Today we read and talked about Daniel chapter 4. This episode continues from episode 11, “Fiery Furnace” (Daniel 3). We read and discussed how King Nebuchadnezzar who proclaimed the mighty power of God after witnessing the miracle within the fiery furnace, began (or continued) to live a life of comfort and ease. He eventually forgot what God had done and his attitude changed. Thank you Lord for you Word. I pray you would help us grow a love for you that causes us to give you the glory that YOU are due as our Savior, Lord of our lives and King of our hearts. Sometimes when we get too comfortable as King Nebuchadnezzar did (verse 4) our attitude changes and we elevate our selves and our interests above the Lord. As my son said, this happens to everyone. But when I asked him what was something he learned from our Bible Time today he said “Don’t be prideful.” King Nebuchadnezzar had to get humbled by the Lord in a drastic way. By the end of that period of time, Nebuchadnezzar gave God the proper respect and honor that He was due. God knows our hearts and He knows what we individually need to be changed. Or maybe God is teaching others through our life circumstances about Himself. What are your thoughts about this? Reach out and let us know or share this message with others and have a discussion about Daniel 4. May we not forget who God is and what He can do. May we give God the respect, honor and glory that He rightfully deserves as the true King of all kings and Lord of all lords on heaven and on earth. (Deuteronomy 10:16-17)
SONGS:
My Heart Is Yours – Kristian Stanfill
Heart of Worship by Matthew Redman
Bible Verses:
Read or listen to the entire chapter 4 of Daniel here: https://my.bible.com/bible/59/DAN.4.esv (and remember Episode 11 talks through chapter 3)
Daniel 4:1-3 King Nebuchadnezzar continues to praise God after witnessing God’s great power (from Daniel 3)
‘ King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.’ Daniel 4:1-3 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/DAN.4.1-3
Daniel 4:4-5 The King was comfy in his place; all was well (as far as he knew).
‘ I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. ‘ Daniel 4:4-5 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/DAN.4.4-5
Daniel 4:28-33 The King’s words reflected a posture that did not recognize the glory of the Lord.
‘All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws. ‘ Daniel 4:28-33 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/DAN.4.28-33
Daniel 4:34-37 The King was humbled. Through the grace and mercy of God, he was also given another chance to serve as the king among his peoples.
‘At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. ‘ Daniel 4:34-37 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/DAN.4.34-37
A word about sharing prayer requests
We started Episode 21 talking briefly about prayer and why we share our prayer requests with other believers. I confessed that sometimes when I don’t share what is burdening me sometimes (not all the time but sometimes) it is because of pride and feeling like I have it all together and I don’t need anyone’s help (but God’s) It is hard for me to ask for help. Are we supposed to be depending on our own selves or trusting in the Lord? I know many times God works through people. I know this from the Bible and from my day-to-day life experiences and relationships with other people. Carole, my mentor, used this description from 1 Corinthians 12. She said if you hit your elbow what you do? When your elbow hurts, your hand goes instantly there. When the body is working properly, it responds immediately in protection of the other parts of the body or to comfort. Christians are a part of the body of which Jesus Christ is the head. That is why we share prayer requests with the body (the church) because we are all connected together. We are connected through the Holy Spirit and when I become aware of your need, I can join you in prayer to God on your behalf. I can also do what I can do to provide comfort and support to you. That is what these videos are… I pray they are encouraging to you and that God will use them however He sees fit. I know these words are encouraging to the others who know Christ. I have heard from a few people about what we are doing and I appreciate the feedback. That helps me to continue helping you. I am thankful for God’s great design for us to be a connected people where each has value to share. He wants us to stay connected through Christ and also with one another, whether they are a part of the body or not. Love God and Love other people. Thank you.
Thank you again for joining in and praying for us #togetherathome and others around the world. I pray this time encourages you to dig into your Bibles and to seek #truth and the understanding that comes from the Lord. This is our 5th week of “no school at school” as everyone here continues to go to school online to minimize group gatherings and help prevent the spread of the #coronavirus in #Daegu, South Korea. I am thankful for our local leadership’s efforts. I am in prayer as I see the news of the spread of this virus and many deaths around the world. I will continue this “Bible Time & Worship” online ministry as long as God gives me the ‘go’ to be used in this way. If so, I plan to be on at noon (Daegu time) via FB every Monday – Friday. Remember, God is able and #Godisbiggerthanxyz (any situation we may be facing). It is in Jesus that I continue to place my hope and trust. I pray you do are doing that too. Sincerely, Sejana
#homeworship #thankful #familyBiblestudy #Killthevirus #Godisbiggerthanxyz #onlineministry #discipleship #faithoverfear #bestrongdaegu #parenting #togetherathome #prayer #pride
Looking for a Bible Study to watch and reflect on during this time? Try these: https://sejanashines.com/2020/03/07/bible-time-worship-every-episode-summary/
Sejana Shines 