Daniel Chapter 10 - The Unseen Spiritual Warfare
Do we realise that there are spiritual battles going on around us?
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Daniel Chapter 9 - Imitate Christ
V4,7,9 show us the goodness of God V11 the juxtaposition of ‘all Israel’ and ‘Your law’ shows that literally no one obeyed God. V12 a great disaster was brought upon the people because they rebelled. V13-14 God is merciful. Even though God knows the future, He has ‘kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon [them]’. This means that God held the disaster back, and gave the people a chance even after they had rebelled against God, but the people ‘had not made their prayer’ (they were not going to) before God, ‘that [they] might turn from [their] iniquities and understand [God’s] truth’. Since ‘the Lord our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though [they had] not obeyed His voice’, God brought the disaster upon them because He is righteous. V20-21 repetition of ‘while i was speaking’ V23 ‘At the beginning of your supplications the command went out’. This reminds me of a sermon I heard, where the preacher was saying that if we have the need, we should ask those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22) to pray for us. "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV The sermon speaker also mentioned that we may not be praying at the same time. Still, it is quite marvellous because someone has asked us to pray for them, and in those moments God has helped them open up a way. God is pleased with us asking (a group of) people to pray for us. The preacher said that he could also see that happening (God helping them open up a way) when people asked him to pray for them, even if he may not always remember to pray for them.
Daniel Chapter 7 - When the Non-Kings Get the Kingdom
The everlasting King will help us win our spiritual battle against this sinful world.
Daniel Chapter 6
Those who grew up in church would have heard or read the story of Daniel in the lions’ den countless times. Even those who are new to the faith would likely be no stranger to the simple story that is only one chapter long. For those of us who are well acquainted with the story, do we glance through the passages swiftly or even side-stepping this part of the Bible altogether, due to our familiarity. Or do we continue to savour and be captivated by this incident (and the teachings encapsulated therein), just like how we relish and enamoured with timeless classics and story that we never tire of, like beauty and the beast and Aladdin. Are we still inspired by the remarkable example that Daniel provided to us. That despite his busy life as a governor (one of three) who oversee the satraps who manages the mighty Persian empire, which stretches from Egypt to the West and borders of India to the East, he continues steadfastly to find time to pray three times a day. Bearing in mind that in those days, when unlike us today, they do not have inventions that automate and simplify many processes. Remember how Moses was severely bogged down when he took upon himself to hear and judge the cases of the Israelite nation, which forms only a small part of the Persian empire. Daniel knows his priority in life, that prayer is the immovable rock in his life that he dearly adheres to. All other matters play second fiddle, not matter how important or urgent. What is even more praiseworthy is that he did not back down despite hearing the royal command. It was not just a mere threat that confronted Daniel, that the king might punish the offender but rather a certain death if found out. Daniel has been serving in the king’s courts are the years, and he is definitely in the best position to know how the laws of Persia and Medes work, that once a decree is established and signed, even the king does not have the power to change or to alter. Daniel’s faith and trust in God, as well as God’s care and protection, serves as a great confidence booster to the rest of us. As we read this story, we may be wondering where Daniel’s three friends at this time are. Have they kept the faith? Do they shrink and fall back in their faith, having succumbed to the pressure of towing the line in keeping the decree, playing it safe but outwardly showing that they compile by hiding their prayer life behind closed doors. As no details are shared, let us not speculate and make unnecessary inferences. The main point of the story is Daniel’s submission to God rather than to men, even at the cost of his life. Let us also take note that at the time when Daniel’s three friends were thrown in the fiery furnace, Daniel was also not there at that time. Does his absence mean that Daniel compromised his faith and bowed down to the image? Obviously not. We can only assume that Daniel was not present at that time, for he could have been sent to another part of the empire, for we know that Daniel would have stood his ground at that time, just like how he did so here. May we always be stirred up in our faith through constant reminders of this story.
Daniel Chapter 5
We see James 4:6 coming to pass in this chapter, through the end of Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans and Daniel being made the third ruler in the kingdom. "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”" V4 they did the wrong thing V7 they brought in ‘the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers’. They either did not know or did not care that they should not be turning to these men to find answers. As many secular beliefs become more prevalent through the media in this day and age, we must guard our heart against these beliefs as they may corrupt our faith. In our lives today, we also should not turn to such men to find answers in our lives. "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." V11 & 13 the fact that they still sought counsel from Daniel, someone guided by God, is interesting, because it seemed unexpected for them, given that they turned to ‘the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers’. Let us rely on God through prayer and reading the Bible to find God’s will for our lives. It can also be through people God has placed in our lives, to remind us and nudge us in a certain direction. V17 Daniel did not accept the gifts. He still interpreted the writing, and was not in it for the benefits, but did so with genuineness and a humble heart, for the glory of God, and not for his own praise or glory. V29 by relying on God to interpret the inscription, he was made third ruler in the kingdom. V19 Nebuchadnezzar also took advantage of the power he was given and ‘Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down’. V20-21 God resists the proud and Nebuchadnezzar faced a downfall ‘till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.’ "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”" We must humble our hearts, especially since we know God and His Word. V23 they praised the gods but did not glorify God Is it the same with us today? That we know God is the One ‘who holds our breath in His hand and owns all [our] ways’ yet we have not glorified Him? Do we give praise to other things (e.g. hard work) and people in the face of success? They used what belongs to God to praise the gods of silver and gold. Do we also use what God has given us to praise other things and people? We must remember to give glory to God because God has given and provided us with these. Even what may seem like ours (e.g. our hard work) only exists because God gives us the strength and the days to achieve these things. We merely live on borrowed time, and we are but dust. "For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children," Every day we are given to live is a blessing. We should also not misuse our roles to oppress others. V25 the meaning of the inscription came to pass V27 ‘weighed in the balances, and found wanting’ could mean that Belshazzar’s life was wanted and would be taken away soon. We see that his soul was required of him that night. "But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”" God’s Word will come to pass. We see that V28 also came true in V31. V28 the kingdom was given to Medes and Persians V31 Darius the Mede received the kingdom. It indeed came true. God’s Word coming to pass can be something we are fearful or hopeful about. It depends how prepared we are. Since God’s Word will come to pass, let us prepare ourselves so that we will remain hopeful for what is to come with faith and not fear.
Daniel Chapter 4 - Let the Most High God Reign in Your Life
The story in Daniel Chapter 4 is perhaps not unfamiliar to many of us. King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the great Babylonian empire, the king of kings, being turned into a beast, how spectacular is that? It's not until we read through this chapter for ourselves that we realise something even more spectacular: this whole chapter is told by King Nebuchadnezzar himself. Daniel Chapter 4 is King Nebuchadnezzar's own personal testimony! Isn't King Nebuchadnezzar the infamous evil king? How is it that in this chapter he gives praise to the almighty God? Perhaps the first thing that should catch our attention from today's chapter is the repeated phrase in verses 17 and 32. The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He wills. This phrase can even be said to be the theme of the whole Book of Daniel. This book is mostly set in the time of exile, when there seemingly was no longer any king over the people of God. Yet, in the Book of Daniel we see that though there was no earthly king ruling over Israel, God made it clear to these foreign kings that He is the almighty God. He was still the one who was truly the King. The outcome of this is that the evil king Nebuchadnezzar, probably the greatest and most powerful man during his time, writes this testimony for all peoples, nations, and languages to hear (Daniel 4:1-3). Imagine being a subject in the Babylonian empire, and receiving this declaration from king Nebuchadnezzar praising and glorifying the God of Israel. Though God's people sin against Him and are punished by being taken into exile, the name of God is still magnified. God is not put to shame. Today through baptism we have entered into the Kingdom of God. Yet, it is key for us to consider whether God truly is the King of our lives. It's natural to make many plans for our future, out of a desire to lead our dream lives. But for us Christians, the sovereignty and authority of God is something that we must be well-aware of and fully willing to submit to. If God doesn't let me get that job, are we able to accept it? If God closes the path towards our dreams, are we will to say "Let Thy will be done"? If God takes away all that we have, are we able to be like Job and say "Blessed be the name of the Lord"? If all this is causing us to struggle, remember this: God loves us. He knows what's best for us, He knows what we need. He has already given His life for us, and given us His precious Spirit to dwell within us. Having faith in God's love towards us gives us strength to submit to our King with full assurance that this is the best path for us, this is the way to blessing and to eternal life. Since our God is the highest and rules over the kingdom of man, what then should our response ought to be? Nebuchadnezzar begins and ends his testimony by praising and glorifying God. Giving praises to God is something that we have been often taught but perhaps we have not given enough thought to or taken seriously enough. Yet, throughout the Bible, it's clear that praises are a key part of our worship to God (just read the Book of Psalms). What might we praise God for? Like Nebuchadnezzar, we can praise God for His greatness and His almightiness. Just consider the stars, or the intricacies of the human body. We can praise God for His love and wisdom as seen in His creation as well as in His word. The more we study into the holy scriptures, the more we are filled with awe at how complete, connected, and wonderful these life-giving words are. We can also glorify God for His salvation which He has so freely given to us. Imagine how different our lives might be today if not for His grace and mercy! It's when we decide to finally take the importance of praising God seriously and intentionally set aside some time in our daily prayers to praise God, that we truly experience the blessing that comes along with it. We go through life being filled with joy and gratitude, knowing that we have such a great and powerful Heavenly Father who loves us. In fact, it was when Nebuchadnezzar took the glory for Himself rather than giving all glory to God, that the infamous transformation into a beast took place. This brings us nicely to the final point of reflection for this devotional. Pride - when we take glory for ourselves rather than giving glory to God. Nebuchadnezzar's testimony serves as a stark warning for us. Even just a sentence or thought of pride can greatly displease God. How often have we unknowingly taken credit for ourselves for any achievements we have, or for any divine work that we do? Being puffed up with pride and not keeping to one's proper domain is precisely the sin of satan (1 Tim 3:6, Jude 6-7). If we are filled with pride, what difference is there between us and satan? In fact, while satan exalted himself, God on the contrary lowered Himself, coming in the likeness of man and humbling Himself even to the point of death (Phil 2:5-8). Whose example do we want to follow, that of God or of satan? Let us take warning from the story of Nebuchadnezzar and carefully consider who's example we want to follow. Indeed, God opposes the proud while giving grace to the humble. He blesses the meek, that they might inherit the earth
Daniel Chapter 3 - Faith In Times Of Adversity
King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits (about 30 meters height and 3 meters width). This gold image may have been inspired by his dream. Instead of having only a head of gold (Daniel 2:32, 38), it was gold from head to toe. The king might want his kingdom to last forever. King Nebuchadnezzar missed the point of Daniel’s warning in chapter 2 and his devotion to Daniel's God was short-lived. He neither feared nor obeyed the God who was behind his dream. The king commanded that anyone who does not bow down and worship his image will be burned in his furnace (Daniel 3:6). But Daniel’s three friends - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refuse to bow to the king. The king was furious and offered them an ultimatum before throwing them into the burning fiery furnace. “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”, he says (Daniel 3:15). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were pressured to deny God, but they chose to be faithful to Him regardless of the consequences. They demonstrated unwavering faith even when faced with death. They believed that God could save them, but even if He did not, they would not bow to the golden image (Daniel 3:16-18). In our daily lives, we often face challenges and pressures that test our faith. The story of Daniel’s three friends reminds us to trust in God’s power and plan regardless of our circumstances and whether God will intervene on our behalf or not. We, too, can face challenges with the same steadfast faith, knowing that God will be with us. Our eternal reward is worth any suffering we may have to endure first (Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 1:6-7). God's deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was a great victory of faith. They were protected from harm, comforted in trial, rewarded, and God was glorified. God is always with us, especially during our most difficult times. When we go through trials, we are not alone. No matter how difficult our situation may be, God’s presence provides comfort, strength and protection, just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace. After witnessing the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, King Nebuchadnezzar praised God and issued a decree honouring God (Daniel 3:28-29). Our faith and actions can be a powerful testimony to others. Let us live out our faith steadfastly through our daily actions to make a positive impact on those around us and to bring glory to God.
Daniel Chapter 1 (Chinese)
為何猶大人被擄? 1) 敬拜偶像:瑪拿西在聖殿院內為天上的萬象築壇，且在殿內立雕刻的亞舍拉像，造成被擄的原因之一(王下21:10-15)。 2) 不守安息日:百姓不尊重安息日，不以安息日為聖日，也是被擄的原因之一(耶17:27) 3) 焚燒神的書:約雅敬不但不聽從神的警誡，還將神的書用刀割破，仍在火盆中燒盡，這也是被擄的原因之一(耶36:20-31) 4) 不聽警誡:猶大人自君王至百姓都離棄真神，隨從別神，雖屢次受先知警誡，卻戲笑神的使者，藐視祂的言語，致終無法可救。 1) 挑選的條件：1從王室和貴冑中選出，2沒有殘疾，3相貌俊美，4通達各樣學問，5知識聰明俱備。 2) 優厚的待遇：訓練三年，派定王所用的膳食和酒，職位的保障:在王面前侍立。 ) 但以理(神為審判者之意)改为伯提沙撒(彼勒保衛其生命之意)巴比倫神的名。 哈拿尼雅(神是賜恩者之意)改为沙得拉(阿古的僕人之意)巴比倫人所拜的月神 米沙利(誰能比神之意)改为米煞(誰能比羅達之意)巴比倫神的名。 亞撒利雅(耶和華所扶助之意)改为亞伯尼歌(尼歌的僕人之意)巴比倫神的名。 我們要效法他們留下的榜樣，不要忘記我們是神的子民，永遠是站在神這邊，榮耀真神。 1) 因為王膳可能有不潔之物，也可能祭過偶像，王酒會使人放肆犯罪。 不要等到誘惑來到才来考慮，憂疑不決，往往已經太遲。 2) 神使但以理在太監長眼前蒙恩，除了神的帮助，他謙虛有禮的請求並清楚解釋原因也是重要的。 3) 但以理憑著信心提出試試十天，他當機立斷提出折衷辦法以避免抗拒王令，这是智慧的表現。 1) 神在各樣文字學問上賜給他们聰明知識，為何要賜給他們？因為神要在巴比倫用祂的選民，要藉他們傳達神的話並顯出神的大能，使外邦人認識真神。因此神賜給他們比別人更高的智慧聰明。 2) 巴比倫王见他们的智慧聪明比通國的術士勝過十倍，所以留他们在王面前侍立。 神恩其不更加浩大怎能不報？當王旨和神旨衝突時，你會站那邊? 在工作上能自覺使命作神的僕人，為神作見證，不要被世界的榮華富貴和享樂迷惑只作世界的僕人。
Daniel Chapter 1 - God is in Control
God sent Israel into the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-2). After a victory, the Babylonians usually took the most talented and useful people back to Babylon and left only the poorest people behind (2 Kings 24:14). God promises that He would never forsake Israel, and His promises never fail. So even in exile, God is in control. Among these exiles were Daniel and his three friends – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel 1:6). The chief of the eunuchs changed their names because the king wanted to make them to be Babylonian. Daniel was named Belteshazzar, Hananiah was named Shadrach, Mishael was named Meshach and Azariah was named Abednego. The new names would help them to be assimilated into their culture. Despite being exiled in a foreign land under oppressive circumstances, Daniel and his friends remain firm in their convictions. Their obedience and faithfulness to God not only protects them and sets them apart, but also leads them to God’s favor, and makes them wise. Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the King’s food, or with the wine that the King drank (Daniel 1:8). When he made up his mind not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong determination to be what was right and not to give in to the pressures around him. It is easier to resist temptation if we have thought through our convictions before the temptation arises. Daniel and his three friends made their decision to be faithful to the laws of God before they were faced with the King’s delicacies. We, too, are often assaulted by pressures to compromise our standards and live more like the world around us. If we have not previously decided where to draw the line, we will get ourselves into trouble. Before such situations arise, we must make our commitments and decide what we will do. Then when temptation comes, we will be ready to say no. Often our faithfulness to God comes with trials. But Daniel 1 encourages us to remain faithful and gives us assurance that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). Like Daniel, we must resolve to obey God. Despite any challenges, God is in control.
Ezekiel Chapter 48 - The LORD Is There
Ezekiel 48 outlines the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel and the city of the Lord. The division of the land shows that in God's Kingdom there is a place for all who believe in and obey the One True God (John 14:1-6). Ezekiel 48:1-7, 23-29 details the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel. This reminds us of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises. Despite Israel's history of rebellion, God remains true to His word. So, let us continue to trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem challenging. Remember that God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are sure. Ezekiel 48:8-22 describes the holy district set apart for the Lord, including the sanctuary and the land for the priests and Levites. This highlights the importance of holiness and dedicated spaces for worship. The pressures of everyday life may cause us to lose focus and forget God. That is why worship is so important . We need to dedicate time and space in our daily lives for worship and communion with God, which includes prayer, reading the Bible and reflecting on His words. The book of Ezekiel begins by describing the holiness of God that Israel had despised and ignored. As a result, God’s presence departed from the Temple, the city and the people. The book ends with a detailed vision of the new Temple, the new city and the new people, all demonstrating God’s holiness. No matter what challenges we face today, remember that God ‘s plan is always good for us. So, let us continue to hold on to the eternal hope we have in Christ and to look forward to the fulfilment of His promises in His glorious Kingdom, where God shall dwell with us, and we will be His people, and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE (Ezekiel 48:35).
Ezekiel Chapter 47
God subjected Ezekiel through an immersive experience in the vision of walking in the river. From Ezekiel’s first account that the water reaches his ankle, to the next encounter where the waters reaches his knees, to the point that the waters reaches his waist and finally when the waters became so deep that it was impossible to walk but one needs to swim, and even so the currents are so strong that one cannot swim across. From our personal experiences, such first-hand experiential activities leave a deeper and more lasting impressions, as compared to just seeing (visual) and listening (audial). So why did God use this approach? What key and essential message did He want to impart to Ezekiel? And what bearing does it have for us today? “And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.” “And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.” The power and significance of the river can be seen through the effects. The teeming vitality, the abundance of life brought about by the healing powers of the river. Jesus proclaimed on the last day of the feast (John 7:38 – 39), “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” And the scriptures continued to explain that the river of living water refers to the Holy Spirit. Paul also declared to us “Or do you not know that your body is the Is this same power that God revealed to Ezekiel manifested in us as well. Do we bring God’s healing power to the people that we meet each day. Do we live up to God’s expectations of us? Have we truly and sincerely do all that we can to repay God for His great love and mercy towards us. There is definitely still much that we must do. Let us continue to stir up and encourage one another as we see the day of the Lord approaching. “But its swamps and marshes will not be healed; they will be given over to salt.” Alas, we do see also that there are areas that the healing power of God do not reach. Let us however not be mistaken thinking that it is the limitation to the power of God. Rather, it is sadly the deplorable state of man’s heart as Stephen declared in Acts 7:51, “ Let us thus guard our hearts with all diligence, that we do not fall in the same error in our ways. Let us not be the barren fig tree that waste the ground (Luke 13:6 – 9), nor should we be the enlightened but to fall away and put our Lord to open shame (Heb 6: 4 – 8).