Today’s scripture: Daniel 2:17-23 (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 (Tom Chittenden):
Editor’s note: When Tom sent me today’s entry, he included, in part, this explanation: So I set off to do historical due diligence [for today’s scripture] and as so often happens, one reference leads to another reference and the next author quotes another and before you know it you’re reading something that at first glance has nothing to do with the text at hand.
So what follows may not seem to relate to today’s scripture, but I ask that you give it a chance. Read the statements, and see if one (or more) may be just what you need to hear today. We’ll discuss Daniel’s experience and how it relates to this letter-list tomorrow.
A Love Letter From Our Creator
Dear Sons & Daughters,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31)
For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28)
For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me (John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalms 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3)
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29)
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26)
He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3)
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31)
And I tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of love for you (1 John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23)
And nothing will separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39)
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7)
I have always been Father, and will always be Father (Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is… Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32)
Love,
Dad
(written by Nick McCaig, New Brunswick, Canada)
Thought for the day: Take one or more of these statements from God — those that most speak to you — and make it yours today.
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.