Psalm 79 & 80 - Day 771 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 80:3, 7, 19 Commentary (jstor.org): Psalm 80 tells the story of Israel as a vine planted by God in the land, flourishing to enormous proportions, but then destroyed by wild beasts. The psalmist calls on God to care for the vine and to place God’s hand on “the man of your right hand, the son of man you strengthened for yourself” (v. 18). Throughout the psalm, one encounters features that are ripe for eschatological appropriation: the cosmic dimensions of the vine; an appeal for restoration to the golden age of a unified nation; the use of the terms “stalk,” “son,” “man of your right hand,”... Application: The bible tells us that all good things come from "above," in reference to God's blessings. As the years pass, it's natural to take things for granted and forget how blessed we really are. Unfortunately, it's when we experience an unexpected tragedy that we come to realize how blessed we were. Prayer: Lord, thank You for... Psalm 78 - Day 770 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 78:1-8 Commentary (radical.net): Psalm 78:4, sets the tone for what we read throughout. It recounts all that God has done among His people in the past. How God’s people have continually turned from him and experienced judgment from God and mercy from God. And the whole intent is to pass on to the next generation the wonders and works of God. So that the next generation might know God, that’s the language in verse seven. “So the next generation should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” Application: Knowing our own personal story helps us connect to our family. Knowing the bible helps us connect to God and His family. Telling our children God's story will help them connect to the church. Prayer: Lord, You are... Psalm 76 & 77 - Day 769 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 76:1-12 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+76%2C+77&version=NLT Commentary (scripturestudies.com): This psalm and the previous one can be viewed as a paired set. Psalm 75 praises God, in general, for his righteous character, and his protection in the past of his people, anticipating God’s intervention in the future. This psalm, Psalm 76, praises God for the righteous victory he brought about on behalf of his people, as Jerusalem was under siege. So, Psalm 75 can be read as a prayer for God’s deliverance; Psalm 76 as a prayer of thanks after God’s deliverance. It is good and proper to seek God in prayer at all times, at every step of the way, before, during and after every event of our live Application: Gratitude is a positive emotion that helps us focus on the good things in our lives. When we express our appreciation to God our Father, we're not only reminded of our blessings but renew our faith. Prayer: Bless the Lord, O my soul, bless His Holy Name... Obadiah 1 - Day 768 (link to reading)
Scripture: Obadiah 1:15 Summary (bibleoutlines.com): The origin and history of the nation of Edom and its opposition to Israel must be understood as background to God’s declaration of judgment. Obadiah’s vision combines what will take place in the near term with reference to Edom for her pride and arrogance with the eschatological judgment and destruction of all the godless nations in preparation for the glorious restoration of Israel. The establishment of God’s eternal kingdom will turn the tables once and for all on the arrogance and false security of Edom. Application: We will reap what we sow. Regardless of our gender, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The Edomites (Israelite's distant relatives), chose to sow seeds of division, hatred, and strife. In the end, they were destroyed and no longer exist. God's concern extends beyond the Israelites and to all of His children. Prayer: Lord, help us... Amos 9 - Day 767 (link to reading)
Scripture: Amos 9:11-15 Commentary (thebiblesays.com): This final section of the book of Amos continues the primary point of the chiasm in verses 9 and 10, which is to emphasize a message of hope and restoration through a remnant that will be scattered among the nations. This pattern is typical of prophetic literature. The prophets were commanded by God to confront the Israelites with the Mosaic law, particularly its blessings and curses, as outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. But while the prophets announced judgment on the disobedient Israelites, they repeatedly told the people that God’s judgment would not mean abandonment of Israel. In the future, God would raise up a righteous remnant so that His covenant promises with Israel’s forefathers might be fulfilled (Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Samuel 7:16; Hosea 14:4-5; Joel 3:18-21; Jeremiah 23:5-8). Application: The "remnant" were those who were faithful, not perfect. We all mess up, the key is to repent, repent, and repent. Prayer: Lord, help me to fulfill Your plans for my life... |
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