The 7:30am shuttle to berkeley had no more spots, so I reserved a 2:30pm ride and missed my classes for the day. After prayer meeting, we went and ate at the unit 3 DC. Joseph swiped me in. Thanks Joe. Afterwards some of us went and studied in room 283 of Dwinelle. Twas Sean, Joseph, Ditha, Louisa, and I.

Devotion time questions:

Zechariah 1

What about God’s heart is revealed in v. 3 toward his people, and toward sin?

God desires to have relationship with his people, but sin prevents this. All the people needed to do was to turn their hearts back to God, and God would do the rest to repair the relationship.

Is there some way in which I am downplaying the need to change my direction in dealing with something that displeases God?

Thoughts omitted here.

V. 6 testifies to the inescapable fulfillment of God’s words. How firmly do I regard God’s words as permanent realities, all of which will be surely fulfilled?

God's promises towards us are permanently realities, but so are his words of warning and judgement. I need to live a life that reflects a firm regard for God's word, both in trusting God and fearing sin.

Reflect on the response of the people in v. 6. To what extent do I share this humble attitude toward God’s right to judge and punish all sin?

Thoughts omitted here.

How might being “at rest and in peace” and “feeling secure” not necessarily be things that please God?

Usually people tend to seek God in times of trials and hardships, while becoming complacent and self reliant when life seems to be going smoothly for them. In these situations, people might forget their need for God.

An example that was recently given at the Thanksgiving retreat, was the way many people would change if they suddenly won the lottery. Many people worship God, but also worship money so they do not need to trust God fully.

Also, a complacent life often leads to sin. Look at David, for example.

Is there any area in my life that I’m seeking to be in peace and feel secure about apart from God?

Even though I don't have a job right now, I need to trust God more with my future and with my money. I've never really had to worry about money yet in my life, so this is probably an area of my life that I need to look to God in.

Given God’s responsiveness to the people’s repentance, (“I will return to Jerusalem with mercy”), what assurance does this give me regarding God’s presence with me when I repent?

God is faithful to forgive us our sins when we acknowledge them and repent, just as a parent is with their young child. A (sane) parent doesn't stay angry at their child after they're truly repentant of what they did and resolve to not commit the same offense again. Praise God.

Have I experienced repentance as a doorway to greater blessing and provisions from God?

Thoughts omitted here.