52nd Week Daniel Chapters 4-7 (Click on the Title for Video Introduction)

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 Click on the Title for Video Intro



Monday, Daniel Chapter 4
Daniel 4
Verse 25
Kristen Strayer
February 2, 2005

Verse 24:  “You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.” 

THOUGHT
These are words that Daniel spoke to King Nebuchadnezzar when Daniel was interpreting one of the king’s dreams. Of course, this was not good news for King Neb! Living like an animal for seven years would be a horrible experience, yet that is what God gave King Neb. 

I think there are two ways to view this, either as a punishment or as putting some resistance in his life to teach him a valuable lesson.  Often when we encounter tough times, the first question we ask is why?  Then we wonder if we did something wrong.  This is the result of our actions. Yet, we must remember how much God loves us, and that He wants to make us into people more like Himself.  

There is no way we can become stronger believers without facing challenges. In the same way, God wanted King Neb to learn that He is the only God, so God allowed Neb. to learn that through tough circumstances.  When we face difficult situations, the primary reason is probably God’s extreme love for us!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Your wisdom is unsurpassable! You know exactly what we need to grow in our faith and when we need it! Help us to trust in Your plan even when things are tough. We know You love us completely. Help us to keep Your love in mind during difficult times.  We are so grateful for all the things You have taught us in our lives thus far! We Love You! AMEN



Tuesday, Daniel Chapter 5
Daniel 5
Verse 23
Matthew Strayer
February 3, 2005

Verse 23:  “.. .You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the god who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.”

THOUGHT
When I read this, it reminds me just how important it is to honor our God. I am so guilty of taking so much for granted and at the same time letting other things in my life gain control of my mind, becoming a god.  The older I get, the more I realize that everything that I have been given comes from God above.  It is only right that we honor Him. 

In ways there are days that the “gods” of silver, gold, bronze, iron and wood become all too important in my life.  I constantly need to humble myself to God, the giver of all good things. God has given me a wonderful wife to share my life with.  Every day I start by waking up and honoring Him with a prayer of thanks. I hope never to take that gift for granted.  May I always honor Him.

PRAYER
God, help us to continually seek to honor and glorify You. Give us the strength and wisdom to ignore the other things in this world that can accidently become gods if we are not careful. We love You, God, and are thankful for all that You have given us. AMEN



Wednesday, Daniel Chapter 6
Daniel 6
Verse 14
Matt Strayer
February 4, 2005

Verse 14:  When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

THOUGHT
Daniel in the Lion’s Den

The following came from a study note in the Life Application Study Bible and was written well:   

“Daniel was working with those who did not believe in his God, but he worked more efficiently and capably than all the rest.  Thus, he attracted the attention of the pagan king and earned a place of respect.”  One of the best ways to influence non-Christian employers is to work diligently and responsibly.  How well do you represent God to your employer?

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the employment opportunities You have blessed us with. We are so blessed to live in such an affluent society!  Please help us to represent You well while on the job. Help us to let our lights shine brightly and to be good Salt Shakers! Most of all, please use us for Your glory at our jobs. We pray that all those we encounter would know You are the reason behind the way we live. AMEN

Thursday, Daniel Chapter 7
Daniel 7
Verse 27
Mindy Strayer
February 6, 2005

Verse 27:  Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.

THOUGHT
Praise Almighty God!!! My heart cried out with joy and excitement over this verse. This everlasting kingdom where God and His followers will live without evil, without the devil and without sin. Doesn’t it make you want to shout to the Lord in praise and adoration! It is in this promise that we can place our hope.

After reading about the 4 different beasts representing the evil and cruel kingdoms that have ruled and will rule on earth, I sure was relieved to read about the “one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.”  Thank goodness for Jesus! Because Jesus made a way, we can come boldly to the throne of God and be immersed in His presence, glory and holiness. Because of Jesus we are a part of this eternal kingdom that God has created!

Chapter 7 also speaks to my heart and serves as a warning about how we live our lives during this kingdom here on earth. “Thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. Ten thousand times ten stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were open.”  God will judge us. Even those of us who are born again and have been saved by the blood of Jesus will be held accountable for our lives on earth. 

The questions asked in the application part of my Bible are questions of eternal significance for each one of us.  If your life were judged by God today, what would He say about it?  How would He measure it against His will for us?  What would God say about the life you lead?  Not, what does the world say about the life you lead? Do our everyday conversations, actions, and priorities have eternal significance? Will they last past life here on earth? 

God is interested in our heart and soul, not our flesh. Not that He is unconcerned when we get sick or have physical ailments, or are in financial trouble. He wants to help us with things like that, but God knows all, and He knows that those trials will pass. Our flesh has an ending, our soul is eternal. He wants to make sure that our priorities are truth and righteousness, and that we are actively pursuing them. He wants us to be prosperous in His kingdom of grace.

Are we following God’s will for our lives? Have we asked Him what His will is?

PRAYER
Lord God, we give You praise and thanksgiving for sending us Jesus so that we may have the opportunity to live eternally with You.  We are so grateful for His faithful obedience, and we pray that we will be transformed into His likeness with each passing day.  Help us to set our hearts and minds on that which has eternal significance.  Glory, honor and praise to You, Lord!! AMEN 

Friday, History of  Biblical Shakers
Biblical Shakers is the Blog name for our Family Group, The Salt Shakers.  Over a 6 year period we read together the Bible and wrote a devotion with prayer for each chapter of God’s Word.  Leviticus 2:13 says that we are to season all our grain offerings with salt.  We can flavor the world with the Life of Christ in us by speaking to others the love and message of Jesus. 
 
It is important to be in the Word of God.  Sometimes it is hard to know where to begin or what to read about.   Hopefully our Blog will be a helpful resource into reading and growing in God’s Word.  We have made it easy for you.  No matter where you read we have a thought and prayer for each chapter.  We encourage you to read the whole chapter from the Bible.  

The Salt Shakers began from a Set of Twins, their children, spouses and one Godly woman.  We are located in MN, IA, NE, WA, and NY.  The Lord speaks to each of us differently so therefore the thoughts may be varied.  However, the writing was inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Get into the Word of God.  You will be enriched.  

Prayer
Father, I glorify You for the Bible - that wonderful, written revelation of You and Your plan.  As snow and rain fall from the skies to meet our needs, so You have condensed Your thoughts - which are vastly higher than all human thought - into a written-down form.  I am so grateful that You cared enough to communicate with us in this clear, unchanging way, so that Your thoughts are now available at all times to refresh and nourish and teach us.  Thank You that in Your Word I can see Your face and hear Your voice.  In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN


Jane and Jean began the Salt Shaker Group.  

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