Hosea 3 - 5

What stood out today: v4:10 They will eat but not have enough; they will engage in prostitution but not increase, because they have deserted the LORD to give themselves to prostitution, to old wine and new, which take away the understanding of my people. v14 A people without understanding will come to ruin! v5:15 And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.

My response: Lord Jesus, why would we look to anyone or anything else? Thank you for rescuing me from folly. As far as you have brought me, it seems not very far at all. The more I see, the further it feels I have to go. Holy Spirit, I am glad that you are at work. Jesus, I am glad that you are my great Rabbi, teaching me, showing me. Father God, I am glad that you have this mapped out.

Hosea 1 - 2

What stood out today: v1:7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God. v2:17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked. v23 I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’

My response: God, we need you to, “I will.” “I will show love.” “I will remove…” “I will plant her…” “I will show my love.” Jesus, you are the means and the end of our salvation. We are saved to serve. You plant us in the land to be vessels of your love to people who were not your loved ones so that we all might have our “Baals” removed from our hearts and Love the One True God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Daniel 11 - 12

What stood out today: v12:3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. v13 As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.

My response: God, I am struck with the details you know in all the kings and kingdoms and when they rise and fall. Even the days are numbered. I am encouraged to keep on keeping on, walking with you, leading many to righteousness. Jesus, show me the life and I will show others. I look forward to my reward, my allotted inheritance which is you and with you and in you. Yes Jesus, I look forward to more of you.

Daniel 9 - 10

What stood out today: v9:2 I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. v19 O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name. v21-23 Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. v10:1-2 a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. v12 "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. v21 No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

My response: Jesus, the war you are dealing with is terrifying – this revelation causes Daniel to be ill for three weeks! I love the idea of Princes/Angels sent to watch over and protect us. Lord Jesus, may I be one like Daniel who sets his mind to gain understanding and to humble myself before God. Not for my blessing but because You, Jesus, are worthy and it is right to do so. In exile Daniel served you well. It is the beat of our heart…

Daniel 7 - 8

What stood out today: Vision of four beasts: v7:18 But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever. v28 I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself. v8:27 I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.

My response: Your plans, O God, include great terror and horror. Sin - rebellion to you - is very great and horrific. Spirit, help me to see and understand just how bad sin really is. Jesus, as great as the rebellion is, your power is so superior. Again good and evil, although opposed, are not even close to equal in power. Yes, Jesus, teach me to fear you rightly. As the One who is above – above and beyond – beyond. Yes, Jesus, when you grant me glimpses of your majesty, the evil in the world shrinks. Thank you for showing Daniel and your Saints what must come to pass. Hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Yes – Shalom. Yes – Amen. Yes, Yes, Yes.

Daniel 5 - 6

What stood out today: v5:5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall. v6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way. v23 But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. v6:16 They brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" v23 And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

My response: Jesus, were these your fingers? Makes me think of the time when you bent down and wrote in the dirt. Did you write the same thing?

Lord Jesus, teach me to fear you rightly. May my knees knock at your majesty. You are the Lion of the tribe of Judah and you are not safe, as Lewis writes, but you are good. The power of a finger writing in plaster. Awesome! Holy Spirit, teach me to trust like Daniel. Let me not waiver but stand in simple trust in God. Jesus, you are completely trustworthy. Father God, I believe you have the power and desire and determination to save... Rick, be at peace… thank you…I am!

Daniel 3 - 4

What stood out today: v3:25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." v28 Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, v29 No other god can save in this way. v4:17 The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. v25 Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. v26 Your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. v34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. v37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, 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.

My response: Its interesting God, how you speak to people who don’t know you and when you do, they don’t know what you mean. You speak in pictures, parables. Only by your Spirit can we understand. Nebuchadnezzar has a dream in chapter two with an enormous dazzling statue with four elements. In chapter three, Nebuchadnezzar builds a 90 foot statue all out of gold, not the four elements. He issues a decree to worship the statue. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego make a bold profession of faith and you, Jesus, are there with them, uniting them, walking with them, and being present to them. In 2:47 and 3:28, God is still not Nebuchadnezzar’s God. He is the God of Daniel and the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

It’s not until v4:37 when Nebuchadnezzar says, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven." God, your white hot love pursued Nebuchadnezzar. What a glorious display of your power, sovereignty, goodness and mercy to know what it would take to subdue Nebuchadnezzar. God, what great stories of your strength over the greatest of men and kingdoms. You, O God, are truly the one to fear. The only One, the Holy One of Israel, the Holy One over, and for, and in, Rick. Lord Jesus, teach me to walk humbly in your kingdom. Teach me to: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God.

God, I am struck by the “sevens,” seven times better, seven times or years. What Nebuchadnezzar ordered in v3:19, God decreed in v4:25. God you determined the length of years until Grace enabled Nebuchadnezzar to raise his eyes toward heaven.

God, you indeed set times, circumstances, plans, purposes. You are indeed sovereign over all. Yes, even sovereign over me. How wonderful! Thank you…

Daniel 1 - 2

What stood out today: v1:2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand. v9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel. v17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. v2:27 Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. v37 The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory v44 In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. v47 The king said to Daniel, "Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery."

My response: Father God, you give and take away kingdoms. You give dominion and power and might and glory. You reveal mysteries, you reveal yourself. I am struck at your generosity. You are such a giver. You granted knowledge and understanding to serve you and your people well. Father, thank you for revealing and giving Jesus to and for me. In Him I have been given every spiritual blessing; all wisdom, dominion, power, might, and glory. Holy Spirit, help me to take hold of these truths. Help me to believe…

Acts 27 - 28

What stood out today: v27:24 An angel said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all.’ v31 Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved. v44 In this way everyone reached land in safety. v28:31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

My response: God, you are so close, so involved. You know when we are afraid, you take action. Your plans will prevail. Your way is the way of safety – stay with the ship – in this way everyone reached land safely. Jesus, you are the ship. Your journey is precarious but safe. Lord, Jesus, as Paul preached about your kingdom and taught about you boldly and without hindrance, would you empower me to do what you want me to do? Jesus, you are the Life. You are the Lord of Life. Yes, you are the Life.

Acts 24 - 26

What stood out today: v24:25 Paul spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid. v26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am.

My response: Jesus, I am struck at the similarity of situation between a friend of mine and Paul. Men attacking them both, being put on the side for a time out. Yet for Paul your purposes prevailed. Paul shared the Gospel with rulers and authorities and then sent to Rome just as you said in 23:11: “As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Jesus, it will be exciting to see what you have in store for my friend.

Philly Forum #3 - God owns it all.

What stood out today: Luke 16:10 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

My response: Rick, be very careful to obey everything I have commanded you. Jesus, I hear these words spoken out of love and caution, a deep concern for me. Yes, Rick...Jesus, God, you are not a kill-joy; you are good, gracious, giving, and loving. Thank you for driving this truth deeper into my soul. Your words of caution and rebuke really are for my good and your glory.

Acts 21 - 23

What stood out today: v21:10-11 A prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” v23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

My response: God, I am still struck how present you are to your people. Also, how dangerous and hostile this world is. Yet you move in and out, you are never in a hurry or afraid or worried. It is because of who you are and the fact that we are yours that we too can walk with great confidence.

Acts 19 - 20

What stood out today: v19:2-3 Paul asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive? v15 The evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" v17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.

My response: Jesus, there is power in your name. Being baptized in your name we receive the gift of your Spirit, the Holy Spirit. If I were asked, who are you? I could answer clearly and confidently that I am yours! I am Richard, son of the Most High God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus and powered to life by His Spirit. Thank you, God.

Acts 17 - 18

What stood out today: v17:28 For in him we live and move and have our being. v18:9-10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you.”

My response: Yes, Jesus, what great words, what great news! Its all about the relationship; intimate love with you and with other people.

Acts 15 - 16

What stood out today: v15:9 For he purified their hearts by faith. v11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. v20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. v16:7 But the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. v14 A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

My response: Jesus, these are more strange things. Why, when the church says the main thing is - by grace through faith in you - do they not write about that but tell them to obey four laws? Then Paul has Timothy circumcised. What they do seems so contrary. Then in verse 7, the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Jesus. Then there is Lydia, a worshiper of God before the Lord opening her heart. How does that work? Jesus, I have a lot of questions. You are the teacher. I am a disciple. Teach me.

Acts 14

What stood out today: v3 The Lord confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. v9 Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed. v15 We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God. v22 We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.

My response: Lord Jesus, what an exciting time for your early church. You must have been so pleased. In verse 15 you say that repentance is good news. Turning from stinking-thinking and spiritual adultery to the living God who created, loves, provides, and sustains. This turning is hard work and God brings many hardships to help us transform into the Kingdom of God.

Acts 12 - 13

What stood out today: v12:2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. v5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. v10 The iron gate opened for them by itself. v13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." v48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. v52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

My response: Well, Jesus, a lot was going on here. James put to death. Peter put in prison, then rescued. Your church gathering to pray. Powerful angels, powerful preaching, Procounsils believing, Elymus blinded. Many believing, many not believing. Great persecution, great fruit produced. Much use of scripture. I love the Isaiah 49:6 verse, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” People who were appointed, believed. Paul and others were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Yes, Jesus, when we obey, when we cooperate, we experience your joy. You fill us with the Holy Spirit. Jesus, would you help me to walk in this way? The way of love, obedience, yielded to you and to others. Jesus, I love you; help me to love others better.

Acts 10 - 11

What stood out today: v10:15 Do not call anything impure that God has made clean. v34-36 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” v43 That everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. v11:18 So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.

My response: God you are so generous and good. I see the new covenant here. A new purity = you made us clean. A new identity = you accept us as your children. A new affection = a fear of you and repentance unto life. A new power = the gift of the Holy Spirit, the power plant for the Life, the Christ Life. The Life you’ve always wanted. The Life I long for. Jesus, I come to you. I take your yoke upon me; teach me, show me, the Christ Life. God, I am also struck how you initiate and how we are an integral part of your redemptive plan. You involve us, you work with us. We get to share your good news of Peace and Shalom with people you dearly love.

Acts 7 - 9

What stood out today: v7:3 “Leave your country and your people,” God said, “and go to the land I will show you.” v8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. v9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

My response: Yes, Lord, it is a new land, your kingdom. We must leave our country, our family and go. Jesus, show me this new land. Show me this good news about you, Jesus! Show me this peace. Show me this power, show me this courage. Let me show and tell others. Let me live in this fear of the Lord; this place of Shalom.

Acts 4 - 6

What stood out today: v5:5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. v10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. v11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. v20 "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."

My response: Lord Jesus, this great fear of you was important preparation for your church to not be afraid in the world. The old wine skins – people of the law – could not see what you were doing. What is this message, this full message of this new life? Jesus, I want to know this abundant life that you came to give. I want to help others find it too.