The purpose of the prophetic book of Daniel is to show how God is in control of the earth, the destiny of nations as well as the care of His people. Also, Daniel’s dreams and interpretations of others’ dreams convince Jew and Gentile alike that wisdom and power belong to God alone.
On Mon, we learn from Daniel 2 that God Reveals Deep Things. On Tues, we learn from Daniel 3 to Praise The Most High God. On Wed, we learn from Daniel 4 that God Rules & Fulfils Dreams. On Thurs, we learn from Daniel 7 to Praise God the Ancient of Days. On Friday, we learn from Daniel 9 that God Is Holy and Merciful. On Sat, we learn from Dan 10-12 that Almighty God Is In Control.
Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Help us O God be Christ’s disciples who Adore You: For You are Worthy of our Thanks as You God Reveals Deep Things as well as Rules & Fulfils Dreams; For You are worthy of our Praise as You are The Most High God as well as The Ancient of Days; For You are Holy and Merciful as well as in Control of things. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Backgrounder: Whilst the first half of Daniel’s book centres around the prophet’s personal adventures; the second half focuses on his prophetic visions. God’s people now find themselves under Gentile domination. But even world powers do not rise or fall without the consent of almighty God. In a remarkable collection of prophetic glimpses, Daniel sets forth both the near and distant future of God’s chosen people – a future filled with purifying judgment and blessing.
Lord, we’ll Seek, Persevere & Share: Do not be afraid Daniel. Since the day you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard… Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days (Daniel 10:12-14). Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall Be Strong, and carry out great exploits… In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end (Daniel 11:32-35). Those who sleep in the earth shall awake; some to everlasting life, some to everlasting contempt Those who are wise shall shine… and those who turn many to righteousness (be) like the stars forever and ever (Dan 12:2-3).
Lord, help me to Seek Patiently for the answers to my prayers. Increase my faith to know that when I pray, You hear the cries of my heart and will answer in Your perfect timing and Your perfect way. Help me to continue to pray and not give up, no matter how long it takes or how many obstacles the enemy throws in my path along the way. Amen. Lord, we recognise temptations are not unique, everyone struggles. Help me to know You so well that I will say a Firm No to temptation. Help me use opportunities during difficult times to share Your Word for it will interest those who normally don’t bother with it. Help me to recognise trials as opportunities to strengthen faith. For if we remain steadfast, we will grow closer to You God. Amen.
Dear Lord, we note that Daniel’s visions gave the captives added Confidence that You God is In Control of history. Lord, help us Not give in to the pressures of challenges and temptations of the sinful way of life around us. Lord, we appeal to Your Mercy, for we will Wait for the Answer; we’ll Persevere & Be Refined; and help us share the gospel. Amen
God’s people, a major force among the Gentiles since days of Joshua, now find themselves under Gentile domination. But even world powers don’t rise or fall without the consent of almighty God. In a remarkable collection of prophetic glimpses, Daniel sets forth both the near and distant future of God’s chosen people; a future filled with purifying judgment and blessing.
Holy Lord, we Seek Your Mercy: I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession and said: O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant & mercy… We have Sinned & done wrong. We have rebelled against You and scorned Your commands… We have refused to listen to Your… prophets (Daniel 9:4-6). Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant… We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your Great Mercy (v17-18). While I was speaking in prayer… Gabriel talked with me and said: O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand… Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city… to make an end of sins to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness and to anoint the Most Holy(v21-24)
Lord, Daniel was an exceptional man but even him had offended You God. So in Daniel’s prayers, he took responsibility for the sins that he and his people had committed. Help us Lord to learn from Daniel not deny our faults but admit them. Help us to be honest with You God, confess our sins; so that we can feel clean, relieved and prepared to serve You forgiven. Amen.
Lord, I come to You not because I am worthy but because You are. You are full of mercy; and I need Your mercy to be extended to me. I need help to overcome certain challenging situation in my life. And I thank You Lord that Your help isn’t dependent on my good works; but upon Your goodness, love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, let Your holiness manifest itself in us; and may it transform our thoughts, speech and actions. You have purchased us our purity at such a great cost; & we don’t want it to be wasted in our lives. Help us honour You in all we do & help us focus on Your holiness. And empower us to live a life that is set apart to You Lord. In Jesus’ gracious name, Amen.
Backgrounder to Daniel 7-12: The first half of Daniel’s book centers around the prophet’s personal adventures; the 2nd half focuses on his prophetic visions. God’s people, a major political and military force among the Gentiles since the days of Joshua, now find themselves under Gentile domination. But even world powers do not rise or fall without the consent of almighty God. In a remarkable collection of prophetic glimpses, Daniel sets forth both the near and distant future of God’s chosen people – a future filled with purifying judgment and blessing.
Lord, we worship as You Reign: Daniel had a dream and visions… while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts. Daniel spoke saying: I saw… the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea… And four great beasts came up from the sea (Daniel 7:1-3). I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne and a river of fire was flowing from His presence (v9-10). O Son of Man, You will come with clouds of heaven. In the presence of the Ancient of Days, You will be given dominion and… a kingdom, so that people of every nation… will worship You (Dan 7:13-14).
Lord Jesus, we Praise You for taking on human form to accomplish light, life and liberation. All people will eventually worship You someday. We worship You Lord today for You are our health and salvation. And we choose to worship You for You keep Your promises of lovingkindness. In Jesus’ name.
O Heavenly Father who has always cared, provided and protected Your children in all the ages, to You in reverent awe our hearts are bowed. O Lord Jesus, our Saviour and Prince of Peace; to You we owe with gratitude for blessed assurance and the peace that still prevails. O Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Enabler, to You we owe quickening power that gives peace and increase in all that we do. Amen.
Ancient of Days, who sittest throned in glory, To Thee all knees are bent, all voices prayed; Thy love has blessed the wide world’s wondrous story With light and life since Eden’s dawning day. O Triune God, with heart and voice adoring, Praise we the goodness that doth crown our days; Pray we that Thou will hear us still imploring Thy love and favour, kept to us always. Amen.
Perhaps when you think of Daniel, you think of a young man. But the book of Daniel covers 70 years in the life of this prophet of God. Daniel was 76 years old in chap 4, 86 years in chap 5 and 93 in chap 6. Throughout his days, Daniel’s faith shines brightly, whether in interpreting a king’s dream, reading the hand-writing on the wall, or taking a stand for his God.
Lord, You Rule & Fulfil Dreams: I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation (Daniel 4:2-3). As he looked out across the city, he said: Just look at this great city of Babylon! I by my own mighty power have built this beautiful city… While he was still speaking these words, a voice called down from heaven, O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom… You will live in the fields with the wild animals and you will eat grass like a cow… until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses (v30-32). That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; (for) he… ate grass like oxen (v33).
Lord, thank You that wisdom and understanding comes fr You alone. Grateful for reassuring that You’re in control of every area of my life. I confess Lord with my heart, how great are Your signs & wonders; and Your kingdom is everlasting. Thank You that You are my God and Saviour, for in You I have placed my trust. Praise Your mighty name.
Lord, we note Nebuchadnezzar’s prideful heart when he says: “By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city.” We realise Lord that we can also fall into prideful tendencies. King of heaven, Your rule is ever- lasting and Your kingdom eternal. Your acts are just and You are entitled to humble the proud; and so humble, restore & lead us. Amen.
Lord, If drunk with sight of power, we lose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe; Boasting breeds without the law. Lord God of hosts be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget… Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget. Amen
The first 3 chapters of the book describe the spiritual integrity of Daniel and his three friends. Selected for government service, they resist the pressure to conform to their pagan environment and instead take a stand for God. Whether in diet, truthfulness or spiritual discipline, the four young men live out their convictions.
Praise be El Elyon Most High God: Look! he answered: I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God (Daniel 3:25). Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted: Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego, servants of the Most High God (El Elyon), Come here! So Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego came out of the fire (Daniel 3:26). Nebuchadnezzar said: Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him… There is no other God who can deliver like this (v28-29).
Lord El Elyon, thank You for showing us time and again that You are over all, and delivering us from the snares of the enemy. You hold the power in Your hand to keep the flames of life’s trials from scorching us; and You have the power to save. We will not fear what man can do, for You the Most High God is for us. Amen
Lord El Elyon, we may tremble when life’s troubles surrounds us, whether in work, finances or health through worry or fear. Yet You Lord are El Elyon, Most High God and knows everything. Forgive us for looking only at what we can see, things that seem so certain to harm us rather than looking at You. Amen.
Lord El Elyon, we ask You manifest Your might more & more each day. Too often we look to ourselves when we get into difficulties; and so often we become fearful. Help us look to You; for You are not only Creator God, but also Elyon Most High. Grant us power when we feel faint; increase our strength when we are weak; and help us wait upon You. Amen.
The first 3 chapters of the book describe the spiritual integrity of Daniel and his three friends. Selected for government service, they resist the pressure to conform to their pagan environment and instead take a stand for God. Whether in diet, truthfulness or spiritual discipline, the four young men live out their convictions.
Lord, grant us Your Revelation: During the Night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel said: Praise be the name of God… For wisdom and might are His (Daniel 2:19-20). He Reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies Hidden in darkness… I thank and praise You for You have given me Wisdom and strength. You have told me what we Asked of You and Revealed to us what the king demanded (v22-23). The king answered Daniel and said: Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings and a Revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret. Then the king promoted Daniel… gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon (v47-48).
Lord, it seems that in the middle of the night problems appear larger. At those times I am reminded that You never sleep and I can come to You and cling to Your presence. I pray that at those times You will give me the treasures of darkness, as You have spoken in Your Word. I pray You will fill my darkness with Your light and give me peace. Amen.
Lord, I praise Your mighty name for You are the God who has all wisdom and power, the One who guides even world events. You give wisdom to the wise and You know what is hidden in darkness and all mysteries. Grant me O Lord Your wisdom and strength to handle the tricky issues that come my way. Amen.
Lord, we purpose not to lean on our own understanding; but instead to look to You the All Knowing One for understanding and wisdom. There are things we can’t know by seeing or hearing are known by God & You’re willing to reveal them to us. For Your Spirit searches all things & shows secrets to those who love U. Reveal to us O Lord those things which help us be effective. Amen.
Ezekiel’s emphasis shifts from the failures of Judah’s past to the Promises of Judah’s future. Jerusalem has fallen, and the prophet’s tongue silenced for three years is loosened at last to declare that a new Shepherd is coming. He will tenderly care for the flock of Israel, rescue His people from their scattered homes of exile and restore them to their covenant land.
Lord, we’ll Move in the Spirit: I will sanctify My great name… which you have profaned (among the nations) and (they) shall know that I am the Lord… when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations… and bring you into your own land (Ezek 36:23-24). I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and Move You to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws… (And) I will deliver you from all your uncleanness (v26-29). And I will multiply the fruit of your trees… so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations (v30).
Lord, take away everything in my heart that is not right before You. Help me to get rid of bad attitudes and wrong thinking. Show me anything that has taken root in my heart that should not be there so that I can free myself of it. Help me clear the slate and begin again with a right spirit. Fill me with Your desires and everything that pleases You. Amen
Father God, Thank You that You have put Your Holy Spirit within me to Guide me in all things. Lead me Lord by the power of Your Spirit so that I will obey Your Word and Follow Your laws. Give me Lord the discipline I need to do what I must do. Help me to Follow Your leading and not run ahead or behind chasing after my own ways. Amen.
Lord, sometimes our Christian life can be a struggle when we go through bad times. But thanks that You God is in the business of making life better for us on the inside. Thank You for the promise to help us clean up our act. Help us get to where You want us to be & help us be fruitful. Amen.
Born as a priest, Ezekiel ministers as a prophet during the last days of the decline and fall of Judah. Ezekiel also adds a blessed note of hope – God’s promise of a restored nation in the future. Emphasizing the glory of the sovereign God, Ezekiel portrays God’s purpose through both judgment and blessing “that all might know that I am the LORD.”
On Mon, we learn from Ezek 3 that God Gives You A Message. On Tues, we learn from Ezek 11 that God Gives You A New Heart. On Wed, we learn from Ezek 18-20 that God Gives Hope & Restoration. On Thurs, we learn from Ezek 36 that God Moves Us in the Spirit. On Friday, we learn from Ezek 37 that God Brings Dead Things Alive. On Saturday, we learn from Ezek 48 that Jehovah Shammah Is There!
Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Help us O God be Christ’s disciples who Adore You: For Giving us Revelation and Message as well as Your Loving-kindness Giving us a New Heart; For You are Worthy of our Praise as You God move us in the Spirit and You Bring Dead Things Alive; For You are worthy of our Thanks as You Give us Hope & Restoration as well as Provides Presence. Amen.
Ezekiel closes his prophecy with the conclusion of the temple vision. In it he outlines new orders for worship; including procedures for priests, sacrifices, offerings and feasts. Finally, Ezekiel describes the boundaries of the renewed nation, with divisions for tribes, priests and the people of Jerusalem. As a reminder of all that has taken place, the new city will be named: “The Lord Is There.”
Praise be Jehovah Shammah: This is the land which you shall divide by lot as an inheritance among the tribes of Israel, and these are their portions, says the Lord (Ezek 48:29). These are the exits of the city… the gates of the city shall be named after the tribes of Israel (v30-31). The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be The Lord Is There (Jehovah Shammah) – Ezekiel 48:35.
Jehovah Shammah, my finite mind cannot comprehend You in all Your majesty seated there in the new Jerusalem – the place of Your dwelling. You are my closest friend, and I praise You for all of Your greatness. And thank You for preparing a place where I will dwell with You for eternity. Amen.
Lord, cause my heart to fully feel the godly sorrow I should feel when I offend you. You’re Jehovah Shammah, there in the place of my eternal home, and yet I can dismiss You easily in my daily life here. Forgive me for feeling You aren’t close enough to give me the love I need as I navigate through this world. Amen
Jehovah Shammah, I ask You to help us know that everything is going to be okay as I go thru it in this season of time. The challenges I face are at times too much for me to bear. You have given us the Holy Spirit, You have gone before us and we will one day be in Your presence. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
