distractions – Be Still…

Daniel 6:19-28 – Happy Endings

Read Daniel 6:19-28

Daniel trusted God with his life. God showed up and closed the mouths of the lions. Those lions had to be hungry because our passage tells us, in descriptive fashion, how the people thrown in the den right after Daniel were devoured. Isn’t our God amazing?

We’re told the king went to the lion’s den “very early” the next morning to check on Daniel. We were told in our last reading that the king couldn’t sleep and spent the night fasting. Clearly, he was distraught with having to place his asset, Daniel, in harm’s way. Continue reading “Daniel 6:19-28 – Happy Endings”

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 – Useless Wisdom

Read Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

Our teacher must be too smart for his own good. Or perhaps he was a master at overthinking things. We can fall into that trap as well when we lack trust in God. We can’t begin to understand all that exists, but it sounds like Solomon sure tried.

“I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.” What do you think about his statement? I don’t agree with “tragic” when we know God and sense his presence in our lives. For those who are far from God or who don’t nurture a relationship with him, that is definitely tragic.

Ezra 4:1-5 – Stay on Track

Read Ezra 4:1-5

Can our enemies also worship our God? That’s a good question. Maybe we should explore what makes someone our enemy? For me, it would be anyone who doesn’t believe as I do who is trying to harm me or distract me from my mission. With that understanding, I don’t think my enemies would be Christians who love Jesus.

The enemies discussed in our reading were giving good “lip service” to those working on the temple. Their attempts to trick the workers in believing they could also be worshiping the LORD failed. The help they offered as a lure was also rejected.

Luke 10:38-42 – Are you Martha or Mary?

Read Luke 10:38-42

If Jesus was coming to your house for dinner, would you be frantic about the details or would you be excited to hear his stories? I’m sure Martha was both, but her focus on details kept her from enjoying all that her sister was clearly experiencing.

For me, I would want everything to be perfect, just like Martha. I would only later feel regret I wasted so much time stirring the soup or setting the table that I missed even one story from Jesus. What about you?

As you evaluate yourself, remember it is not Mary vs. Martha. We should be Mary + Martha.

Continue reading “Luke 10:38-42 – Are you Martha or Mary?”