Receiving Peace and Strength

The Word tells us that Daniel had been mourning for three weeks when he received the vision as explained in Daniel 10. Daniel was an older man at this point; around the age of eighty and had been fasting and praying for three weeks trying to determine the destiny of his people. He sees a man, very probably Christ while standing on the banks of the Tigris River. The men with him did not see the vision but terror overwhelmed them because of the supernatural presence. They were so afraid that they fled but Daniel stayed and received peace and strength.

Those with little faith go through life in little groups with small thoughts and few ideas, arrogantly resisting all changes which would jar their little worlds. But Daniel with much faith stood up even though weak and trembling (v. 10). He listened to the voice of God so he could share with others the big plans that God had in store for the future.

The man in Daniel’s presence had a body like chrysolite, a face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches, arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and a voice like the sound of the multitude. He told Daniel to not be afraid; his prayers had been heard because he had set his mind to gain understanding and humbled himself before God. The man told Daniel that He had come in response to his prayer.

Photo from Google Images

Daniel received strength and peace when the man, very probably Christ touched him and spoke to him with encouragement (v 19). When our lives are broken, God can take the pieces and put them back together to make something amazing. This day with God, every doubt or fear can be replaced with a deep abiding trust in Him.

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Following the Pattern

When a person does embroidery they follow a pattern. If you look from the bottom, it looks like a mess but from the top, you can follow the pattern and it makes sense. God has laid out the pattern for us. I found a video about doing everything to follow God’s pattern: Do Everything – Steven Curtis Chapman.
 


Tell the story of grace in everything you do and what seems like a jumbled mess will someday look like something beautiful.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

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Seeking Help through Prayer

From Google Images

In Daniel 9, a prayer is offered by Daniel who had been studying and learning that the desolation of Jerusalem would last for seventy years which was soon approaching. This prayer was to plead with the Lord after admitting the wrong the people of Judah had done. They had been unfaithful; refusing to obey God’s laws which resulted in judgment upon them. Their homeland had been destroyed and they had been exiled to Babylon for all these years.

While Daniel is praying, Gabriel appeared to give insight and understanding about Israel’s future in which foretold was six things that would occur over the next 490 years.

  1. The rebellion against God will be finished
  2. Sin will be put away during the Messiah’s reign
  3. Atonement will be made based on sacrifice
  4. A righteous government will be established under the Messiah
  5. All prophecies will be fulfilled
  6. Messiah’s reign will be inaugurated with righteousness 

Many like to complain and go around obstacles instead of removing them for others who are coming right behind them. Daniel saw the obstacle and shows initiative by seeking God’s help through prayer to remove it.

Like Daniel, we should initiate our prayers to God with a mind-set of openness and honesty; asking for His wisdom, understanding, and guidance. This day with God, let us get ready for the challenge of this day by going to the ONE who removes obstacles and passionately stirring each other up to boldly step ahead. 

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Questions for Reflection – Study of Daniel 9-12

This past week, I wrote of my study in Daniel 5-8 and there are also two poems this study has inspired.  Please check them out at these links below:

Fulfilling Your Destiny
Rock Solid Thinking

The plan now is to post some thoughts as I spend some time in Daniel 9-12. Over the next two weeks, I will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo from Google Images

Daniel 9
What is Daniel doing that seems to initiate his prayers? What brings God’s judgment and wrath? As a Christian, how do you seek God’s wisdom, understanding and guidance?

Daniel 10
What is Daniel doing when he has this vision? Why are Daniel’s words heard? How does the prophet receive peace and strength?

Daniel 11
What is revealed to Daniel? Who is revealing these things (See 10:15-17)? Who will be able to stand under such chaos and pressure? Why do God’s people have to suffer? What is their responsibility during such times?

Daniel 12
Describe the time mentioned. Can you comprehend all of God’s ways? How should you respond to what God has told or shown you?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ. 

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

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With All of Me – Sermon Message 02/23/2014

The message last Sunday at the church I attend is that God wants each of us to use our individual strengths and to blend these strengths together into one unit. The message was titled “With All of Me”.

Photo from Google Images

What was established as the church by early Christians has impacted the world in so many ways. Consider all the schools and hospitals that churches have established. Think of how churches are involved when there is a disaster. Pastor Steve brought the message with some great points in bold print below. In blue print below each point are some notes and thoughts written after listening or reflecting on the message.

Commit Wholeheartedly
It is important to determine what your passion is and go all in when serving in a ministry.

Rehearse What You Believe
The Bible says in Hebrews 10:32 to remember the early days when you first learned about Christ. We need to remember those days along our path when we have felt God’s presence.

Remember What God has Done
Some things in life we know would not have happened if God was not present. David tells us in 1 Chronicles 16:12 to remember the miracles of God, His wonders, and His decisions. When we see amazing things happen, mark that moment in your mind so you will be able to share with others. 

Live with Grace
Paul tells us in Colossians 3:13 that we must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends us. Remember, the Lord has forgiven each of us so we should forgive others. 

Live in Relationship
Our church started giving out wrist bracelets several years ago with “God is Big Enough” inscribed on them. Here’s a link: God is Big Enough. As we go throughout our day, seeing this on our wrist reminds us that God is with us to take on difficulty or keep our frustrations in check. 

When we know God is with us, we gain courage to take on challenges that make a difference in the world.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God.” – Isaiah 43:2-3

Most of us would not even attempt some challenges if we didn’t think God was with us. 

Be Sure of God
Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure that God, Who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

Moses did God’s good work and led people to the Promised Land. Although King David had some faults, he did God’s good work in his life as a great warrior, musician, poet, and writer of many of psalms.

Jesus fulfilled His purpose on the cross and because of Him, those who believe In Him are never the same. All of us can find our passion and do good works for His glory if we work together and accept God’s help.

This was the last message in the sermon series “With God”. The Lenten sermon series, “The Way” begins On March 9th. If you are not able to attend your local church service (traveling, health condition, weather, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast where you can listen or watch each sermon message.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mark

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