Wow! Lots of good stuff!

Daniel 5, 6
Psalm 130
Luke 3

I really enjoyed everything we read today. Maybe I'll write a little about all of it...

SOAP - Daniel's life with God

Scripture
All of Daniel 5 and 6, but mostly Daniel 6... sorry, too lazy to type all of it. :-) But here is one part that I liked a lot... 6:19-20 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"

Observation
Well, in Daniel 5 we once again have a king that ignores God even after having plenty of evidence that it's a bad plan. It kinda makes me laugh and wonder how the king could be so oblivious. And it also kinda scares me because I'm sure I pretty much do the same thing on a day to day basis.

Then, in Daniel 6 the king seems at least a little different. I guess he's not real focused on God because he lets those guys talk him into a decree making it so people can't pray, but I like it that he's so concerned with Daniel and seems to feel really bad once he realizes what his decree has done. He was so worried. And so happy when he went back to check on Daniel and found that God had sent an angel to protect him. His new decree is right on track... that in every part of his kingdom people should have fear and reverence for God.

Application
I guess maybe there are some obvious applications... don't ignore God, trust God. But I feel like there is something more that would be really useful in my life right now. And I can't quite put the pieces together. I think I'll read this scripture again later today and see if any other message comes through. Maybe it's one of those lessons that has multiple pieces and takes a few days to sink in. We'll see...

Prayer
Dear Lord. Thank you for all the good scripture today. I feel like you are trying to tell me something here and I'm somehow distracted. Lord help me read your word with an open heart and open mind so that I might receive your message. Thank you. Amen.

SOAP - Still fearing the Lord

Scripture
Psalm 130: 3-4 If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared.

Observation
We have not hope without the Lord. We sin all the time. We need his forgiveness. We can't just recklessly wander through life ignoring him when it's convenient and hoping for his forgiveness at the same time.

Application
One morning in the last few days the scripture we read talked about the fear of the Lord. I had never really known what to think of scripture that talks about fear of the Lord before. But this week it kinda clicked for me. I know there is still a ton to learn... but for the first time I think I have a healthy fear of the Lord. That doesn't mean I think he is scary, just that I recognize the he is awesome and powerful, and I am nothing without him. The verses of this Psalm remind me of that and help keep me on track to continue learning what "fear of the Lord" looks like in my life.

Prayer
Dear Lord. I know you are forgiving and full of love, but I don't want to live my life as if the bad decisions I make are no big deal, cause you'll just forgive me and keep on loving me. Lord you have shown me that there is a place in between there. I need to try my best to make good decisions, but not let the bad ones discourage me. Thank you Lord for your power, your forgiveness and your love. Amen.

SOAP - That's how I want to be... now why don't I do it?

Scripture
Luke 3:10-11 "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."

Observation
I think everyone would agree that this scripture makes it obvious that we should share. But how much, when and where, with who? This is some of the scripture in the Bible that really really gets me thinking, and could have a major effect on my life (and Hugh's life... hah, poor guy) one day, depending on the outcome of that thinking. Are we supposed to only keep the minimal of what we need? Giving away everything else as long as there is someone in need? What an overwhelming thought! Of course there are millions of people across this world who are in need. And of course I have WAY more than I need. What should I do? Duh, the scripture says it right there in plain english. But NO ONE (ok, maybe someone somewhere) is doing what this scripture says. Why should I have to? Yep, I confess, this is stuff that absolutely drives me crazy.

Application
I doubt that the "right thing" to do is really as dramatic as giving away everything I own other than the bare minimal I need to live. But from the fact that this type of scripture always leaves me in turmoil, I'd say that something in my life needs to change based on this scripture. I know the answer. I should start taking steps in that direction, getting rid of all the "extras" in life, little by little. God will show me how far to go. I've taken lots of steps in this direction already. But I always get comfortable and stop. I guess it's time for another step. :-)

Prayer
Dear Lord. I've known for a while that I need to move some in this direction, giving more, having less material things. And I've been resisting A LOT. But I'm scared. I'm too attached to some of my stuff. I can attach sentimental value to anything, and I do. And my memory is bad. So think I need that stuff to help me remember. And I'm scared of not having what we need later. I'm scared my parents will get mad if I give away things from my childhood. I'm scared Hugh will feel like he's married into a life where we can't have anything fun. I'm scared I'll give away something that I regret and wish I could have it back. I don't know what to say. I know you can see my thoughts and know that I'm still resistant. Lord forgive me for my attachment to material items and help me understand. Help me let go. Help me find peace in letting go. I want to do what you want me to. Thank you Lord. Amen.