Daniel 1 [The Message]

After being evaluated by the king’s staff, Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were found to be far superior to the other young eunuchs being groomed for the king’s service. It was, no doubt, due to many things in addition to the healthy diet they preferred.

Christian youth today have great potential to excel in all areas of life.

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness. And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [2 Pet. 1:4-7]

Dan. 1 [The Message]

Daniel determined that he would not defile himself by eating the king’s food and drinking the king’s wine. No doubt, it was great food and the very best wine. Quality is not always what it’s cracked up to be. He rather preferred to eat vegetables and drink water etc. He became healthy and had a glow that was noticeable.

Do you want to glow with health? Maybe some quality decisions are in order.

Ez. 47, 48; Daniel 1

NOTE: When you don’t receive one of my morning devos, it’s because I had a bad night. Please say a prayer for me. Thanks. -Dean

Daniel was “Gifted by God.” 

One of my greatest joys when working at Trinity Christian School was observing the gift of God in students. Some can sing, some can do math, some can act or play an instrument, some can run faster and jump higher. You get my drift. Now, what they do with the gift is up to them. This is where parents and mentors come in. First we identify the gift, wisely tell them about it, and then groom and protect it.

Parents, if they are strong willed and abrasive, don’t give up. God my be grooming them to lead an army or become a successful trial attorney. Maybe they will have children JUST LIKE THEM and reap what they’ve sown.

Ez. 46 [The Message]

You probably know by now that I believe in morning devotions. It’s the clearest way to “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.” Anyway, the worshipers in Ezekiel’s temple were instructed to bring their offerings IN THE MORNING.

Giving God your day greatly reduces the chance of misfortunes happening. The act of committing the day to Him is like turning on your spirit’s GPS device for trip directions. He will speak to you all day long, giving specific directions on how to handle life.

Who couldn’t use that?

Ez. 45 [The Message]

God has ALWAYS provided for the Dean Demos family. Since I have always been employed by either a church or a Christian ministry, my salaries have been conservative. Nevertheless, we have always lived way above our income. This is a testimony to God’s ability to provide for a family who endeavors to put Him first.

My mentor, Pastor Moses Vegh, used to say, “Every move in God is a promotion.” I have truly proven that to be accurate.

Ez. 44 [The Message]

Zadok was a prominent priest in the rule of David, and pressed to have David restored to return to Jerusalem after the Absalom mutiny. He anointed Solomon king and was the first high priest in Solomon’s temple. His name was synonymous with faithfulness and integrity in the priesthood.

The Sons of Zadok had the distinction of being the ONLY priests in Ezekiel’s temple who could come into the Holy Place and minister to the Lord. They are a type of the New Testament priesthood who want to bypass the empty religious pomp and truly SEE JESUS when they worship. He was their inheritance! He was their reward. He was all they wanted.

Ez.41-13 [The Message]

When I get to Heaven I’m gonna ask about the meaning of this temple.

Significant is that the prophet says it will be the Lord’s throne forever. I don’t know enough about Heaven to compare this with John’s revelation of the Eternal City, but in some way there must be a synthesis of these visions. Regardless, OUR HEARTS are the throne we know He rests upon forever. I’ll go with that for the time being.

NOTE: I’m sorry I’ve missed a couple of days. We have had illness that has been rough during the nights. Hopefully, I’m on the mend.

Ez. 40 [The Message]

1 Cor. 3:16 tells us that WE are the temple of the Holy Ghost. God is more concerned with building people than He is in building new material structures. Rev. 21:3 states that the “tabernacle of God is with (in) men.” You and me are the spiritual buildings God is focused upon primarily. That is why He refines and deals with us in our attitudes, our thought patterns, and value systems. God instructed Ezekiel to tell the details to the people. The New Testament authors likewise extensively give details of how the Christian life is to be lived.

…”Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” [Eph. 2:19-21]

Ez. 40 [The Message]

Yes, the temple Ezekiel saw has not been built yet. We shall attempt to draw some conclusions about it to assist in our spiritual walk.

If it has never been built yet, will it? Some believe it will be constructed in the Millennial Reign of Christ. Since it has animal sacrifices, it may never be constructed because Jesus’ death ended sin sacrifices. Nevertheless, it takes up several chapters so attention should be given.

ONLY the sons of Zadok served as priests. In Chapter 44, we shall examine the reason they were selected.

Stay tuned.

(Sorry there was no devo yesterday. Patty and I have been under the weather and our sleep has suffered.)

Ez. 37-39 [The Message]

Ezekiel names Gog (Russian leader) and Magog (Russia), and Meshech (Moscow) and Tubal (Siberian city) as components in the army from the north that invades Israel for the great battle of Armageddon. (Definitions taken from an article by Dr. Roger Barrier called “Who are Gog and Magog” on http://www.crosswalk.com) Firstly, God is not frightened by ANY aggressive nation and its war machine, nor any nation’s intent to harm His People. Secondly, we as His People are to keep the watchword Maranatha on our lips. It means, “Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!”

We are to set our affection on things above and not on things of this earth. [Col. 3:1, 2] If your heart is set on houses and lands and cars and money, you’re aiming in the WRONG DIRECTION.