“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel
saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his bed; then he wrote the
dream down and related the following summary of it. Daniel said, ‘I was looking in my vision by
night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great
sea.
“’And four great beasts were coming up from the sea,
different from one another. The first
was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle.
I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from
the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was
given to it.
“’And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a
bear. And it was raised up on one side,
and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it,
‘Arise, devour [consume] much
meat!’” Daniel 7:1-5
This dream occurs before chapter 5. Belshazzar (the next king after
Nebuchadnezzar) has just become king.
Daniel was probably in his late sixties.
Daniel’s dream was similar to the statue Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about
(yesterday’s devotion – Daniel 2).
Where
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream focused on the political aspects of the four empires,
Daniel’s dream highlighted their moral characteristics.
Perhaps the new king had forgotten about Nebuchadnezzar’s
dream and needed a strong warning of what was to come. Although Belshazzar might be king now, others
would come after him to reign over Israel.
However, none will conquer God’s chosen people because His might is
almighty! He will sustain Israel during
all evil and cruel times. In the end,
God will establish His everlasting and indestructible kingdom and conquer
all.
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 20th
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.
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