"Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon."
Daniel 1:4
Daniel 1:4
My Take Aways
Something Old:
The symbolism of being a cracked jar at the monument of my stupidity caught me off guard.
Something New:
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were trained to serve their enemy.
Something to Do:
Be resolved, purposed, determined to my Savior no matter what. Just do what it takes-do the right thingg.
P.S.
Ya'll I look so out of it today, probably because I am.
P.S.
Ya'll I look so out of it today, probably because I am.
28 Comments:
Daniel 1:8-16 stuck out to me today. Daniel did not want to defile himself with the portion of the king's meat and wine. Daniel wanted vegetables (KJV says pulse) and water for ten days. At the end of the ten days Daniel looked healthier than those who had eaten the king's meat and drank the king's wine.
Lori as I read this I thought about the conversations we've been having the past few days about eating healthy and how it makes you feel so much better. If Daniel could survive on vegetables and water and end up stronger I don't see why I couldn't do the same. To be honest I need some variety of foods in my diet other than just vegetables. I do eat pretty healthy for the most part. I once tried just eating vegetables because that's all I had but it wasn't working for me. It was making me depressed. With that said tomorrow I will be baking some chicken and cutting vegetables for salads.
Today Jeremiah reminded me of Job,and Daniel reminded me of Joseph. I was touched by Jeremiah's complaint. It had to have been hard, crying out warnings, violence, destruction, and not having it happen.
Timeline - Jeremiah began his prophesies in the 13th year of King Josiah's reign. He reigned for 31 years (2 Kings 22:1). After 18 years of prophesizing (I'm not sure that is a word), Jehoahaz is king for three months and then Jehoiakim begins his reign. This complaint seems to have been prayed in the third year of King Jehoiakm's reign (Daniel 1:1). So 21 years of crying out; that would be wearing. Plus threats of death and imprisonment; no wonder he mourned the day he was born (Jer. 20:14-18). This passage reminded me of Job 3:1-10. But God does know us, Job 10:10-12; "10 You guided my conception
and formed me in the womb.
11 You clothed me with skin and flesh,
and you knit my bones and sinews together.
12 You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love.
My life was preserved by your care."
And Jeremiah 1:5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
He prepares us for such a time as this! Yes, even though Daniel and his friends were "trained to serve their enemies," God placed them there because He wanted to show the King His power. And boy does He!
Joseph and Daniel were both captives in enemy territory. They both were advisors to the King (Pharaoh). They were both interpreters of dreams; they were both young and hansom, and they both walked closely with God.
There are many good things to come in Daniel. I am looking forward to the change in tone!
Have a good day everyone!
Karen, Basel
Wendy, hope you're better today. I can identify with those sneezing sieges! Thank you for today's word.
Karen, your comparison of Joseph and Daniel gave me a new avenue to look at them. Both holding onto their God in their circumstances. Thanks.
I was drawn to Jer. 20:9; But I say I'll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!
The Lord had called him and told him to go where I send you and say whatever I tell you. Jer.1:7
Even though the people wouldn't listen and mocked him, he could not hold the words within. The Holy Spirit burns within when He is calling and I'm reminded of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit and cloven tongues of fire came upon them. Acts 2:2-4
Father God, my determined purpose is to know YOU! Leaning on Your strength to walk the path You have set before me.
Blessings to each of you and praying for your requests. Have a great weekend, Wendy and all ya'll.
Blessings, Teeny
Good morning, GIGs,
I was reading along this morning, captivated by the Daniel story, and before I knew it I had read half-way through tomorrow's reading! Looking back at my notes, I wrote next to the ending of the August 6 section, "What is God up to?" No wonder I kept reading!
We are clearly told that these events are God's doing
Dan. 1:2 "The Lord gave [Nebuchadnezzar] victory"
Dan 1:9 "Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel."
Dan 17 "God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams."
My To Do: Try to be more aware today of the things God is doing in my life and among my family. Acknowledge those gifts God has given to each of us, and encourage each to use those gifts to produce "every kind of good fruit."
Teeny, travel mercies to you Sunday as you drive to NC.
Friends, Ryan's dad will be discussing further treatment for his son's cancer with the doctors today. Your prayers would be coveted.
Jodie from Ottowa, it sounds like SheSpeaks was quite an inspiration for you!
Jessica, great to hear from you. I've missed you. Fear not, Sister, I really sense that you have what it takes to stay on your walk. You missed a good one from Dixie the other day about our walk getting shaky at times. "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down!!"
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Wendy, thank you for serving us even when you probably would enjoy a day off! We love you! Loved your teaching today!
As to your question, oh yes, I’ve been called: to be determined, resolved, and purposed with my extended family. The Holy Spirit has been guiding me to keep my mouth shut when they begin to gossip about each other. There are some hurt relationships between some of them, and I seem to be the glue that keeps everyone together; however, in past years, I’ve allowed them to ‘vent,’ when really I should not have been listening. Even tho, I did not say anything negative, I listened, and as I did this, it showed them that I was going along with what they were saying. I have been practicing - stopping the conversation, and turning it around, by saying something nice about the person, (something specific, not a general compliment) even when I tend to agree with what they say, or understand why they say it. It’s been a challenge that I have had to lean on God to do. I’m learning more and more we are not here to judge; but, rather to show our love. People are the way they are because of their past experiences. Until they are guided by the Holy Spirit…they will not know how to get out of their own sin. Our best bet is to PRAY. Pray for those people around us that are difficult to love.
Jennifer Renee, yay, you’ve posted already!!! I think some added fruit and protein is a wonderful idea! Smile! That verse stuck out to me, too! (I knew it would catch you!) To seek to be determined like Daniel - to not defile our bodies by eating junk food!
Guess what ya’ll? My sissy, the one with MS who lives about 3 hours from me is taking her first ever Bible Study which begins shortly! PTL!!!!!!! And, guess which one? Daniel, by Beth Moore! I’ve wanted to take this one, too! She’s been on my prayer list –she’s a Christian, but, not enjoying the intimate relationship that we’ve grown to know and love! Aaahh, I see God working in her life and drawing her to His Word! Thank you, dear Lord!!!!
Girls, as busy as our days are, let’s remember to do one thing: spend time in His Word. Everything else will eventually fall into place.
So wish I had more time to say some individual comments, but lacking time today. Thank you, too, for your soothing words and prayers.
Praying and loving each of you! Lori
I am just checking in to ask for prayer. I am going for another biopsy today for my limp nodes. Please pray that the cancer has not spread that far. I am scared! The Lord keeps reminding us that He is in control.
Linda
I pulled out the timeline again. The Babylonian, Mede, and Persian Empires are on the scene ruling the world.
There are 70 years of captivity for God's people. Sounds like a generation of rebels died off.
Before this time, God had His prophets busy predicting about His people, drawing them to repent-Ezekiel, Obadiah, Jeremiah, and Habbakkuk. The temple and Jerusalem are destroyed.
In the world, Buddhism in India and Confuciusism in China rise up
with their philosophies.
It's 145 pages before Daniel comes back into our reading. I always learn something when reading about the faith of the 4 Hebrews. (By the way, why do we remember them by their Babylonia names, except Daniel?)
Thank you Karen for the comparisons of Jeremiah and Job, Daniel and Joseph. I had not noticed.
Jen, a change in diet is very difficult at first. I think it's the mind set. It gets easier as time goes by. Now I have a talk with myself about what I can and can't eat before going through a buffet line. Whatever we eat or drink, do it for the glory of God.
Girls, our God is always protecting us, sometimes we don't realize it. Last night we mowed the lawn. Hubby removed the solar lights that are next to the porch. I was putting them back into the ground when one didn't want to go in. I pushed and pushed. Out came a small copperhead snake(orange), making an 8 with its body. It went back into the ground. I must have been pushing on its tummy. I backed up, went, ran, into the house for help, but it had scadadled when hubby got the gun and shoes.
I think about me bending over, wearing flip-flops.No bite. God protects us, glory to His name! (Where was my cat during all of this?)I put the lights back this morning with prayer :0)
In Jer. 18, God uses the clay/potter illustration-"As clay is in the potters' hand, so are you (Israel) in my hand." The potter had to crush the clay in order to remake it to his liking. So God crushes me in order to remold me to His liking.
Have a great weekend, all.
Linda from Ark.
Praying for Ryan, Linda and Radar today.
Jekka, praying for you, too sister. Put on that spiritual armor from Ephesians 6!
Karen,I did not make the connection between Daniel and Joseph. Thank you for that. They have the same gifts, too, don't they?
Jeremiah's complaint caught my attention. When I read the background on him in the beginning it said that he preached for about 40 years and no one listened. I wondered how he handled that. Today I saw a glimpse of it and Jeremiah became more real to me. He also felt frustration when no one would listen to his message. Though I have to give it to him. His first recorded complaint was over 20 years. Mine would have happened much sooner than that- 20 hours, maybe. It is encouraging to see that when those days hit me, when my prayers and message seem to fall on deaf ears that I need to give myself a break. God called me to plant the seeds, the Holy Spirit is in charge of the harvest.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Linda, SAPing for you to have a calm heart today, and the correct outcome of this biopsy!
Lori, strength to you today!
Michelle in New England
Lori..Praise God for your darling sister doing the study of Daniel by Beth...that was the best, life changing study I have ever done...I hope she enjoys it
Linda, SAP for you to have a calm heart and good news
So many things today,
Jer 20:9 "But if I say I'll never mention the Lord or speak his name, his word burns in my heart like fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it!" I have some family members who are not believers and spending any length of time with them does wear me out..I know I am supposed to be there and try to let God's light shine through me..but sometimes it is hard.
Just a side note--In Daniel 1, King Neb took some of the sacred things from the temple--because back in Isiah the son of the then king of Babylon visited Hezekiah and King Hezekiah had to show off what "he" had...
I won't go over the Dan 1:8 because Wendy did but when we did the Beth study some of us chose to give up something for (I think) 6 weeks...not to defile our bodies. Challenging!!
Have a wonderful day and weekend...
Blessings in Christ,
Sue
Verse 4 and 5 in Daniel describe what is important in a Babylonian culture-looks, intelligence, and over-indulgence! ( "young men without physical defect, handsome, ..well informed..quick to understand...food and wine from the kings table) Boy this sure sounds like our own culture!!! and I am convicted personally not to judge others by their looks and education or position. In the Beth Moore study of Daniel that Wendy mentioned, the Hebrew word for vegetables was "zeroa" which means "that which is grown from sown seed" so Beth Moore explains that it would include fruits, grains and breads, including nuts also. It would basically be a vegetarian diet with all the protein. I'm convicted also of how extravagantly I can eat-most of which is not that healthy-but it's so available. What I want to be intentional about is staying away from this dangerous Babylon while still having to live in it. I pray that the Holy Spirit would help to keep me from eating off of the world's table (the LIE I see everywhere I turn- that my identity is in looks, intelligence, over-indulgence). Prayers for you all today, Lizzy
Linda, SAPing for you as you have the biopsy. May you feel the presence of the Lord and His peace.
GIGs, your comments today are great.
Blessings,
Teeny
Sweet friends, returning from Radar’s x-ray, I had to fill you in quickly before heading out again…God is good! This morning while blowing drying my hair, words came spontaneously to me as I sung out an old hymn…as I focused on the words this is what they said:
“Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord…
Let the Earth hear His Name….
PTL…PTL…
Let the people rejoice…
Now come to the Father through Jesus His Son and give Him the Glory great things He hath done!”
Chills came over me as I felt my Father wrapping His strong arms around me!
Sitting in the room waiting for the news, trying hard to keep my eyes from becoming ugly…I tuned into the blog on my phone, and had time to read Michelle’s words, ‘strength today’ and shortly after- the vet came in with the x – rays that showed, PTL, no cancer in the lungs!!!! PTL…PTL…I’m rejoicing!!! It was all I could do to contain myself, as I felt like jumping up and down saying PTL!!!! Glory, be to God my Father! We will do the surgery now and each day, be a bit more thankful for Radar’s presence in our home!
Lord, we take so much for granted these days. Help us, dear Father to live, to love those around us. Let us not expect anything in return, let us just show our love just like you to do us each day. Let us live, today, like there is no tomorrow - extending our love to those we come into contact with. Thank you Jesus for being with me. Thank you dear Father, that I can come to you at anytime. Thank you for guiding me this week through your Holy Spirit. Lord, you are what satisfies me – YOU alone get the glory. Thank you for more time with Radar. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your Word. How I love you right now. Today, I want to know You more. In Your precious name I pray dear Jesus, Amen.
Hugs, Lori
PS I, too, kept reading yesterday, Michelle…it was so good, and today Linda, some of tomorrow’s verses came to mind as I read your comments. I will be praying for you! “He controls the course of our every event” (Dan. 2:21). He will be with you every step of the way and know sweet sister we are praying you through this.
Sweet friends, returning from Radar’s x-ray, I had to fill you in quickly before heading out again…God is good! This morning while blowing drying my hair, words came spontaneously to me as I sung out an old hymn…as I focused on the words this is what they said:
“Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord…
Let the Earth hear His Name….
PTL…PTL…
Let the people rejoice…
Now come to the Father through Jesus His Son and give Him the Glory great things He hath done!”
Chills came over me as I felt my Father wrapping His strong arms around me!
Sitting in the room waiting for the news, trying hard to keep my eyes from becoming ugly…I tuned into the blog on my phone, and had time to read Michelle’s words, ‘strength today’ and shortly after- the vet came in with the x – rays that showed, PTL, no cancer in the lungs!!!! PTL…PTL…I’m rejoicing!!! It was all I could do to contain myself, as I felt like jumping up and down saying PTL!!!! Glory, be to God my Father! We will do the surgery now and each day, be a bit more thankful for Radar’s presence in our home!
Lord, we take so much for granted these days. Help us, dear Father to live, to love those around us. Let us not expect anything in return, let us just show our love just like you to do us each day. Let us live, today, like there is no tomorrow - extending our love to those we come into contact with. Thank you Jesus for being with me. Thank you dear Father, that I can come to you at anytime. Thank you for guiding me this week through your Holy Spirit. Lord, you are what satisfies me – YOU alone get the glory. Thank you for more time with Radar. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your Word. How I love you right now. Today, I want to know You more. In Your precious name I pray dear Jesus, Amen.
Hugs, Lori
PS I, too, kept reading yesterday, Michelle…it was so good, and today Linda, some of tomorrow’s verses came to mind as I read your comments. I will be praying for you! “He controls the course of our every event” (Dan. 2:21). He will be with you every step of the way and know sweet sister we are praying you through this.
YAAAAAYYYYYYYY, LORI
I have just done the Snoopy dance - it seemed appropriate - about Radar's good news. Thank you, Lord!!
Michelle in New England
Lori,
PRAISE THE LORD!
I'm so happy for you. Joining Michelle in the Snoopy dance.
I love what you said Help us, dear Father to live, to love those around us. Let us not expect anything in return, let us just show our love just like you to do us each day. I will carry that with me today along with the Peanuts theme song that's now stuck in my head,
Love you, sister!
Linda,
May Is. 10:41 bring you comfort today. " So do not fear, Linda, my child, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, Linda, for I am your God. I will strength Linda and help her; I will uphold Linda with my righteous right hand."
Praying for you,
Jeanne,NC
Hello to all:
I haven't read today's reading yet, but am taking this opportunity to comment as it has been awhile.
I received my Chronological Bible two weeks ago and I just love it.
Would never have known it existed if it wasn't for this study. Plus the pink color is a nice, cheerful bonus!
I am actually home alone - a RARE occurrence, so I feel like I can think!
I too, fell into the pit of my husband was my God. I have been married 27 years and I just didn't realize in my younger days what exactly I was doing. My daughters have both been given that piece of advice early on. I was nowhere near where my daughters are, in my walk with the Lord, in my mid-twenties. I am not a good writer, so I hope this make sense. What I am trying to say is: I didn't have good sound Biblical truths in my younger days, but "Praise God", at least my kids got it 20+ years earlier than I did! BUT, I never take for granted for one single minute that my 3 kids have accepted Jesus in their hearts. My son-in-law too.
My husband grew up with a very angry, alcoholic father (who has been deceased 25 years) Wendy said yesterday, blaming our heritage does us not a bit of good. AMEN! How easy it is to say: I (You) are just like so and so...
Some very good messages this week, from the book of Jeremiah.
My facebook era lasted a whole 9 days. I new it would become a stronghold and addiction, so off I went. I miss it terribly, but knew it had to go. Ouch.
My two biggest weak spots are the pocket book (as Wendy mentioned a while back) and also gossip. I grew up in an Italian family, where one's first word in a conversation are "Anyone have a good scoop?" Facebook, for me, would have been the ultimate "scoop fest" - how's that for a word!
I believe I have rambled on - just know I am truly blessed by this study and look forward to it every single day.
Rhonda in New York State (a nice cool 75 degree day - hmmm, guess I will vacuum the living room!)
Good to see your posting Jennifer R. always look to see if you are there.
I haven't read the other posting and won't be able to until later this evening. But wanted to comment on Jeremiah's complaint. It really made me cry to hear his words. LORD, "you mislead me, and I allowed it" and now I am hurting badly. The words come bursting, out of my mouth and make people mock me, trailing me and wanting to trap me, and yet I cannot help myself in telling them about their distruction because they did not follow my LORD. It is so bad I wish I had never been born, why did I not die in my mother's womb. My entire life has been filled with trouble, sorrow, and shame.
My prayer for Jeremiah, LORD give Jeremiah my jewels from my crown. If that is not possible give him an extra portion of Your love to compensate for his life while here on earth. I get tired of reading his message, and had not thought of how tired he got of having to say it over and over, without the people listening before it was to late. (how hurt his family must of been to see how he lived his life). You are a just God, I have no doubt, and we know that Your Word says " to whom much is given, much is expected", so I know you are just and honor Jeremiah fully. His praise to You is wonderful to read. And Jeremiah's home going was a great day for him. I just wanted to bring his name before you to let you know LORD that I believe You are just and holy.
It is so!!
Donna - TX
Just stopping for a brief moment ladies. I feel as if God led me to your comments at this moment in my day. The thread seems to be about changing our eating habits and the bible study of Daniel by Beth Moore.
First of all, I found out a week ago that my body does not tolerate wheat, corn, dairy (from a cow), soy or sugar. Talk about a drastic food change. I'm the girl that had cereal for breakfast, yogurt for a snack, something covered in cheese for lunch and then cereal again for dinner. No wonder I had been feeling so blah!! So, I am now on meats, veggies, brown rice/brown rice pastas, almond milk, etc. I did OK the first couple of days but then the Devil had to jump in my playground and be the bully that he is. I broke down on Wednesday at work. My boss wanted to know what was work and I held up food and said "everything is BROWN....I don't like the color brown". Pity party for me. Well, after realizing that the Devil was doing a Snoopy Dance over my ruined day I threw him out of my playground. I went to the health food store to see what options were out there. I've gone to the library and picked up all kinds of cookbooks. Onward and Upward but gosh it's hard.
The Beth Moore Study discussion today stunned me. Some friends of mine attend a different church in my area. They offer Life University Classes on Wednsday evenings and starting Aug 18 one of the classes is Beth Moore's study. I have been thinking about going but had almost talked myself out of it because I won't know any one there. However, now I feel as if God is going "hint, hint, you need to attend".
Blessings to you all
Jessica
Ohh forgot one thing---Jen Ren I could just wrap my arms around you. I know exactly how you feel about being alone among a crowd of Christians.
I said to one of my fellow church members the other night "I just don't feel like I fit in". There is the youth, the young adults who are unmarried, the families, the seniors. But what about me??? A thirty something divorced no children except those with four legs kinda person??? I want to get together and play board games, I want to go out after service. It's an awful feeling but I have realized that our friends come from various places and that is one of the many reasons I am SO thankful for this group. Maybe we should have our own version of "She Speaks". Wouldn't it be great to all get together, study God's word face to face, pray and ugly cry together??? Oh I think it would bliss.
Blessings
Jessica
Jessica,
Where do you live? I so hear you! My husband and I changed our diet a couple of years ago. It was hard,but in the long run worth it.
Brown rice, I swear by it. There are also grain packets you can get at Asian supermarkets, add them to rice and it is a meal... Add vinegar to cabbage or cucumbers, also great snack food. Lasty and SO Easy, Salmon and cabbage, a little rice vinegar or wine, some salt and steam, wilted cabbage salmon casserole; over rice or by itself, a one pot meal. Really good too.
I hope you find the menus that fit your circumstances and taste good too... I also hope you join that Beth Moore study. She is so awesome and you will find soul-mates in the crowd. Bless you Jessica, you are my inspiration!
Karen, Basel
Jessica,
If you live in So Cal I would ask you to join our Women's Group! Three of our ladies are formerly married, no kids also. Hang in there, sister. I pray that God will draw like-minded sisters to you. And I echo the others in urging you to join that Beth Moore study!
Here's something everyone as we head to another weekend, wise words from A.W. Tozer:
"We rush into worship, out of breath from daily activities, only to rush out again never having received a blessing."
And to my sisters who are in the valley right now, wise words from Max Lucado:
God is God. He knows what he is doing. When you can't trace his hand, trust his heart.
Have a blessed weekend everyone!
Thank you Grace and Peace. Your comment made me think about what I always tell my Sunday School Kids. When you approach the door to the church, stop. Imagine that you have a backpack. Starting stuffing all the thoughts of what you are going to do that day, what you are going to have for lunch, what didn't get done into your backpack. Zip it up and leave it at the door. It will be there after service and you can enjoy God's service with an empty mind and a willing heart.
Jessica
Linda I'm praying for good news.
Lori PTL on Radar not having cancer in his lungs. As my spiritual mom would say, "I'm dancing a jig".
Today I had an opportunity to get frustrated but I didn't. I tried to log into Baby Claire's care page and my pass word wasn't working. It wasn't the pass word windows had in its system for the user (me). I go to another website that I use a different password for. After deleting all my passwords from my system and trying a few different things I finally got both websites to work with different passwords. Maybe I'll use the same pass word for any websites that need log in information.
Off now to go see if my neighbor who piks up my medication from the pharmacy for me is home. Then I'll be cutting pmy chicken for my salads.
Hi ya'll! It's been a long time. Ever since youth camp I've been behind on the vlogs. I kept up with the readngs, but had to keep playing catch up with the vlogs and comments. So sometimes, I'm a day late with my prayers for ya'll but I'm still SAPing.
Youth camp went well and things are will with me.
I'm excited that we are starting to get into Daniel, some o my favorite stories of all time. My all time favorite is Shadrech, Meschech and Abendego. I kept wondering when we were getting to them, I totally didn't realize they were Daniel's friends. AHA, somthing new moment.
Prayer request if you will: My oldest is starting college and I'm trusting God to help us find the money for this. We make too much for financial aid but don't have extra. I know it will work out, but extra prayers always help.
Praying for each of ya'll andcontinually blessed!!
Blessings,
Missy in Tx
Jessica you're a girl after my own heart. I love board games but I hardly get to play them. My sister and her husband will sometimes have family and friends over and they will play board games. I live too far away from them right now to enjoy this activity. I have played games with them maybe two or three times during the holidays. Several years ago I bought a few different Bible board games thinking that friends from church would get together to play. It never happened and I keep thinking about giving them away.
Michelle from NE - yup She Speaks was just what I needed. I certainly felt God speak some very important messages to my heart.
1) To watch my reactions at home esp with my husband and son. (I shared this yesterday)
2) That I should be focused on the message and not the income it might provide to stay at home (specifically around writing). If I am obedient to my call, God will make provision for my family regardless of whether what He asks me to do will make money. He doesn't need my help and will do things His own way.
3) God can use my brokenness - in my weakness He shines.
4) I am a writer - I have now written it - in public :) I have never published a thing in my life but I think God has given me a book to write. I am waiting on confirmation :)
I cannot say enough about how that conference has touched me. I am so so grateful for the opportunity to attend.
Lori - great news about Radar!!
Linda - SAPing for you right now.
Have a wonderful weekend girls (and guys)
Jodie from Ottawa
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