Psalm 42 - The psalmist asks again and again why he is troubled. He appears to be having a conversation with himself. We get here a picture of internal struggle, that is easy for us to relate to. Christianity is often accused of being too positive or ignoring problems. But here we see the struggle between knowing the truth of the hope we have while still suffering under sin.
Numbers 22:21-23:3 - Balaam says, "I have sinned, for I did not know you stood in the road against me." I was thought ignorance was bliss, but Balaam doesn't see it as an excuse. Most of us certainly would. I didn't know any better God, you can't be mad at me. In the New Testament Paul talks about this issue as well. He says that all people are without excuse when it comes to recognizing God and His place. Ignorance is far from bliss, and I pray that God would keep it from me, and enable me to share Him with those around me who are without excuse.
Luke 22:24-46 - I was surprised by Jesus words that Satan demanded to have Peter. I didn't remember this part from Luke. I always tend to think of Peter's denial as the lowest point for him, and it is pretty low. But its remarkable that Satan wanted even more, and that Jesus prayed for him. We know that Jesus is speaking on our behalf, justifying us to the Father, but I never thought of Jesus praying for us in other ways. It is a comfort to know that even though we face trials Jesus prays that our faith will not fail.
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