Tuesday April 16, 2024

Tuesday – April 16th – Final wrap-up      -----    

We have reached a milestone today on what has been a seven-year-four-and-a-half-month journey. The SunRise Daily Scripture blog first began in 2017 as a blog companion for those reading through the Bible-in-a-year using the Daily Walk Bible. Then in 2018 the daily blog transitioned to what was intended to showcase 365 of my favorite Bible verses. Somewhere early in that first month I realized it was impossible to pick just 365 verses for 2018, so it was expanded to pick out favorite verses as we worked our way through the Old Testament. At some point in 2019 when we arrived at the Gospel of Matthew another transition expanded it to a verse-by-verse exposition of the entire New Testament. In March of 2020, the blog made a slight revision to include greetings with the day of the week, mainly because COVID had thrown off any sense of normalcy to calendar awareness. Then in April of 2023 we arrived at the book of Revelation, and as was accomplished yesterday it took us a year to make our way carefully and slowly through one of the most challenging, mystifying, and yet victorious  books of the Bible. In the end the bottom line, of both Revelation and the Bible, is that we win, and the devil loses. Go Team!!!

I remember about six months into the first I year I came to the staggering realization that “daily blog” meant each day, every day, 365 five days a year. Over the course of this journey there were a few pauses from the “daily” part, occurring when time zones or internet access made it impossible to post around the typical 6:30am timeslot. A couple of computer glitches and viruses have wiped out the totality of every blog still being accessible, so I have no idea how many pages of writing seven and a half years (roughly 2880 days) amounts to or even how many words that may total.

I know that some of you have been around since day one of this seven plus year journey, others of you have joined along the way, and a few others of you have joined at various points during the Revelation portion of the daily blog. And for each one of you I am forever thankful and extremely grateful for your ongoing support, your encouraging comments, your theological questions, and/or your many “likes” and shares on social media.

With all that being said, as this fantastic voyage comes to an end, I have decided to take a sabbatical from writing a daily blog. To give it, you, and me time to rest as I discern what God has next on our journey together. For now, stay strong in reading God’s word, diligent in prayer, and watch for the occasional blog when something big or noteworthy is happening at SunRise Church.

Blessings and peace
   Pastor Jim

2 Comments


Debby - April 16th, 2024 at 7:57am

Thank you Pastor Jim for taking the time daily and your commitment to help us understand the Bible/versus. I have looked so forward to your daily blog and learning more about the Bible than just reading words. You are a true blessing to our church and community. I love my Sunrise family/church. Thank you again!

Debby Schroeder

Judy hillis - April 16th, 2024 at 3:16pm

Pastor Jim, I have been with you from the beginning and often wonder how you faithfully posted almost everyday. I am thankful that when I miss your teaching, that your messages are online. Although I believe you should retire and enjoy this wonderful part of God's life blessings. Thank you for having this blog and how much it has helped me to grow in my faith.