Daniel and David both knew and understood God’s great mercy. They were aware not only from the law, but had experienced His mercy nature for themselves. They were both men given to prayer and quality time in His presence. Both had found great favor with the Lord because of their personal devotion to Him.

As we spend time before the Lord in prayer and humility, He affects our own nature and makes us more merciful. Mercy is welcoming, forgiving, loving, kind, generous, thoughtful, and tends to a warm softness of nature rather than a cold, edgy hardness of nature.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” [Matt. 5:7]

READ/LISTEN: Dan. 9,10

Daniel no doubt saw visions and had dreams about the times we are living in. Bible prophecy teachers have many interesting theories about these revelations. Ultimately, it will be revealed what God was trying to say. When events happen that prove the Word of God true, we simply rejoice at God’s great power over the earth and its inhabitants.

Whenever an eagle is mentioned, it may be referring to the U.S. in prophecy … just saying.

READ/LISTEN: Dan. 7,8

King Darius had given the highest position of leadership to Daniel which stirred jealousy in his subordinates. They combed his life and performance for weakness, but they could find NO CORRUPTION in him.

What a marvelous commendation to be placed upon a man. He performed his daily duties with such a high level of integrity that not one flaw was found in his demeanor.

The Spirit of Christ within us wants to lead us in a similar path. Surely we have a failed and come short, but obedience to God’s Spirit and the energy of His grace will enable us to attain the highest levels of integrity possible. God sanctifies us by His Holy Spirit because of our faith in Christ Jesus. [Acts 26:18; Heb. 10:10]

READ/LISTEN: Dan. 5,6

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. They bowed to no one but God. For their perceived resistance, they were thrown into the fiery furnace to a certain death.

God vindicated them.by miraculously preserving their lives … even manifesting His presence by appearing as the pre-incarnate Christ in the fire with them.

When the idolatrous pressures of life taunt us, we have this example of God’s keeping power. What are you tempted to bow down to?

READ/LISTEN: Dan. 3,4

In Daniel, chapter one, we see that he and his friends, young wise men led into captivity, were used to a diet that excluded meat. They were sharper mentally and healthier to look at than the other young men who ate the King’s fare of meat and wine in a ten-day test.

One sees that the vegetarian diet has great merit.

Bring on the veggies!

READ/LISTEN: Daniel 1,2

Ezekiel saw God’s River of Life flowing out of the temple, and everything it touched received life.

Churches, homes, schools, businesses, countries … whenever God’s River of Life is present, good things happen. It’s a supernatural existence. It’s as simple as putting God first in every decision, and praying about everything, and appropriating His Word to each situation.

This, I believe, is the reason for the success of Trinity Christian School.

READ/LISTEN: Ez. 47,48

The temple Ezekiel saw has not yet been built. When is it to be built? It’s possible that it will be for the millenium, Christ’s 1000 year reign. Some scholars call it the “Millennial Temple.”

Also noted is that a lengthy portion of scripture is given to its description. Is God wasting His breath? Surely not.

Regardless, its clear that the Lord wants and deserves ongoing worship. Since Christ did away with animal sacrifices once and for all, we offer our praise, our worship, and out lives as a sacrifice.

READ/LISTEN: Ez. 45,46

God showed Ezekiel that the entire temple area was to be holy to the Lord. Great detail was also given to the requirements placed upon the priesthood to maintain God’s holiness as they ministered unto Him.

We know all have sinned and come short of God’s glory … and that Christ has made us clean/holy and that we can boldly come to Him to offer our sacrifice of praise.

As priests and kings unto the Lord, we are called to live holy lives daily before Him. We accomplish this ONLY through faith in Christ. Paul said, the life I now live in the flesh, I live BY THE FAITH of the Son of God Who loved me and gave Himself for me.” [Gal. 2:20b]

READ/LISTEN: Ez. 42-44

Ezekiel was visited in a vision by a bronze man who showed him the details of the temple of God. Thorough attention was given to every measurement of the temple and its adjoining property. As glorious and impressive as it was, God’s true masterpiece was man whose heart and life was to be the true temple where the Lord desires to dwell.

The Psalmist said we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Paul said, “Know ye not ye are the temple of the Holy Ghost?”

John, the Revelator, said, “I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” [Rev. 21:3]

READ/LISTEN: Ez. 40,41

Ezekiel predicted a consummate battle to be fought in the great valley of Israel whereby a vast army of oppressors will attack God’s nation of Israel. In that day, God will call upon His weapons … plague, bloodshed, torrents of rain, hailstones, and burning sulfur. His great anger will be exposed that all might finally know the power of His Great Name.

When we see society cutting against God’s ways, even ridiculing the way of life Christ has called us to, we can take courage that it does not go unnoticed by God. These are merely indications of the lateness of the eternal timetable, and that we should be more focused on fulfilling the Great Commission.

READ/LISTEN: Ez. 38,39