2 September 2015

Scriptures:

• Luke 2:1-21
• Daniel 3
• 1 Samuel 20
• Psalm 31

Observations:

In Luke, we have the account of Augustus' census, the birth of Christ, and the arrival of the shepherds. In Daniel, we have the classic story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, their refusal to worship the King's idol, and their protection when thrown into a furnace. In 1 Samuel, we have the story of how Jonathan saved David's life by gauging the temper of his father, Saul, and warning David of the danger. The psalm today is extolling God for being a refuge.

So, we see the coming of Christ, the reward of trusting in Christ and staying faithful, two men's faithfulness to one another before God in looking out for the well-being of the other and the other's family, and a psalm describing God as a refuge.

Application:

Definitely, I see the aspect of clinging to God and seeking refuge in him, to stand firm in my faith in him. I also see a reminder of the coming of Christ and, by the shepherds' reaction, the magnitude of that event. Lastly, I see exhortation for how to show love to my brothers and sisters in Christ through the example of Jonathan. In short, cling to God, stand firm in the faith, remember the magnitude of Christ's coming, and shelter others as God shelters us.

Prayer:

Lord, you know where I stand, with various circumstances and problems that have come up this week. I ask that you would give me the wisdom to navigate through them properly. Help me to cling to you and stand firm in my faith in you, that I might weather this set of circumstances and enable me to also be a shelter for others caught up in this with me.

Amen

1 September 2015

Scriptures:

• Luke 1:57-80
• Daniel 2
• 1 Samuel 19
• Psalm 30

Observations:

In Luke, we have the birth and prophecy of the role of John the Baptist. In Daniel, we see the Lord making known to Daniel the king's dream and its interpretation. In 1 Samuel, we see Saul, in his troubled state, seeking to kill David, but each time he tried, the men he sent would be waylaid and begin prophesying. So, Saul went himself and the same thing happened - on the way, he began to prophesy. The psalm, however, is praising God for how he has pulled the psalmist up from the figurative pit ad stood him back on his feet.

Three passages of prophecy - one prophesying one's future role, heralding the messiah one prophesying the successive kingdoms, eventually to be overturned by the messiah, and one of God protecting a future king by making the current king prophesy. After these, then culminating with a psalm praising God for deliverance and providence. (Maybe just slightly messianic connection, if I want to take things out of context)

Application:

I'm not really sure. Most definitely, I see the application to be aware of God and how he may be speaking to me - for there is a very palpable sense in these passages that God does indeed communicate with us.

Prayer:

God, allow me to be aware of your communication with me. I get the feeling that you're trying to prepare me for a message which may be delivered and I ask that I would be aware and prepared to receive it.

Be with my wife and I as we prepare for the move; help us to have the endurance needed to push through and work on packing, even though we may be tired. Help us also to grow towards you and give us the ability to grow closer together, growing in our ability to communicate effectively and show love to one another.

Amen