness on my conscience anymore and I now want to PURIFY myself. I don’t want to “devise evil in your heart against another.”
Lord, I need the dynamic of your wonderful comforter to refrain from defrauding any girl anymore, until you so choose to unite us. C. and I really need you.
Luke 13 – Jesus “laid his hands” on a woman to heal her of a back condition. In this account He directly states that the sickness or deformity of the woman was of the devil. He called he a woman “whom Satan has bound.”
*Father—I’m sorry for being so disobedient. I really want to love you more than anything else in existence. I also desire to hold to my faith. May I?