Today´s reading:
OT: Hosea 10-14
NT: Jude 1
Ps: Psalm 127
Pr: Proverbs 29:15-17
Today´s notable verses:
5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots;
6 his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.Hosea 14:5-6 (NIV)
Interesting that this reading should come this week! We found out that we are going to have a girl, and have been discussing names. It is very important to me that we give our children names with significant meanings, so that we are speaking something positive into them every time we call them by name. In my search of name meanings I came across two that appear in this passage: Lilian and Olivia. Lilian is derived from the lily, which is used as biblical symbolism for purity and resurrection, and also in this Hosea passage as symbolism for God's grace. Olivia is derived from the olive or olive tree, which is used as biblical symbolism for beauty, prosperity, and religious privilege.
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Jude 20 (NIV)
A great reminder to rely upon the strength and working of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and that building ourselves up in faith is an active, purposeful endeavor.
3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV)
I remember reading these verses six months ago, and wondering when God would give me this greatest of blessings - and now, here we are, a short four and a half months away from the birth of our first, blessed, baby girl! God is amazing, isn't He!
15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.Proverbs 29:15-17 (NIV)
I eagerly look forward to the wonderful relationship I will share with my daughter. I saw her face in our first 4-D ultrasound, and I knew then that I was already in trouble. That said, I know that raising her is a huge responsibility, and that to love her, I must discipline her and raise her to be a responsible woman who loves and serves the Lord. These verses are a great reminder of that responsibility.
The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.
