Daniel 4:1-18 – Dreaming of a Tree

Read Daniel 4:1-18

A second dream! I suppose when you’re good at something that glorifies God you talk about it. We get the first part of the story here, but our next reading will be the big reveal. For now, we’re wondering how it will all play out.

This whole story being told by King Nebuchadnezzar is quite the proclamation! As far as was the king’s reach, people were hearing about the Most High God. “How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.” How do you think Daniel and his friends reacted to such a public display? Continue reading “Daniel 4:1-18 – Dreaming of a Tree”

2 Chronicles 32:1-8 – All Hands on Deck

Read 2 Chronicles 32:1-8

If you were wondering whether King Hezekiah could do no wrong, what’s the answer now? Even under the pressure of attack or threat of one, the King was encouraging the rest of his followers to have faith in God. That’s a rather bold move from a faith standpoint. For Hezekiah, he seemed fearless because of his unfailing confidence in God’s provision. I’m not necessarily feeling fearless these days. Hezekiah gets it right!

In Hezekiah’s own words to encourage his people, he said this about the opposition. “He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Can you imagine what it was like to have such words of faith coming from your ruling king? Imagine! And the uplifting message giving hope. We all face battles in our lives every day. How much different they look when we let Jesus lead us. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 32:1-8 – All Hands on Deck”

Lamentations 3:25-39 – Hope in Despair

Read Lamentations 3:25-39

This section of the third lament begins with hope rather than despair. The author wants the people to understand the hope that comes from depending on God. Clearly, living through the destruction of Jerusalem and watching loved ones die or be taken away was a brutal reality. Hard times are so much more devastating when we don’t rely on God.

This passage speaks of submitting to the “yoke of his discipline.” That is, we are to come willingly to God, accepting his discipline as a way of teaching us something. Have you ever thought that everything that happens to us in life has a purpose? The author encourages readers to accept what was happening and learn from it.

Nehemiah 2:1-10 – Ask Boldly

Read Nehemiah 2:1-10

Just picture this scene happening. Nehemiah has clearly been lamenting over what is happening in his homeland. Now it’s starting to affect his work. His boss, the king, can see his sadness and inquires with compassion. It sounds like Nehemiah was shocked by the inquiry, not sure how much he should share.

With boldness after his initial fear, Nehemiah shares his desire to return to his homeland and make a difference there. Without hesitation it seems, the king granted Nehemiah’s request. God’s hand was working it all out. That had to be a great relief as well as inspiration to Nehemiah. Being used by God is exhilarating!

Mark 10:13-16 – Watch the Child

Read Mark 10:13-16

Were you “shushed” as a child and reminded all the time to behave? Or were you encouraged to be yourself, testing boundaries, and scraping a few knees? Jesus clearly welcomes children, and so do I!

In addition to having children of my own, God has blessed me in ministry to work with many children over the years. What joy it is to see those children grow up and teach their own children about Jesus! Sadly, I’ve encountered plenty of people along the way who would rather “shush” the child, so they are seen and not heard. That’s what we see the disciples doing in this passage.