O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.

Daniel 9

 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. Daniel 9:18

I resume my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 9 and my unaided observations of this text.  Here, Daniel seeks to intercede on behalf of Israel that is in exile - he goes to God in prayer and in v3-19 prays and incredible prayer that all believers can make in light of sin that we all commit. We also see the angel Gabriel, on behalf of God, responding to Daniel, reassuring Daniel that his prayer has been heard and Gabriel also shares prophecies of what is to come, including how Jerusalem will be destroyed and rebuilt, and how Jesus is coming, and we also see a glimpse of end times (v27).  Once again we can take comfort that God hears and responds to our prayers and cries and how God has already won the victory we seek over sin and death - He has risen!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good!  Thank You for how You hear and respond to prayer and how You save!  I am not deserving of my salvation - my sin is great and it continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel[.]

2 Timothy 2

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel[.] 2 Timothy 2:8

This morning, I continue a pause in my study of Daniel, to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which, appropriately during the Holy Week of Easter, highlights two ways to remember Jesus: (1) that He has risen, and (2) as the offspring of David.  That Jesus has risen gives us hope - we know that sin and death has already lost its sting, and regardless of what challenges, trials, and suffering we may experience, "the worst that it can do on this earth is kill you. And Jesus has taken the sting out of that enemy. He is alive. And you will be alive. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28)." The second reason is important to remember because Jesus is the Messiah the Jews waited for as fulfillment of prophecy - see also 2 Samuel 7:8-17.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and I am grateful for my salvation that You gave to me as a gift of amazing grace.  I am hopeful that through Your resurrection, which I mark and celebrate this week, I have already tasted the benefits of victory over sin and death...and I know more is to come!  Thank You Jesus!  Yet, again, I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[A]ll who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

Revelation 13

[A]ll who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:8

This morning, I pause in my study of Daniel, to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which helps clarify for believers the role of the books (multiple) described in Revelation.  Salvation is of course sealed if you are in the Book of Life as defined in Revelation 20:12,15 (see also this video).  While a more complete understanding of the plural or reference to multiple books used on Judgement Day, at this point, I can surmise there is a (1) a Book of Life, and (2) a Book of Deeds.  John Piper describes the latter (referred to as "the books" as follows: "The answer is that the books, which record our deeds, contain enough evidence of our belonging to Christ that they function as a public confirmation of our faith and our union with Christ." There is also an inference here in this last statement that the Book of Deeds also confirms the lack of faith and union for those NOT in the book of life.  Of course our salvation is a gift from God, not of our own doing or works and we MUST remember this and worship God for His unbelievable and amazing grace.  See also Ephesians 1:4-6 and 2:8-9. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace, mercy and compassion for me - providing for my salvation....and I know I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand.

Daniel 8

 And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand. Daniel 8:25

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 8:15-27 as I lean on my commentary for this text - which my commentary outlines as having one division - God Sent Gabriel with an Interpretation - with three subdivisions.  The commentary for this text starts by sharing how "God’s revelation of himself in the Bible is a gift. God’s interpretation of his revelation is a double gift."  God reveals Himself in nature and creation through general revelation and He reveals Himself through His Word (special revelation).  In v16, God commands the angel Gabriel to help interpret Daniel's vision.  My commentary describes this moment: "Though under no obligation, God, in grace, helps Daniel in “trying to understand it” (v. 15)."  

• Understanding God’s Word requires divine assistance (8:15-17): God sends Gabriel to Daniel to interpret his vision
  
• Understanding God’s Word prepares us for what is coming (8:18-26): God wanted Israel to know that their suffering (albeit brought about by their own transgression (v12), would, according to the commentary "not be indefinite." The commentary describes the suffering, particularly under    Antiochus Epiphanes, and how Daniel's prophecies all come to pass in truth.  Ultimately, Antiochus Epiphanes falls - not by human hands (v25) as God reigns over all, including all nation states and their rulers.  The revolt by the Maccabeans in 164BC is described in the commentary and how this revolt of course is orchestrated by God and how Jews still celebrate Hanukkah in remembrance of this event.
  
• Understanding God’s Word can be personally overpowering (8:27): The commentary describes how Daniel is "undone by the vision of chapter 8. It was more than he could bear." Although Daniel's initial reaction to the vision was overwhelming, he ultimately continued in his ministry, comforted in knowing God was in control.  My commentary wraps by sharing "Daniel did not let it [his vision] paralyze him. He did his job, and he trusted in his God. He is an example to all of us."
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who reveals Himself to me - thank You Jesus!  I am comforted by how You reveal Yourself to me - and undeserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the sid effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, “For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?” And he said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.”

Daniel 8

 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, “For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?” And he said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.” Daniel 8:13-14

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 8:1-14 as I lean on my commentary for this text - which my commentary outlines as having one division - God Gave Daniel a Vision - with three subdivisions:

• God, who knows the future, predicted the rise of Medo-Persia (8:1-4)
• God, who knows the future, predicted the rise of Greece and Alexander the Great (8:5-8)
• God, who knows the future, predicted the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (8:9-14) 

 Here the commentary introduces the text by sharing how the original text for this chapter (through the end of Daniel) was in Hebrew, and "[c]hapters 8–12 deal with Israel and what lies in her future. Hebrew is more fitting because this was the language of God’s people." Echoing a similar theme as in previous chapters of Daniel (and throughout all of scripture), this morning's text reminds us that "[t]yrants of this age strut briefly on the stage. God raises them up, and he takes them out. If our God has this kind of power over the nations and its rulers, surely that same power is in control of our lives as well. That is good news when rams, goats, and little horns are running wild among the nations!"

The commentary then pivots to the three sub-divisions where Biblical scholars agree that the focus is the rise and fall of Medo-Persia, Greece and Alexander the Great, and of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The commentary shares that this "period will be a tumultuous and troubling time for God’s people, especially toward the end. They will suffer greatly. God, in grace, is preparing them ahead of time."  Alexander is followed by the rule of four of his generals who ruled over his kingdom divided in four: "Cassander over Macedon and Greece, Lysimachus over Thrace and Asia Minor, Seleucus over Syria and Babylon, and Ptolemy over Egypt."  The commentary shares that the little horn in v9 refers to Antiochus, who "emerged from the Seleucid Empire many years after the death of Alexander the Great. He would reign from 175 to 163 BC and severely persecute God’s people."  The commentary wraps by sharing that "our God knows the future, and in grace he lets his people in on many of the details to prepare them for what is coming."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace - You reveal Yourself and You prepare believers for what is to come - thank You Jesus for giving us a glimpse of Yourself so that we can have peace and confidence how You work and You reign.  I am not deserving of such a God who reveals Himself to me...personally.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet again I am not deserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.”

Daniel 8

 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” Daniel 8:16

I resume my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 8 and my unaided observations of this text. The text today, discussing a vision from Daniel, is interpreted through Gabriel, who is commanded through "a voice" (v16) to help Daniel understand the vision he has.  Gabriel then shares how this vision is about the "time of the end" (v17, see also v19) and how - like Daniel 7 - chaos amidst the world will persist and climax at the end times.  Yet once again, believers should not be appalled as Daniel is of these visions of end times but instead be encouraged because we know how redemptive history will end - with a new Jerusalem and how God is saving a place for us.  I am grateful this morning for God's Word - the entirety of it - His special revelation. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God as You have provided Your Word as a means to understand Yourself and Your Will for my life - to also bring aid in bringing about obedience to You as it works in conjunction with the Holy Spirit in my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You work in my life.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Daniel 7

And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Daniel 7:28

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 7:15-28 as I lean on my commentary for this text. The commentary outlines one primary division for this text: "God Is Sovereign in His Judgment" with three additional sub-divisions:

• God’s People Will Receive an Eternal Kingdom That Will Last Forever (7:15-18): the commentary emphasizes via v18 how although we inherited a sinful and fallen world as a result of Adam's sin in the beginning, we also inherit the eternal kingdom brought about by the second Adam - Jesus.
• God’s People Will Suffer in an Earthly Kingdom That Will Last Only a Short Time (7:19-26): Believers suffer (v22) until Jesus intercedes for them and in the process giving them the eternal kingdom; the commentary shares how the fourth beast is Rome and more as supported in Revelation 13:1-10 - this beast reigns only temporarily and ultimately this beast is defeated

The commentary wraps by sharing thoughts on how Daniel was alarmed and anxious (v15): "[p]erhaps Daniel’s perplexity might be explained like this: I know a great and wonderful and eternal kingdom is on the way, but there is a long and hard road of suffering before it arrives. Battles will be lost, but the war will be won when the Son of Man comes. Wow! What a wonderful and hope-giving promise!" 

Comments and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and I know You never leave or forsake me - in the midst of chaos You are with me and I know no harm can come upon me because You have already defeated sin and death...for me and all the saints!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.