No one is more interested in the development of our character than the LORD. Each of us has an opportunity now to build character, starting with the solid foundation of the word of God. The choice to believe Him sets one upon the right path.
Read MoreEvery opportunity that had been given Belshazzar to know and obey the true God of the Universe had been squandered. And now the consequence of Belshazzar’s rebellion was upon him.
Read MoreThese words succinctly highlight the fundamental problem that people will face in the final judgment of God. Their refusal to humbly acknowledge known truths and act accordingly is tantamount to rebellion. Such a leaning, if not corrected, progresses into an overall attitude of self-exaltation, the most common form of idolatry.
Read MoreIn vain, Belshazzar had tried to make sense of the glowing handwriting on the palace wall. But here was a secret and a power that he could not understand. Neither could he guess.
Read MoreIn the years since Nebuchadnezzar’s death, Daniel must have had many seasons of discouragement, as Babylonian ways continued unabated. . . . He did not know that the promised Messiah would actively point His followers back to Daniel’s book. But in spite of the general Babylonian trends and Belshazzar’s flippant attitude, some in the Babylonian court had acquired an awareness of the God of Daniel and his friends.
Read MoreYour head knowledge must find its way into your heart. Then God will work within you and bring about the full and necessary change.
Read MoreBelshazzar did not relish the fact of his grandfather’s religious conversion and therefore made a highlight of Nebuchadnezzar’s pre-conversion act of confiscating the sacred vessels of the temple where God had been worshipped.
Read MoreHis life had been filled with opportunities to learn responsibility, gain the understanding of divine authority, and grasp the will of God. Yet… he neglected to make use of the means that were within his reach.
Read MoreThough King Nebuchadnezzar had experienced a calamity, the outcome was a miracle of transformation instead of a tragedy of stubborn unwillingness to be transformed. Once proud and egotistical, the ruler of the Babylonian empire had become a humble child of God.
Read MoreThe exact timing of Nebuchadnezzar’s mental breakdown was not foretold, yet there is no mistaking that God places a limit on wickedness. In the king’s case, when that limit was reached, the prophesied calamity fell like a sledgehammer.
Read MoreNebuchadnezzar forfeited the year-long opportunity to profit from the warning that he had been graciously given in vision by God and confirmed by Daniel’s plain interpretation. He also passively pushed aside Daniel’s excellent counsel, defaulting into nurturing the pride within his selfish heart until it reached a fever pitch, beyond which God could not allow it to continue.
Read MoreDaniel’s advice, for a brief time—perhaps a few weeks or months—left a strong impression upon Nebuchadnezzar. But the resistant heart that wills against being transformed by God’s grace soon loses the gentle impressions of the Holy Spirit.
Read MoreBeloved, the LORD has many lessons for us that do not have to be learned “the hard way”. Many of the hardships that we suffer are self-inflicted and entirely avoidable! God’s word is a character-molding library of priceless lessons, all given in love.
Read MoreThe visions of this dream given to King Nebuchadnezzar were only that—visions—at the time. They were graciously given as a warning against continuing in disregard of the Most High.
Read MoreAt the very time when the king feels the most self-complacent, Almighty God is sending this dream that troubles him with fear and forebodings. The external splendor and glory that seemed to afford security and prosperity to the far-reaches of the empire—with abundant fruit and food for all—was not the true security that it appeared to be.
Read MoreThere is another tree, the tree of life, that existed in the Garden of Eden. The great news about this most amazing tree is that it still exists in the heavenly Jerusalem. It is a literal tree that symbolizes life and the Source of life.
Read MoreRedemptive judgments that come into the lives of people is proof of the loving involvement of the infinitely great God of heaven. It is proof of His compassion and desire for our salvation. It proves that the work of the Redeemer is active. It testifies of the hope that He carries in his heart for every person alive.
Read MoreHaving often faced the perils of battle and the terrible sights of slaughter and carnage, there were no military threats at this point to darken the clouds on any of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian horizons.
Read MoreIn order to gain the traits of character that accompany citizenship in the everlasting kingdom, we must conquer and defeat undesirable traits here and now.
Read MoreMany Christians are eager to proclaim what God has done for them in the way of blessings and benefits. But shouldn’t we also stand in readiness to share how He has shaped and benefitted us by way of chastisements?
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