Monday, March 19, 2018

NOW I KNOW

Today’s Reading: Daniel 3-4

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The Jewish historian Josephus called this a “most magnificent palace” that Herod the Great built on a promontory jutting out into the water. The pool in the centre was nearly Olympic in size and was filled with fresh water. A statue once stood in the centre. Paul may have been imprisoned on the grounds of this palace (Acts 23:35). Caesarea Maritima is a national park on Israel’s coastline. These ruins are a monument to the fourth empire in Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Rome (Daniel 2:40). The two young Israelis in the picture have probably heard of Daniel’s prophecies in Hebrew Bible studies, which continue throughout all the years of formal education in Israel.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verses: Daniel 3:17-18

If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.

 

King Nebuchadnezzar, in today’s reading, is progressing toward an understanding that there is only One true God. In chapter two he confesses, “Truly your God is the God of gods” (Daniel 2:47). All four emperors in Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream thought they were gods to be worshipped. Today’s reading (Daniel 3), describing the image of Nebuchadnezzar made of gold and his command to worship his idol, shows that he was probably the most proud one of them all. After the miracle of the preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace, the king moved another step closer to the truth. This time he confesses, “There is no other god who can deliver like this” (Daniel 3:29b). Nevertheless, he still believes there are other gods.

In Daniel 4 we read of another dream and another interpretation by Daniel. Babylonian records have a seven-year blank in the history of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. He lost his mind for that period of time, and then he recorded his return to sanity with these words, “My understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured Him who lives forever!” (Daniel 4:34). He reassumed his throne and confessed, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the God of Heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. Those who walk in pride He is able to abase” (Daniel 4:37).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You are the One and only God! I pray that You will reveal to me more and more of Who You are. As the book of Hebrews tells me, the one “who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6b). So I come to You and ask for the reward of knowing You with greater understanding (my mind) and deeper experience (my heart). I pray this in the Name of the One who is in Himself, “the Image of the invisible God!” Jesus Christ (Messiah). Amen!!! (read Colossians 1:15-22).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I grew up listening to Bible stories. In grade seven I did a huge mural on the wall of our classroom featuring the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was one of those wonders. In my imagination I saw Nebuchadnezzar proudly strutting along the parapets of the gardens saying, “Is not this great Babylon I have built…” (Daniel 4:30a) and then humbled for the seven years of mental collapse, roaming around those gardens eating grass. I’ve since discovered that while much of Babylon has been excavated by archeologists, there is no evidence that such a garden ever existed. Of course, it’s in the writings of the later Greek authors, not in the Bible. In this blog I’ve quoted the words of King Nebuchadnezzar, recorded in the Bible, about his understanding of the true God. I want to invite you to consider the words of a prayer by a present-day ruler, President Museveni of Uganda. Many Ugandan leaders believe that the “Unity” message of the “World Embrace” ministry featured in this blog yesterday is an answer to their leader’s prayer (click here for his prayer, the audio is indistinct, but the words are written so we can read his prayer). The former dictator, Idi Amin, who murdered huge numbers of his own people, was Muslim, and today Uganda is holding back the tide of Islam that threatens to engulf the rest of Africa. Let us pray fervently for the Ugandan people and its President.

Yours with the prayer that more and more world leaders will acknowledge the true God!!!

David

P.S. Please don’t think of Uganda as a collection of mud and grass huts. Its cities are modern and its government apparatus very sophisticated. Below is a photo taken in the capital city of Kampala, population 1.2 million.

 

 

16 thoughts on “Monday, March 19, 2018

  1. Finished reading This Far by Faith. It was so interesting and what a wonderful legacy for 100 Huntley St. people and David’s family. Thank you to all those who helped Rev. Mainse with this witnessing book. God bless us all.

  2. Thank you Lord for that covenant prayer from the President of Uganda and pray it for all African nations and our nation of Canada; in fact the nations of the world. He’s a good, good Father indeed, Beverlee.

  3. One of my favourite stories in the Bible. Such faith Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had in our God. Amen! And for King Nebuchadnezzar to be transformed by their faith and witness God in their midst: “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods….” Thankful for the history lesson in Daniel 4.

    Saints, I need special prayer, today. My car is being looked at as we speak. Please pray it is easily fixed, in a timely manner, and not a huge expense. Thank you fellow saints and wishing you all a blessed Monday.

    Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 NIV

    One Thing Lyric Video – Hillsong Worship
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ3yjEu6bj0

    • Amen, Beverlee…I’m agreeing in prayer with you for your car to be fixed in time; that the repairs would be done properly; with proper expense, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, our provider, I pray…Amen!!
      And agree I agree with Mark 11:24 NIV …Amen!!!

  4. Thank you for the Prayer link for Uganda! I prayed with Uganda’s president for Uganda..and also for our Nation of Canada…as I felt that the prayer also applied to this Nation of Canada. Lord God deliver this Nation of Canada from is sinful ways, in the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

    What a lesson on pride is portrayed in this scripture of the words of Meshach, Shedrach and Abendego. Also King Nebuchadnezzar. The deliverance of the three young men. Also the deliverance and salvation of King Nebuchadnezzar.

    Praise God for His Mercy and Grace unto us. Amen!!

  5. Actually as I read my comment…it doesn’t convey what I meant to say: that is, the pride of King Nebudchadnezzar God dealt with, and delivered him.

  6. Lord I ask that You would repair the car of Beverlee Kay. Lord You supplied me with a very nice car; I ask that You do the same for this precious prayer partner, Beverlee, Thank you Lord for all the blessings you have given each and every one of us…..Lord we love You, we celebrate Your resurrection; we shout for JOY for your unconditional love for each and every person on this earth. THank you Lord, in Jesus Name we Pray amen

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