Daniel 4: 14 - A holy watchman called out to King Neb: You will be brought down low. Pride does go before a fall. But, God says: "Leave the stump and roots in the ground, belted with a strap of iron and bronze." This verse has so captured my heart over the years. God has brought me to nothing but also said: ENOUGH. HE has belted iron chains over my rooted stump. HE will grow me back aGAIN. God arranges kingdom affairs and makes leaders out of losers. I may be a loser but not in His Sight. "I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever (Daniel 4:34).
At that very moment, the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the lamp-illumined, whitewashed wall of the palace (Daniel 5:5). You have been weighed on the scales and you don't weigh much (Daniel 5:27). What is really going on inside of my heart?
When Daniel learned that King Darius signed the decree forbidding anyone to pray to any god except the king, Daniel continued to pray to God just as he had always done. His house had windows in the upstairs that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he knelt there in prayer, thanking and praising his God. The King couldn't change his decree so he ordered Daniel into the lions den. When the King heard that God sent His angel to close the mouths of the lions so they didn't hurt Daniel, the king was so happy. There wasn't a scratch on Daniel who trusted his God.
At that very moment, the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the lamp-illumined, whitewashed wall of the palace (Daniel 5:5). You have been weighed on the scales and you don't weigh much (Daniel 5:27). What is really going on inside of my heart?
When Daniel learned that King Darius signed the decree forbidding anyone to pray to any god except the king, Daniel continued to pray to God just as he had always done. His house had windows in the upstairs that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he knelt there in prayer, thanking and praising his God. The King couldn't change his decree so he ordered Daniel into the lions den. When the King heard that God sent His angel to close the mouths of the lions so they didn't hurt Daniel, the king was so happy. There wasn't a scratch on Daniel who trusted his God.
Daniel 4:3 His miracles are staggering, his wonders are surprising. His kingdom lasts and lasts, his sovereign rule goes on forever. Am I in wonder of my mind-blowing God?
ReplyDelete4:37 Everything he does is right, and he does it the right way. He knows how to turn a proud person into a humble man or woman." Indeed. God will bring the arrogant low.
“Mene, Teqel, Peres…” You have been weighed and found lacking.
Show us Lord our places where we lack You, your encompassing love, your wisdom, your scandalous mercy.
Daniel 6:16 …thrown into the lions' den. But he said to Daniel, "Your God, to whom you are so loyal, is going to get you out of this." Darius wasn't sure but he proclaimed words of faith and hope to Daniel. I bet he remembered King Neb's fate and was worried about his part in David's destruction.
Finally a prayer to start this day:
6: 25-27 Peace to you! Abundant peace! I decree that Daniel's God shall be worshiped and feared in all parts of my kingdom. He is the living God, world without end. His kingdom never falls. His rule continues eternally. He is a savior and rescuer. He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth. He saved Daniel from the power of the lions.
Praise God for his faithfulness always.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am happy to be in Daniel now. Just knowing as was written in today's reading Daniel did the right thing no matter what and God protected him. Just as in Bible times God does so today.
I just have to keep remembering that this world is not my home, I am an alien on earth as Beth pronounced to us in January at the SSMTC on January 23. I don't want to ever forget that.
Each Pearl on this String blesses me and encourages me so much in my walk with the LORD.
Annette, I pray for you and Bev as you prepare for our SoPs Retreat and am greatful to a Huge God to allow this for his PEARLS.
For those of you who desire to come to the Ranch but God has you in another place I pray you will experience an amazing weekend whereever you are knowing how much He loves each you.
I pray safety in travel for all...and that the weather will be just right for what each of us need to experience.
Bev you are especially in my prayers. I pray for your health and am blessed when everything looks impossible God provides and you continue to find a deeper REST in Him. I lift up Bob as well.
I look forward to an update of how as you are walking through the fire these days...God is keeping the lions (enemy's) mouths shut and not a hair on your entire body is burned because of the unending faithfullness of Elohim.
Your post on "God has My Back" has been powerful in my life.
This is a Song I must sing.
Sylvia
"At that very moment, the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the lamp-illumined, whitewashed wall of the palace."
ReplyDeleteI have felt holy goosebumps in church. I have felt trembling in my legs as the Spirit moved in a Paul Wilbur concert. I have KNOWN things that I did not have human ability to know. I have been strengthened in Spirit when I was unable to take one more step of faith.
To see a sight such as this...I cannot even imagine. The judgement that fell was swift and sure. Daniel, brilliant Daniel, gave grim meaning God's Decree.
We are aliens here, so different from those who would seek to harm us and our beliefs. Daniel walked during turbulent times for a man of God. We walk during turbulent times for a woman of God.
How would we be described?
I pray that each one of us would be remembered as belonging to the Lord. Held in a tight grip by this very same Hand. Engraved in the very center of the palm of this Hand.