Day 455 - Daniel 6 & Psalm 83

 Julie

This is where Daniel was put into the lion's den for praying to God after it was decreed to be against the law. The king seemed to be distraught about having to put him in there and even tells him that he prays that Daniel's God protects him. When they go to the lion's den the next day they find that Daniel has been spared and that the lion did not kill him. This changes the heart of the king and he kills his advisors and decrees that his people should be worshipping God for all his good works and the enduring love that he shows his people.

I feel like this is asking God to change the hearts of his enemies so that they can see the power of God and that He reigns supreme over all things.

Michelle

This is a popular story and one that is told pretty often, I think as an example of someone who has faith in God and worships no matter what and he was saved also as an example of what God can do for those that have faith and are righteous.  The devotional talks about pride and how the advisors were prideful and preyed on the pride of the king as well.  You are right, the king seemed distraught about having to throw him in there and it seems like that should have been a sign that the advisors had evil intentions, but we don't always see those in the moment.  

I believe you are correct that it is asking God to change their hearts to see God's power.

Day 454 - Daniel 5 & Psalm 82

 Julie

Daniel is brought before the new king to interpret writing on the wall. He tells the king that he has failed to continue to honor God as his father did and has instead taken items from the house of the Lord and used them in vain. He tells the king that that Lord is going to take his kingdom from him and give it to others. Later that evening the king is killed.

This psalm asks for God to rescue the weak and needy.

Michelle

I am not sure how we got from Nebachadnezzar to his son.  But, yes, it sounds like the queen advised to have Daniel interpret his dream as well.  And after doing so, he did not change, so he was killed and someone else took over.

The psalm does seem to be asking that and chastising the other "gods" since the people were following them.  

Day 453 - Daniel 4 & Psalm 81

 Julie

Daniel interprets a second dream in this chapter where it seems that he is telling the king that he has a strong kingdom. I am a bit confused here though because it starts out and ends with the king praising God, but as the king is explaining his dream he mentions that he had changed Daniel's name to one after the name of his god. So, is he following false idols or is he following God...or is he in the middle of his own spiritual struggle? Not sure if I missed something in the reading that would make that more clear.

The Lord is actually praying that his people would listen to him and turn to him so that he could help them.

Michelle

As I read this I kind of wondered the same.  Is he in the middle of a spiritual struggle or is he trying to worship all who may find favor in him.  Kind of straddling the fence really.  But as Daniel interprets the dream he tells the king that it means he is supposed to proclaim that God is king of heaven and proclaim it to his people.  And it sounds like that is what he did in the end of the chapter.

It does seem like God is the one talking in this psalm.  

Day 452 - Daniel 3 & Psalm 80

 Julie

The king chastises and tries to burn alive Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego for not worshipping the idols that he built. God saves them and the king decrees that no one can go against their God again.

Restore us and Save us!

Michelle

This one is interesting because in chapter 2 it seemed like the king was ok with them all worshipping God instead of whatever gods the king worshipped.  But then this chapter has the king throwing them into the furnace.  It just seemed strange to me, but then people change their minds each moment, so I guess it's not really that strange.  God saves them though and then the king allows them to worship God and vows to kill anyone who speaks against them and God.

They are asking God to restore them and how long they will be made to drink their tears.  I have noticed in some of these psalms that they sound like they are bargaining.  God do this for us and then we will not turn from you or we will praise you.  I hadn't really noticed that before so I am not sure if it's my current mindset or what, but that stands out to me for some reason.  

Day 451 - Daniel 2 & Psalm 79

 Julie

Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and summons his servants to interpret the dream for him. He threatens death if they do not do it well. When Daniel hears this he asks God for wisdom to be able to interpret the dream to try and have their lives spared. When he speaks to the king he gives the glory to God and tells the king that God has given him the interpretation of which He will build a kingdom that will stand forever. From this Daniel is promoted and the king praises God.

This one is asking God how long his anger and jealousy will go on, and asking him to pour out his anger on nations that do not know him. They then praise Him.

Michelle

Nebuchadnezzar asks the impossible from all his astrologers and scholars and such.  Then Daniel and his men pray to God to give them the info so that they can live.  When he speaks to the king, he tells him that only God can do what he asks and not mere man.  God has provided the dream and its interpretation to Daniel, who in turn tells the king.  The king is satisfied and gives Daniel a high position and many gifts.  The devotional with this chapter talks about how Daniel invited God into his drama.  It says, "Daniel coped with this situation by cultivating a close relationship with God and depending on God for wisdom and power.  When the drama heated up and he asked if he could interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel did not talk himself up.  He humbly responded, 'No one can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries'."  It says the best way to handle any situation is with grace and wisdom and to invite God to direct the circumstance.  I found this to be very powerful.

I read the same in this psalm.  I also read that they are asking God not to hold the past against them, including those of past generations.  It sounds like they are asking God to pay back their neighbors and then they will praise him.  That seems to be in the wrong order if you think about it.  As we should be praising God no matter the circumstance, however, that is the way we are even today.  waiting to see if God answers prayers first and then praising him.

Day 450 - Daniel 1 & Psalm 78

 Julie

This chapter introduces Daniel and shows his commitment to God. 

We should be sharing the Lord with the generations to follow. They gave an example of how that did not happen and when they tried to share with the people later they did not listen or understand and God punished them. 

Michelle

The preface to this book says it is during the time of exile in Babylonia.  They are serving the Babylonian king.  I think this is where that diet called the Danile plan comes from too.  And I recognized the 3 with him by their new names.  I recall the pastor at church talking about them in a sermon, I just don't recall the topic.  It appears that Daniel has found favor with the king and the chief official.  

It does sound like they are telling the story of their ancestors past and what happened when they did and did not follow God's command, and when they whined and so God gave them what they asked and they gorged themselves.  We do need to be sharing with the generations after so that this does not continue to happen.  I think, as a people and society, we get too comfortable and easily forget things of the past.  And while people grow and change, they need to remember that God is there thru it all and that they must continue to worship and praise God for all he has provided.

Day 449 - Psalm 77

 Julie

We should seek the Lord when we are troubled. Halfway through this reading, they questioned whether or not God was listening or if he was punishing. God knows that we ask these questions sometimes but we are constantly reminded throughout the Bible that his steadfast love does endure forever and that he only responds in anger if we do not repent on what we have done. 

Michelle

The writer speaks of crying out for help when he is in trouble and for wondering if God has forsaken him and left him when he is being challenged.  I think we all feel this way at times.  And you are right we do ask these questions.  God always returns to us as we have read.  He is always seeking for us to return to him as well.  It's a choice and we usually don't make the right ones, or it feels like that at times.  We must remember to turn to God in everything.  I am strangely feeling kind of lost.  This last book was hard for me to get thru for some reason, and maybe just cuz it seemed repetitive.  I am uncertain.  I continue to get distracted when I am reading as my head has been spinning with things going on in life.  Nothing major, but things I wish I could do something about.  Maybe this is a call to prayer for all those things.  I do not know, but the distraction is getting frustrating as I have to read over and over again, even in the devotionals I am doing in the app.  I am not sure what is going on with me.

Day 448 - Psalm 76

 Julie

Who can stand before God? Everyone one should fear God for he is built this world and cares for everything in it.

Michelle

I don't know what's wrong with me that I can't focus.  I read this and when I was done had no idea what I read.  It says we should fear God and that he has passed judgement from heaven.

Day 447 - Ezekiel 47 - 48 & Psalm 75

 Julie

This reading ends with the Lord showing Ezekiel the river that flows from the temple and telling him that will be what he uses to divide the land. The last chapter just explains how the land is split between all the people and the amount they inherited.

The Lord judges. He will lift up the righteous and take care of the wicked.

Michelle

It's interesting about the river as he says it's deep enough that people cannot cross it.  Something also came to mind as I was reading that I wonder if there are still tribes in Israel, because we have strayed far from this explanation of what is to be done and how and who and all that.  

I think I got the same thing, however, I got distracted in my mind while reading this one too.

Day 446 - Ezekiel 45 - 46 & Psalm 74

 Julie

God gives Ezekiel instructions for a Holy District in which the sanctuary is to be built and the priests will minister. I believe that they will live there as well. The land surrounding the Holy District will belong to the prince and the land is supposed to be handed down within his family. 

This psalm seems to be asking God why he is allowing the evil that is going on to happen. They question why he hasn't destroyed them since he has shown his might in so many other ways. 

Michelle

This sounds like more explanation of ceremony and offerings and who gets what from the prince and how they are to worship.  There are alot of things to remember.  

I got lost thinking about other things while reading this.  My focus is not good right now.

Day 445 - Ezekiel 43 - 44 & Psalm 73

 Julie

God finishes up by telling Ezekiel what the inner temple should look like. He then relays to him the statutes that people must follow to be able to enter the temple. He also explains the rules for the priests. The rules for the priests are interesting...they seem a little extreme, but for the time maybe that was just the way. 

Even though we sometimes fall, God is there to pick us up if we repent and will be our refuge.

Michelle

This is instruction for the priests and how to consecrate the temple and the alter.  It sounds similar to the past times and may be just a way for them to be reminded how things are done.  The rules for the priests are interesting and sound like some of the things that they follow even today in some religions and cultures.  

God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Day 444 - Ezekiel 41-42 & Psalm 72

Julie

The Lord is continuing to show Ezekiel how the temple should be built.

This is the final prayer of David and it seems that he is asking God for the final time to protect all that he has made. He is also giving him all the glory.

Michelle

Is it the Lord though?  He keeps saying a man, which I find interesting.  But he keeps showing him this temple and it's measurements and rooms.

This prayer sounds like he is praying for a king to be blessed.

Day 443 - Ezekiel 40 & Psalm 71

 Julie

Ezekiel is given a vision of how to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem since the people are allowed to return. 

There seems to be a common theme with most of the Psalms where they are asking to be protected by God and offering their praise for all he does. They also share the greatness of God with others. 

Michelle

I wasn't sure what this vision was meant for.  Just that he was being shown measurements of something.  It sounds quite enormous, but then I don't understand the measurements.

It does seem to be a theme.  It says again, you are my rock and my deliverer, may his name endure forever.  The devotional speaks of Unshakeable confidence.

Day 442 - Ezekiel 38-39 & Psalm 70

 Julie

I didn't really understand this reading today so I was reading the explanations about it and it seems that this one is kind of an unknown to most scholars. They don't know the meaning behind or the significance of the names Gog and Magog. It is speculated that they are just being used to explain what is to come. 

This one seems to be asking God to work quickly in saving them.

Michelle

I recently read an article about forgotten things from the bible and one of them was God from Magog.  It was interesting as it spoke of not hearing anything more about them after this chapter.  What I understand is that Gog was a prince from the land of Magog, or chief prince of Meshek and Tubal, which in this reading sounds like it's from a far-away waterfront land.  It seems only significant in the context that God uses this prince to come against his people and show that he is the Lord in the eyes of all the nations, including God's chosen.  

Yes, it sounds like they want God to work quickly, and also to praise God always so that he will save them.  

Day 441 - Ezekiel 36:17-27 & Psalm 69

Julie

God is bringing the people of Israel back to life as he promised. The analogy about the dry bones is an interesting way of explaining that he is giving back their lives and letting them return.

Another Psalm that asks the Lord for protection from evil doers and offers praise to him for his steadfast love.

Michelle

Really all this book is about people seeing God for who he is.  He cares for us and reprimands or disciplines us, he scatters us and then gathers us back to fulfill his promises.  Over and over, he calls us back to him.  

Yes, I got the same from this psalm.

Day 440 - Ezekiel 35 - 36:15 & Psalm 68

 Julie

God is going to punish Mount Seir for how they have treated the people of Israel. He then goes on to tell the people of Israel how he will save them and protect them from those that have gone against them.

God gives power and strength to his people as they are experiencing difficult times. 

Michelle

It sounds like God is going to punish some people for how they have treated his people and that he will save them from those that seek to cause them harm.  It's interesting as I was reading this it seems that God is using Israel's disobedience to punish them and to also teach others to seek and fear God.  

The last line really is what stood out to me as well.  "The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.  Praise be to God!"

Day 439 - Ezekiel 34 & Psalm 67

 Julie

This one spoke to me today. God is not talking about actual sheep, but his followers, those that are right with the Lord. Those that are supposed to be protecting them and taking care of them are not doing their jobs, so God is going to protect those who believe and follow him.

As God's face shines upon us we can see grace and mercy and praise him for all he does.

Michelle

This seems a metaphor for God and his people.  It sounds like something we have read before but in a different way.  He has scattered the people, but you are right, he does say that he will protect and care for those that believe and follow his commands.  

It seems to be asking for God to bless them, "make his face shine upon us".  

Day 438 - Ezekiel 33 & Psalm 66

 Julie

God is telling Ezekiel that as the prophet he has to give his warnings to the people and if Ezekiel does not do as God wishes then he will suffer. I feel like we have heard a similar story before, and I am not sure if it was at the beginning of Ezekiel or if it was a previous prophet. 

We should praise the awesomeness of God. One of the lines that they want us to focus on in this psalm is "they sing praises to your name," which serves as a reminder that we should be singing God's praises. I believe that is meant to be literal. We should praise God for all that he does in our lives.

Michelle

I think it was in this book.  I remember it as well.  What I got from this chapter though is similar to the reading before.  That he is to tell the people to turn from evil and if they do then they will be saved and so will he, but if he doesn't warn them and they continue doing evil then he will suffer.  Also, if the people are good and start turning to evil, they will suffer.  

This does sound like a psalm of praise to God, sharing for others to hear.

Day 437 - Ezekiel 31-32 & Psalm 65

 Julie

I don't know if you feel this way, but this feels so repetitive to me. I get that they are talking about different lands and cities, but they seem to be detailing each one in how God will destroy.

The Lord provides and saves us when we ask.

Michelle

Yes.  I feel the same way.  It seems like the same story over and over.  What did stand out, and maybe because I am deliriously tired right now, is that the Cedar trees were a part of God's garden in the beginning.  I did not know that.  And maybe that's not exactly right but that's what I read at the beginning.  He likens the Pharaoh to a fallen cedar, but it says, "the cedars in the garden of God".   I found that interesting for some reason.  In reading this it made me think of the sequoia trees, the giant ones.  I realize this is being used as a metaphor, but I still thought it was interesting.

The beginning says, "Praise awaits you, our God...".  It goes into what sounds like a metaphor using nature and all God can do.

Day 436 - Ezekiel 29-30 & Psalm 64

 Julie

God is talking about what he will do to Egypt. As I know I keep saying this is just one more place that he is placing judgment on for their choices. I wonder though why you don't hear of prophets anymore, or do we have them and don't trust them because of all of the deceit in the world?

This is a prayer that I feel is necessary during this time. There is so much evil going on in the world and I want to stay righteous in God during all of this and I think it is easy to get caught up in worldly things and stop listening. I want to be able to know what God is asking for us to do during this time.

Michelle

I was thinking it's because they can't be trusted.  A few chapters back Ezekiel was telling the people that the prophets were not actually speaking from God, so that is my assumption there.  It sounds like in this reading that God is still scattering the people amongst the land.  He is also hurting the Pharaoh at this point, although I find it interesting that what happens to the ones he punishes seems like a metaphor for what they are doing as well.  

In this psalm he is asking God for protection and to allow him to share his complaint with God regarding those causing him harm or doing evil.  

Day 435 - Ezekiel 28 & Psalm 63

 Julie

So now that God has scattered Israel he is bringing them back together? And with that, he is now bringing damnation onto the surrounding nations for sinning? I think that is what this is saying. I have been struggling with this book a little bit because it seems like there has been a lot of repetition even though it has started to bring in other cities and nations.

We look to God and for God when we are not doing well, so our souls thirst for him, or at least they should if we are walking with him. He will protect us from those that mean to do us wrong.

Michelle

I agree, there is alot of repetition regarding all the different towns/cities.  It seems like the people are scattered and at the end he is talking about bringing them back to the land he promised them.  I am unsure of all these towns though.  Are they filled with God's people?  Are they filled with only non-believers?  It is a bit confusing at this point.  What does standout is that the first bit talks about prophesy against the king of Tyre, who sets himself amongst his people as a god, yet God seems to be putting him in his place.  

Our souls thirst for God, his love is better than life. 

Day 434 - Ezekiel 26-27 & Psalm 62

 Michelle

These chapters are a prophesy and a lament for Tyre.  It seems that Tyre was a sailors' town, where things from all over were traded and brought in.  It goes on to talk of their ship being wrecked at sea and all those on board will cry out or abandon their ships and then weep.  

This one, again speaks of God being his rock and his salvation, his fortress.  He says he finds rest for his soul in God and that he trusts in him at all times telling us to pour out our hearts to God.  The last line says that God rewards everyone according to what they have done.  So, our actions, it seems, are how God will determine how we are rewarded, which makes me think we need to be mindful of this in our daily lives.  And that we should be sharing ourselves with God, all that is in our hearts and minds should be shared with God daily, even though he knows what is in our hearts.  

Julie

So it seems the city of Tyre is being destroyed because of their pride in their wealth. They cared more about their money than anything else.

Our souls wait for God alone and know that he is our salvation and savior.

Day 433 - Ezekiel 25 & Psalm 61

 Julie

God is asking Ezekiel to prophesy against more people.

The Lord is our refuge and our rock. We are asked in this psalm to focus or spend time on "Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!" We should take shelter there and let God protect us.

Michelle

This chapter is Ezekiel sharing God's prophesy against various towns and their people.  

He is asking for God to hear his prayers in this psalm.   He says that God has been his stronghold or strong tower against his foes.  He is asking for God to protect the king as well, which if I remember correctly is the king that is condemning him.  This is quite an eye opener as he is asking God to protect the one who is against him, or his enemy.  So, we are called to pray for our enemies and take shelter in the wings of God.

Day 432 - Ezekiel 23-24 & Psalm 60

 Julie

I feel like Ezekiel is saying the same things over again just in different analogies. They are still talking about the lands that were sinning and comparing them to whoring women. God still explains within those analogies how he is going to punish them. In the end of this reading, Ezekiel's wife dies and he is told how he needs to handle her death.

God will protect us and take down our foes.

Michelle

This does seem to be another analogy for what it to come for the people.  Even the death of Ezekiel's wife seems to be used as an analogy for what the people are to do when they are go through all the things God has explained.

He seems to be asking God for his help in this psalm.  Asking who will lead him/them.  In the end it says "with God we will gain the victory, and he will trample our enemies".

I needed to add something to these chapters.  There is a devotional that I missed for chapter 24.  It speaks about being a Signpost and how God used Ezekiel as a signpost to others when his wife died.  God used his tragedy as a symbol that the people could learn from.  He does this to direct others to him, God I mean.  "Our lives have the potential to reveal who God is... How we handle a number of plots - loss, success, friendship, marriage, finances - gives others an opportunity to see the difference that being a disciple of Jesus makes."

Day 431 - Ezekiel 21-22 & Psalm 59

 Julie

I think this is just more detail about how God is handling Israel and the people. I am not really sure that I understand the significance of the sword.

The Lord is our protector and will deliver us from our enemies. He will be our fortress is difficult times and always shows us h is steadfast love.

Michelle

I didn't understand the sword reference either.  It just seemed to be saying that he was using the sword to destroy everyone and everything that is sinful or detestable in God's eyes.  It went on to talk about this in great detail.  The devotional with this chapter is very thought provoking.  It is called the Hard Truth and speaks of why we must have or endure pain and suffering from God.  That while "it may seem easier to focus on the nice passages in the bible, it is important to understand the passages about God's anger, vengeance, and jealousy as it speaks to who God is.  God hates anything and everything that destroys the people and the world he created.  He is jealous of anything that breaks his covenant of love with his people.  God loves what he created, and he will pour out his righteous wrath as a reflection of that love." It says to read that last line again really taking it in.  "Sin alters the created order so significantly that it leads to the sickness, disease, sadness, stress and fatigue that we experience."  As we have read, God uses pain and suffering to draw the people closer to him, and that is what he does with us as well.  It is our opportunity to reconnect and draw closer to God.  

Verse 16 stood out to me as well.  "But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."  

Day 430 - Ezekiel 20 & Psalm 58

 Julie

The people of Israel are still not giving up their idols. God tells their children that they need to make sure not to follow in the footsteps of their fathers and to follow God and not the ways of the land. However, God does give a covenant where he says he will restore Israel, but that means destroying those that are not living as they should.

God will judge those on earth and there is hope that the  righteous will prevail.

Michelle

This seems to be an on again off again relationship with God and his people.  They say one thing and do another.  They question and tell him that they want to be like the other nations, sacrificing and worshipping wood and stone, yet he continues to tell them what they must do, and they continue to push back and choose not to follow, or follow for a short time and then go back to their wicked ways.  Verse 44 stands out, "You will know that I am the Lord, when I deal with you for my name's sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices, you people of Irael, declares the Sovereign Lord".  In this chapter God also says he took them out of their places in order to punish them so the other nations would not see.  Or at least that is what it sounds like.  I didn't quite understand this part.  At the end it sounds like Ezekiel is being questioned by the people and they think he is just speaking in parables.  

In the beginning of the psalm, it seems like he's saying that the wicked are wicked even from birth and they will not turn from their wicked ways.  It goes on to say that the wicked will be swept away and the righteous will be glad. 

Day 429 - Ezekiel 19 & Psalm 57

 Julie

This is a lament, but I don't really understand the meaning behind it. Even the explanation seems a little unsure of what the purpose might have been.

This one is asking for God's mercy saying  their soul takes refuge in God and reminding that God's glory is over all the earth.

Michelle

I am unsure of the meaning of this either.  The chapter is titled "A Lament over Israel's Princes".  I wonder if it could be a metaphor pertaining to the people.

He is asking for God's mercy and says that God rebukes those that pursue him.  It says that the traps set for him by his enemies become their snares instead.

Day 428 - Ezekiel 17-18 & Psalm 56

 Julie

I am not sure I really understand what I have read this morning. I think God is explaining what it means to be righteous and the consequences if you one is not. It seems that he is speaking directly to Israel and telling them that he takes to pleasure in punishing them, so they need to do the right thing and live righteously.

In God I Trust!!!

Michelle

I think you mostly got it.  It does seem he is explaining things and the way to live.  God also tells the people if they turn from their evil ways, they will be saved and if they turn from righteousness to evil they will be destroyed.  It also says that the child will not suffer the same fate as the parents if the child believes.  It is individual, is what it sounds like to me.  The devotional explained it very similar.  That we are not destined to be like those that birthed or raised us, that we can choose for ourselves what we believe and how our life goes.  

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  That was what stood out the most to me.  

Day 427 - Ezekiel 15-16 & Psalm 55

 Julie

The Lord compares Jerusalem to a whore and tells the people that they took advantage of all he gave and dressed themselves up and whored themselves out. I thought that this was an interesting analogy, but I guess it's fitting because they did do that. He explains all the ways and with all of the nations that they basically gave themselves too and sinned against God. In the end he gives them an everlasting covenant which lets them know that he will punish them, but they can be redeemed. 

We should cast our burdens on the Lord and no matter what happens we should trust in him.

Michelle

That is exactly what it says.  It's a comparison and a very accurate one it seems.  The devotional talks about choices and how they can determine your course of life.  Wise choices will bring blessing; foolish ones will bring destruction and pain.  It tells us to be honest with God about our mistakes and turn full faced toward him, choosing instead to offer yourself entirely to God.  

Verse 22 stood out in this psalm, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you".  This is really the basis of it all.  If we turn to God in all things, he will sustain us in all ways.

Day 426 - Ezekiel 14 & Psalm 54

 Julie

The Lord tells of how he will condemn the elders that are worshiping idols. He also says that he will not spare Jerusalem and that he will bring upon the people, either the sword, or pestilence, or famine or wild beasts. There will be some that survive, but those that are sinning will definitely not...I assume.

The Lord helps us in all things if we just ask and if we offer ourselves to him willingly.

Michelle

That's what it sounds like to me too.  That there will be few saved, and it will only be those that are righteous, yet all others will be subject to whatever God brings upon them.  All those that have followed idolatry will be condemned.  

This seems to be a prayer to God against whomever is attacking him.  He says God has delivered him from all his troubles.

Day 425 - Ezekiel 12:21 - 13 & Psalm 53

 Julie

The Lord is condemning false prophets. He talks about how he will deal with them. I worry about false prophets quite a bit. I think that we can be easily mislead and I don't want to fall into this trap. In my daily prayers I do ask that they are removed from my life so that I can trust that what I am learning or hearing is the truth.

Foolish people say that there is no God. I see this happening a lot recently and believe that it is part of the reason that we are going through the things that we are going through. We need to show our trust and faith during these trying times.

Michelle

I keep hearing Samuel L. Jackson saying that line in Pulp Fiction every time I read "And you will know that I am the Lord".  I wonder about the prophets and those that are false, and it seems we must ask God's guidance in discerning between those he truly sent and those that lead us down the false path.  I think in this time they come to us disguised as something else, only we must remain in God.  That's a good thing to pray.

The psalm says everyone has turned away from God and it does seem like that even in our current time.  I think you are right; we need to show our faith and trust in God and pray that those that believe will do the same.