December 18

Today's Reading

Habakkuk. This little prophetic book written by a man with a strange name ("Habakkuk" means "he that embraces" or "a wrestler")has two passages that have long been a source of comfort and wisdom to me; I think of them often. The first is Chapter 2, Verse 3: "This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed." Vision from God is truly like that; God gives a vision and the person who receives often goes through great trials and difficulties before the vision becomes reality.

The second passage is about my attitude during adversity. It is found in Chapter 3: "17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights."

Revelation. Are the locusts with stings like scorpions the ancient understanding of some modern technology? Is the army of 200 million from China? These have been speculated and we don't know for sure.

Psalms. Jerusalem. The world lusts after it. God's people long for it. It is the city where our Messiah was sacrificed just outside the walls. It is the place where He will return.

Proverbs. Be very cautious about leveling criticism against someone else. It may come back in your face!

What did you notice today?