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Showing posts from January 31, 2021

With Wisdom and Quiet Fidelity

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(The picture is "Daniel in the Lions Den," 1872 (oil on canvas) by Briton Riviere (1840-1920)) In my morning devotional reading I have been working through Daniel. A few thoughts struck me that I am sharing with you. To begin, Daniel was written at a time when God’s people, being disciplined for corporate infidelity, were taken captive into exile. That means Daniel not only tells us the stories of 4 Jewish young men and Daniel’s visions, but it was written for guidance for those now captured by non-Jewish forces. Chapters 1-6 are examples of how to live and serve under pagan authorities – who only rule at God’s whim. And chapters 7-12, declare that these national and political powers will not always be in place, because God is working out big things. But now I zero in on chapters 1, 3, and 6. In the first chapter, God gives. He gives Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand (v.2). He gives captive Daniel favor with his superior (v.9), and he gives the four lads learning, skill

"The LORD Is Good" - Evening Prayers from Psalm 70 and Nahum 1:7

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  [Guided by Psalm 70 and Nahum 1:7]   “ Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me! O, our salvation and rescue; our refuge and strength, to you we pray. It is comforting to know that we can run to you, seek you, draw near to you. “ The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him ” (Nahum 1:7). O Lord, hear our prayer.   Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!” We do implore you to bare your mighty arm and bring aid to those being trodden on, trounced, and terrified by oppressors, whether it’s totalitarian governments, spiritual leaders, spouses, parents, or social media (…). “ The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him .” O Lord, hear our prayer.   May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love yo