Day 248 of My Second Bible Study Journey - 5 September reflections
Day 248, 5 September 2022
1)Daniel 7,8,5
Daniel 7
Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts
1 (Da 4:5; 5:1) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon,
Daniel had a dream and visions of his mind while on his bed.
Then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.
2 (Rev 7:1) Daniel spoke and said: I saw in my vision by night
the four winds of the heaven striving upon the Mediterranean Sea.
3 (Rev 13:1; Da 7:17) Four great beasts came up from the sea,
diverse from one another.
4 (Jer 4:7; Eze 17:3) The first was like a lion and had eagle's wings.
I watched until its wings were plucked and it was lifted up from the earth
and made to stand on the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
5 (Da 2:39) Another beast appeared, a second, like a bear, and it raised
itself up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth.
And they said to it, "Arise, devour much flesh."
6 (Rev 13:2) After this I looked and there was another, like a leopard,
which had on its back four wings of a fowl. The beast also had four heads.
And dominion was given to it.
7 (Rev 12:3; 13:1) After this I saw in the visions at night a fourth beast,
dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong. And it had great iron teeth.
It devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet.
And it was different from all the beasts that were before it,
and it had ten horns.
8 (Rev 13:5-6; Ps 12:3) I considered the horns, when there came up among
them another little horn before whom three of the first horns were plucked
up by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of man,
and a mouth speaking great things.
The Ancient of Days Reigns
9 (Rev 1:14; Ps 90:2) I watched until
the thrones were cast down
and the Ancient of Days was seated,
whose garment was white as snow,
and the hair of His head like the pure wool.
His throne was like the fiery flame,
and its wheels as burning fire.
10 (Rev 5:11; Dt 33:2) A fiery stream issued
and came out from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.
The judgment was set,
and the books were opened.
11 (Rev 19:20; 20:10) Then I watched because of the sound of the boastful
words which the horn was speaking. I watched even until the beast was slain,
and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame.
12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away;
yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
13 (Mt 26:64; Rev 1:7) I saw in the night visions, and there was one like
a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before Him.
14 (Da 7:27; Rev 11:15) There was given to Him dominion, and glory,
and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away,
and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
The Interpretation of the Dream
15 (Da 7:28) I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body,
and the visions of my head troubled me.
16 (Rev 5:5; 7:13-14) I approached one of those who were standing by
and asked him the truth of all this.
So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things.
17 "These great beasts, which are four, are four kings which shall arise
out of the earth.
18 (Rev 20:4; Isa 60:12-14) But the saints of the Most High shall take
the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever."
19 (Da 7:7) Then I desired to know the truth of the fourth beast,
which was different from all the others, exceeding dreadful,
whose teeth were of iron and its nails of bronze, and which devoured,
broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet;
20 (Da 7:8) and of the ten horns that were in its head, and of the other
which came up, and before whom three fell, even of that horn that had eyes
and a mouth that spoke boastful words, whose look was more stout
than its fellows.
21 (Da 8:24; 12:7) I beheld, and the same horn was warring with the saints
and prevailing against them
22 (Da 7:18; 1Co 6:2-3) until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment
was passed in favor of the saints of the Most High,
and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
23 (Da 2:40) Thus he said: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom
upon earth, which shall be different from all kingdoms, and shall devour
the whole earth and shall tread it down and break it in pieces.
24 (Da 7:20; Rev 13:1) The ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings
that shall arise; and another shall rise after them, and he shall be
different from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
25 (Da 12:7; 2:21; Rev 12:14) He shall speak words against the Most High
and shall wear out the saints of the Most High and plan to change times
and law. And they shall be given into his hand until a time
and times and half a time. Or for a year, two years, and half a year.
26 "But the court shall sit for judgment, and they shall take away
his dominion, to consume and to destroy it forever.
27 (Da 2:44; Ps 22:27; 72:11) Then the kingdom and dominion,
and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven,
shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High,
whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey Him."
28 (Lk 2:19; 2:51) At this point the matter ended. As for me, Daniel,
my thoughts troubled me much, and my countenance changed in me;
but I kept the matter in my heart.
Daniel 7
[1] In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and
visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum
of the matters.
[2] Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the
four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
[3] And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
[4] The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the
wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made
stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
[5] And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up
itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the
teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
[6] After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the
back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and
dominion was given to it.
[7] After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast,
dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth:
it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of
it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had
ten horns.
[8] I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another
little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by
the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a
mouth speaking great things.
[9] I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did
sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure
wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
[10] A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand
thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood
before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
[11] I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn
spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and
given to the burning flame.
[12] As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken
away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
[13] I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came
with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought
him near before him.
[14] And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all
people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an
everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which
shall not be destroyed.
[15] I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the
visions of my head troubled me.
[16] I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of
all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
[17] These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise
out of the earth.
[18] But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess
the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
[19] Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from
all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails
of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his
feet;
[20] And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came
up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth
that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
[21] I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed
against them;
[22] Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of
the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
[23] Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,
which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth,
and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
[24] And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:
and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first,
and he shall subdue three kings.
[25] And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear
out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and
they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of
time.
[26] But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to
consume and to destroy it unto the end.
[27] And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under
the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most
High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall
serve and obey him.
[28] Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations
much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the
matter in my heart.
[The 4th beast propechy has yet to be fulfilled]
Daniel 8
Daniel's Vision of a Ram and a Goat
1 (Da 7:1) In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision
appeared to me, even to me Daniel, after that which appeared to me
at the first.
2 (Ge 10:22; Ne 1:1) I saw in the vision, and while I was looking,
I was at Susa in the palace which is in the province of Elam.
And I saw in the vision that I was by the canal of Ulai.
3 (Da 8:20; 10:5) Then I lifted up my eyes and looked,
and there stood before the river a ram which had two horns,
and the two horns were high. But one was higher than the other,
and the higher one came up last.
4 (Da 11:16; 8:7) I saw the ram pushing westward and northward and southward,
so that no animal might stand before him; nor was there any that could
deliver out of his hand, but he did according to his will and became great.
5 (Da 8:21; 8:8; 11:3) As I was considering this, suddenly a male goat came
from the west across the face of the whole earth and did not touch the ground.
And the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
6 He came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing
before the river, and ran to him in the fury of his power.
7 (Da 7:7; 11:11) I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved
with rage against him, and struck the ram and broke his two horns.
And there was no power in the ram to stand before him,
but he cast him down to the ground and stamped on him.
And there was none who could deliver the ram out of his hand.
8 (Da 7:2; 2Ch 26:16) Therefore the male goat grew very great.
And when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and four conspicuous horns
came up in its place toward the four winds of heaven.
The Little Horn
9 (Da 11:16; Ps 48:2) Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew
exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east,
and toward the Pleasant Land.
10 (Isa 14:13; Rev 12:4) It grew great, even to the host of heaven.
And it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground
and stamped upon them.
11 (Da 11:31; 12:11) Indeed, he magnified himself even to the Prince
of the host, and from Him the daily sacrifice was taken away,
and the place of His sanctuary was cast down.
12 (Isa 59:14; Da 11:28) Because of rebellion, an army was given
to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifice; and it cast truth to the ground.
It practiced this and prospered.
13 (Da 4:13; Lk 21:24) Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint
said to that certain saint which spoke, "How long shall be the vision
concerning the daily sacrifice and the transgression of desolation,
the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?"
14 (Da 8:26; 12:11) And he said to me, "For 2300 evenings and mornings.
Then the sanctuary shall be cleansed properly."
Gabriel Interprets the Vision
15 (Da 10:16; 10:18) When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought
for the meaning. Then there before me stood one who had the appearance
of a man.
16 (Lk 1:19; 1:26) I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai,
which called, and said, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision."
17 (Da 8:19; Rev 1:17) So he came near where I stood. And when he came,
I was afraid and fell upon my face; but he said to me,
"Understand, son of man, that the vision deals with the time of the end."
18 (Da 10:18; Eze 2:2) Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep
with my face toward the ground. But he touched me and set me upright.
19 (Da 8:15-17; Hab 2:3) He said, "Listen, I will make you know what shall be
in the final period of the indignation, for the end shall be
at the appointed time.
20 (Da 8:3) The ram which you saw having two horns
represents the kings of Media and Persia.
21 (Da 10:20; 11:3) The rough goat is the king of Greece, and the great horn
that is between his eyes is the first king.
22 Now the broken horn and the four horns that stood up in its place
are four kingdoms that shall stand up out of his nation,
but not with his power.
23 "In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached
their limit, a king will arise, having a fierce countenance,
skilled in intrigue.
24 (Da 8:12; 7:25; Rev 17:17) His power shall be mighty,
but not by his own power. And he shall destroy wonderfully
and shall prosper and practice his will
and shall destroy the mighty men and the holy people.
25 (Da 8:11; Job 34:20) By his cunning, he shall cause deceit to succeed
under his hand, and he shall magnify himself in his heart. He shall destroy
many in a time of peace. He shall also rise up against the Prince of princes;
but he shall be broken, not by human hands.
26 (Da 10:1; 10:14; 12:4) "And the vision of the evenings and the mornings,
which was told, is true. Therefore shut up the vision,
for it deals with many days in the future."
27 (Da 7:28; Hab 3:16) Then I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for some days.
Afterward I rose up again and did the king's business.
So I was astonished at the vision, but there was none to explain it.
Daniel 8
[1] In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto
me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.
[2] And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at
Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a
vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
[3] Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood beforethe
river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was
higher than the other, and the higher came up last.
[4] I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no
beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out
of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
[5] And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the
face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a
notable horn between his eyes.
[6] And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had there seen
standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
[7] And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler
against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no
power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground,
and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of
his hand.
[8] Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the
great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four
winds of heaven.
[9] And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding
great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
[10] And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some
of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
[11] Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him
the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast
down.
[12] And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of
transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised,
and prospered.
[13] Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that
certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily
sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary
and the host to be trodden under foot?
[14] And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then
shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
[15] And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and
sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the
appearance of a man.
[16] And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and
said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
[17] So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell
upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time
of the end shall be the vision.
[18] Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward
the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
[19] And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last
end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
[20] The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and
Persia.
[21] And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is
between his eyes is the first king.
[22] Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms
shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
[23] And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are
come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark
sentences, shall stand up.
[24] And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall
destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the
mighty and the holy people.
[25] And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his
hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy
many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be
broken without hand.
[26] And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true:
wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
[27] And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up,
and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none
understood it.
Daniel 5
Belshazzar's Feast
1 (Est 1:3; Isa 22:12) Belshazzar the king made a great feast
for a thousand of his lords and drank wine before the thousand.
2 (Da 1:2; 2Ki 24:13) While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar commanded
that they bring in the golden and silver vessels which
his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which was in Jerusalem,
so that the king, and his officials, his wives,
and his concubines might drink from them.
3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple
of the house of God which was at Jerusalem. And the king and his officials,
his wives and his concubines drank from them.
4 (Da 5:23; Hab 2:19) They drank wine and praised the gods of gold
and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
The Writing on the Wall
5 (Da 4:31) Immediately fingers of a man's hand appeared
and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall
of the king's palace. And the king saw the back of the hand that wrote.
6 (Da 7:28; Ps 69:23) Then the king's countenance was changed,
and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins
were loosed, and his knees struck against one another.
7 (Da 5:16; 5:29; 2:6) The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke and said
to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever shall read this writing
and show me its interpretation shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about his neck and shall be the third
ruler in the kingdom."
8 (Da 2:27; Ge 41:8) Then all the king's wise men came in,
but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king
its interpretation.
9 (Da 5:6; 2:1; Isa 13:6-8) Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled,
and his countenance was changed in him, and his nobles were astonished.
10 (Da 3:9; 2:4) Now the queen came into the banquet house
because of the words of the king and his nobles. And the queen spoke
and said, "O king, live forever. Do not let your thoughts trouble you,
or let your countenance be changed.
11 (Da 4:8-9; 2:47-48) There is a man in your kingdom in whom
is the Spirit of the Holy God. And, in the days of your father,
light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods,
were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father,
your father the king, made him master of the magicians, astrologers,
Chaldeans, and soothsayers.
12 (Da 1:7; 6:3) Inasmuch as an excellent spirit and knowledge
and understanding, interpreting dreams and explanation of enigmas
and solving of problems, were found in the same Daniel,
whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called,
and he will give the interpretation."
Daniel Interprets the Writing
13 (Da 2:25; 5:11) Then Daniel was brought in before the king.
And the king spoke and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel
who is one of the sons of the captivity of Judah, whom the king
my father brought out of Judah? 14Now I have heard of you,
that the Spirit of God is in you; and that light, and understanding,
and excellent wisdom have been found in you.
15 (Da 5:7-8; Isa 47:12) Now the wise men, the astrologers,
have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing
and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give
the interpretation of the matter.
16 (Da 5:7; Ge 40:8) And I have heard of you, that you can give
interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing,
and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about your neck
and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."
17 (2Ki 5:16) Then Daniel answered and said before the king,
"Let your gifts be for yourself, or give your rewards to another.
Yet I will read the writing to the king and make known to him
the interpretation.
18 (Da 2:37-38; 4:17) “O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar
your father a kingdom and majesty and glory and honor.
19 (Da 2:12–13; 3:6) And for the majesty that He gave him, all peoples,
nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would,
he slaughtered, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would,
he set up, and whom he would, he put down.
20 (Jer 13:18; Ex 9:17) But when his heart was lifted up and his mind
hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne
and they took his glory from him.
21 (Da 4:25; Eze 17:24) And he was driven from the sons of men,
and his heart was made like the animals, and his dwelling was
with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven
until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men,
and that He appoints over it whomever He wills.
22 (2Ch 33:23; Ex 10:3) "Yet you, his son, O Belshazzar,
have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this;
23 (Job 12:10; Jer 10:2) 3but have lifted up yourself
against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought the vessels
of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives
and your concubines, have drunk wine in them. And you have praised
the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone,
which see not, nor hear, nor know. And the God in whose hand
is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.
24 Then the hand was sent from Him, and this inscription was written.
25 "This is the inscription that was written:
mene, mene, tekel, upharsin.
26 (Jer 27:7) "This is the interpretation of the message:
Mene:Meaning to number. God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.
27 (Ps 62:9; Job 31:6) Tekel:Meaning to weigh. you have been weighed
in the balances and are found wanting.
28 (Isa 13:17; Da 6:28) Peres:Meaning to divide. your kingdom has been divided
and given to the Medes and Persians."
29 (Da 5:7; 5:16) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel
with scarlet and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation
concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
30 (Jer 51:31; 51:39) That same night Belshazzar the king
of the Chaldeans was slain.
31 (Da 9:1; 6:1) Then Darius the Mede received the kingdom,
being about sixty-two years old.
Daniel 5
[1] Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and
drank wine before the thousand.
[2] Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and
silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple
which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his
concubines, might drink therein.
[3] Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple
of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes,
his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
[4] They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass,
of iron, of wood, and of stone.
[5] In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over
against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace:
and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
[6] Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him,
so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against
another.
[7] The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the
soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon,
Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof,
shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and
shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
[8] Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the
writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
[9] Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was
changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
[10] Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came
into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for
ever:
let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
[11] There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods;
and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the
wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy
father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians,
astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
[12] Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding,
interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of
doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar:
now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
[13] Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said
unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the
captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?
[14] I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and
that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.
[15] And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me,
that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the
interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the
thing:
[16] And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and
dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me
the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a
chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
[17] Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to
thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto
the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
[18] O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a
kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
[19] And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and
languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom
he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he
put down.
[20] But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he
was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
[21] And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the
beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass
like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that
the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over
it whomsoever he will.
[22] And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though
thou knewest all this;
[23] But hast lifted up thyself against the LORD of heaven; and they have
brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy
wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised
the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see
not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose
are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
[24] Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was
written.
[25] And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
[26] This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy
kingdom, and finished it.
[27] TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
[28] PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
[29] Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and
put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him,
that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
[30] In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
[31] And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two
years old.
2) Our Daily Bread for 5 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/05/lego-lessons
Entitled "Lego Lessons"
James 1:2-12
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all men liberally and without criticism,
and it will be given to him.
6 (Eph 4:14) But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Poverty and Riches
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted,
10 (1Co 7:31; 1Pe 1:24) but the rich in that he is made low,
because as the flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 (Isa 40:7-8) For the sun rises with a burning heat
and it withers the grass, and its flowers fall, and its beauty perishes.
So will the rich man wither away in his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the
grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth
the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of
it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
Approximately ten Lego pieces are sold for every person on earth each year
-more than seventy-five billion of the little plastic bricks. But if it
wasn't for the perseverance of Danish toymaker Ole Kirk Christiansen,
there wouldn't be any Legos to snap together.
Christiansen toiled away in Billund, Denmark, for decades before creating
Leg Godt, which means "play well." His workshop was destroyed by fire twice.
He endured bankruptcy and a world war that caused a shortage of materials.
Finally, in the late 1940s, he landed on the idea for self-locking plastic
bricks. By the time Ole Kirk died in 1958, Legos was on the verge of
becoming a household word.
Persevering in the challenges of work and life can be difficult. That's also
true in our spiritual life as we strive to grow to be more like Jesus.
Trouble hits us, and we need God's strength to persevere. James wrote:
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial" (James 1:12). Sometimes
the trials we face are setbacks in relationships or finances or health.
Sometimes they're temptations that slow us down in our goal of honouring
God with our lives.
But God promises wisdom for such times (v. 5), and He asks us to trust Him
as He provides what we need (v. 6). Through it all, when we allow Him to
help us persevere in honoring Him with our lives, we find true blessing
(v. 12).
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
What trials are you facing these days?
How can God help you live wholeheartedly for Him?
Dear Jesus, I know about perseverance from studying Your life.
May Your example be my guide when trials come my way.
For further study, read
How to Read the Bible: The General Epistles.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 2 - The Right of Family
John 1:11-12
11 (Jn 3:32) He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 (Gal 3:26; 1Jn 3:23) Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power
to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name,
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
"Dad, can I ask you something?" Jimmy leaned across the back of his
father's chair. His father lowered the newspaper and reached around,
settling Jimmy on his lap.
"Sure. Son," he answered. "You can ask me anything you want. The answer
might not be Yes, but you always have the right to ask."
For many who have grown up in homes where the father was absent, or when
present, abusive or silent, the scenario of Jimmy and his father may
seem unrealistic. Often we aren't given the right by our parents to ask
what we want, to communicate openly, to express our needs and desires.
But god clearly indicates that no matter what our human families have been
like, in his family there are no barriers to belonging,
to open communications. When we commit our lives to Christ and submit to his
lordship, we have the right to become the sons and daughters of God.
In Christ, we have the right to approach him, to pray, to seek wisdom,
to ask advice, to make requests, to verbalise our needs and desires. We don't
have to be afraid of sounding stupid or being rejected, because in Christ
we belong to him, and he loves us.
The KJV uses the word "power" in verse 12 - "to them gave he power to become
the sons of God." Power implies ability, that we are equipped by the Spirit
to be children of the King. We have the right and we have the power to become
who God has called us to be - his children.
Application
a) Under what circumstances in my life have I felt that I didn't
have the right to express my wishes or feelings?
b) How do today's verses give me confidence in approaching God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honour the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Hebr 13:5-6
5 Let your lives be without love of money, and be content
with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness;
and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said,
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
What man shall do unto me.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
5th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
)
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
and lead me in the ancient way. "
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the unfulfilled prophecies of the
Holy Bible.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, I know about perseverance
from studying Your life. May Your example be my guide
when trials come my way. "
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him for giving you power.
Pray to the Lord and ask Him how to give your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be covetous.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
Pray that the Lord will raise up strong, well-equipped leaders
to pastor Eritrea's churches.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1)Daniel 7,8,5
Daniel 7
Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts
1 (Da 4:5; 5:1) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon,
Daniel had a dream and visions of his mind while on his bed.
Then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.
2 (Rev 7:1) Daniel spoke and said: I saw in my vision by night
the four winds of the heaven striving upon the Mediterranean Sea.
3 (Rev 13:1; Da 7:17) Four great beasts came up from the sea,
diverse from one another.
4 (Jer 4:7; Eze 17:3) The first was like a lion and had eagle's wings.
I watched until its wings were plucked and it was lifted up from the earth
and made to stand on the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
5 (Da 2:39) Another beast appeared, a second, like a bear, and it raised
itself up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth.
And they said to it, "Arise, devour much flesh."
6 (Rev 13:2) After this I looked and there was another, like a leopard,
which had on its back four wings of a fowl. The beast also had four heads.
And dominion was given to it.
7 (Rev 12:3; 13:1) After this I saw in the visions at night a fourth beast,
dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong. And it had great iron teeth.
It devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet.
And it was different from all the beasts that were before it,
and it had ten horns.
8 (Rev 13:5-6; Ps 12:3) I considered the horns, when there came up among
them another little horn before whom three of the first horns were plucked
up by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of man,
and a mouth speaking great things.
The Ancient of Days Reigns
9 (Rev 1:14; Ps 90:2) I watched until
the thrones were cast down
and the Ancient of Days was seated,
whose garment was white as snow,
and the hair of His head like the pure wool.
His throne was like the fiery flame,
and its wheels as burning fire.
10 (Rev 5:11; Dt 33:2) A fiery stream issued
and came out from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.
The judgment was set,
and the books were opened.
11 (Rev 19:20; 20:10) Then I watched because of the sound of the boastful
words which the horn was speaking. I watched even until the beast was slain,
and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame.
12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away;
yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
13 (Mt 26:64; Rev 1:7) I saw in the night visions, and there was one like
a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before Him.
14 (Da 7:27; Rev 11:15) There was given to Him dominion, and glory,
and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away,
and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
The Interpretation of the Dream
15 (Da 7:28) I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body,
and the visions of my head troubled me.
16 (Rev 5:5; 7:13-14) I approached one of those who were standing by
and asked him the truth of all this.
So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things.
17 "These great beasts, which are four, are four kings which shall arise
out of the earth.
18 (Rev 20:4; Isa 60:12-14) But the saints of the Most High shall take
the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever."
19 (Da 7:7) Then I desired to know the truth of the fourth beast,
which was different from all the others, exceeding dreadful,
whose teeth were of iron and its nails of bronze, and which devoured,
broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet;
20 (Da 7:8) and of the ten horns that were in its head, and of the other
which came up, and before whom three fell, even of that horn that had eyes
and a mouth that spoke boastful words, whose look was more stout
than its fellows.
21 (Da 8:24; 12:7) I beheld, and the same horn was warring with the saints
and prevailing against them
22 (Da 7:18; 1Co 6:2-3) until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment
was passed in favor of the saints of the Most High,
and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.
23 (Da 2:40) Thus he said: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom
upon earth, which shall be different from all kingdoms, and shall devour
the whole earth and shall tread it down and break it in pieces.
24 (Da 7:20; Rev 13:1) The ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings
that shall arise; and another shall rise after them, and he shall be
different from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
25 (Da 12:7; 2:21; Rev 12:14) He shall speak words against the Most High
and shall wear out the saints of the Most High and plan to change times
and law. And they shall be given into his hand until a time
and times and half a time. Or for a year, two years, and half a year.
26 "But the court shall sit for judgment, and they shall take away
his dominion, to consume and to destroy it forever.
27 (Da 2:44; Ps 22:27; 72:11) Then the kingdom and dominion,
and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven,
shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High,
whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey Him."
28 (Lk 2:19; 2:51) At this point the matter ended. As for me, Daniel,
my thoughts troubled me much, and my countenance changed in me;
but I kept the matter in my heart.
Daniel 7
[1] In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and
visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum
of the matters.
[2] Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the
four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.
[3] And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
[4] The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the
wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made
stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
[5] And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up
itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the
teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
[6] After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the
back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and
dominion was given to it.
[7] After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast,
dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth:
it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of
it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had
ten horns.
[8] I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another
little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by
the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a
mouth speaking great things.
[9] I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did
sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure
wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
[10] A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand
thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood
before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
[11] I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn
spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and
given to the burning flame.
[12] As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken
away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
[13] I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came
with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought
him near before him.
[14] And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all
people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an
everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which
shall not be destroyed.
[15] I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the
visions of my head troubled me.
[16] I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of
all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
[17] These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise
out of the earth.
[18] But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess
the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
[19] Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from
all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails
of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his
feet;
[20] And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came
up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth
that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
[21] I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed
against them;
[22] Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of
the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
[23] Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,
which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth,
and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
[24] And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:
and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first,
and he shall subdue three kings.
[25] And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear
out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and
they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of
time.
[26] But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to
consume and to destroy it unto the end.
[27] And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under
the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most
High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall
serve and obey him.
[28] Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations
much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the
matter in my heart.
[The 4th beast propechy has yet to be fulfilled]
Daniel 8
Daniel's Vision of a Ram and a Goat
1 (Da 7:1) In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision
appeared to me, even to me Daniel, after that which appeared to me
at the first.
2 (Ge 10:22; Ne 1:1) I saw in the vision, and while I was looking,
I was at Susa in the palace which is in the province of Elam.
And I saw in the vision that I was by the canal of Ulai.
3 (Da 8:20; 10:5) Then I lifted up my eyes and looked,
and there stood before the river a ram which had two horns,
and the two horns were high. But one was higher than the other,
and the higher one came up last.
4 (Da 11:16; 8:7) I saw the ram pushing westward and northward and southward,
so that no animal might stand before him; nor was there any that could
deliver out of his hand, but he did according to his will and became great.
5 (Da 8:21; 8:8; 11:3) As I was considering this, suddenly a male goat came
from the west across the face of the whole earth and did not touch the ground.
And the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
6 He came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing
before the river, and ran to him in the fury of his power.
7 (Da 7:7; 11:11) I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved
with rage against him, and struck the ram and broke his two horns.
And there was no power in the ram to stand before him,
but he cast him down to the ground and stamped on him.
And there was none who could deliver the ram out of his hand.
8 (Da 7:2; 2Ch 26:16) Therefore the male goat grew very great.
And when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and four conspicuous horns
came up in its place toward the four winds of heaven.
The Little Horn
9 (Da 11:16; Ps 48:2) Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew
exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east,
and toward the Pleasant Land.
10 (Isa 14:13; Rev 12:4) It grew great, even to the host of heaven.
And it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground
and stamped upon them.
11 (Da 11:31; 12:11) Indeed, he magnified himself even to the Prince
of the host, and from Him the daily sacrifice was taken away,
and the place of His sanctuary was cast down.
12 (Isa 59:14; Da 11:28) Because of rebellion, an army was given
to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifice; and it cast truth to the ground.
It practiced this and prospered.
13 (Da 4:13; Lk 21:24) Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint
said to that certain saint which spoke, "How long shall be the vision
concerning the daily sacrifice and the transgression of desolation,
the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?"
14 (Da 8:26; 12:11) And he said to me, "For 2300 evenings and mornings.
Then the sanctuary shall be cleansed properly."
Gabriel Interprets the Vision
15 (Da 10:16; 10:18) When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought
for the meaning. Then there before me stood one who had the appearance
of a man.
16 (Lk 1:19; 1:26) I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai,
which called, and said, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision."
17 (Da 8:19; Rev 1:17) So he came near where I stood. And when he came,
I was afraid and fell upon my face; but he said to me,
"Understand, son of man, that the vision deals with the time of the end."
18 (Da 10:18; Eze 2:2) Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep
with my face toward the ground. But he touched me and set me upright.
19 (Da 8:15-17; Hab 2:3) He said, "Listen, I will make you know what shall be
in the final period of the indignation, for the end shall be
at the appointed time.
20 (Da 8:3) The ram which you saw having two horns
represents the kings of Media and Persia.
21 (Da 10:20; 11:3) The rough goat is the king of Greece, and the great horn
that is between his eyes is the first king.
22 Now the broken horn and the four horns that stood up in its place
are four kingdoms that shall stand up out of his nation,
but not with his power.
23 "In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached
their limit, a king will arise, having a fierce countenance,
skilled in intrigue.
24 (Da 8:12; 7:25; Rev 17:17) His power shall be mighty,
but not by his own power. And he shall destroy wonderfully
and shall prosper and practice his will
and shall destroy the mighty men and the holy people.
25 (Da 8:11; Job 34:20) By his cunning, he shall cause deceit to succeed
under his hand, and he shall magnify himself in his heart. He shall destroy
many in a time of peace. He shall also rise up against the Prince of princes;
but he shall be broken, not by human hands.
26 (Da 10:1; 10:14; 12:4) "And the vision of the evenings and the mornings,
which was told, is true. Therefore shut up the vision,
for it deals with many days in the future."
27 (Da 7:28; Hab 3:16) Then I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for some days.
Afterward I rose up again and did the king's business.
So I was astonished at the vision, but there was none to explain it.
Daniel 8
[1] In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto
me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.
[2] And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at
Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a
vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
[3] Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood beforethe
river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was
higher than the other, and the higher came up last.
[4] I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no
beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out
of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
[5] And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the
face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a
notable horn between his eyes.
[6] And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had there seen
standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
[7] And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler
against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no
power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground,
and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of
his hand.
[8] Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the
great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four
winds of heaven.
[9] And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding
great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
[10] And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some
of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
[11] Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him
the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast
down.
[12] And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of
transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised,
and prospered.
[13] Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that
certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily
sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary
and the host to be trodden under foot?
[14] And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then
shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
[15] And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and
sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the
appearance of a man.
[16] And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and
said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
[17] So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell
upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time
of the end shall be the vision.
[18] Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward
the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
[19] And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last
end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
[20] The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and
Persia.
[21] And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is
between his eyes is the first king.
[22] Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms
shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
[23] And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are
come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark
sentences, shall stand up.
[24] And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall
destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the
mighty and the holy people.
[25] And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his
hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy
many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be
broken without hand.
[26] And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true:
wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
[27] And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up,
and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none
understood it.
Daniel 5
Belshazzar's Feast
1 (Est 1:3; Isa 22:12) Belshazzar the king made a great feast
for a thousand of his lords and drank wine before the thousand.
2 (Da 1:2; 2Ki 24:13) While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar commanded
that they bring in the golden and silver vessels which
his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which was in Jerusalem,
so that the king, and his officials, his wives,
and his concubines might drink from them.
3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple
of the house of God which was at Jerusalem. And the king and his officials,
his wives and his concubines drank from them.
4 (Da 5:23; Hab 2:19) They drank wine and praised the gods of gold
and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
The Writing on the Wall
5 (Da 4:31) Immediately fingers of a man's hand appeared
and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall
of the king's palace. And the king saw the back of the hand that wrote.
6 (Da 7:28; Ps 69:23) Then the king's countenance was changed,
and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins
were loosed, and his knees struck against one another.
7 (Da 5:16; 5:29; 2:6) The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers,
the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke and said
to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever shall read this writing
and show me its interpretation shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about his neck and shall be the third
ruler in the kingdom."
8 (Da 2:27; Ge 41:8) Then all the king's wise men came in,
but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king
its interpretation.
9 (Da 5:6; 2:1; Isa 13:6-8) Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled,
and his countenance was changed in him, and his nobles were astonished.
10 (Da 3:9; 2:4) Now the queen came into the banquet house
because of the words of the king and his nobles. And the queen spoke
and said, "O king, live forever. Do not let your thoughts trouble you,
or let your countenance be changed.
11 (Da 4:8-9; 2:47-48) There is a man in your kingdom in whom
is the Spirit of the Holy God. And, in the days of your father,
light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods,
were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father,
your father the king, made him master of the magicians, astrologers,
Chaldeans, and soothsayers.
12 (Da 1:7; 6:3) Inasmuch as an excellent spirit and knowledge
and understanding, interpreting dreams and explanation of enigmas
and solving of problems, were found in the same Daniel,
whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called,
and he will give the interpretation."
Daniel Interprets the Writing
13 (Da 2:25; 5:11) Then Daniel was brought in before the king.
And the king spoke and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel
who is one of the sons of the captivity of Judah, whom the king
my father brought out of Judah? 14Now I have heard of you,
that the Spirit of God is in you; and that light, and understanding,
and excellent wisdom have been found in you.
15 (Da 5:7-8; Isa 47:12) Now the wise men, the astrologers,
have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing
and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give
the interpretation of the matter.
16 (Da 5:7; Ge 40:8) And I have heard of you, that you can give
interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing,
and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with scarlet
and have a chain of gold about your neck
and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."
17 (2Ki 5:16) Then Daniel answered and said before the king,
"Let your gifts be for yourself, or give your rewards to another.
Yet I will read the writing to the king and make known to him
the interpretation.
18 (Da 2:37-38; 4:17) “O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar
your father a kingdom and majesty and glory and honor.
19 (Da 2:12–13; 3:6) And for the majesty that He gave him, all peoples,
nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would,
he slaughtered, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would,
he set up, and whom he would, he put down.
20 (Jer 13:18; Ex 9:17) But when his heart was lifted up and his mind
hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne
and they took his glory from him.
21 (Da 4:25; Eze 17:24) And he was driven from the sons of men,
and his heart was made like the animals, and his dwelling was
with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven
until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men,
and that He appoints over it whomever He wills.
22 (2Ch 33:23; Ex 10:3) "Yet you, his son, O Belshazzar,
have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this;
23 (Job 12:10; Jer 10:2) 3but have lifted up yourself
against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought the vessels
of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives
and your concubines, have drunk wine in them. And you have praised
the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone,
which see not, nor hear, nor know. And the God in whose hand
is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.
24 Then the hand was sent from Him, and this inscription was written.
25 "This is the inscription that was written:
mene, mene, tekel, upharsin.
26 (Jer 27:7) "This is the interpretation of the message:
Mene:Meaning to number. God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.
27 (Ps 62:9; Job 31:6) Tekel:Meaning to weigh. you have been weighed
in the balances and are found wanting.
28 (Isa 13:17; Da 6:28) Peres:Meaning to divide. your kingdom has been divided
and given to the Medes and Persians."
29 (Da 5:7; 5:16) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel
with scarlet and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation
concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
30 (Jer 51:31; 51:39) That same night Belshazzar the king
of the Chaldeans was slain.
31 (Da 9:1; 6:1) Then Darius the Mede received the kingdom,
being about sixty-two years old.
Daniel 5
[1] Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and
drank wine before the thousand.
[2] Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and
silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple
which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his
concubines, might drink therein.
[3] Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple
of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes,
his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
[4] They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass,
of iron, of wood, and of stone.
[5] In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over
against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace:
and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
[6] Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him,
so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against
another.
[7] The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the
soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon,
Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof,
shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and
shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
[8] Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the
writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
[9] Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was
changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
[10] Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came
into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for
ever:
let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
[11] There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods;
and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the
wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy
father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians,
astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
[12] Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding,
interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of
doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar:
now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
[13] Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said
unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the
captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?
[14] I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and
that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.
[15] And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me,
that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the
interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the
thing:
[16] And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and
dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me
the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a
chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
[17] Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to
thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto
the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
[18] O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a
kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
[19] And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and
languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom
he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he
put down.
[20] But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he
was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
[21] And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the
beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass
like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that
the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over
it whomsoever he will.
[22] And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though
thou knewest all this;
[23] But hast lifted up thyself against the LORD of heaven; and they have
brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy
wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised
the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see
not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose
are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
[24] Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was
written.
[25] And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
[26] This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy
kingdom, and finished it.
[27] TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
[28] PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
[29] Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and
put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him,
that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
[30] In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
[31] And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two
years old.
2) Our Daily Bread for 5 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/05/lego-lessons
Entitled "Lego Lessons"
James 1:2-12
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all men liberally and without criticism,
and it will be given to him.
6 (Eph 4:14) But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Poverty and Riches
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted,
10 (1Co 7:31; 1Pe 1:24) but the rich in that he is made low,
because as the flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 (Isa 40:7-8) For the sun rises with a burning heat
and it withers the grass, and its flowers fall, and its beauty perishes.
So will the rich man wither away in his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the
grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth
the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of
it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
Approximately ten Lego pieces are sold for every person on earth each year
-more than seventy-five billion of the little plastic bricks. But if it
wasn't for the perseverance of Danish toymaker Ole Kirk Christiansen,
there wouldn't be any Legos to snap together.
Christiansen toiled away in Billund, Denmark, for decades before creating
Leg Godt, which means "play well." His workshop was destroyed by fire twice.
He endured bankruptcy and a world war that caused a shortage of materials.
Finally, in the late 1940s, he landed on the idea for self-locking plastic
bricks. By the time Ole Kirk died in 1958, Legos was on the verge of
becoming a household word.
Persevering in the challenges of work and life can be difficult. That's also
true in our spiritual life as we strive to grow to be more like Jesus.
Trouble hits us, and we need God's strength to persevere. James wrote:
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial" (James 1:12). Sometimes
the trials we face are setbacks in relationships or finances or health.
Sometimes they're temptations that slow us down in our goal of honouring
God with our lives.
But God promises wisdom for such times (v. 5), and He asks us to trust Him
as He provides what we need (v. 6). Through it all, when we allow Him to
help us persevere in honoring Him with our lives, we find true blessing
(v. 12).
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
What trials are you facing these days?
How can God help you live wholeheartedly for Him?
Dear Jesus, I know about perseverance from studying Your life.
May Your example be my guide when trials come my way.
For further study, read
How to Read the Bible: The General Epistles.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 2 - The Right of Family
John 1:11-12
11 (Jn 3:32) He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 (Gal 3:26; 1Jn 3:23) Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power
to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name,
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
"Dad, can I ask you something?" Jimmy leaned across the back of his
father's chair. His father lowered the newspaper and reached around,
settling Jimmy on his lap.
"Sure. Son," he answered. "You can ask me anything you want. The answer
might not be Yes, but you always have the right to ask."
For many who have grown up in homes where the father was absent, or when
present, abusive or silent, the scenario of Jimmy and his father may
seem unrealistic. Often we aren't given the right by our parents to ask
what we want, to communicate openly, to express our needs and desires.
But god clearly indicates that no matter what our human families have been
like, in his family there are no barriers to belonging,
to open communications. When we commit our lives to Christ and submit to his
lordship, we have the right to become the sons and daughters of God.
In Christ, we have the right to approach him, to pray, to seek wisdom,
to ask advice, to make requests, to verbalise our needs and desires. We don't
have to be afraid of sounding stupid or being rejected, because in Christ
we belong to him, and he loves us.
The KJV uses the word "power" in verse 12 - "to them gave he power to become
the sons of God." Power implies ability, that we are equipped by the Spirit
to be children of the King. We have the right and we have the power to become
who God has called us to be - his children.
Application
a) Under what circumstances in my life have I felt that I didn't
have the right to express my wishes or feelings?
b) How do today's verses give me confidence in approaching God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honour the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Hebr 13:5-6
5 Let your lives be without love of money, and be content
with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness;
and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said,
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
What man shall do unto me.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
5th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
)
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
and lead me in the ancient way. "
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the unfulfilled prophecies of the
Holy Bible.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, I know about perseverance
from studying Your life. May Your example be my guide
when trials come my way. "
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him for giving you power.
Pray to the Lord and ask Him how to give your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be covetous.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
Pray that the Lord will raise up strong, well-equipped leaders
to pastor Eritrea's churches.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.