” Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.*

As you know, I’ve been dealing with belly aches for a month. Yesterday. I had a gall bladder attack. I find myself now in room 810 at the Newnan Piedmont hospital, awaiting gallbladder removal surgery. Tomorrow around noon. your prayers will be greatly appreciated. thank you for your faith with this and patience with me as I endure my afflection journey in life. I love you, Can’t wait to get back on a regular (retirement) schedule.

Dan. 11, 12 [The Message]

Chapter 11 essentially gives us a historical overview of the accomplishment of Alexander the Great of Greece. (the King of the North) King Xerxes’ forces were defeated at a great battle at the site of the village where my Greek ancestors are from. (The Battle of Plataea)

Chapter 12 contains some of the Bible’s chestnuts for scripture memory. For instance …

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. v.3.

It takes time for God’s plan to unfold, but His rewards and benefits are WORTH the waiting.

Thank you for being patient with me. I have been ill, causing me to miss some some days. I’m better but not out of the woods. I may need to have my gall bladder removed.

Dan. 8-10. [The Message]

To Daniel was given great and profound insight nto the end times. He responded by interceding for God’s people so that they could repent of their evil ways and enter into God’s blessings. It should be no different TODAY.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14

Dan. 7 [The Message]

Rarely do preachers use Daniel 7 for their text. There is much symbolism and difficult to understand illustrations that have proven many Bible teachers wrong. There is, however, an easy to understand end to all of his vision … we win.

Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him. [Dan. 7:27 NIV]

Dan. 6 [The Message]

Our enemy, the devil, will stop at nothing to get us to cease our prayers.

Daniel was threatened with being thrown into a den of ravenous lions if he continued his daily ritual of praying to God in Heaven. It did not deter him. Consequently, he WAS thrown into the lion’s den but God had his angels keep the mouths of the lions shut.

What’s the message? … never stop your daily ritual of praying to God. This story also indicates how greatly the enemy is opposed to our prayers.

Pray without ceasing. [1 Thess. 5:17]

Dan. 5 [Te Message]

It’s funny, I don’t see or hear any news outlets sharing the Christian viewpoint on elections. (No doubt the Christian networks probably do) Little does the secular media realize that GOD IN HEAVEN raises one leader and sets others down. Such was the fate of Belshazzar of Babylon. God brought him down in one night and placed authority in an entirely different kingdom.

If God can use a disembodied hand writing on the wall of the palace, you can be sure He’s communicating to leaders about their sin.

Dan. 4 [The Message]

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree that got chopped down makes the point …. you may think YOU are great and have the world in control. But, there is a God in Heaven that can bring you down in moments and show everyone that even world-ruling leaders are subject to His control.

This is why I don’t let myself get all worked up about the political ups and downs of our country. All of these men and women are on a leash and they will answer to God for their antics.

Vote, yes … but above all PRAY.

Dan. 3 [The Message]

When God rescued the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace, we have clear lessons on worship. They refused to bow down to the great image the king had constructed. Their penalty was to be cast into a fire stoked seven times hotter than normal. God protected them and visited them IN THE FIRE with One Who looked like the Son of a God … hmmmm, wonder Who.

When you get thrown into challenging situations and are tempted to go the way of the world, DON’T GIVE IN AND BOW DOWN. You will get through it and you’ll find ropes of bondage are burned off.

Daniel 2. [The Messsge]

In Nebuchadnezar’s dream he saw an image that represented multiple
dynasties in the earth. While rulers were building and losing their kingdoms, God was building his own Kingdom, not of bricks and mortar but of the lives of those who become His children through faith in Jesus Christ.

Our Father … Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.

Daniel 2. [The Message]

If God knew the kings dream, then He surely knows every thought we think. This is reason enough to seek purity of heart. We are wise to pray, “Let Your Kingdom come” in our thought-life as well as our actions. Blessed are the pure of heart. They shall see God.