Daniel 2:24-3:30 + 1 Peter 4:7-5:14 + Psalm 119:81-96 + Proverbs 28:15-16
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~
Old Testament – Today in Daniel chapter 2 we see Daniel conducting his affairs with Nebuchadnezzar with wonderful humility! In verses 27 & 28 Daniel says: “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can tell the king such things. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future.” Here we see that Daniel is giving God the glory for the dream about to be revealed. Daniel was taking no credit for this. Today, do you regularly give God the glory in your life? Or do you try to take the credit yourself? Below is an image of Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar:
The dream interpreted by Daniel is summed up in verses 44 & 45: “During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed; no one will ever conquer it. It will shatter all these kingdoms into nothingness, but it will stand forever. That is the meaning of the rock cut from the mountain by supernatural means, crushing to dust the statue of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold.” The dream & interpretation are prophesying the kingdom of Babylon (gold), followed by the Medo-Persian Kingdom (silver), then Greek kingdom (bronze), then the Roman empire with a mix of iron & clay – representing strong and weak states within the Roman empire. These are all B.C. kingdoms, taking us up to the time of Jesus the Messiah, when the rock cut from the mountain comes and becomes the everlasting Kingdom of God. Below is an image of the statue from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretations with dates:
Nebuchadnezzar is impressed with the dream interpretation and says to Daniel in verse 47: “Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.” Think Nebuchadnezzar is sincere about this? Or, think he will be the next day? Look how quickly he changes his mind in Chapter 3…
In chapter 3 we read the incredible story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In verses 16-18 we read: “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Focus on the words in verse 18 – “But even if he does not”. Do you have the faith of these three men in God? Even if God does not show up in your life as you hope he might, will you still have faith? Will you not serve other gods or worship false idols? Back to verse 16 – Do you realize that you do not have to defend your faith to others? Do you believe that God can rescue you from the direst of situations? Even a fiery furnace?
In verse 28 we hear Nebuchadnezzar giving praise to God again – similar to chapter 2 verse 47 above: “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” Are we willing to die rather than serve or worship any other “god”? (big question I realize… but a fair one. This is happening to Christians around the world today. Please remember to pray for the persecuted church around the world.) Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were willing to die for their faith in the True Living God rather than worship another little “g” fake god –
New Testament – We finish the letter of First Peter today! Second Peter begins tomorrow. In First Peter chapter 5 verse 8 today we receive a stern warning we all must heed: “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith.” Do you believe the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion? Will you take a firm stand against him? How will you do this? Memorizing scripture on a regular basis I believe is one very effective tool in this battle. As is reading and studying the Bible each and every day. I actually was sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office recently and I picked up a Christian magazine that had an article on how to fight temptation. This article basically said to “know thyself” – know what and where your weaknesses / temptations are. Then, after taking this inventory, memorize a scripture verse or two that you can easily bring to mind when you find yourself in one of those times of weakness / temptation. And to cling to that scripture verse for all its worth. I haven’t personally tried this yet, but I think I will. I do think that we can cling to scripture like a life preserver in our moments of weakness / temptation. Let us not ever forget that on this side of heaven the devil is out there prowling…
Psalms – I am continuing to love our readings of Psalm 119! This is an incredible Psalm… I somehow am re-reminded of how amazing this Psalm is every 6 months that we read it in the One Year Bible. I could write something on each verse. For example, I love the imagery in verse 81 today – “I faint with longing for your salvation; but I have put my hope in your word.” I faint! I long! I hope! And Verse 83 – “I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them.” I am shriveled! I am exhausted! I wait! I cling! I obey! I love this Psalm… Verse 95 actually backs up the reflection above on 1 Peter 5:8 quite nicely – “Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your decrees.” How can you quietly keep your mind on God’s decrees? Will you make this a habit to quietly keep your mind on God’s decrees? Would this be a good habit?
Proverbs – Proverbs 28:15-16 today teach us: “A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.” These verses are a reminder to me to pray for our leaders in government. Their actions matter. In very significant ways. Do you think our prayers for our leaders matter? In very significant ways?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in 1 Peter reminded me of Phil Wickham’s song “This is Amazing Grace:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBbi-cFk9R8
Have you experienced God’s Amazing Grace? Click here for Amazing Grace!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” First Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are always self-controlled. Pray that you are always alert. Pray that you always realize that your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Pray for protection for yourself, friend, family, neighbors, and world from the schemes of the devil.
Comments from you – What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link. p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link. p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you! BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS: ====== Ramona: Daniel 2:24-3:30 ====== Margaret: This spoke to me, because I am a God fearing woman. I sit under an awesome Pastor and by obeying God’s word and submitting to HIM I will hold strong to my faith. ====== Anka: As I read through Daniel yesterday,it seemed the other three jewish boys were just going along with whatever Daniel said…it was his idea they didn’t eat the king’s food…he took the initiative to pray to God for the interpretation of the king’s dream…In today’s trial,Daniel wasn’t there…the had to make their own decision whom they would serve..I liked their way of thinking…God is able but if he chooses not to save us,we still won’t bow down to any other god… ie giving God glory without really expecting things to turn out the way we want to…That’s really wow worship!! ======= Rebecca: What really stands out in Daniel is that after The King received revelation from Daniel about the dream with the gold head representing him that he went out and made a gold image for everyone to bow down to. It reminds me of when Peter, John and James saw Jesus transform to bright light how they wanted to build temples to remember or worship in that reflected on that experience. We need to be careful not to worship the symbols or events or experiences that God gives and to always give Him the worship!!! ====== Pat: Rebecca, wonderful connection and reminder. I had forgotten that Peter, John and James wanted to build a temple in honor of the transformation. Thank you so much! ====== Mae: I think I said it before: I have a hard time understanding the Old Testament, therefor I probably won’t make this a ‘one year Bible’-study, but a two or three year. I really think I need help and explanations reading the Old Testament. Like you do with your comments with the readings and the verses. I really love that! But I have to say that I totally dive into the book of Daniel. I totally got it that Daniel was giving God the glory, I loved that part! ~ “Today, do you regularly give God the glory in your life? Or do you try to take the credit yourself?” … Well, I am totally aware of what God does in my life today. But honestly, I do not always realize … hmmmmmmmmm … I’m not sure which words to choose to explain this correctly … You know, it’s like this: I accomplish some big thing in my work and when I get it I’m excited and I’m proud of myself! After all my co-workers giving me kudos here and there. I thank God for giving me the strength and power to have accomplish this big thing. I do realize that He did this and that I couldn’t have done it without him. ======= Ramona (comment #2): Daniel 2:24-3:30 ======== Jenny: i love Daniel! this is so beautiful….this faith. do i have this faith? ====== Luch: I love how Peter addresses the elders as ‘to my fellow elders’. He doesn’t place himself above them, and I love how he stresses the need for elders/leaders to be examples–not CE0s, not bosses, not executive this or that, not any corporate title but simply be ‘examples’ to the flock entrusted to you. Obviously leadership is not only about being an example for we have the example in our readings of Daniel giving wonderful leadership, but isn’t it interesting that Daniel also led by example in his own personal life, and even in his ability to recruit a ‘team’ like shadrach, meshach and abednego. He even had negotiating abilities with the king. ====== Cherry: Verses and insight that stand out to us in today’s readings for our personal walk with Jesus Christ are: ====== Nkechi: Psalm 119:93 Really stood out because in so many aspects of my life I can say that its his word that has taken me through. Its my prayer that we would all have the word of God for our situation for its only through his word that we can face every circumstances that come our way. ======= Kary: It is amazing how much our reading in the Old Testament each day has to do with our reading in the New Testament for the day. ======= Nasser: i really believe satan is fully ready in the moments where you are getting so near to god and trying your best to follow his commandmnet . i always expect my weaknesses and desires arise more than before because it is a warefare between the spirit nature and the flesh nature . my advice to all be always alert and i agree with mike to give time to sit with god praying praising reading and studying his holy word .and another thing which is so important self confrontation what you are facing in your daily life . scandal in front of god all satan’s plan to seduce take away from acting in spirit and then you have to take action how to deal with it in a specific plan to overcome satan’s plan ======== Wendy: The seemingly fickleness of Nebuchadnezzar claiming, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings” Then casting the 3 men into the furnace and so on… Shows that no miracle will convince someone to follow Jesus. It is only when a person is drawn into relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit by the Father that change really takes place. I am all for miracles but relationship is what it is about. ====== Frederick: Daniel 2:49 The importance of fellowship. ======== Renee: Greetings, ====== Karen: It struck me how Neb upon hearing the revelation from his dream, the first thing he did was to make an image of himself. Perhaps we too only pick and choose to listen to what the Lord reveals to us. Neb clearly did not acknowledge the God of Israel and let alone His many warnings. I pray for willing heart to seek His will and humility to heed them all. ====== Robert: The Furnace. ====== Nancy: I stumbled across a system of Bible memorization at The Bible Project. It really helps. I struggle memorizing. The trick is to take the 1st letter of each word.and write it down in a long line on a index card. On the other side write the verse. You 1st try saying the verse using the letter prompts, then check it in the other side. If you get stuck just flip the card over & see what it is. Really works.
I am fascinated and thinking on the dream and subsequent interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Not the political implication but the statement by Daniel that God is the only one who has the wisdom and the king’s response to that information: he bows down and worships Daniel then builds a statue. The king has been given information about the true King, the One with all the wisdom and knowledge; however, he chooses to ignore what Daniel has said.
Can we be like that? Can we be given information that points to God but we then choose to connect that information with the “god” we want to serve instead of the Living God? Who have we been worshiping lately; whose gifts, talents and abilities do we admire that really come from God but we act like they are god like? Are we thanking God for gifting that person or are we worshiping that person? Worse yet, are we discounting the gifts/talents God has given us because we are looking at what someone else has? If we ignore our gifts then we are like the man/woman who buries their talent, even if it is only one.
Hmmm,
Grace and peace,
Ramona
“For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before”. And also the part where it says in Proverbs a dog returns to his own vomit.
In The Light,
Margaret
Nebuchadnezzar turns out to be like the demons we read in the bible that believe in God but don’t worship Him.He starts by changing the names of the jewish boys,even though he sees God is supreme he refuses to bow down to Him…instead prefers to bow down to Daniel and give him gifts.Warning bell…do we really bow down to God or just know He is God.As we read the bible daily do we also apply what it says in our daily lives or we just read it to give a good arguement when our faith is questioned….For our lives to be changed we(starting with me)have to realise the commandments are not suggestions,the teachings are not outdated…I pray God opens my eyes more and more each day to see the true state of my heart through His word and repent…
God bless you all
Anka
Rebecca
God Bless,
Pat
Wow … does this make sense? Some things aren’t easy to explain … sometimes it’s a matter of the heart and how my relationship with God is.
Mae
29 “While Your Majesty was sleeping, you dreamed about coming events. He who reveals secrets has shown you what is going to happen. 30 And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart.
The above two verses set my mind to really ponder and question. Are there things within my heart placed there by God because He wants me to understand? Are there “secrets” within me that God is waiting for me to uncover?
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
(Proverbs 25:2 HCSB)
God placed some information into the heart of Nebuchadnezzar and to understand that information, Nebuchadnezzar had to “get busy” and search it out. How he used that information and understanding led him to construct a statute because he thought it was all about him and not Him (God.) The God that revealed Himself to the king, was the true King yet the earthly king, Nebuchadnezzar, choose to take the information he received about the One True God and turn it into a lie; he made, in his own mind, the Living God, as just a god of many gods in his own mind. The writer of Proverbs tells us: Wisdom is supreme–so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7 HCSB) Now what we do with that “understanding,” how we apply that understanding to our knowledge is a completely different matter.
What information are we given about God that points us to His true Divinity yet we worship Him as if He was one of many gods competing for our attention? I am reminded of the explanation Jesus gave of two of the soil types in the Parable He told of the Sower:
And the one sown on rocky ground–this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. Yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now the one sown among the thorns–this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:20-22 HCSB)
The “seed” sown on rocky ground was celebrated with great joy, it, the ground, had a “holy ghost” shouting good time. It appeared, based on the words shouted forth, that the ground “Got The Message” that God wanted it to get; however, based on the attitude of the ground and what sprang forth, there was nothing of substance produced, not even a root that would cause growth to spring up at a latter date. All that soil had was a party spirit. The ground that had a lot of worries and outside concerns in it (thorns and thistles) produced a plant but that plant had no nutrients to bring forth a “crop” because all the thorns and thistles took from the soil what the seed needed to produce fruit. Thorns and thistles may produce fruit but it is the kind of fruit that cannot be eaten thus it cannot sustain life.
What kind of soil was Ole Neb? Maybe he was a combination of the two soils but this I do know, the God type of leadership serves others and does not look to be served. God IS love: Love desires to benefit others at the expense of self; lusts desires to benefit self at the expense of others. Good leadership uses its authority to empower those it serves; bad leadership uses others to serve them. Mr. Neb was looking to be served; he through he was all that and a bag of chips with a Sneakers bar and a bottle of Coke thrown in.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
It stood out for me also…that they said, may God deliver us, but even if He does not….
Faith should be independent or whether God allows or disallows things. May He, but if He doesnt…I know personaslly there are times, God allowed me to be smoldered (as we read later in 1 peter), but it was for His good purpose and my ultimate good (yet He didnt leave me). During these times, we must hold faith, no matter wat, He is with us! I loooove how Neb saw 4 men in the furnace, I believe that 4th man was Jesus Christ. Its so important to remember, when we are in our firey trials, Jesus is in the midst, perserving us.
I love 1 peter! In ch 5 it talks about doing God’s will out of eagerness, not for gain, not cause we feel we have to. Be humble and realize u are a servant first. Didnt Christ say to be a servant to all? Who on earth are we to promote ourselves as better then anyone?
I dont think anyone likes a proud person, but sometimes we may not see that very thing in ourselves. Ask God to reveal our heart to us! I may think i’m humble, but indeed I may have fooled myself at times. My sister once slipped up and said, “I pride myself in the fact that I’m a humble person”. hahaha! We laughed about that, but at least she recognized…oops, maybe not so humble.
I absolutely know that satan is wandering seeking whom he may devour…we see it everyday. I see him attacking me…we must be in tune with the spiritual realm…dark foreces are constantly at work. (but dont focus too much time on the enemy, focus on Jesus and you will stand strong, through His strength!)
YESSS, I fully agree…memorize`scripture especially where your weaknesses are. It works!! Look at our example Jesus who was tempted by satan, Jesus rebuked Him with the word of God. To get very personal here, i struggled most my life with suicidal thoughts/urges. they would come from nowhere (well from satan) and knock me down. I would pray about it, but i couldnt stop them. I started quoting scriptures about a year or two ago when i get the urges now, like ‘Thou shall not kill’, for example and just say it over and over and satan flees immediately. Its amazing!!! Here i spent over 15 or more yrs with these urges and they would hold me captive for hrs, days, wks, months, yrs. all i need to do is speak God’s word and the evil one flees instantly!
yikes….he’s gonna attack me tonight or tomorrw now, but he is NO MATCH FOR GOD ALMIGHTY AND HIS WORD!
I love Psalms too! All great stuff, but I will just mention one verse that stood out: v.92 “If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction.” This should be a reminder for all of us that he has saved! its a reminder to me of how much the Lord has delivered me from. Not only, but including my suicide attempts wen i was younger, but if not for the POWER and LOVE of Christ, i’d be another suicide statistic today.
Jenny
I also love that leaders must be examples and lead out of a humble heart, not a heart of arrogance or domination. “Not lording it over’ is Peter’s words to his fellow elders.
Luch
“one speaking the very Words of God” (If anyone speaks, he should do it!)
“With the strength God provides” (If anyone serves, he should do it!)
– so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ!”-
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
Be blessed!
Cherry
Nkechi
Compare from our readings today both Daniel 3:25 and 1 Peter 4:12. Both of these verses talk about a fiery trial God’s people go through and about Christ not only being in the middle of it, but His glory being “revealed”, in the case of Daniel 3:25 to Nebuchadnezzer (and to all who read the Book of Daniel of course) when he saw Jesus in the fire as the Son of God.
Like we have so often seen before, it is amazing that these two passages were in the same day’s readings. Praise the Lord! May His glory be revealed!
I think we should remember to pray specificially that “His glory would be revealed” as this is not only great in and of itself but it is the way for us to be glad with exceeding joy. In fact, there you have a real rememdy for any one dealing with depression!
Blessings,
Kary
Nasser
Wendy
In Daniel 1 & 2, we read that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego received training in Babylon together. They resisted the King’s food and wine together. I suppose they became very good friends. In Daniel 2, Daniel interpreted the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was promoted. But in 2:29. Daniel introduced his three friends in to King Nebuchadnezzar. I also suppose it was not merely a friendship thing. Daniel needed fellowship. He needed supports and fellowship from his long term friends in the Government.
In Chapter 3, Daniel’s three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego got a test. Remember in Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, two are better than one and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. The three friends of Daniel survived the test.
So, don’t go the spiritual journey by oneself alone. Get some companions and have fellowship with them.
Frederick
I am encouraged again as I read about Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. My circumstances may be different but, am to fully trust God in all of them. Even if and no matter what…he is still worthy of Praise 🙂
Always wondered about Nebuchadnezzar, God refers to him as “my servant” three times in the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6; 43:10). Nebuchadnezzar embodies Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will”.
Psalm 119:94 Save me, for I am yours…says it all to me 🙂
Peace to all,
Renee
Karen
This is great and timely. As Christmas approaches and this being Black Friday, consider the furnace as a hostile consumerist culture that surrounds us. How do you connect with God in this busy world?
I am going to a Men’s Retreat this weekend where the speaker/writer/pastor/professor Mark Bucannan “The Rest of God” who will be leading us in how to rest. In particular the elements and attitudes needed for Sabbath. How to practice Prayer with a survey of what God has made, recite what he has done and then proclaim who he is! (before we ask what we want). I hope to come out of the furnace unscathed.
Mike also brought us something in 1Peter 8 about the prowling lion amongst us. In those times that I am in enemy territory my cover all verse is Psalm 23 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” I also think of my brothers in verse 9. This weekend I will be conscious of how I can come along side them and help.
Daniel 10
I know I said before that I wasn’t really interested in end times. God is funny. He thinks I should be. So he puts me into a Bible Study 3 months ago, where the leader Vince has a passion and real understanding of “the end”. Last night out of the blue we study Daniel’s encounter with an Angel in chapter 10 where we are shown the 3 stages of revival (restoration) by what the Angel does to Daniel. I better listen!
Robert
Nancy
Leave a Reply