Today's Reading
Daniel. Great mystery surrounds this chapter of Daniel's writing. He is obviously seeing things in the future, but how many of them have already taken place and how many are to come? Over what time period do these kingdoms rise and fall? Is he speaking of a world ruler we think of as the Beast (or Antichrist) or is he speaking about ancient Rome? This much is certain: we must keep these words near and refer to them as history unfolds. We may be alive as many of them come to pass. By the way, the Lion traditionally refers to England, the eagle to the USA, the Bear to Russia and the Leopard to Africa.
1 John. John, called "the disciple whom Jesus loved", wrote three little letters that bear his name. They are far different from his Gospel account, which chronicles the earthly ministry of Jesus. They are different than Revelation, which he also wrote and we will read shortly. Each of them has a purpose and each is full of powerful words for those of us who want to know Jesus deeply. He opens the first letter with this truth: God is light and has no darkness in Him. On the other hand, we live in a dark world and often yield to the dark power. Amazingly, all that that is necessary is for us to confess our sins and He will forgive. Wow!
Psalms. This longest chapter of the Bible keeps referring to God's commands and how they help us. It refers to our need to be revived sometimes. And it refers to afflictions and how they help us keep focus. I think it fitting that the chapter ends with, "I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands." We don't want to wander away and we feel guilty when we do, but the truth is, we do!
Proverbs. I have received many nice complements and have often been very grateful for the encouragement they brought me. On the other hand, I can remember a handful of honest criticisms over the years that linger on and on, constantly reminding me of my need to grow.
How are you growing? What is challenging you?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
November 30
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I thought Daniel was so interesting. This part especially:
ReplyDelete9 I watched as thrones were put in place
and the Ancient One[b] sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow,
his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne
with wheels of blazing fire,
10 and a river of fire was pouring out,
flowing from his presence.
Millions of angels ministered to him;
many millions stood to attend him.
Then the court began its session,
and the books were opened.
Reading this reminded me of the sheer sovereignty and holiness of God.