Monday, December 2: Daniel 9:1-11:1, 1 John 2:18-3:6, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 28:27-28 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 9:1-11:1, 1 John 2:18-3:6, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 28:27-28

Scripture:  Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 5 And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 6 Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.

Observation: Sin separates us from God and the closer we are to God the less tempted we are to sin against him.

Application: This verse says "for all sin is contrary to the law of God". Not some sin, not big sins, not only bad sin but all. I think we sometimes think (or would like to believe) that some sin is worse than others. But there is no difference to God. Whether it is engaging in the sin of child pornography, cheating on your husband, or telling a lie which often leads to more lies to cover up the first one, these actions that prompt us to turn away from God cause us to become entrapped in sin. Jesus came to rid us from the guilt and the stain of sin. We can be quick to judge those who sin differently than us not realizing that we also fall short of God and rely on His mercy and forgiveness. I like the phrase in the Casting Crowns song that says: "But you can turn around, You've never been more than, One step away from surrender, One step away from coming home, coming home" We are always just one step away from God's forgiveness through our repentance.

Prayer: Creator God, You are the author of salvation and You have redeemed us from all our sin. We fall short of your GLORY and we think we can do things on our own. We are embarrassed and hide our sin in so many ways but You see it all. Help bring those sins to light so that we can see how desperately we need You. Thank you for being faithful to forgive us for everything and wiping our pasts clean. Help us to not judge those who sin differently than we do. Point out to us where we need to work in our own lives so that we are not focused on the trials of others but on our own lives to be right with you. Amen. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 11:2-35, 1 John 3:7-24, Psalm 122:1-9, Proverbs 29:1 

Thursday, November 28th: Daniel 5, 2 Peter 2, Psalms 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20

That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed.

Daniel 5:30

A few interesting things from our Old Testament reading today... 

- Belshazzar hadn't learned the important lesson from Nebuchadnezzer, to humble himself and serve God, instead of his own worldly desires. He paid for this in the end. 

- Daniel had done a great deed and helped Nebuchadnezzer come to know the Lord, and was rewarded. But when Belshazzar came into power Daniel was forgotten until Belshazzar needed help, then he looked for and found Daniel. Daniel was humble and didn't need worldly rewards, he just wanted to please God.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 6:1-28, 2 Peter 3:1-18, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 28:21-22
 

Wednesday, November 27th: Daniel 4:1-37, 2 Peter 1:1-21, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 4:1-37, 2 Peter 1:1-21, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18 

It could be argued that King Nebuchadnezer was always a bit crazy.  After all, he expected his wise men to be able to tell him what he dreamt!  But eventually, he literally does go crazy after not heeding Daniel's advice after interpreting another dream promising that's what would happen if he did not change.

He didn't listen.

And he went crazy.  For 7 years!!  But that finally was enough to get his attention.

³⁴ “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever.

His rule is everlasting,
    and his kingdom is eternal.
³⁵ All the people of the earth
    are nothing compared to him.
He does as he pleases
    among the angels of heaven
    and among the people of the earth.
No one can stop him or say to him,
    ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’

³⁶ “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before.

³⁷ “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”

Hopefully most people won't wait for such a drastic consequence before surrendering to God!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20

Monday, November 25th: Daniel 1:1-2:23, 1 Peter 3:8-4:6, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 28:14 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Daniel 1:1-2:23, 1 Peter 3:8-4:6, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 28:14

As a child, the only portion of Daniel's life that I associated with him was the lion's den.  And obviously, that's a pretty dramatic and memorable story.  But Daniel lived out his faith consistently throughout his lifetime, and there were several times when his resolve to do so was tested.  I'm sure he had moments of doubt and maybe there were times when he didn't do the right thing, but from the biblical record of his life, he consistently obeyed God no matter the potential consequences.

And it started at a young age.  Daniel and his friends were young when they were taken into exile.  And it would've been very easy to go along with what was expected of them and eat unclean food.  It would have been very easy to justify it, and say they had no choice, as they were prisoners.

But Daniel stepped out in faith and asked for permission not to eat unclean foods, and God honoured his boldness.

Again, in the second chapter, we see Daniel act with wisdom and discernment in the face of imminent execution.  His past behaviour had likely earned him the ability to ask more questions and to go see the King before the edict was carried out.  And then he went directly to God for help. And again, God honoured his faithfulness.

I pray that I (that we all!) would have the wisdom, courage, and faithfulness of Daniel.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 2:24-3:30,1 Peter 4:7-5:14,Psalm 119:81-96,Proverbs 28:15-16

Thursday, November 22nd: Daniel 9-12, Revelation 2:1-7 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 9-12, Revelation 2:1-7

Daniel 9: 13-14
Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. [14] The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. 

Just as God warned the people of Israel what would happen if they didn't change their ways and turn to Him - God also warns us what will happen if we don't change our ways, seek forgiveness and give our lives to Him. 

They had many chances, and so do we, but it will come to an end at some point. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezra 1-3, Revelation 2:8-11

Wednesday, November 21st: Daniel 5-8, Revelation 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 5-8, Revelation 1

There are some pretty amazing stories in our Daniel passage today.

I think it's safe to say Daniel 5 is the reason someone coined the phrase "the writing on the wall" and that it signifies the end or failure of something. I'm sure most secular people don't know the meaning behind this phrase, but we sure do!

And, of course, the story of Daniel in the lion's den has got to be one of the most well known stories of the Bible.

The common thread to me is the absolute sovereignty of God - which is a huge comfort to believers, and should be absolutely terrifying to non-believers.  His sovereignty is truly absolute.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 9-12, Revelation 2:1-7

Saturday, December 9th: Daniel 11-12; Jude ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 11-12; Jude

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

I love doxologies, and this one is no exception!

Only Jesus is able to keep us from stumbling. We can't do it on our own strength.  We couldn't save ourselves, and we can't make it through this life on our own. We need to remember where our strength comes from.  In Christ alone. 

It reminds me of the song "In Christ Alone" by Brian Littrell....

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For Ive been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone Ill overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

[chorus]
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord

[chorus]
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 1-4; Revelation 1

Friday, December 8th: Daniel 8-10; 3 John ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 8-10; 3 John

Daniel 9:4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:
“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong.We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.

Every time I read this prayer I am struck by Daniel's willingness to lump himself in with his rebellious people.  But the truth is, no matter how righteous Daniel was, no matter how much he strived to obey God - he knew he was not sinless.  He, too, needed forgiveness.

Our sins may differ in magnitude (or quantity!), but they are all in need of forgiveness.  The key is whether or not we repent.  

Daniel repented.

Will we?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 11-12; Jude

Thursday, December 7th: Daniel 5-7; 2 John ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 5-7; 2 John

Daniel 5:5-6 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.

I gotta say, I think that reaction is spot on, and I'm pretty sure all of us would react in the same way!  And that is nothing compared to what sinful man's reaction would be if we actually caught sight of our Holy God.  Which is one of the reasons no one has ever seen God's face - we literally would not be able to handle it.

God is so awe-inspiring, so awesome, we truly cannot even imagine or begin to grasp His greatness.  He is, quite simply, above us in absolutely every way.  

And yet, He cares for us.  He loves us.  Sinners all.  Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 8-10; 3 John

Wednesday, December 6th: Daniel 3 - 4, 1 John 5 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Daniel 3-1; John 5

Daniel 4:37
Now I, Nebuchadnezzer, praise and exalt and glorify the King of Heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Nebuchadnezzer was a king who earlier had seen the power of God in how He rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Now he was given a chance to praise God and live for Him, but he had to have his kingdom taken away from him. Nebuchadnezzer was wise in that he chose to go through this rough time and be humbled, in order to be right with God.

How important is it to us to be right with God? Would we give up everything for Him? A tough question to consider, but hopefully we are wise to answer correctly.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 5-7; 2 John

Tuesday, December 5th; Daniel 1-2; John 4 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is:Daniel 1-2; John 4

Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Daniel 2:27-28

Through this whole story of Daniel's journey, all of his energy, focus and decision revolves around honouring God and giving Him the glory. From the meals he refused to eat to the dream sharing, Daniel pointed everything back to God. This left the king with a clear understanding of the power of the God that Daniel serves - not the power of Daniel "the man". 

When we align our hearts and actions to obedience to God, we can rest confidently in what is to come!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 3-1; John 5

Thursday, September 22: Daniel 12, Ezra 4:24-5:1, Haggai 1:1-2:9, Zechariah 1:1-6, Haggai 2:10-19 ~Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 12, Ezra 4:24-5:1, Haggai 1:1-2:9, Zechariah 1:1-6, Haggai 2:10-19

A smattering of versus with a scattering of thoughts:

"Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to sham and everlasting disgrace." Daniel 12:2

A note in my commentary caught my eye. The specific Hebrew phrase "everlasting life" only occurs here in the Old Testament. The concept of eternal rewards is a fascinating study, especially as it is alluded to on the Old Testament. It is an item on my bucket list of things to study deeply.


"But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end..." Daniel 12:4a

I love a good story and here is a plot idea that I'm sure has already been made into a novel. Reading these early verses, Daniel does what he is told and writes what he is supposed to write. That could mean Daniel wrote another book, one that has been sealed and hidden to be found when it is needed most. Sounds like a best seller to me.


"...when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase." Daniel 12:4b

I don't subscribe to the end times are imminent paradigm. Verses like this have been referenced through history as a sign the end is near with no fulfillment. But it is an alluring idea that soon things will be complete, and we will see the Almighty return in Power and Glory. For all the wonders we can see with physical eyes, nothing will prepare us for that moment if we are blest to experience it.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezra 5:2, Haggai 2:20-23, Zechariah 7-11

Wednesday, September 21: Ezra 3:1-4:5, Daniel 10-11 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 3:1-4:5, Daniel 10-11

Two verses spoke to me today. Each different & yet common in that we need to keep our focus on God. When things don't go as planned, when we get impatient or when we think that maybe God isn't even listening, we need to be confident in Him & in the work he has set out for us.  We need to pray harder, never ceasing & trust that when we are within His will, no matter what comes at us, He will help us to succeed.


Ezra 4:4-5-
Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah & make them afraid to go on building. They hired counsellors to work against them & frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia & down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

There were people specifically hired to cause problems for the people of Israel as they worked to rebuild the temple. I can't imagine the frustration! Not just for a day or two, or even a week, month or year. They worked to frustrate their plans for likely 30+ years. I don't know about you, but I think I would have given up well before even a year was up!

Satan works to bring down God’s children & his work. We can even expect this.  However, we need to keep our focus on why we are doing what we are doing & keep pressing on. I think, as believers, this is also a great example of how we need to work together towards the common goal & encourage each other. The Israelites didn't give up & just like them, when the going gets hard (even if it's for 30 years), we can't just pack it in, but rather dig in our heels, roll up our sleeves & tough it out.


Daniel 10:12-14-
Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding & to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, & I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”

We live in a culture that is so instant & so self-gratifying. We get upset if we can't get/do something right away, when we want it & how we want it. This is in such contrast to how God works. He knows the right timing. When we feel frustrated that we don't get an answer right away, it's not that he hasn't heard us.

The imagery in these verses of the battles going on in the unseen world fills me with awe. It makes me feel small; not in a bad way, but to recognize who I am (& what I think is important) in the grand scheme of things.  It makes me recognize the importance to pray faithfully & earnestly until we receive our answer & to expect an answer from God, but in his time not mine.


God doesn't promise us that everything we do (even if it's for Him) will be easy, but we need to keep going. That doesn't necessarily sit well. In fact, it goes against everything this world tells us. But God hears us & knows what we need. He will provide for us, enable us, & give us His strength to keep going, even if it comes only in the amount we need just to get through each day. God is always faithful.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 12, Ezra 4:24-5:1, Haggai 1:1-2:9, Zechariah 1:1-6, Haggai 2:10-19

Monday, September 19th: Daniel 5-6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 5-6

Sorry, there was a mistake in the Reading Plan.  Today is supposed to be Daniel 5, 6, and 9 - but since 9 was covered yesterday, we'll just do 5-6 today.

In Chapter 5 we see Daniel being called upon to interpret prophecy, this time in the form of handwriting on the wall.  (Can you even imagine the panic you'd feel if you saw that during a party?!). The words were readable, but they didn't know what it meant.

Daniel turned down gifts that the King offered, showing that he was giving an unbiased interpretation and another example of his integrity.

It was interesting to note that Belshazzar offered him the 3rd highest position in the kingdom. Belshazzar co-ruled the kingdom with his father, Nabonidus.  Nabonidus was first ruler, and Belshazzar second, so Daniel was being offered a position eclipsed by only the kings.

Once again we also see Daniel giving all the glory for his ability to interpret prophecy to God. Daniel has bad news for Belshazzar - his days were numbered, he had not measured up, and his kingdom would be divided between the Medes and Persians.  God wasted no time in fulfilling this prophecy, as Belshazzar died that very night.

Chapter 6 is the famous story of Daniel in the lion's den.  It serves as another reminder that we need to be very careful with our vows.  The jealous administrators talked the king into invoking an unbreakable law by appealing to his vanity.  The King clearly hadn't thought it through as he would have (should have!) realized that Daniel would not pray to anyone other than the God he consistently gave glory and praise to.

Daniel's testimony was so great that the King knew Daniel's only hope was in the God he so faithfully served. And in this case, God displays His power most clearly and His name is glorified throughout the kingdom.

Are we humble and eager to give God the glory for all of our successes?
Are we swayed by offers of money and power, or do we maintain our integrity?
Do we obey God only when it's convenient to do so, or are we determined to be obedient no matter the cost, even when our life is on the line?
Is our reputation so godly that people know that the only way to accuse us is to base it on our faith?
Is our first response to appeal to God, in the face of the every day and in the face of danger or trial?

Daniel is one of the most godly examples in the Bible - so much so that he would not want the title, and would make sure any credit for his holiness went to God and God alone.  The only way we are able to live the way Daniel did, is through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and the mediation of Jesus Christ to bring us into right relationship with God the Father.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1-2, Psalm 126, Psalm 147

Sunday - Daninel 7-9 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 7-9

After reading these passages I needed some help from my Life Application Bible to help me understand what these chapters mean.  I will focus more on Chapter 9.  In Chapter 9 Daniel pleads with God about bringing his people back to the promised land. In Daniel's prayer it is interesting that he uses the word "we" throughout his prayer which shows he is not blaming others for the adversity and coming up for excuses.  It is so easy to find blame with others and not look at ourselves when something goes wrong. 

Also Chapter 9:18 "We do not make requests of you because you are righteous, but because of your great mercy." 

I read that "God sends his help, not because we deserve it, but because he wants to show great mercy". This reminds me that when I pray to remember that God doesn't need to show mercy but that he wants us to follow His will and that He wants to show His  mercy when we pray sincerely for forgiveness.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 5-6

Wednesday, September 14th: Daniel 4, Ezekiel 40 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 4, Ezekiel 40

Nebuchadnezzar didn't listen to God's instructions, and so God told him that he would be punished because of it, yet still gave him a chance to change his ways. Nebuchadnezzar still didn't listen, and so God punished him. But, after Nebuchadnezzar realized his mistakes, God showed him mercy and took away his punishment.

God has given us so much mercy and grace. It's amazing that He continues to forgive us after we wrong Him so many times.

The sad thing is, we don't forgive as easily as God. You would think we would, considering we have experienced forgiveness that we don't deserve. We need to forgive others just as our God forgave us.

God, help us to remember how great Your mercy and forgiveness is. And help us to show it to others, even if we don't think they deserve it. Because we don't deserve Your forgiveness, yet You still gave it to us. Thank You for Your unfailing love. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 41-44

Tuesday, August 16th: Daniel 3, Jeremiah 7-9 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 3, Jeremiah 7-9


I love reading the book of Daniel & seeing, not only the miracles God performed, but the strength of faith demonstrated by Daniel & his friends.

In today's chapter, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego are told to worship the image or die.  In our human nature, it would have been easy to just obey this order to save their lives. They could have come up with a number of rationalizations for this – we will fall down, but not actually worship – we will do it this once & ask for God’s forgiveness – we’re not hurting anybody – if we get ourselves killed, who will help our people.

Some of these “excuses” touch a little close to home. How easy it is to justify our actions rather than follow the “letter of the law” when we are uncomfortable with what we know God would have us do. Or maybe, we don’t know how things can possibly work out if we don't bend the rules a little.

At first, some of these excuses almost sound rational. However, to have worshipped the image, it would have erased their testimony for God forever. Never again would they have been able to talk about the power of God above all other gods.

What excuses do we have for not standing up for God?


Daniel 3:17&18-
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, & he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

I find so much strength in those words: “but even if he does not.”  I know God can, but if he chooses not to, I will worship him alone.

Oh, how I pray for that kind of confident faith. I know my God can, but regardless of the outcome, I will follow him.


Jeremiah 9:23&24-
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands & knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice & righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

I want to know God & have confidence in him like Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego did.  To have the kind of faith it takes to face the fiery furnace knowing that God is in control. To boast in him & his righteousness.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 10-13

Monday, August 15: Jeremiah 19-20, Daniel 1-2 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 19-20, Daniel 1-2

Scripture: Daniel 1:5 & 1: 8  5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king........

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Observation: We are still responsible and accountable for our actions even when we are offered something that seems too good to refuse.

Application: Daniel was a man of integrity.

How easy it would have been to accept the King's food and wine and succumb to the ways of the others around him. Not only did Daniel stand up for what he believed but his friends joined him. Would his friends have also refused the King's food or negotiated a ten day trial with the chief of the eunuchs? We don't know but it seems to indicate that Daniel was the spokesperson or the leader. 

What opportunities do we have to show integrity when it would be much easier, and more common, to just do whatever is easiest? Do we correct a cashier that gives us too much change or misses an item? Do we go the speed limit even when we are running late? Do we take shortcuts in our work hoping no one will notice? Do we repeat rumours or gossip? Do we follow through on promises? How do we respond to others who do not act with integrity do we call them on it? Or let their actions slide because it's not our problem?

As a parent (and a teacher) I am constantly faced with opportunities to demonstrate and encourage actions that show integrity. I know that my own actions are being constantly scrutinized and I know that I often fall short. It's so hard to do the right thing all the time even when we know we should. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we know that You will never place us in a situation that You are not there with us. You provide the way for us to obey and follow You. Give us strength and integrity to follow You in obedience without hesitation. May we be able to stand firm in Your commands regardless of any temptation that comes our way just as Daniel did. Amen.

 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 3, Jeremiah 7-9

 

Wednesday, April 22nd: Daniel 11-12, Revelation 9 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 11-12; Revelation 9

Last year we studied the book of Daniel more in depth, and the details of the fulfillment of the prophecies in Daniel 11 that have already taken place is absolutely incredible.  If you want to read about them, you can click on this post - it's amazing!

The bottom line is that history is His story.  He is writing it, and it is unfolding exactly as He has planned.  What's amazing is that He is writing us into His story - even though He doesn't need us.  What a privilege!  Who are you going to be in the story?

It's also clear that God will purge and redeem His people, and that the world will end in a holocaust but Jesus will triumph over that and we will live victoriously with Him forever.

3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
I want to shine, radiating the glory of the Saviour to those around me!

Rayburn has a couple really great quotes about our Revelation passage.....
It is a reminder that while the Lord in his justice will and must punish the unbelieving and the wicked, his love, mercy and desire to save lie still closer to the center of his heart....

This world rings with judgment, with punishment, with vengeance from heaven for one reason only: that we might never forget what life in this world is all about and the one thing and one thing only that matters. Do we have the seal that protects us from harm in this world and the next, the seal that is given through faith in Jesus Christ, or do we not? Compared to this question, there are no other questions!

 Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ecclesiastes 1-3; Revelation 10

Tuesday, April 21st: Daniel 8-10, Revelation 8 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 8-10, Revelation 8

In our OT reading we read about a vision that Daniel has, about a ram and a goat.  The ram was strong and defeated all,  until a goat appeared from the west who was more powerful than the ram. The angel Gabriel came to Daniel,  who was fearful of him,  and explained this vision to Daniel. He explained it by saying this vision is about the end times,  and the goat represents a powerful king.  This king is explained best in chapter 8:25, "This king will be very smart and tricky. He will use his wisdom and lies to be successful. He will think that he is very important. He will destroy many people, when they least expect it. He will try to fight even the Prince of Princes.  But that cruel king's power will be destroyed,  and it will not be a human hand that destroys him. "

Daniel goes on to pray for his people and ask for forgiveness, for they have gone away from living for God. He begs God for mercy.

In Revelation 8 we also read about destruction at the end times. We read about the first of the seven trumpet blasts from the seven angels.  We read about hail,  fire,  blood,  and death. In verse 13 we read how an eagle says in a loud voice "how terrible for those who live on earth" .

The end times truly sound scary. As a child growing up,  and even as an adult,  I've been frightened by how terrible it sounds. Growing up in a safe environment and a safe country,  this all sounds so foreign and seems far removed from what we know. We see,  when looking around, how far our society has fallen away and continues to move away from God and what the Bible says.

But as Christians,  we need to have faith and take comfort that we are saved!  We may  have to go through hard or terrible things,  but we need to focus on the end,  which will be victory in Jesus for those who trust and obey. I pray that I,  and you,  stay faithful.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Daniel 11-12; Revelation 9