READ/HEAR: Dan. 6

My dad used to tell me Bible stories before tucking me into bed. The story of “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” was a great one that I will never forget. It combines the interest of ferocious animals, an exemplary Bible character, and a lesson in trust that children need to hear.

Daniel was quite a person. He outshone all the other ministers and rulers because an extraordinary spirit was in him. They tried to find fault with him, but couldn’t. He did everything with such a standard of excellence. It drove them to devise a plan for his downfall. It failed. God was praised and Daniel was promoted.

Be sure that your children know this story and its message.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.  [Isaiah 54:17]

READ/HEAR: Dan. 5

Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, was the king of Babylon. On a festive occasion, he was holding a feast for all his dignitaries. While intoxicated, he presumptuously called for the stolen Hebrew golden goblets to be brought out to drink wine in. As he did, the hand of God mysteriously appeared to all. It began writing, “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PHARSIN.” The king was so frightened that he turned pale and his knees buckled.

The queen informed him of Daniel’s distinctive gift of being able to interpret such extraordinary messages from God. He was called upon and immediately gave God’s message to the king.

His God-given gift brought him to the highest place of recognition and honor available.

Don’t be misled by trusting anything over your God-given gifts to give you a fulfilling life and ministry.

“Apart from Me (Jesus), you can do nothing.” Jn. 15:5b

READ/HEAR: Dan. 4

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was indeed the most powerful man upon earth. One day while strolling in his palace, admiring all the success and accomplishments he attributed to himself, God reduced him instantly and caused him to graze the grass like an animal. This was to show him how insignificant he truly was without God’s sanction and favor upon his life.

The healthy attitude we should all have is what was uttered by Micah … “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  [ch. 6, v. 8]

We do this by giving our heart and life to Christ to live out through us.

READ/HEAR: Dan. 3

Jesus was in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego ater they were thrown in because they didn’t worship the golden image idol. He preserved them so that there wasn’t even the smell of smoke upon their garments. That’s miraculous, complete protection.

We go through things. We get thrown into the fire, we get a disease, we have losses, we have an accident … if you’re a Christian, Jesus goes through it with you.

The key for us is: Don’t give in to the enemy, don’t bow down to him or anything that exalts itself over God. Trust the Lord and He will be with you.

READ/HEAR: Daniel 2

Upon hearing that he and all the wise men in Nebuchadnezzar’s staff were slated for  execution, Daniel wisely asked the king for some time to solve the big problem … tell the  king what his dream was and what did it mean.

Daniel told the king, “No mere human can solve this mystery, but there is a God in heaven Who solves mysteries. He will reveal to me your dream and its meaning.” Daniel proceeded to tell him what the dream was and what its meaning was.

Daniel claimed no great advantage on anyone except that he trusted his God completely to solve this problem.

God is as near as the asking for any problem or crisis we have. Only He can give us everything we need. We are foolish not to bring EVERY PROBLEM to the Lord in prayer. Ask in Jesus’ name.

READ/HEAR: Dan. 1

Daniel preferred to live on a diet of vegetables and water rather than meat and wine and all the other delicacies of the day after being kidnapped by the Babylonians.  After a trial period of ten days there was a marked difference in his appearance and performance … he and the other Hebrews were ten times better than their counterparts.

Can we challenge ourselves to improve our diet for the coming year. I take the challenge. I’ll let you know in ten days how I’m doing.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 47,48

In my opinion, the stream of water that flowed out from the new temple and became a river is figurative of God’s Spirit and power that comes from the relationship He has with His saints. This happens in every church where His Spirit is in control … His power flows and brings life to everything touched by it.

This River of Life is available to all of God’s people on a consistent basis. We come to His River for whatever we need … healing, refreshing, sustenance. It’s always flowing and is as close as the calling upon His name, Jesus.

There is a river
That flows from deep within,
There is a fountain
That frees the soul from sin,
Come to this water,
There is a vast supply,
There is a river
That never shall run dry

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 45,46

After Christ’s Second Coming, He will rule the earth for 1000 years. This is known as the Millennium. The temple Ezekiel saw could well be constructed during this time in or near Jerusalem. The rei-nstitution of the priesthood and sacrifices could be either literal or figurative. (Theologians much more enlightened than me can shed more light on this issue)

Much of the Bible remains a mystery to us. As we abide in Christ, we can be sure He will make us aware of our necessary obedience and compliance to be faithful to Him. Then, we can rely upon a “This is that” mentality where He will help us understand the complete meaning of scriptural events foretold in His Word.

God is not trying to fool anyone, nor is He willing that we perish. He always supplies our needs.

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 42-44

Those ministering in the new temple were to follow strict guidelines to maintain a holy life that was acceptable to the Lord.

We follow the teachings of Christ and He imputes His Holiness to us. As New Testament Christians, we are under His Blood and His sacrifice for our sins rather than any system of the offering of animals for atonement.

To see the extent of God’s requirements expected in the Old Testament gives us a holy awe for the scope of the righteousness offered to us through Christ.  “How can we neglect SO GREAT A SALVATION?”

READ/HEAR: Ezek. 40,41

Ezekiel was shown a temple, yet to be built, by a man in a vision. Detailed measurements and building concepts were given to him to record. (There are visualizations available online to show what this building could look like.)

There is no other apparent reason that these dimensions were given to Ezekiel but that it is a new temple that will be built sometime in the future. Building techniques available at the time of his writing would not have permitted such complex accomplishments. Also noteworthy is that the area of the present structure in Jerusalem could not hold this new temple.

God’s detail to the prophet is noteworthy … He is precise in His message to us. Every detail God gives is important and worth our notice. His details are freely given in the Bible, hence its importance to us to build strong and meaningful lives.