Daniel 2:36-49

Whenever I read from the Book of Daniel I am reminded of the famous broadcaster, Paul Harvey, and his popular radio program, The Rest of the Story.  When Daniel interprets the king's dreams they are filled with such doom and gloom, but there is always the feeling that there is much more to the story.  Life is going to be rough because of the consequences to our sinful lives, but there is more to the tale.  Verse 44 is about the completion of the story.


"But throughout the history of these kingdoms, the God of heaven will be building a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will this kingdom ever fall under the domination of another. In the end it will crush the other kingdoms and finish them off and come through it all standing strong and eternal. It will be like the stone cut from the mountain by the invisible hand that crushed the iron, the bronze, the ceramic, the silver, and the gold." (Daniel 2:44) (bolded by writer)

I am reminded that God is in control, not world leaders.  God is in control, not the nightly newscasters.  God is in control, not me.  Whoa, is that not Good News?  I have trouble planning a healthy diet and following through with it, I struggle to stay within a budget, to serve others as part of my Christian walk.  It is most certainly a good thing I am not in control of tomorrow.  Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind once again.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   

This has been a fun week to write from Daniel.  It was one of my very first Bible studies and it was led by my daughter (who was only a teen at the time).  I will always have fond memories of this book.  It challenges and comforts, it points out the benefits of following God without compromise, it lifts up the importance for regular prayer and so much more.
Read Daniel 2:36-49 here

Listen to Daniel 2:36-49 here

Romans 15:23-33

My memory is not what it used to be; can you relate?.  I love to read books and would never consider reading the same book twice.  Now I am often half way through a book before I realize I have read it before, but I don't remember the ending so I might as well continue.  Sound familiar?

That said, I find that there is always something new for me when I read through Scripture.  A text I have read before, will be new, and not because of my memory issues.  There is never a reason to stop and ask myself, "Have I read this before?"  When in the Word, God always speaks to me where ever I am at this time in my life.  I may have studied this text only 6 months previous, but life has changed me and my view on the world and God.  The Word will be fresh and alive and speaking to me as though I am hearing for the first time.

In the text today I hear Paul asking for prayers for himself.  I love it!  Just today I was at a Bible Study and we were sharing prayer requests and I was struck by the fact that of the 14 women around the table only two asked for prayers for themselves.  I don't know about you, but I am one of my biggest prayer concerns.  I have lots of others I pray for; many whom I love are hurting and need my prayers, but if I don't get myself taken care of I won't have the heart to pray for them.

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." (Romans 15:30)

Read the Romans 15:23-33 text here.  Listen to the Romans 15:23-33 here.

Put God's Word in Your Heart - Hebrews 5:12-6:12

A number of years ago, when I began to take seriously, my walk with God, He put a few Godly women in my path.  Not all at the same time, in fact their entrance onto the stage of my life took place over the course of many years.  A few of these women I have written of before, like Joyce and Melissa.  One was an annoyance - persistent in her invitation - but an annoyance none-the-less.  The other was an encouragement, reminding me of my positive traits and building on them.

When God had properly prepared my heart for Him, he introduced more women; women who were strong in His Word, who loved Him and lived a life reflective of His Way.  I learned by their example to dig into Scripture when life got tough, or confusing or painful, or...  It is taking years, a lifetime actually, to get this heart filled to overflowing with love for Jesus and His people.  

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized." (Hebrews 6:10-11)

Growing Up Strong in God's Word is a remarkable endeavor  Now, in the new surroundings new life I find myself, God once again is moving women into place.  In a few short weeks I have made friends with a number of His servants, and one in particular, Patty.  God's faithfulness to me is available to you as well.  Put your nose in His book and He will re-write the pages of your story.

Read the Hebrews 5:12-6:12 text here.