“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). Daniel was a young man when he was taken from Jerusalem and carried off to Babylon. He and… Continue reading Respectful Request
Category: Monday Musings
Unsearchable God
“‘And he said to man, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding”’” (Job 28:28). Job’s emotions are all over the place throughout the book that bears his name. When he first learns that he has lost everything, his initial reaction is to bless God. “‘The… Continue reading Unsearchable God
I Will Hope
“‘Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face’” (Job 13:15). The book of Job is not pretty. It offers a bleak look at the hardship of life, presenting the reality of a broken world in stark colors. The book is mostly a series of monologues… Continue reading I Will Hope
A Soul Cast Down
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:5-6, 11; 43:5). Psalms 42 and 43 take the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions. The psalmist begins his discourse with something akin to… Continue reading A Soul Cast Down
Blessed Be God
“Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!” (Psalm 66:20). Psalm 66 is a song of thanksgiving. The author is anonymous, but his psalm recounts his gratefulness to God for delivering him and all the people of Israel from innumerable trials. He proclaims the awesomeness of… Continue reading Blessed Be God
M. C. Kennedy 