Saturday, November 30, 2013

There IS Victory at the End

Daniel 7

Inspired thots

It took me 2 days to complete this chapter as I was 'alarmed' at the first part where Daniel described his vision. The description is explicit enough to be of grave concern for deep understanding is required to appreciate the impact. 

Praise God for the equally explicit explanation of Daniel's vision that removes the anxious thoughts! How great is God who knows the frailty of men. There is ALWAYS good news at the end; victory is in stored as we persevere to the end. Help us Lord. Come, Ancient of Days!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Consistency in Godly Lifestyle

Daniel 6

Inspired thots

Daniel was unperturbed with the conspiracy that rose against him; he excelled in whatever he did because he did it in honor of God. Hence, the favor of man was on him because the favor of God was upon him. He was consistent in his godly lifestyle. Thus, he prayed to God as usual despite the king's interdict of no petition to any god or man for 30 days.

Our God is much higher than any other; His laws and decrees should be obeyed instead of new changes made by men. Even king Darius was upset that Daniel was snared into the trap but fasted for him as Daniel spent the night with the lions.

What an amazing impact on a non-believer! A consistent godly lifestyle is a great testimony to others in the knowledge of God. There may not be a conversion but there WAS a CONVICTION!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Honoring God

Daniel 5

Inspired thots

God is the ONE who blesses us with EVERYTHING. How important to give thanks to Him in all our lives. Pride indeed comes before a fall as with king Belshazzar who angered God in not honoring Him by praising other gods that do not see or hear or know anything.

One can enjoy the wealth God has blessed but should not defile self as god in our way of life. Do not defile the things of God for He would execute judgment on those who are proud with self wisdom.

Fear God and honor Him alone in life to enjoy His favor.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Acknowledging God's Power in Praise & Thanksgiving

Daniel 4

Inspired thots

Another dream; another interpretation by Daniel. Heard but soon forgotten by the king; hence, the fulfillment of the prophecy. How important to remember what God says to keep one from being proud and self-sufficient.

King Nebuchadnezzar was perplexed by his dream until Daniel interpreted. But how quickly he forgets the warning. How true for humans to forget God's words of warning! We want only blessings but forget to walk uprightly and humbly before God to enjoy His best for us.

Have mercy on us, O Lord! Guide us, Holy Spirit in reminding us of God's ways. Empower us to obey Almighty God at all times! Amen.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Full Confidence in God through Complete Obedience

Daniel 3

Inspired thots

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were caught in defying the king's edict of worshiping the king's idol at the sound of any instrument because they were firm in their faith to worship only God. There would be troublemakers who would try to gain a foot by pulling others down.

God's people can get into serious trouble with the world but God is in full control; He will not allow anything to happen to His people without His consent. He is able to deliver if He desires especially when His name is at stake. God's people must continue to live in full confidence in Him with total obedience regardless of the outcome.

When God chooses to act, there is strong testimony.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

A Good Testimony

Daniel 2

Inspired thots

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream; and in his own wisdom, he did not make it known to his magicians. He demanded that THEY reveal his dream AND its interpretation. That would really test their magical abilities. When the king threatened to kill all the 'so called wise men' in the land, Daniel heard and commit the matter to God.

Lesson: How important to BE ALERT to the CURRENT TIMES to be a USEFUL VESSEL for God.

Daniel's apt intercession brought him favor with God and man (the king). He requested his friends to intercede with him to God for revelation. God revealed it to Daniel in a dream at night. Daniel revealed and interpreted the dream to the king who acknowledged Daniel's powerful God.

Lesson: A good testimony points the audience to Jesus as they acknowledge His work in their lives.

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Favor of God Brings Favor of Man

Daniel 1

Inspired thots

How inspirational that God is concern with His young people to be built up after Him. They may be in exile but great opportunities await those who desire to please the Lord just like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They chose to eat well instead of indulging in rich foods and wine; God blest them with favor.

Favor with God brings on the favor with man.

I pray verse 4 for my youth daughters, E and P, that they will be 'youths without blemish, beautiful (handsome) and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to serve the king (of kings)' ~ Jesus.