Daniel 10-12

These chapters contain "Daniel's Vision of a Man" that prophecies a bunch of war and battles between three kings... It's hard for me to determine what I am suppose to learn from this or how I am suppose to use these words to advance the kingdom. I think just being aware of that fact that God's got in all under control. He's always got a plan. He's thinking of Daniel, you, and me always and no matter what comes our way it's because He planned it. And all that yucky stuff- "so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end."

God, Refine me, Purify me, make me Spotless unto You. No matter what that means; war, pain, loss, or goodness. Whatever You have planned I am ready. Ready to become more Holy for You.

Daniel 8 & 9

So again more dreams, visions, interpretations, messages from Gabriel, etc. that I don't understand. Dang it.

God help me to understand what these verses mean and how to apply them in my life.

In chapter 9 Daniel offers up a prayer for the city of Jerusalem. The city has been devastated by the destruction of the Lord and they have remained sinful. Towards the end of the prayer after thankfulness and tons of confession Daniel says, "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, becas your city and your people bear your Name."
How interesting is that? I wonder if I pray and make requests because I think I am righteous? Probably. I need to keep this in my heart.

Daniel 7

Daniel had a crazy dream. Four beasts. The last one crazier and more terrible than the rest. He interprets the dream as three kings and a kingdom.
"But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rules will worship and obey him." Is this a prophecy of Jesus?

I really don't know what to take away from this....
Lord, keep me diligent in spending time in your Word.

Daniel 6. Daniel in the Den of Lions

Well, I would say this is one story of Daniel that most people are familiar with, including me. I was struck by the qualities of Daniel that were described in this chapter.
When people tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel they couldn't because of his "exceptional qualities."
When a law was put in place to forbid anyone from praying for anyone besides the king Daniel didn't pray in secret, he didn't pray by himself or in hiding. He immediately went home and prayed, "giving thanks to his God...and asking God for help."
Even the king was trying to save Daniel against the law he put in place. "The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you."
And that's exactly what God did; shut the mouths of the lion, keeping Daniel safe, and turning the king into a believer...
The decree from the king:

For he is the living God

and he endures forever;

his kingdom will not be destroyed,

his dominion will never end.

He rescues and he saves;

he performs signs and wonders

in the heavens and on the earth.

He has rescued Daniel

from the power of the lions.

How cool is Daniel? That is the second king that has seen Daniel live and become a believer of the one true God.

I pray my life can stand as such a testimony. That I will serve continually, trust, and obey my God without fail and in doing so shine the light of Christ for all to see.

Daniel 5

There is a new king, Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar. He is having a party, praising the gods of gold, silver, iron, wood, stone etc. In the midst of this party a "hand" comes and writes on the wall... Ok, seriously strange... No one knows what it says, none of the magicians can figure it out so the king eventually calls David in again. David tells the king the story of his fathers rise, fall, and new life in the Most High God. He says, "But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this... You did not honor the God who holds in his hands your life and all your ways..." Nevertheless, David interprets the writing on the wall and honestly, I'm a little confused about where the story goes from there...
The writing says "Mene (mina, money) : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel (shekel) : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Peres (divided or half mina) : Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

What does it mean he was weighed and found wanting?
Why didn't God give him another chance, like he had with his father? I think because he knew all that had happened with his father and never "humbled himself..." But still pretty harsh because after he promoted Daniel the king was slain and a new ruler took over. Sucks for him.

And what can I learn? How can I apply this in my life?
Well, I think I better learn from the mistakes of my parents... What does that mean?
A little confused on this one...

Daniel 4

The king has another dream. Daniel interprets. The dream is fulfilled. God takes away the authority of the king: he loses his kingdom, his people, is forced into the wilderness to live like a wild animal, and after seven "times" he eventually "acknowledges that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes."verse32

It takes a lot, eating grass, his hair growing like feathers and nails growing like the claws of a bird and a very long time before the king recognizes the greatness of the Lord, before he know that my God can do what as he pleases, before he fears the Lord....

The king had gotten too powerful or thought he was at least...

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10

I pray that for a greater fear of my all-knowing, all-powerful God.

***Also, for church this week I will be reading through Philippians everyday.

This Sunday we learned Philippians is about CHRIST as my life, example, goal, and strength.

Daniel 2: 24-49 & 3

The story of Daniel interpretting the dream of the King. & of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the firely furnance and coming out unharmed.

Because these three men were willing to "Trust in [God] and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God" God protected them in the fire. He even sent someone to protect them and be with them inside the fire.
There are times in my life when I know I am being refined by fire. I must trust God and deny the ways of the world and he will be there. Seriously be there right next to me...
Thank you God for refining us by fire and standing next to us through it all.

Daniel 1 & 2:1-23

I decided to take it back and read Daniel.
So the land in which Daniel lives is over taken by a bad guy. Daniel and three others are summoned by the king to learn, study, train, and serve. They are the best of the best, the smartest, the youngest, the strongest, etc. And they are supposed to live and serve this king in training for three years and then enter the kings service. I find it so interesting that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah "resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." Instead he ate nothing but vegetables and drank only water. And in the end they were healthier and better nourished than any other of the men.
I wonder what could be considered "royal food and wine" in my life. What can I cut out, {eat only the vegetables}, and totally trust God in...? Hmmmm I'll be thinking/praying on that one today.

And in Daniel's words:
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he desposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deap and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors...

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever!

For the past many months the awesome, amazing, wonderful, Godly women I have the pleasure of being in a bible study with have been going through Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Although we have not agreed with everything she has said we have been challenged to not except the lies of this world and of Satan and to combat them with the undeniable Truth of God's Word. The study has been interesting and has made me question many of the things I do and say each day. Is going to school selfish and going against the will and leadership of my husband? How am I trusting God? Or do I just say it and not believe it one bit? What would happen if I lost Manny, would God really be enough for me? Why am I not more aware of my sin? Why do I allow certain circumstances to control me so much? Am I choosing to believe that God will meet all my needs or am I depending on myself and Manny? and so many more. As we come to the end of the book I realize that even if I didn't agree with some of the Ms. Nancy's points/examples/etc. this book has challenged me to the core and shaken the way I live. I know without the Truth of God's Word written on my heart I know nothing. Sure, I can "lie" my way through church, Christian-talk, etc but when it the dust settles if I do know know the Truth that is o-so-evident in every stinkin' page of my Bible I am nothing, I know nothing, and I am so easily deceived.

"We cannot assume a particular viewpoint is true just because everyone else thinks that way- or because it is what we have always believed, or because a well-known Christian author promotes that position, or because a well-meaning friend or counselor says its right. Everything we believe and everything we do must be evaluated in the light of God's Word. That is our only absolute authority."

"We must learn the Truth, believe it, surrender to it, and live it out- even when it flies in the face of our culture. Then we must proclaim the Truth with boldness, conviction, and compassion, seeking to turn sinners from the error of their way and to restore those who have wandered from the Truth."

More than any other time in my entire life, I desire to know God's Word, to have it written on my heart, fresh on my mind, and following from my tongue. I desire to change the way I live, talk, and even pray so that it more truly reflects who God is and what He wants in my life. The power of His Word is radically changing my life. I pray that never changes. I pray that I remember this book, remember my desperation for the Word of God, and remember that it is only through reading and know His Word that I will conquer the lies of the Enemy.

"The Word of God is alive and powerful; it is medicine for troubled hearts and peace for plagued minds. It is a lamp for our feet and a light for out path. Whatever our need, whatever our circumstances, the Word of God is sufficient to meet that need. And it is sufficient to meet the needs of those we love."

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free... If the son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:31-32, 36

2 Peter 3

verse 11-12: You out to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

This chapter speaks of the time when the Lord returns. Many people will question when it will be and how long it is/will take {already happening} but Peter says God is just being patient so that no one will perish but "everyone will come to repentance." Wow. Thank you God. He speaks of us preparing for the day by "making every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him," and to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

I know I don't think about such things everyday. Should I? Am I too comfortable living as part of this world? I think just asking the question answers it...

Lord, I pray that every day I make every effort to grow in who you are so that I may be ready for your return. I pray that I can be used as a tool in your goal of seeing everyone come to repentance. I pray that I never allow myself to be content here, that I always look forward to the new heaven and new earth that you have promised. Thank you for who you are and for your promise. Amen.

this week I've gotten sick. It doesn't happen very often so when it does it kind of overtakes me.ugh.

2 Peter 2 is about "False Teachers and Their Destruction" and man, is that destruction harsh.
verse 17-18 "Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and by appeaking to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error."
God knows what he is doing. He's got it all figured out. I pray that I found rest in that knowledge. I pray against these false teachers and that I will always be aware; that I may never fall into the trap of such a teacher.

[I have to blow my nose like every two seconds]

Lord, I come to you this morning with a heavy heart. Please be with Grandpa Huntley and Grandma Chris. You know what is happening, I do not. You know what will happen, I do not. I pray for strength and peace in their hearts right now; that they rely on only You. I pray for my momma that she would find rest in who you are and in all your promises. I'm at a loss for words God. Take this heart and make it new, make it true, make it like You. I put my life in Your hands. I pray my grandparents, my mom, and all those who are surrounding them can do the same.

2 Peter 1

verse 4: Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

I find it so AWEsome that God gives us everything we need for success. He provides every avenue of holiness. He provides a way out of the evil and into the goodness of his promises. But how do we pursue those promises?

verse 5-8: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, godliness; and to godlines, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they wil keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I wonder how often I have been ineffective and unproductive in my knowlege of Jesus...? Way to often!

Lord, I pray that every day I increase in goodness, knowledge, self-control, godliness, mutual affection [ok, don't really know what that means...], and love. I want to participate in Your divine nature! I want to always be effective and productive in my knowledge of who You are.

1 Peter 4 & 5

[Feeling a little frustrated with life today...]
4 verse 7- The end of all things is near you. Therefore be alert and of sober might so that you may pray.

just pray.

Peter talks a lot about suffering. yes, there are very small ways that I am suffering. but not because I am a Christian. I really can't even imagine that. I am so blessed with my community, this country, and my freedom.
my problems seems pretty small in comparison to someone living in the 1st century being persecuted.... yea, my problems seem pretty small...

God, I pray for clarity.

1 Peter 3 talks a lot about the character of a believer. Peter is describing the ways in which a believer should live, act, etc.

For wives, [that includes me!] I should be submissive, pure, reverent, beauty should come from within, gentle and quiet spirit, hope is in God; all of these things describe a holy woman.

Peter also calls us to be like-minded (with other believers), be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble, repay evil with blessing, and to be ready to answer questions about our faith with gentleness and respect.

Man, whoever said being a Christian was easy had no idea!
It is crazy to me that everyday I fail in one [or more!] of these characteristics. How often do I fail to submit to Manny, rarely am I gentle or quiet in spirit, pure-fail, reverent-rarely, humble-no, sympathetic-so often I judge first...

Lord, please keep these words, these characteristics on my heart so that I may be sickly aware of my sin and my need for a Savior. I long to be holy in your sight.

1 Peter 2

verse 4-8: As you come to him, the living Stone- rejected by human beings but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

"See, I lay a stone in Zion,

a chosen and precious cornerstone,

and the one who trusts in him

will never be put to shame."

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

"The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,

and,

"A stone that causes people to stumble

and a rock that makes them fall."

They stumble because they disobey the message- which is also what they were destined for.

So it took me some time to figure this out. But these verses stood out to me. I wanted to figure out what Peter meant...

So Christ is the living Stone, with Him as the cornerstone- the foundation, we (the body of Christ) are stones adding and building to His temple. We are a part of the holy priesthood offering sacrifices of holiness and righteousness to God through Jesus Christ.

I want to be holy. I want to live a righteous life. Lord, I pray that I may build up your temple, your kingdom everyday.

what am I truly thankful for?

the Word of God.
inspired. TRUE. blessed. LIFE-GIVING. worshipful.
I need more of God. I need more of the Holy Spirit filling me up. everyday. I need the truth of God's Word written on my heart. I desire to know only God SO much more.
Every day, every week, every night I get frustrated with myself- I let my lazy, sinful, worldly ways get in the way of truly, deeply knowing God. knowing His Word.
I need to change. I need to change. I need a new routine. I need to change. I need to make the Word of God my true priority. [NOT reading emails, facebooks, other blogs]

So what will I do? This blog will be my accountability. Every morning, just as I do now, I will get on the computer, but this time with my Bible by side and instead of reading emails, facebook, and other blogs, I will read and journal about what God is teaching me through His Word. Every-stinking-day I WILL.

So here we go. Day 1.
1 Peter. chapter 1.

verse 14-16. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
be holy in all you do. be set apart in all you do. be set apart in all I do. in everything I do I must be holy, be set apart, be different from this world, because He is holy. in everything I do, I must be set apart, be holy. as I nanny, in class, as a small group leader, as a wife, as a daughter, and friend. even when I drive, go to the store, or blog. I must be set apart for the world. BECAUSE HE IS HOLY.

verse 23- 25. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For,

All people are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of the Lord endures forever.

Seems pretty fitting. I need that enduring Word of God in my life. in my heart. in my words.

Lord,
THANK YOU for Your Word. that it is living. that is enduring. that I even have the opportunity to read it. to soak it in. to apply it in my life. to memorize it. to speak it. I pray that you would fill me up. fill me up with your Spirit, your Word, your promises, your life.
More of you and less of me.