This Ole’ World and One More

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

My Grandfather had a saying when going through a rough day. The saying was, “This ole’ world and one more”. After reading Daniel 12, I understand more what the saying meant. Even though life is not always pleasant now, we can look forward to a new life in a new world with God forever.

The time mentioned in today’s reading is the Tribulation. A time of worldwide hardships, disasters, famine, war, pain, and suffering before the Second Coming of Christ takes place. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt (v. 2).

Like Daniel, we cannot comprehend all of God’s ways. We go to Him in prayer and listen. We should respond to His directions when received. Keep in mind that there is a reward for those who honor God and promote His ways so that others are brought home to Christ.

This day with God will be amazing because we will be blessed and others will be blessed by you. Let us find comfort in the resurrection for there will be rest in heaven.

 

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Battle Tested

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Mark Shields

Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. – Daniel 11:33-35 

When we go through hard times, quality is built into our character. We are battle tested for what life brings our way and are ready to do what is needed. Even the best among us stumble at times. We don’t live in a perfect world and we all fall under the tremendous stresses and strains that this world produces. This video explains that there is a King of kings we should worship and follow: We All Fall Down – Chris Tomlin.



But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

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Events and Kings Revealed

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Mark Shields

Photo from Google Images

The messenger, very probably Christ reveals in Daniel 11 the events that will take place in Israel and the kings that will rule under Persian rule. Then a mighty king will conquer Persia (Alexander the Great) who will rule for a while with great power but eventually be broken apart and given to others (v. 3-4).

There will continue to be conflict between the north and the south. Israel will be invaded first by one power and then by another (vv. 5-20). Around verse 35, the chapter is describing events that will occur during the Tribulation period. During these times, even those who are in God’s Word will suffer but be able to stand under such chaos and pressure. They will be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end (v. 35).

God’s people have a responsibility during difficult times and that is to share God’s Word. For it is during difficult times that interest spikes for God’s help even among those who would’ve never thought to ask for His help. For it is in tough times, that character becomes battle tested for what life brings.

Lord, help us to apply what is taught in today’s reading. Help us to see how to fulfill Your purpose; being ready at all times to acknowledge Your sovereignty, admit that we need Your help, and that we listen to directions so it is Your will that is done.

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Poems Inspired by Daniel 9-10

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Mark Shields

After studying Daniel 9-10 this week, there were two poems inspired. Please check them out at the links below:

Removing Obstacles
The Journey

Starting Monday, the study heads into Daniel 11-12. Have a great weekend!

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He Touched Daniel and Touches Us Too

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Mark Shields

In April of 1970, the Apollo 13 crew was in a close call. In the movie depicting the event called “Apollo 13”, they were returning to earth when their control panel shorted out and everything went dark but they were able to see green algae from a ship’s wake on the ocean. They followed this path as they splashed into the ocean to safety.

In yesterday’s post, I wrote how God was showing Daniel the path of Israel and the distant future. It has been estimated that about a fourth of the Bible is prophecy. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are full of promises about the return of Jesus Christ.

The scene laid out in Daniel 10 is of a man that appears to Daniel in a dream. Those with Daniel did not see the man because the supernatural presence overwhelmed them with terror. Daniel received strength and peace when the man, very probably Christ touched him and spoke to him with encouragement. Here’s a video I found about being touched by Christ: He Touched Me – Gaither Vocal Band.

And,
     “But my righteous one will live by faith,
     And I take no pleasure
     In the one who shrinks back.”
But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed,
But to those who have faith and are saved. – Hebrews 10:38-39

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