Dan. 10:1–21

10:1 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel (who was also called Belteshazzar). This message was true and concerned a great war. He understood the message and gained insight by the vision.

2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three whole weeks. 3I ate no choice food, no meat or wine came to my lips, nor did I anoint myself with oil until the end of those three weeks.

4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was beside the great river, the Tigris. 5I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen; around his waist was a belt made of gold from Ufaz. 6His body resembled yellow jasper, and his face had an appearance like lightning. His eyes were like blazing torches; his arms and feet had the gleam of polished bronze. His voice thundered forth like the sound of a large crowd.

7Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see it. On the contrary, they were overcome with fright and ran away to hide. 8I alone was left to see this great vision. My strength drained from me, and my vigor disappeared; I was without energy. 9I listened to his voice, and as I did so I fell into a trance-like sleep with my face to the ground. 10Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees. 11He said to me, “Daniel, you are of great value. Understand the words that I am about to speak to you. So stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up shaking. 12Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel, for from the very first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words. 13However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for 21 days. But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in future days, for the vision pertains to days to come.”

15While he was saying this to me, I was flat on the ground and unable to speak. 16Then one who appeared to be a human being was touching my lips. I opened my mouth and started to speak, saying to the one who was standing before me, “Sir, due to the vision, anxiety has gripped me and I have no strength. 17How, sir, am I able to speak with you? My strength is gone, and I am breathless.” 18Then the one who appeared to be a human being touched me again and strengthened me. 19He said to me, “Don’t be afraid, you who are highly valued. Peace be to you! Be strong! Be really strong!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. I said, “Sir, you may speak now, for you have given me strength.” 20He said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I am about to return to engage in battle with the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece is coming. 21However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. (There is no one who strengthens me against these princes, except Michael your prince.

Ps. 119:81–88

119:81 כ (Kaf)

I desperately long for your deliverance.

I find hope in your word.

82My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.

I say, “When will you comfort me?”

83For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke.

I do not forget your statutes.

84How long must your servant endure this?

When will you judge those who pursue me?

85The arrogant dig pits to trap me,

which violates your law.

86All your commands are reliable.

I am pursued without reason. Help me!

87They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,

but I do not reject your precepts.

88Revive me with your loyal love

that I might keep the rules you have revealed.

1 John 2:1–14

2:1 (My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.) But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One, 2and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.

3Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments. 4The one who says “I have come to know God” and yet does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in such a person. 5But whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him. 6The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.

7Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have already heard. 8On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9The one who says he is in the light but still hates his fellow Christian is still in the darkness. 10The one who loves his fellow Christian resides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11But the one who hates his fellow Christian is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12I am writing to you, little children, that your sins have been forgiven because of his name. 13I am writing to you, fathers, that you have known him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, that you have conquered the evil one. 14I have written to you, children, that you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, that you have known him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young people, that you are strong, and the word of God resides in you, and you have conquered the evil one.