Seeking Answers in Prayer

O. T. #1972  "Seeking Answers in Prayer"

June 30, 2021

Daniel 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Have we stopped amidst the hurry and scurry of life just to say thanks to the Lord God lately? Do we thank Him for eyes to see the beautiful sun rise? For breath and a beating heart, do we take for granted that we have it? I, for one have all those things for which to be grateful.

And I feed my cat, Boots, and her four kittens at 6 am. So many life lessons are noticed about this family. Mom cleans them up, gives them milk of herself, always looking around for anything that could bring her babies danger. The one kitten, Sugar, is aggressive in eating first, even when I am sitting on the swing nearby. Then Socks comes to eat, but Sugar moves the can of food with its paw, being selfish. Next comes the only orange one, who looks like Mamma cat. It is always looking at me, hesitant to eat with me present. Finally, Baby, the runt, comes and hides in the midst of the group. It takes the leftovers for breakfast. If I move, its runs away. Do you see the different personalities of the kittens, which are like people. some are aggressive, demanding their way; some go along with the crowd; some are scardy cats; while others hide in the midst, and run when challenges come. Which kitten are you and I like?

How strong is our faith? Will it endure the challenges of life? How strong is our God?

O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. sing unto the LORD, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods. (Ps. 96:1-4)

Doesn't our God deserve all our praise? Yes, for He has provided all that we have.

LET IT GROW

Well, ole king Neb had a dream that kept reoccurring to him at night. It troubled him greatly. He wanted to know what it meant, so Neb called in his magicians to explain it. However, he would not tell them what it was, for they had to do that, being so wise as they thought they were. The magicians tried to get the king to tell them first what his dram was, but he refused. Of course, they could not answer the king, so he threatened to execute them, and all the wise men, which would include Daniel and his 4 friends.

When the king's guard came to kill the 4 Hebrews, Daniel asked why. Daniel went at once to the king and requested more time to tell him what the dream meant. Then Daniel asked his friends to pray and ask the God of heaven to reveal this secret so they would not be killed too.

Look at Daniel's prayer in verses 20-23:

• Praise the name of God for He has all wisdom and power.
• He controls the world events, removing and setting up kings.
• He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.
• He reveals deep and mysterious things and what lies hidden in darkness.
• He is surrounded by light.
• I praise and thank You, God of my ancestors, for You have given me wisdom and strength.
• You have told me what we asked of You and revealed to us what the king demanded.

So the king forgot what his dream was about, which I forgot to mention. Neb tested his counselors. This was one way Satan tried to get rid of the witness of 4 Believers in Babylon. However, it was by faith that Daniel approached the king. He questioned why the king would kill them because of the incompetence of others.

The secret of Neb's dream could only be revealed by God. The word secret is mentioned 8 times in this chapter. It means a mystery, hide, to conceal.

Daniel acknowledged that only God reveals secrets. He is the only one who knows all things. He showed Neb what was in his heart and a glimpse into his future. This powerful king was going to be brought down.

Did you notice that Daniel and his friends brought the matter to their God in prayer? It was a matter of life and death.

Faith is without scheming and brings glory to God. Daniel and his friends could not take credit for what happened because it came from the hand of God. (Wiersbe)

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. (Ps. 50:15)

Do we seek the Lord Jesus for wisdom in making decisions? Do we give Him the glory when things work out for us?

LET IT GO

You alone are God and we praise You today.

We need to hear You speak.

Thank You for what You are going to do for us.

Glory to God in the Highest.

An Unusual Dream

O. T. #1971  "An Unusual Dream"

June 29, 2021

Daniel 2

LET IT GLOW

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. for He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness. (Ps. 95:6-8)

We demonstrate our submission to God when we bow before Him. This posture symbolizes our recognition of His sovereignty, controlling everything. We are but sheep in the hand of the Good Shepherd. To Him we look for protection and provision of our needs.

David is warning us to not harden our heart against the Lord.

The way we treat the Word of God is the way we treat the God of the Word. (Wiersbe)

Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Are we listening to the Lord's voice? Are we following Jesus today? When we do, blessings, favor, and rest in Jesus is available, as well as a right relationship with God Almighty through Jesus. (See Hebrews 4:7-13) so let's not miss out by following a path of unbelief and disobedience, friend. 

LET IT GROW

King Nebuchadnezzar thought he was in authority and had unlimited power, but God would show him who was actually in control. Usually, when God wanted to communicate with the Gentiles, He sent a prophet. but in Neb's case, God sent dreams. When the king of this powerful, conquering nation dreamed dreams, he may have had one dream that kept recurring. This resulted in the king becoming distresses because he did not understand the dream. His spirit was troubled and he couldn't sleep.

God can still use dreams to communicate His will if He choses, but this is not His usual approach. These days, God sends His Word, Holy Spirit, others, and circumstances to communicate His will.

Are we seeking God's will daily?

LET IT GO

Do we need to let go more of our will in order to follow Jesus better?

Even when other do not understand why we do what we do, we must be faithful to our Savior.

Then we will be blessed beyond all measure.

A Diet That Works

O. T. #1970  " A Diet That Works"

June 28, 2021

Daniel 1-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

It is good to be back home and with you. Unfortunately, I did not take my laptop with me, so I was not able to post any lessons while gone. Let's continue to find encouragement in the Psalm. We left off at 95:

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (verse 1)

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. (verse 2)

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (verse 3)

In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. (verse 4)

The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. (verse 5)

This past week we rented a large house on the Gulf. Daily while sitting on the covered deck, we would look out over such a huge body of water that only God could create. The waves would come and go, washing over us peace. The day before our arrival, a cyclone had come to the island, so the waves were extremely rough. The wind was so strong, we had to fight it as we unloaded everything. Eventually it settled down, but daily rain would pop up so we would wait it out. Then we could walk along the beach, swim, or hunt for shells. It was such a blessing to be able to watch the grandchildren play in the water and on the beach. What a blessing the water is and eyes to see it.

Do we stop and realize that God created the mountains, the seas, sand, people, and family? How often do we stop and give thanks?

LET IT GROW

Are you looking for a diet that works? I lost 40 pounds when I stopped eating sugary foods and carbs. Daniel and his friends found one that worked, too. Read on for the details. 

We left Daniel and his 3 friends living in a foreign land, Babylon. In verse 8, we read where Daniel determined in his heart not to defile himself with the king's meat nor the wine. so he made a request of the top dog, man in charge of the food, to only have vegetables and water. If at the end of 10 days they did not look healthier and better nourished than the others, the young men would eat the assigned food for them.

What were the results after the 10 day diet?

• They stood out in every aspect of knowledge and in the application of it.
• God blessed the faith of these 4 young men.
• Daniel was entrusted with the gifts of understanding dreams and visions.(verse 17)
• Even the king talked with those 4 and was impressed with their wisdom and judgment being 10 times better than his magicians and astrologers. (verse 20)

The Babylonians were trying to change the thinking of the Jews by giving them a Babylonian education, their loyalty by changing their names, and their lifestyle by changing their diet. Without compromising, Daniel found a way to live by God's standards in a culture that did not honor God. Daniel quickly thought of a practical, creative solution that saved his life and the lives of his companions. As God's people, we may adjust to our culture as long as we do not compromise God's laws. (Life Application Study Bible)

What a brain-washing the Babylonians tried on the Jews. Would we be faithful like Daniel to keep our commitments to God? These Jews passed their exam by the king, will we?

You know, God can use Christians in government jobs of influence for their faith. Are we ready to reject the world's way of doing things and honor God instead? He is ready to bless His people when they obey and trust in Him.

Don't know where these points came from, but they are written in my Bible beside chapter 1:

1. Don't give in, be resistant.
2. Don't give up, be consistent.
3. Don't give out, be persistent.

LET IT GO

God of wonders beyond our galaxy, the universe declares Your majesty, God Jehovah.

You alone are Lord of heaven and earth.

Father, You alone are holy. Praise to the Lord of heaven and earth.

Keep us strong in love and faith, sharing Your Truth-Jesus is Savior and the only way to heaven.

 

A Ten Day Diet

 O. T. #1969  "A Ten Day Diet "

June 23, 2021

Daniel 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

But the LORD is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge. (Psalm 94:22)

For the LORD will not cast off His people ; neither will He forsake His inheritance. (verse 14)

The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of Thy law.  (verses 11- 12)

Do we run to God when trouble hits? When we need defending, to whom do we go?

LET IT GO

I recall following the Nazarite diet when our church was building a new sanctuary. I was praying and fasting for the work to be continued and finished. ( I did not cut my hear, drink wine, and not touch dead bodies, as Samson followed it.) He honored it, and the building was completed without problems or arguments. Have you ever done that? Today's 4 guys did. Read on to find out the results.

God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. (verse 9) Apparently, they became good friends. Therefore, Daniel felt confident in making his request of not eating the king's meat and drinking his wine. (Perhaps the meat had been offered to idols, and Levitical law forbade Jews to eat it. (Exodus 34:15, Lev. 11)

Remember, Daniel had purposed in his heart to not to defile himself with the king's delicacies. The rich foods would not have been as nourishing as the menu Daniel proposed. He desired to take care of his body. No doubt Daniel used tat and a pleasing manner to make his request. He was a gentleman and did not demand his way. 

Daniel's request could have meant off with the head of the head eunuch. The request involved a ten-day trial with only eating vegetables and drinking water. It was certainly a skimpy, but wholesome diet, don't you think? Something I noticed, Daniel was not alone following this diet. His three friends must have joined him, for verse 12 says "us."

So the test was on: if the 4 lads appeared they were not weakened, then the guys could continue, but if not, then they would not do it. What was the end result after the 10 day diet?

They appeared healthier than all the young men who were eating the king's food. (verse 15) Round 1: Daniel and his friends won.

God honored their faithfulness. He blessed them and rewarded them for being true to their God, even in a pagan society. God stands ready to bless His people when they obey and trust Him. Sometimes we are challenged to reject the world's way and follow God's way, offering divine alternatives. 

Is our faith that strong? Will we meet the challenge of our faith head on? Is our allegiance to God or those around us?

LET IT GO

Follow God by faith and He will bless.

Stay true to our King Jesus, and He stays true to us.

What Have You Purposed in Your Heart to Not Do?

O. T. #1968  "What Have You Purposed in Your Heart to Not Do?"

June 22, 2021

Daniel 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

The LORD reigneth, He is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith He hath girded Himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: Thou art from everlasting. (Psalm 93:1-2)

Our God is a majestic King. We see the strength of Him in creation that He made and sustains. Our God is eternal and everlasting. That is why we call Him LORD, which means Self-Existent or Eternal. so no matter what happens to human rulers on earth, the throne in heaven is safe and secure. No matter what is happening around us, we can trust the God, looking by faith to the throne of grace above us and the Word of God before us. Truth is not found on tv or internet news, but in the Word. It still stand true.

Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh  Thine house, O LORD, for ever. (verse 5)

LET IT GROW

God sustained the remnant of Jewish captives in Babylon those 70 years. He used Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua the high priest, and prophet Haggai and Zechariah to labor, sacrifice, to complete the replaced Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra and Nehemiah also led Jews back to Judah. We have read about that earlier as we studied those books.

Verse 8 says, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

After Daniel determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king, he asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. (God had given this eunuch respect and affection for Daniel.) In other words, what was there not to like about Daniel?

this was Daniel's first opportunity to follow God in the midst of a pagan culture. He did not want to violate the law of Moses regarding the foods the Jews were not to eat. Exodus 34:15 said they were not to eat food offered to idols. Most important to Daniel was to obey God, not a pagan king. He knew that to make his life useful to God he must be obedient in all things. So Daniel refused to compromise what he knew God required of him.

Is our life making a significant difference of Kingdom work? Esther was strategically placed in a king's court at a crucial time when she could save the lives of God's people, and she came through. (Esther 4:13)

Will we be a Daniel or an Esther in our world, to this generation? What have we purposed in our heart to not do so we serve God faithfully? I for one will not drink liquor, nor commit adultery.

 

LET IT GO

In Jesus' name there is our sins are washed away; we are rescued, we are saved.

In Jesus' name there is freedom for the broken, beauty for the hopeless.

Are you resting in Jesus today?

How will we honor Him this day?

 

 

Strength and Vitality

O. T. #1967  "Strength and Vitality"

June 21, 2021

Daniel 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I am writing this ahead of time, for when you read this, I am enjoying being with all our children and grandchildren. (all 13 of us) It has been 2 years since we have seen our Rhode Isanders because of the pandemic. Please pray for our safety as it is supposed to be stormy all week. (But this grandma has games packed away to take and snacks to enjoy.) I know that it will be a time of rejoicing for us.

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High. To show forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. (Psalm 92:1-2)

For Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work: I will triumph in the works of Thy hands. (verse 4)

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. (verses 12-13)

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourish; To show that the LORD is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (verses 14-15)

Do we take time to recall the good past deeds that God has done in our lives? Do His works in our life cause us to rejoice? Are we publicly thanking and praising our Lord Jesus for His love and faithfulness to us? Is God really our rock?

The blessings of God should inspire His people to praise Him for who He is, thank Him for what He has done, and trust Him for what He will do.  (Tony Evans)

The cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 feet in height and up to 30 feet in circumference; thus, they were solid, strong, and immovable. The writer saw believers as upright, strong, productive, and unmoved by the winds of circumstance. Those who place their faith firmly in God can have this strength and vitality. (Life Application Study Bible)

Is our faith making us strong and full of vitality?

LET IT GROW

Last time, we read of the supreme world leader, Nebuchadnezzar, invaded Judah and Jerusalem. He took precious and valuable items from the Jewish Temple back to his land and placed them in the temple of the false god of Bel, also called Marduk. (verse 2)

Then the king of Babylon brought certain foreign captives to the king's palace for teaching them their language of the Chaldeans. What characteristics did those young men have? They were unblemished, well favored, skillful in all wisdom, cunning in knowledge, and understanding science. They were smart one, right?

The king had a plan for those chosen ones:

• Their academic program would include math, history, science, astronomy, and magic.
• Their provisions would include the king's meat, dainties, and wine that he had. (verse 5)
• They would learn the language of the Chaldeans.
• This would last for 3 years, they would come before the king.(verse 5)
• Their Hebrew names would be changed into the foreign name, by which we remember them-Daniel (Belteshaz'zar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego).

King Neb was trying to make those Hebrew guys and God-worshipers into pagan god worshipers. Look at the meanings of their Hebrew names and the new names:

• Daniel (God is my judge)-Belteshazzar (Bel, protect his life);
• Hananiah (the LORD shows grace)-Shadrach (under the command of Aku, the moon god);
• Mishael (Who is like God?)-Meshach (Who is like Aku?);
• Azariah (the LORD helps)-Abednego (servant of Nego/Nebo, god of learning and writing)

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

This is one way the king attempted to change the religious loyalty of these young men from Judah's God to the gods of Babylonia. As we read through this book, we realize that Daniel and his friends did not allow the outward circumstances or name forced upon them, to change the integrity of their hearts, for they served only one King and held only one worldview. There were times that they demonstrated such faith and loyalty to God.

Are we showing the world around us that we are a new creature in Christ? That we have a new name written down in glory? Are we showing them that a Christian life is different, loving and forgiving, faithful to God?

LET IT GO

Keep us near the heart of God today, Lord Jesus.

Keep us planted in Your house.

May we older folks continue to bear fruit of the Spirit for Your glory.

Staying Faithful

O. T. #1966   "Staying Faithful"

June 18, 2021

Daniel 1

LET IT GLOW

Here we are again in another prophetic book. Because if that, we hare continuing in Psalms for some assurance in these hard times.

Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)

Have we set our love upon God? Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? Did you notice that God promises to deliver and protect those who set their hearts on Him. Also, He will answer when we call upon Him. Jesus is our answer to all our problems. So we can count on God to rescue us when we need it and satisfy us with the full length of days ordained for us. Remember, Jesus is only a prayer away.

Romans 8:18 tells us that the sufferings of this present time are not worth to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Dear one, keep on keeping on, for the best is yet to come-heaven. It will be worth it after all.

LET IT GROW

We know that Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah in 605 BC. Daniel was among the first group of three to be deported to Babylon. (It thrills my heart to see teenagers faithful to God.) And Daniel was one. He was drafted to be a counselor to King Neb. To show his dominance, Neb took many of Jerusalem's most intelligent, gifted men, and most beautiful women as captives to Babylon. Neb had also defeated the Assyrian and their allies(who conquered the northern kingdom of Israel).

Now, Daniel was born during the middle of Josiah's reign as a good king of Judah. He probably heard Jeremiah since 9:2 quotes the prophet. Josiah was killed in battle in Egypt, and within only 4 years the southern kingdom returned to its evil ways. Then Josiah's son, Jehoahaz reigned for 3 months and his broth, Jehoiakim became king of Judah. This brings us up to the time when Daniel was taken to Babylon, during Jehoiakim's reign. (The last 4 kings of Judah were bad kings, leading Judah to turn to idolatry.) This is the reason for God sending Babylon to wipe out Jerusalem.

This early invasion of Neb resulted in taking back to Babylon:

• some vessels from the house of God, Solomon's Temple; (verse 2)
• some young men from the royal family;
• some from the nobility; (verse 3)

Neb took those objects and placed them in the treasury house of his god. Isaiah had prophesied that this would happen, some 100 years earlier. (Isaiah 39)

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Romans 13:1)

Daniel remained faithful to God, in spite of his surroundings. We will read about several tests for his character. Are we determined to stay faithful to God?

LET IT GO

Leave behind this world, trade them for the joy of the Lord Jesus.

Set my heart to love God.

Call upon Him in my times of trouble.

Oh what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful? Sing hallaleuh! Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.