gratefulness – Be Still…

Daniel 5:1-12 – Writing on the Wall

Read Daniel 5:1-12

We’ve all heard the idiom, “the writing is on the wall.” I couldn’t help but think about that when I read this passage. According to Merriam-Webster, the idiom is “used to say that it is clear that something bad will probably happen soon.” I wonder if that’s the underlying message here?

Can you imagine actually watching a human hand appear and start writing a message on your wall? Creepy. Really creepy. It’s not surprising that the king and his noble dinner guests were afraid. Some may have wondered what was in the wine to cause such a hallucination? But it was real. Continue reading “Daniel 5:1-12 – Writing on the Wall”

James 5:1-6 – Rich People Beware

Read James 5:1-6

What a gloomy picture of rich people James portrays! While admittedly the description fits nicely for some, there are also plenty of “rich” people who have done very good things for the church and for the world with their wealth. James’ idea of rich people is rather tainted, isn’t it?

I found it interesting that while James harshly calls out rich people here, he doesn’t deliver any sort of direct call to change. He is simply telling them to lament their status before God. “Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you.”

Song of Solomon 5:9-6:3 – Be Grateful

Read Song of Solomon 5:9-6:3

In our last reading, we met Shulamith in her despair having turned away her husband. Her indifference to him then shifted, but Solomon had already left her. What we see in today’s passage are several stanzas of the poem that will help start the reconciliation process between the two lovers.

We can imagine the scene leading up to this moment. Solomon had been working late doing his kingly duties. Shulamith had spent the evening alone, missing her man. I can identify a bit with her here having been a pastor’s wife. There were many nights, particularly Saturday nights when David was finishing up his sermon, that I would be alone. It didn’t happen often, but there were times I resented his work and wished he could spend time with me like “normal” husbands did with their wives.

Luke 8:26-39 – A Pig Story

Read Luke 8:26-39

There are a lot of miracle stories we could lump together, but some deserve their own time of reflection. Like today’s story. When you put yourself there in the story, didn’t your heart race a little bit when you stood in awe and amazement at what was unfolding before your eyes?

Mine did to see a demon possessed man transformed back into health and vitality while a whole herd of pigs became possessed and killed themselves. That is not an everyday kind of occurrence, then or now. Wow! So what the man must have been experiencing? To be in chains from the life demons led must have been torture, and to be set free of those chains? Like a dream, answered prayer. Continue reading “Luke 8:26-39 – A Pig Story”