How did Christ's teachings fly in the face of Babylon's self-absorbed, ego-stroked, overindulgent mind set?
The world screams "I am, and there is none beside me" but Christ calls us to submit to the Father's will.
We need to say no to any selfishness or unhealthy pride that could inhibit the genuine humility and faith God desires.
We need to deny our self-centredness so that his priorities become ours.
Thankfully he helsp us daily because there is no way I can do this on my own!!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Daniel's Interpretation
In what ways did Daniel carefully credit God with the dream's revelation?
Goose bumps ran up and down my arms when I read
"There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries." (Daniel 2:28) and even typing the very words I got new ones! Can you imagine going into the throne room of a pagan king and revealing what the true God in Heaven had to say about the kings dream and what it meant!
This study is getting so interesting!!
I find myself growing more and more fascinated by the material and I am cherishing my quiet time alone with God.
I absolutely love the challenge, and am hoping that you are getting something out of this too!
Did you notice that we are literally living in the "feet and toes" part of this?
I did too!!
Goose bumps ran up and down my arms when I read
"There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries." (Daniel 2:28) and even typing the very words I got new ones! Can you imagine going into the throne room of a pagan king and revealing what the true God in Heaven had to say about the kings dream and what it meant!
This study is getting so interesting!!
I find myself growing more and more fascinated by the material and I am cherishing my quiet time alone with God.
I absolutely love the challenge, and am hoping that you are getting something out of this too!
Did you notice that we are literally living in the "feet and toes" part of this?
I did too!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
From "He" to "you"
How was God's sovereignty and providence expressed in Daniel 2:20-23?
"Every believer in Christ is called to extol the greatness of God and voice the manifold evidence of His faithfulness.
We were meant to make some joyful noise!!
..a few that make the very hair of my body stand up straight!!
Isn't God awesome.
"Providence: God has a plan and purpose for His world.
Providence is not a principle of orderliness or reason: Rather, providence is the will of the Creator who is actively involved in moving His creation to a goal.
History is not a cyclical process of endless repetition: history is being moved toward the predetermined end. "
If God says something to me, I want to hear it and respon to it. If God shows me something I want to see it and walk in it!
"Every believer in Christ is called to extol the greatness of God and voice the manifold evidence of His faithfulness.
..a few that make the very hair of my body stand up straight!!
Isn't God awesome.
"Providence: God has a plan and purpose for His world.
Providence is not a principle of orderliness or reason: Rather, providence is the will of the Creator who is actively involved in moving His creation to a goal.
History is not a cyclical process of endless repetition: history is being moved toward the predetermined end. "
If God says something to me, I want to hear it and respon to it. If God shows me something I want to see it and walk in it!
Praise to the God of Heaven
When did the revelation come (Dan.2:19)?
We left Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah on their knees in prayer.
Urgent prayer.
It was during the night that God revealed the mystery to Daniel.
Can you imagine being one of the three who didn't receive it?
Their place was critical but at the same time they had to trust that God had given a clean answer that concerned their very lives to someone else.
What a challenge it would be to trust someones else's relationship with God.
It would be huge to be the "me" in "we" who is chosen to hear from God on behalf of others.
The answer to urgent prayer calls for urgent praise!
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to he discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
you have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made know to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dram of the king."
Daniel 2:20-23
We left Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah on their knees in prayer.
Urgent prayer.
It was during the night that God revealed the mystery to Daniel.
Can you imagine being one of the three who didn't receive it?
Their place was critical but at the same time they had to trust that God had given a clean answer that concerned their very lives to someone else.
What a challenge it would be to trust someones else's relationship with God.
It would be huge to be the "me" in "we" who is chosen to hear from God on behalf of others.
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to he discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
you have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made know to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dram of the king."
Daniel 2:20-23
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Urgent tact, urgent prayer
How does Daniel's approach to Arioch show tact?
Tact means: consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense,
Able to deal with people in a sensitive manner
Daniel mustered up the astonishing courage to ask a difficult question that cold have been treated as an open criticism of he King, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?" Instead Daniels' tact kept his words from tasting bad on the tongue of the executioner.
And then they fell on their knees and prayed.
Prayed until the Lord of Lords and King of Kings gave them not only what the dream was but the meaning behind it too.
Isn't God awesome!
I will admit.
Tact has not always been my strongest point.
But, I am believing that with God that will change.
Tact means: consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense,
Able to deal with people in a sensitive manner
Daniel mustered up the astonishing courage to ask a difficult question that cold have been treated as an open criticism of he King, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?" Instead Daniels' tact kept his words from tasting bad on the tongue of the executioner.
And then they fell on their knees and prayed.
Prayed until the Lord of Lords and King of Kings gave them not only what the dream was but the meaning behind it too.
Isn't God awesome!
I will admit.
Tact has not always been my strongest point.
But, I am believing that with God that will change.
A Royaly Troubled Mind
How does the dream impact King Nebuchadnezzar
(Dan.2:1-12)
I think that the dream jolted the king awake and left his heart pounding.
The very worst kind of dream that anyone could have.
A dream that shook him to the very core since he believed that dreams were given by the gods, however he wasn't aware yet that this dream was given to him by the God.
I have awakened from a terribly troubling dream that I couldn't remember what it was even though I tried and tried to rewind the tape of my memory to find it.
I think that's how he felt so that's why he threatened to dismember the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers" if they couldn't tell him what he dreamed and what it meant.
I can only imagine the horor on their faces as reality hit..they were expendable even though they enjoyed superiority amog the masses, they had no security.
I am so very thhankful that I belong to the kingdom yet I am not expendable.
"Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Luke 12:7) and he even knows that I need to get my highlights re-done.
(Dan.2:1-12)
I think that the dream jolted the king awake and left his heart pounding.
The very worst kind of dream that anyone could have.
A dream that shook him to the very core since he believed that dreams were given by the gods, however he wasn't aware yet that this dream was given to him by the God.
I have awakened from a terribly troubling dream that I couldn't remember what it was even though I tried and tried to rewind the tape of my memory to find it.
I think that's how he felt so that's why he threatened to dismember the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers" if they couldn't tell him what he dreamed and what it meant.
I can only imagine the horor on their faces as reality hit..they were expendable even though they enjoyed superiority amog the masses, they had no security.
I am so very thhankful that I belong to the kingdom yet I am not expendable.
"Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Luke 12:7) and he even knows that I need to get my highlights re-done.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Resolve
What was the chief of Nebuchadnezzar's court instructed to teach the Hebrew youths?
..he wanted to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
They tried to indoctrinate their minds and steal their souls., God granted the young men His own knowledge and understanding in every matter. Whatever Babylon taught them, God interpreted to them. They retained a God-Centered worldview so that ultimately the world could view their God. Amazing!!
One point that really stood out to me during today's homework was that " the lifeblood of integrity is becoming the same person no matter where we are-no matter who's around. The quality or state of being complete or undivided. Calling us to live inside-out while keeping the outside from coming in.
I moved A LOT when I was growing up..every 3 1/2 years to be exact so it was very easy for me to "re-invent" myself along the way. Trading old habits for new ones along with the way I wore my clothing and the outside person that I wanted to project myself being. Wasn't too hard actually but after all those costume changes it can be hard to remember who those people "thought" you were to who you actually are.
I want to be a Daniel.
I want to resist the tidal wave of temptation to blend in and I want to live a life of integrity.
..he wanted to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
They tried to indoctrinate their minds and steal their souls., God granted the young men His own knowledge and understanding in every matter. Whatever Babylon taught them, God interpreted to them. They retained a God-Centered worldview so that ultimately the world could view their God. Amazing!!
One point that really stood out to me during today's homework was that " the lifeblood of integrity is becoming the same person no matter where we are-no matter who's around. The quality or state of being complete or undivided. Calling us to live inside-out while keeping the outside from coming in.
I moved A LOT when I was growing up..every 3 1/2 years to be exact so it was very easy for me to "re-invent" myself along the way. Trading old habits for new ones along with the way I wore my clothing and the outside person that I wanted to project myself being. Wasn't too hard actually but after all those costume changes it can be hard to remember who those people "thought" you were to who you actually are.
I want to be a Daniel.
I want to resist the tidal wave of temptation to blend in and I want to live a life of integrity.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Renaming and Resisting
Which four young men are singled out in Daniel 1:6-7?
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrack; to Mishael;and to Azariah, Abednego.
Daniel 1:7
What's in a name?
As a mother to msc (many small children) picking names is one of the hardest things to do.
With our youngest it took us nearly 2 days to finally come to a decision that we both loved. I will admit that sentimental value had a far bigger priority than the actually meaning. I guess next tima around I will put more time into seaching for the meanings...
Daniel means "God is my judge"
Hananiah means "Yah has been gracious."
Mishael means, "Who is what God is?"
Azariah means "Yah has helped."
Their new names had meaning too.
Daniel becomes Belteshazzar (Bel will protect)
Hananiah becomes Shadrack (inspired of Aku)
Mishael becomes Meshack (belonging to Aku)
Azariah becomes Abednego (servent of Nego)
*Bel, Nego and Aku were false gods of the Babylonians*
One interesting point that I saw in the homework was that changing a name the intention was to change the entire identity of the bearer until the life matched the title. God originated the concept when he changed Abram's name to Abraham. The world system with the enemy at its help could not resist offering its own counterfeits to serve its own idols.
..the world can call me what it wants, but it cannot change who I am.
I am Gods!!
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrack; to Mishael;and to Azariah, Abednego.
Daniel 1:7
What's in a name?
As a mother to msc (many small children) picking names is one of the hardest things to do.
With our youngest it took us nearly 2 days to finally come to a decision that we both loved. I will admit that sentimental value had a far bigger priority than the actually meaning. I guess next tima around I will put more time into seaching for the meanings...
Daniel means "God is my judge"
Hananiah means "Yah has been gracious."
Mishael means, "Who is what God is?"
Azariah means "Yah has helped."
Their new names had meaning too.
Daniel becomes Belteshazzar (Bel will protect)
Hananiah becomes Shadrack (inspired of Aku)
Mishael becomes Meshack (belonging to Aku)
Azariah becomes Abednego (servent of Nego)
*Bel, Nego and Aku were false gods of the Babylonians*
One interesting point that I saw in the homework was that changing a name the intention was to change the entire identity of the bearer until the life matched the title. God originated the concept when he changed Abram's name to Abraham. The world system with the enemy at its help could not resist offering its own counterfeits to serve its own idols.
..the world can call me what it wants, but it cannot change who I am.
I am Gods!!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Power of training
What kinds of Israelites did the king order Ashpenaz to bring to Babylon?
Ashepenaz took the "pick of the litter" when they hauled the Israelites and dragged them into Babylon.
He chose the royal family and the nobility.
He wanted their young men, handsome and smart.
And he wanted to mold their minds and shape who they were to become by filling their heads with garble gook.
They Israelites were just kids!
They were indoctrinated in Babylonian "language and literature". Everything from history, religious beliefs and all manner of cultural propaganda.
Beth was right when she said "whether or not we are conscious of it, you and I are daily being indoctrinated and "trained" by our culture.
The high premiums our culture places upon age, appearance, and intelligence are obvious.
Which is exactly opposite to what God wants us to set our premiums on.
Isn't it comforting to know that we are useful even when we are old, wrinkled and slow!
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; Rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4: 7-8
Thankfully not one moment we spend in Bible study will ever be wasted!
That this study time is training myself in godliness.
Tutor me Father and teach me to win!!
Ashepenaz took the "pick of the litter" when they hauled the Israelites and dragged them into Babylon.
He chose the royal family and the nobility.
He wanted their young men, handsome and smart.
And he wanted to mold their minds and shape who they were to become by filling their heads with garble gook.
They Israelites were just kids!
They were indoctrinated in Babylonian "language and literature". Everything from history, religious beliefs and all manner of cultural propaganda.
Beth was right when she said "whether or not we are conscious of it, you and I are daily being indoctrinated and "trained" by our culture.
The high premiums our culture places upon age, appearance, and intelligence are obvious.
Which is exactly opposite to what God wants us to set our premiums on.
Isn't it comforting to know that we are useful even when we are old, wrinkled and slow!
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; Rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4: 7-8
Thankfully not one moment we spend in Bible study will ever be wasted!
That this study time is training myself in godliness.
Tutor me Father and teach me to win!!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ties between past and present
What specific prophecy of Isaiah did Daniel witness in fulfillment?
"Jeremiah preached in Jerusalem at the very time Daniel lived within its walls; and, in all likelihood, he heard the prophet's proclamations with his own ears."
Imagine the look of shock on Daniel's face when he realized that he was apart of the fulfillment of prophecy given over a hundred years before hand. To see the anger on his face when the temple articles were being removed and his people were being taken away.
Away from their homes and all that they knew and loved.
God wasn't kidding when he said " The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the King of Babylon."
Isaiah 39: 5-6
**Prophecy that was fulfilled in Daniel 1:1-2**
But Hezekiah's reaction..WoW.
Stunningly selfish is an understatement.
Fits the "I am, and there is none beside me" motto to a t if you ask me!
"Jeremiah preached in Jerusalem at the very time Daniel lived within its walls; and, in all likelihood, he heard the prophet's proclamations with his own ears."
Imagine the look of shock on Daniel's face when he realized that he was apart of the fulfillment of prophecy given over a hundred years before hand. To see the anger on his face when the temple articles were being removed and his people were being taken away.
Away from their homes and all that they knew and loved.
God wasn't kidding when he said " The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the King of Babylon."
Isaiah 39: 5-6
**Prophecy that was fulfilled in Daniel 1:1-2**
But Hezekiah's reaction..WoW.
Stunningly selfish is an understatement.
Fits the "I am, and there is none beside me" motto to a t if you ask me!
Not just a tale of two kings
What are some parallels between ancient Babylon and the western culture that seek to hold us captive?
* Ah, two weeks ago I would have never dreamed that there were any parallels between the two but after a closer look there are.
Like Beth coined in her session The "Babylon Motto" could easily be "I am and there is none beside me."
Give me your beautiful, your smart and your young.
It's a daily fight to be smarter, more enchanting with our beauty as we struggle to fight to hold on to our youthful appearance.
Honestly, there are days when these world views seem to be winning.
Just turn on the t.v. and you are bombarded with messages that your not eating the right food, wearing the right clothes and your appearance..well, they can fix that too!
We are surrounded with over indulgence of choice and are self absorbed.
Trust me...saying that out loud is just as harsh as it is to read.
But it's true.
I am called to be set apart from the world...
"Oh Ancient of Days, reveal yourself and your son to me, powerfully, majestically and personally.
Grant me "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know him better" (Eph. 1:17)
You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, "No one sees me.'
Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself,"I am, and there is none beside me."
Isaiah 47:10
God is serious when he say's "I'm not kidding".
God is faithful to keep His word even when it's a warning..
* Ah, two weeks ago I would have never dreamed that there were any parallels between the two but after a closer look there are.
Like Beth coined in her session The "Babylon Motto" could easily be "I am and there is none beside me."
Give me your beautiful, your smart and your young.
It's a daily fight to be smarter, more enchanting with our beauty as we struggle to fight to hold on to our youthful appearance.
Honestly, there are days when these world views seem to be winning.
Just turn on the t.v. and you are bombarded with messages that your not eating the right food, wearing the right clothes and your appearance..well, they can fix that too!
We are surrounded with over indulgence of choice and are self absorbed.
Trust me...saying that out loud is just as harsh as it is to read.
But it's true.
I am called to be set apart from the world...
"Oh Ancient of Days, reveal yourself and your son to me, powerfully, majestically and personally.
Grant me "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know him better" (Eph. 1:17)
You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, "No one sees me.'
Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself,"I am, and there is none beside me."
Isaiah 47:10
God is serious when he say's "I'm not kidding".
God is faithful to keep His word even when it's a warning..
The start of of my amazing journey
That still small voice has been whispering to me for quite some time now that I am supposed to take this study.
There is a very important message and truth that I need to hear and remember.
Actually, all the girls in my table group wanted to start this study but things sort of got in our way.
gee...I wonder why?
There wasn't space at the church due to other program's...childcare was an issue.
Everything that would have stopped me and almost did but, I am going to be faith full and listen.
Hopefully the study will be offered in the fall but, I couldn't wait for the fall.
So, I am taking the study on my own.
I ordered the workbook from our church book store and I downloaded the first two sessions Beth Moore Daniel
Trust me on this one...When you do a Beth Moore study, you've really done a study!
Anyone interested in joining me on this amazing faith journey?
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