We are privileged to have this further record of Daniel’s prayer life and there is much to be learned from observing Daniel praying. However, the true focus of this passage is the Lord, and not Daniel.
Here in this passage we see:
1.God’s Word
2.God’s Character
3.God’s Mercy
4.God’s Honour
5.God’s Answer
Throughout the Book of Daniel the Lord has revealed his Sovereignty -iIn particular his Sovereignty over human history.In visions, dreams and events God revealed this to kings - and in terrifying visions God reminded Daniel that he is in control. I thought, we have been here before, this is the Book of Revelation.
Just as in Revelation, you see the awesome sovereignty of God, and the question arises in your mind, ‘What is my place in all this?’ So the same question arises in the Book of Daniel.
Reading: Daniel 9:1-27
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We live in what is a very fast moving society, where constant activity is the order of the day; Where change takes place at an alarming rate and where time is said to be money. We live in the country ..
We live in a old market town . . . but we are not sheltered from pressure … our lives are constantly under threat from stress.
We cannot avoid stress and strain. It’s the result of what happens in our own world. - hat we need is to find ‘a place of real rest’ - for there’s a difference between leisure and real rest.
This is where David’s testimony is so instructive.
“My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is ray fortress,
I shall never be shaken.”
Reading: Psalm 62
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Ursula and I were in the Welsh citadel of Llangollen. There we stood beside the Llangollen Canal. This was no vision, this was reality. Only ten minutes or so before, we had stood before the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. In fact Ursula, and I walked over this great wonder, but for some the thought is just too much, too terrifying.
Daniel says,
In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign,
I, Daniel, had a vision,
after the one that had already appeared to me.
In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa
n the province of Elam;
in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal.
Daniel was exhausted and lay sick for several days. He was confused, he didn’t understand. A great deal was hidden from him but much was much revealed.
What has this vision to say to us? And how have we to respond?
Reading: Daniel 8:1-27
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There’s more to Easter than Chocolate. I cannot recall where I first saw this statement. I tried the major internet search engines – unsuccessfully. There’s more to Easter than Chocolate. How true! But then the statement was an advert and it went on to push some other aspect of a secular Easter.
Yes! There’s More To Easter Than Chocolate or Eggs, or Chicks, or Bunnies, or even Bonnets - Easter is the Account of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Easter recounts the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead. Now what has this to do with Nanny McPhee?
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Can you picture that vivid, triumphal scene? The crowd streaming out of Bethany with Jesus, the crowd pouring out of Jerusalem onto the Mount of Olives, and converging on Jesus – King Jesus?
Jesus consciously chose to ride into Jerusalem; however, not as a warring lord, but as the Prince of Peace; to present himself there in the holy city as the Servant King.
What have the events of that day to say to us today?
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Why not sit back and watch the vieo before listening to what follows!
Mothering Sunday is an important reminder
that Mums are God’s Idea … his creation …
God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
Find out just why it is so important . .
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The Heroes of the faith are commended for their faith in the faithful God … and not for their courage. I find that a great encouragement. I have often wondered how I would cope. I can remember thinking about it as a child. I would hear about Christians suffering for the Lord and I would think to myself, “Would I crumble or cope?”
Like many I am not naturally courageous. But Stephen and Daniel and the heroes of the faith … remind us that it’s not so much about courage but faith. And faith that endures is sustained by your knowledge of God. Both Stephen and Daniel saw the Son of Man standing in the presence of God.
We turn to what is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible - Daniel Chapter Seven.
Reading: Daniel 7:1-28
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Daniel and the Lions’ Den - A favourite story with children. A story we not only told last week. It was a story that the children acted out. But it is much more than a children’s story. It speaks powerfully to us as adults. It is a powerful reminder that … God rules in a pagan land — even in the lions’ den! . . . The years have rolled by, world rulers have come and gone. Indeed, we have a new super power, Medo-Persia. The present world leader is Darius. His prime minister is Daniel - age: at least 80!
As we look around this morning to cast for our dramatic production. We will require some hungry lions with a healthy appetite. We will require some jealous civil servants.We will require some policemen.
Then, there are three main characters:
oDaniel
oDarius
oGod
Let’s focus in on these three characters.
Reading: Daniel 6:1-28
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We live in a society that pokes fun at God. We live is an age when tv programmes mock God. We live in an age when celebrities deride the Lord. But this true account says that even kings are accountable.
One day, every knee will bow, and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. The wise person turns from pride and living independent of God. The wise person turns to faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Only the fool says “There is no God.”
Daniel Chapter 5 and the true account of Belshazzar speaks to this present age and western culture.
Reading: Daniel 5:1-31
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You would have thought that by this time Neb would have got the Message that the ‘Most High Rules’. But then, are we any different? God challenges you about trusting him. God speaks to you about turning to him first. You think to yourself, I must remember to trust. But then when the next crisis comes you panic first. You panic, rely on your own resources, then remember to pray! God is patient. He is patient with King Neb. And he is patient with each one of us.
Although we refer to this book as “Daniel” And although Daniel is the human author. The book is not really about Daniel! It is about God! These first four chapters are about the God of heaven. Not Daniel, or Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego. These four chapters reveal God’s character: His power, his patience, grace and love. As he deals with Nebuchadnezzar.
Reading: Daniel 4:1-37
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