DREAM OF A TROUBLED KING

“’You, O king, were looking and behold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and of extraordinary splendour was standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome.  The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze, its legs of iron and partly of clay. 

“’You continued looking until a stone was cut out without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed them.  Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were crushed all at the same time and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found.  But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth…

“’In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to [consume] all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.’” Daniel 2:31-35, 44-44

Nebuchadnezzar was a great conquering king who dreamed a dream that unsettled him.  God had allowed Daniel to be captured and enabled him to interpret the king’s dream.  The statue represented four earthly kingdoms, including Nebuchadnezzar’s. 

Each would rule over the people of Israel, but none would destroy them -- for through them God’s promise would be fulfilled.  The Stone symbolised the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will destroy all kingdoms and establish His ultimate kingdom (II Samuel 7:16) to rule forever.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS:  Please pray for this ministry.  This is the 20^th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name to offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  Find my statement of faith by clicking (or cut and paste this link into your Web browser):  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” app you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and some UPDATES!

• ·      USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.  Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
• ·      6 to 6.5 magnitude earthquakes in Philippines - Isaias and Judith (Ambassadors for Christ) are working tirelessly to help over 100 pastors and their families in the poorest areas recover from the devastation of losing everything.  Right now, it is emergency rescue and support as many aftershocks continue.  If you can help financially please go to:  http://www.afciworld.org (Top of page:  "Donate” > “Global Ministries” > "Region or Country” > “Philippines" fill out the quick form) or contact me for more details.
• ·      UPDATE -Yalawe – developed sepsis and they were unable to operate.  He is now on antibiotics until he can have the surgery.  Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
• ·      SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate.  Pray for his willingness, for wisdom of his counsellors as he wanders through this dark time.  Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
• ·      UPDATE - Lachlan – thanks you for praying for him.  He has completed his seminary studies and now urgently needs to find housing for himself and his three children.
• ·      UPDATE - Annette and Lyle – Are home now.  Pray for Annette’s father as he recovers from a heart attack.  Pray for Annette and Lyle as they plan the next phase of their wonderful lives together, for good health and a love that continues to bind them and their family together. 
• ·      UPDATE - Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John.  A Proverbs 31 woman, who needs strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve.  Pray she will grow in confidence to say ‘no’ sometimes and enjoy a new season of serving her husband.
• ·      Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken, and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
• ·      Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
• ·      Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me and celebrate with me that the eye surgery, although very eventful, was nevertheless, successful.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE