Sunday, December 7, 2014

DANIEL 9,10:

These two chapters contain two more visions.  They are much more interactive and the first comes after Daniel seeks God in shame and confession over the lack of faith of the people of Israel.  The second in chapter 10 happens while with a group of men attending him.  In both instances Daniel is terrified and becomes weak and drained.  The second interaction discusses angelic warfare. 

1 JOHN 5:

Turns his focus from loving your brother to loving God.  He defines this as being obedient, seeking God's will and turning from sin.  He states that we are in enemy territory "We know that we are children of God and the whole world is under the control of the evil one." He then claims that we are not of the world.  "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.  And we are in him who is true-even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."  John then ends the chapter by advising to "keep yourself from idols."

JOURNAL:

Just as with yesterday...a ton going on here.  Reading in Daniel I feel like I am reading something out of a Sci-fi book.  The descriptions of wars to come as well as Angels being detained by demonic forces are spooky if not downright disturbing.  Then reading in John, the urgency and warnings make it clear that this is not "feel good" advice.  This truly is war.  

This is tough. It is difficult to read of things that seem so dire and uncertain while in my warm house with the Christmas tree lights glowing.  I feel like such a sham...as if this holy war is going on and I am far from the battle ignoring all the dire reports.  I am reminded though that I am where I am because God put me here.  This is why it is so important to read, pray and seek God.  Left to myself and my own mind I easily slip into focus on "idols".  I start to seek comfort and what I want in the moment.  I realize also that it is all part of the battle and a battle that will constantly rage both in my heart and in the world.  Our greatest weapon is obedience to God and to love others.  While this in the moment seems without great bravado or glory...its probably because I don't really do it very well.  The reality is apart from God I have no hope and the glory apart from him is really my own which is pointless and pretty twisted.  

Again it is by grace that I have the freedom to read these words this morning and instead of being ashamed of my failures, I am to rejoice and take joy in the freedom he gives and promises.  

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!