December 28 – Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding

“Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.” – Daniel 2:20-21 (NASB)

As we continue seeking and finding promises from God in each book of the Bible, we come to Daniel. Daniel was one of the young men who were taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. One night the king of Babylon had a disturbing dream he couldn’t remember. His own council of wise men failed to tell him the dream or its meaning. Daniel was called upon for the task. God revealed to Daniel both the king’s dream and its meaning. Daniel didn’t claim any credit for he believed in God in heaven could reveal this mystery (Daniel 2:28). We find a promise for all and all time in these words by Daniel to the king. God is absolutely sovereign over all people and all things. We sometimes hear “times have changed” as an excuse for our thought and behavior.  Yes times change but God never changes nor does His Word. When times change it is God who allows them to be changed or changes them. All wisdom, knowledge, and understanding comes from our Lord God. God removes and sets up the world leaders, even those who despise God. Nothing that is has ever surprised God.

 

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January 3 –When Resolutions Matter

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” ..."At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food.” – Daniel 1:8, 15 (ESV

In this passage Daniel made a resolution of great importance. It required wisdom and character to stick to it. It’s a great story and worth reading. Daniel and three re-named friends* were in the first group of exiles taken by Nebuchadnezzar from Jerusalem to Babylon in 605 B.C. These men were very young and likely 14-18 years old. The king of Babylon wanted the best and he wanted them made ready for court. They were served the best of all food and drink which were against the Law of God. Daniel was devoted to God and he was frequently tested. This was the first test. It is the best time to establish the boundaries of what you will stand for, what you will and will not do. Daniel, seeking to keep his resolutions and the Law, asks for consideration from those over him. He and his three friends are tested for ten days eating a diet of vegetables and only drinking water by their own request. The test proved that their way was better. Avoiding the restricted foods and drink, They proved their faithfulness. When our faithfulness is tested God will help us maintain our faithfulness to Him.  

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* Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego. Daniel 1:6-7

But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, Daniel 1:11

The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they bentered the king’s personal service. Daniel 1:19

January 14 – Walk Safely Through Trials

“He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!”” Daniel 3:25 (NASB)

IT was none other than the Son of God. That Great Shepherd of the sheep saw three of His faithful servants in peril, and He came from His Father’s presence where He was to be with them in it. He had been watching that terrible attempt to burn the faithful. His tender pitying eye saw that they were condemned to death because of their loyalty to Him. With one great leap He sprang from the Father’s presence, from His palace in glory, right down into the fiery furnace. He was by their side before the heat of the fire could come near unto them. Jesus was with His servants as the flames wrapped around them. He would not allow a single hair of their heads to be singed. They were not scorched; not even the smell of fire was upon them. We can almost hear them chanting the promise God had given through Isaiah: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. (Isaiah 43:2 NASB)  

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Thanks in part to: A Living Daily Message From the Words of D. L. Moody selected by Emma Moody Fitt; Copyright 1900 by Fleming H. Revell Company, now in public domain.

March 22 - Trust, A Perfect Plan

“The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.”  - Daniel 6:23 (NLT)
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.”  Daniel 3:17 (NLT)

Our promises from God in our verses today are found through the trust four people had in God’s provision and protection, even when faced with certain death.  Whether the dangers we face are extreme or simple, they can stir up fear in our hearts.  Just not knowing about our future well-being can be disturbing as many are experiencing these days. But Daniel survived the false accusations which led to a sentence of execution by lions.  He came out unscathed because Daniel  had trusted in his God.  The three, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told the king who was about to toss them into a furnace of fire that they would not bow to his image. They were even ready and trusting God if He had other plans. But God saved them.  This is our God.  He promises to protect us also and to deliver us from danger and threats.  Do not fear the outcome of what is happening in the world today.  God really does have you and all who believe under His protection.  Our outcome is in His perfect wisdom and plan. 

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October 26 – As He Will

“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”  Daniel 4:35 (NASB)

The words in this verse are the words spoken  by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.  God had fulfilled the prophecy He sent in a dream and King Nebuchadnezzar, the most  powerful person in the world at that time, was driven mad and away from his kingdom.  He lived like an animal until He came to the understanding expressed in these words.  Our promise is that no one on earth is above God.  In comparison, we account for nothing.  God does as He will and no one can question Him. Our God is a great God! He is sovereign in His dealings with all of us. God has always had His purposes in mind as he has dealt with His people. He has a purpose for you and for me. Sometimes He reveals why He deals in a certain way. We need to recognize that He works for our welfare and in love because He is a God of love.

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September 28 – Insightfulness and Wisdom

“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 (ESV)

We may not fully understand all that these words mean, but they do convey an impression that is meaningful.  Those who are wise are those who have true insight by faith in God's Word.  This does not apply only to robed leaders and skillful preachers but to others, to us.  The Promise here is that those who trust the Lord and follow Him closely have a bright and glorious future.  Included in this is the work of proclaiming the righteousness of God so that others may be persuaded to believe.  We know that our God is a God of Glory.  Heaven is a glorious place and God is planning to share that glory with us if we continue following Him and doing His will here on earth. God will know it and will share His glory with us and we will become like stars reflecting the glory of God.  The faithfulness of our witness will determine our eternal capacity to reflect God's Glory.  Be wise in God's promises today. 

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October 6 – Cost of Pride

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”  Daniel 4:37 (NASB)

Today we consider words of praise to Almighty God which were offered up and spoken not by a prophet or psalmist but by the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar.  He had conquered the Nation of Judah and Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and the city wall.  He had taken captive most of the people and brought them to Babylon.  His story is in the Book of Daniel where in the fourth chapter, we read how God judged the proud king and humbled him by forcing him to live wild and alone for seven years.  These words of praise came from Nebuchadnezzar at the end of his punishment.  We believe the same about God that the king came to believe.  God's words are true and His ways are just.  God deserves praise and we are happy to exalt and honor the King of heaven.  Our promise is a warning too.  God is able to humble the proud.  Let's praise God and honor Him today as we recognize him as King of heaven.  

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October 26 – Wisdom and Power

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:20-21 (NIV)

These words come from a short song in the second chapter of Daniel. The God of Daniel is also our God. He has not changed. He is still the all powerful God who is in control of things in this world. We are so glad that God has revealed Himself to us in the Bible. As He answered a special prayer of Daniel and his friends so He will answer our prayers too. As he did for them He will reveal His wisdom and power to us when we call on His name for special help. Daniel called on God for help many times during his life in Babylon. God answered each time giving him the knowledge and discernment he needed. God will do the same for us if we will call on him with faith like Daniel's.

September 29 – Strength and Courage

“And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”” Daniel 10:19 (ESV)

Although Daniel had lived almost all his life away from his home in Jerusalem, he had served God as His prophet. In this verse today we read what a messenger from God to Daniel had to say when he delivered God's message. When Daniel heard it he was strengthened. God sends us messages too. Perhaps not by an angel appearing to us but through His Word the Bible. We also received messages when we hear others teach and preach the Word of God. We can hear the message and recognize that God is speaking to us and we find encouragement and strength. When God truly speaks, what He speaks is truth. Today, if we will listen, we too can be strengthened through hearing God's messages to us.

August 11 – Be Strong Now

““Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”” Daniel 10:19 (NIV)

Since he was in his mid-teens, Daniel had been an exile in Babylon - almost all his life. In these words, the prophet is replying to a message from God. We are reminded of what happens when the Word of God comes to us. God spoke to Daniel through an angel. That may not happen to us but He has given us His Word in the Bible. When we recognize the Lord speaking to us through His Word we can sense that it strengthens us.  So when we feel the need of spiritual strength we can find it in God's Word as he gave it to us.  This makes us eager to have him continue speaking to us. We too can say as Daniel did, “Speak my lord.”

October 6

“He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?””  Daniel 4:35 (NIV)

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon is speaking after God had taught him a powerful lesson about Himself. The king had learned a lesson we all need to learn. Our God is a great God! He is sovereign in His dealings with all of us. God has always had His purposes in mind as he has dealt with His people. He has a purpose for you and for me. Sometimes He reveals why He deals in a certain way. We need to recognize that He works for our welfare and in love because He is a God of love.

September 28

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 (NIV)

We may not fully understand all that these words mean, but they do convey an impression that is meaningful. They tell us that those who trust the Lord and follow Him closely have a glorious future. We knew that our God is a God of glory. Heaven is a glorious place and God is planning to share that glory with us if we continue on following Him and doing His will here on earth. Others around us will be affected. God will know it and will share His glory with us.