The Discipline of Daniel

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Mark Shields

Daniel writes from captivity in Babylon. The book is a companion to the book of Revelation which teaches the sovereignty of God over all nations and people.

Reading in Daniel 1, the king of Babylon named Nebuchadnezzar overtakes Jerusalem. He removes the articles from the Temple of God. He also orders his officials to bring some Israelites from the Royal family; young men showing aptitude for learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace (v. 4). These young men would be given food and wine from the king’s table. They would also be entered into special training for three years in preparation to serve the king.

They would be fed from the royal table but Daniel didn’t want to break God’s law by eating the royal food and wine because he knew God would not approve (v. 8). He asked if they could just have vegetables and water. So the official agreed to let Daniel and his companions try this for ten days. After that time period, they were healthier than those who had eaten the king’s food so the official agreed to let them eat vegetables instead of the rich food and wine (v. 16).

Daniel and his friends learned all they could in order to do their work with excellence. At the end of three years of study, the king gave them positions in the royal court as advisors (vv. 18-19).

A few lessons were learned in this reading. It’s important to be strong in the knowledge of the Lord and be faithful because you never know what situation in life you will get into. We all face pressure to fit in today but if we keep God’s standards for living, then good things happen. Following His way keeps the body and mind healthy. Daniel along with his friends demonstrated self disciplined and ate only the foods permitted by God. Daniel’ s faithfulness and discipline made his body healthy and his mind grew in knowledge; studying literature and science and being able to understand visions or dreams so he could give advice to the king.

This day with God, let us be lead to the cross and remember what has been done on the cross. Let this inspire us to be disciplined so we don’t give in to what everyone else is doing but like Daniel, keep doing what God wants.

Image from Google Images

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Questions for Reflection – Study of Daniel

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Mark Shields

From the study of Jude last week, a take away for me is that we should accept the love of God through His Son and Glorify Him by returning our love through how we live; encouraging each other and lifting our brothers and sisters up.

We live in a world where there is ungodliness all around us. There’s a lot of dirt out there. How should we respond?  One idea is to offer words of respect and kindness which tend to “fertilize” this dirt. Next, we can plant some seeds by applying our faith with joy and hope. Then, we can let God take over with His cleansing rain and Sonshine.

The plan now is to post some thoughts as I spend some time in the first twelve chapters of the book of Daniel. As author of this book, Daniel writes from a place of ungodliness yet becomes a leading statesman; known for his wisdom and his obedience to God.  Over the upcoming weeks, I will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo from Google Images

Daniel 1
What type of young men does Nebuchadnezzar want? What is Daniel’s dilemma? How would the food defile him? What do you risk in demonstrating your faith?

Daniel 2
What was the cause of Nebuchadnezzar’s insomnia? How does he regard his wise men? Think of some situations in which you should prayerfully take the initiative. Are you praying for a miracle?

Daniel 3
What is Nebuchadnezzar’s national decree? What do Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego make clear to Nebuchadnezzar? How does the king react? The young men remained committed and were delivered by God from death. In what ways can others see God acting in your life?

Daniel 4
What is Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream? How is he described? In what ways and areas of life are you proud?

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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Life with God – Sermon Message 01/26/2014

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Mark Shields
Photo from Google Images

All of us matter and what is within us is what changes the world. Last weekend, during the sermon message at the church I attend, we saw a short video about making a difference called the “Starfish Story”. The short movie was about a man who sees a young boy throwing starfish back into the ocean. They had been washed ashore and would die if not returned to the water. Then the man tells the youth that the beaches were full of starfish and that he couldn’t possibly make a difference. The youth bent down and threw another one into the ocean and said, “I made a difference for that one”.

It’s the same with how we can make a difference in the lives of people. It may seem hopeless but one act of kindness, one encouraging statement, or one smile can make a difference. It may be to a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, or even an unfamiliar face. Just like the boy with the starfish, our attention to helping one person at a time makes a significant difference.

Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “Life with God”.  Pastor Steve brought the message to us 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.

Jesus Called People to Master Servant hood
God is always present to provide the power when we serve others. Jesus was brought up in a troubled time when they were under Roman rule. His parents didn’t have much yet as Philip says in John 1:45, Jesus became the very person Moses and the Prophets wrote about.

Servant hood Leads to Greatness in Living
There may not be a lot of fame or riches that come with being a servant, but in God’s eyes there is greatness which is rewarded in eternal riches with Him.

Serving Builds a Life with God in a Community
While on earth, Jesus performed many miracles and served those in need. In John 9:5, He described himself as the “Light of the World”. In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus taught His followers that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus started a movement that changed everything because everyone who believes is empowered to serve.

This Community Redefines Greatness
John the Baptist says in John 3:26, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” Things changed when Jesus came and He redefined greatness. In our own communities, the message should not be about us but who Christ is. If we can get the message out that being a servant like Jesus is greatness, then we are fulfilling our purpose.

Our Example Came as One Who Serves
Jesus came as the one who serves as explained to us in Luke 22:27. A new plan to greatness was set before us and it is a plan that matters as the universal church makes a difference one person at a time; working together to shine the light.

This weekend,  the message will be “The Divine God”. 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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The Word Keeps Us Upright

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Mark Shields

As we all walk this journey called life, some may slip occasionally. How do we react when someone slips? 

Take a look at this short video of penguins walking on slippery ice: Penguins do something awesomely human. 

Did you see and hear what happened? One penguin slips and the others make a penguin noise which could be a laugh or a word of encouragement and then the penguin gets back up and they keep walking.

There’s a lesson from this example to help us walk in faith. If a follower slips, we need to make some kind-hearted noise to help them get back up. We also need to make sure the leader is leading in the right direction. If they get off track, the followers need to make some noise to hold them accountable.

This world in which we live can get slippery at times but God’s Word is always there to guide and keep us upright. 

Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. – Job 4:4

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Heed the Warning Signs of False Teachers

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Mark Shields

Reading in Jude 8-25, the false teachers are compared to Cain who was a murderer, to Balaam who was materialistic, and Korah who rebelled against divinely appointed leaders. We live in a world where there is ungodliness all around us and there is a need to heed the warning signs of false teachers.

I’m from the central Texas area and there are certain times of the year when there is a chance for strong thunderstorms. In the spring of the year, the cool air mixes with the warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and creates conditions that prompt tornados. In 1953, a tornado destroyed the downtown area in which I live. The church which I now attend was so severely damaged that First United Methodist of Waco built a new structure a few miles from downtown.

We must heed the warnings as we go through life. Much like the warnings we get in weather reports. The best way to be protected from false teachers that may take advantage of us is to study God’s Word so we can reconcile what they say against God’s Word.

This day with God, let us ask for the ability to understand His Word so that if some mislead, we are able to tactfully disagree. Let us respect our Creator who made this universe with over 100 billion galaxies and each galaxy having billions of stars. Let’s be able to point out warning signs when conditions are ripe for false teaching. Let us be prepared so we can have confidence that our future is secure.

Photo Credit – Google Images


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