Today’s scripture: Daniel 5:13-31 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
As I read this text I am reminded that sometimes we repeat the patterns of our parents (or the adults who were most significant in our lives) without much thought as to the harm they may be doing us. It seems that the king’s son fell into the same pride trap that his dad did. How open are we to learning new ways? How open are we to even seeing that we may need a new way?
In a sermon I preached about a year ago, I shared that growing up we were a “Chevy” family. We weren’t nice to “Ford” drivers. Flash forward to a few months ago. . . my girls and I are riding along when they start pointing out the “yucky” Fords. They even request I don’t park our Chevy near any Fords! With out even really being conscious of it, I had passed on my “legacy of Ford disdain” to my girls.
This scripture is a graphic reminder to examine our lives and make sure we are living according to God’s design and not some tired old legacies of the past.
Today I pray that the Spirit might illuminate my heart so that I can see the dangerous legacies I am living. As Melissa would say “The Legacy STOPS Here!”
Thought for the day: What dangerous legacies are you living and passing on?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.