Category Archives: Uncategorized

There are times in our lives when we feel that we are trapped in a situation that is perilous, with no way out that we can see. We want to continue to move forward, but we aren’t sure what will happen if we do. Times like these can send us to our knees, asking forContinue reading “September 5: Ezra 6-7”

When you plan a project, it can be very exciting to see the details fall into place. As you begin to make your vision a reality, you also begin to anticipate what will happen when you reach your goal. Starting out comes with an optimistic view of the future, looking forward to each step andContinue reading “September 4: Ezra 3-5”

In yesterday’s reading in Daniel, we saw how studying Scripture cam provide insights into what the Lord is doing in the world today. As we begin Ezra, we see that the author, who likely was Ezra, sees the acts of King Cyrus as a fulfillment of the prophecies of Jeremiah. It is worthwhile to noteContinue reading “September 3: Ezra 1-2”

Many people don’t like surprises. My wife is one who wants to know what is coming. When I try to take her someplace without telling her where, she keeps asking me the whole time where we are going. Although she enjoys what I have planned, and is pleasantly surprised, she’d still rather know the detailsContinue reading “September 2: Daniel 11-12”

Careful study of Scripture can help you understand what is going on in the world around you. Whether it is reading the commandments in the Bible and seeing how they are kept or ignored in modern society or in looking at prophecies written centuries ago and finding connections to us today, the application of theContinue reading “September 1: Daniel 9-10”

The date when the book of Daniel was written is one of the most contentious issues in Biblical studies. While conservative scholars draw their conclusions from the chronological notices in the book, liberal scholars tend to date the writing to the time of the Maccabees. This second view is based on the highly accurate predictionsContinue reading “August 31: Daniel 7-8”

In earlier chapters of Daniel we saw examples of the pride and arrogance of the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. He had to learn a hard lesson about the power of God and about his ow status before the God of Israel. Although he had conquered Judah, he had not defeated their God, and though his thoughtsContinue reading “August 30: Daniel 5-6”

Everyone would like to be successful at what they do. When you are a success, you feel a well-deserved sense of accomplishment. It isn’t wrong to call it pride, as long as that pride is measured and not used to put down others. Pride can easily get out of control, however, and become a senseContinue reading “August 29: Daniel 3-4”

When life abruptly changes, it can be difficult to adjust to your new situation. You may have to make lifestyle changes that require you to go outside your comfort zone. You may be asked to accept beliefs or behaviors that go against your personal standards. The new way of life placed before you might beContinue reading “August 28: Daniel 1-2”

While we may not want to admit it, we often find satisfaction when someone who has been trying to hurt other people ends up as the one who is hurt. Part of this may be in our tendency to favor the underdog in a story, but it may also be that our sense of justiceContinue reading “August 27: Esther 7-10”