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Daniel’s Attitude Of Gratitude??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #406

17 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Assurance IN GOD!, Assurance or Arrogance, Attitude of Gratitude, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Dare To Be Different!, Darkness or Light?, God's Ability for our Inability!, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's measure isn't ours, God's Righteousness Not mine, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Godly Wisdom, Gratitude, Gratitude Is Timeless, Gratitude to Generosity, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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Daniel’s Attitude Of Gratitude??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #406

I know that sounds a little strange for this season, but I want us to consider all that we learn from one of Daniel’s prayers!  I want us to be confident in the knowledge of not only what our God does, but who He is in character, nature and sovereign control. He is trustworthy and worthy of our praise and gratitude.

The context of this passage is Daniel’s first encounter with Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams; a dream which the King had that disturbed him, and when none of the wise men of Babylon could interpret it, for he couldn’t even remember what the dream was about, and when they couldn’t tell him what the dream was much less what it meant, he called for them all to be put to death—including Daniel and his friends (read all of chapter 2 for the whole picture, but for our purposes we’re only going to look at Daniel and his friends response to the impending death threat…).

“Then Daniel went to his house,

and made the thing known

to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish

with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might are his:

21 And he changeth the times

and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom

unto the wise,

and knowledge

to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth

the deep and secret things:

he knoweth what

is in the darkness,

and the light

dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee,

and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me

wisdom and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known unto us

the king’s matter.”  Daniel 2:17-23

May we think on these things, and be like Daniel, who was devoted to his God even in the midst of great trials in being taken captive to Babylon!  Oh, how we fail to praise God so often because of our trials, our difficulties, our challenges, our often-confused minds; seemingly because we live in a world gone crazy!  We live in a culture that is rejecting God at almost every turn; may we be like Daniel and set our hearts and minds to stand pure before our God; as these four young men committed to be faithful to God regardless of what others did!  I see so many claim Jesus’ name in their doings, but it is so often steeped in the bragging on what they have seen, or done, or claiming and/or blaming God for any and every kind of issue.  Here we have four devoted young men—devoted to not defile themselves with the worldly attachments around them!  What are you attached to?  When you claim Jesus’ name whether in blame or credit, is your life aligned with God’s Word?  How can it be if you don’t know what He has said or called us to?

Are we humble or proud?  Are we modest or flamboyantly worldly in our dress, speech, and self-aggrandizement?  It’s your call but remember there is a test—and it’s a test that will be by God’s Word not popular vote or opinion.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”  Daniel 1:8

Here we find a young man whose heart was set on pleasing his God—and then behaving in a manner of humility, respect and submission to God’s will for him.  Such a contrast to much of what we hear in Christendom today—the ability to make demands on God and man, for profit, popularity, or arrogance is not knowing what Jesus tells us is the mindset that we ought to have.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

How it grieves my heart to hear people pronouncing God’s name over their own earthly plans to suit themselves; forget that Jesus clearly tells us we are to pray and seek “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done…” in all our ways!  If He promotes me, fine.  If He keeps me in humbles circumstances, so be it!  I want His will, over mine with God’s Word being the judge in all things.

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are

naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:12-16

When you’re not sure, dig into The Word!  Scripture tells us right here that we will find help when we need it, when we come to that “throne of grace”, remembering that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword”!  It is a sword that will guide us to truth—God’s truth, not man’s!  We can fool others, even ourselves—but God knows our heart!   I encourage you to dig into HIS Word and then adjust your life to HIS Word as needed—not the other way around!  Let’s be Daniels in a world full of Nebuchadnezzars!  I’m grateful—how about you!  Put on that attitude of gratitude!

Amen and Amen!!!

What’cha Doing With What’cha Know? A Word from THE WORD! #388

19 Friday Sep 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, All About Jesus!, Are you clean?, Are you ready for Jesus' return?, Are you training your children, Ask God For Wisdom, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Mouth, Have you not heard, Have you not seen?, He Died That We Could Live, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming Again., Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all

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What’cha Doing With What’cha Know? A Word from THE WORD!!! #388

It’s hard to escape all the clutter and clatter going on around us!  What are we to do?  I think the scriptures can help us make our way through all the fog, failure and frustration of this world.  Let’s just dive in.

       “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

              with so great a cloud of witnesses,

       let us lay aside every weight,

       and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

       and let us run with patience

              the race that is set before us,                 

       2 Looking unto Jesus

              the author

              and finisher

                      of our faith;

                             who for the joy that was set before him

                                    endured the cross,

                                    despising the shame,

                             and is set down at the right hand

                                    of the throne of God.

       3 For consider him that endured

              such contradiction of sinners against himself,

       lest ye be wearied

              and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 12:1-3

We must keep our eyes on the prize—JESUS—who has promised to bring us to glory!  And this “great a cloud of witnesses” isn’t the picture of a great stadium with fans cheering us on!  No, it’s a reference to chapter 11 just previous and the faithful saints who have gone before us—some rich, some poor, some seemingly unsuccessful to the world, some who were persecuted and suffered depravation and torture, even unto death, yet they trusted God to the end!  These are our “witnesses”, testifying by their lives that their faith was in God Almighty, and the one who would come to pay for our sins; The One who came in flesh, the God, Man, Savior!  The One who lived in flesh and “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  While we won’t be ‘sinless’ in this life, we can have a heavenly mindset, fixed on Jesus, and live a holy victorious life. How?  We must be sure we know truth—and truth IS Jesus!  The more I know Him, not just know about Him, but know HIM in a personal relationship that we each can have, then seeking to have more of His reflection shine before this dark world.

So, what’s your focus?  Who’s your focus?  When we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, by being born again, in repentance of our sin and trusting/believing in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for that sin, then we need to dig into The Word and find out what God says a faithful walk in Jesus looks like; we are to live and pursue holiness in the work that God has prepared for us to do.  What are you doing with what you know?  Are you in the The Word finding out what you need to know about God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the work that HE has for me/you?  Don’t let the enemy distract and diffuse your journey with Jesus!

       “For by grace are ye saved

              through faith;

                      and that not of yourselves:

              it is the gift of God:

       9 Not of works,

              lest any man should boast.

       10 For we are his workmanship,

              created in Christ Jesus

                      unto good works,

                             which God hath before ordained

                                    that we should walk in them.”    Ephesians 2:8-10

Salvation is all of God!  God created us knowing beforehand that we would sin, yet He created us anyway and had already provided the plan for our redemption; the the Lamb of God, Jesus, to come and pay for the sin of all who will come to Him in repentance and faith in the truth that His blood paid for our sin.  But He doesn’t just save us from sin, for God has set works of righteousness before us to accomplish!  Not works to get saved by earning our salvation but works of righteousness that are to be a reflection of the God who lives within us when we are saved; especially before a world lost in darkness, sin and deception.  Are you and I walking in the truth of His Word?  And my friends, you have to get into The Word to get anything out of it!  It’s all about God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—don’t get focused on men, but keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!

       “O the depth of the riches

              both of the wisdom and                   

              knowledge of God!

       how unsearchable are his judgments,

       and his ways past finding out!

              34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

              or who hath been his counsellor?

              35 Or who hath first given to him,

               and it shall be recompensed unto him again?                      

              36 For of him,

              and through him,

                      and to him,

                             are all things:

              to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

It’s all about Jesus—not me (or any other person)!  But when we belong to Jesus there should be a true reflection of Him to the world, in our daily living!  What are you reflecting?  Are you a “doer” of His work, or only as “hearer of the word”?     I want us to consider what James had to say about this, especially in light of recent days—days when everyone seemingly has a word, a thought, an opinion, and they all think their thoughts belong in the public eye!  Stop letting the world, the media, social media, or popular culture dictate what you believe, know and choose to stand on!  Some information may be true, much is not; but God’s Word stands true to this day and will until the end of time!  What do you know to be true?  Did God say so?  Do you know God?  If you know Him, are you reflecting His truth and glory, or the are you covered with the stains of the world?  Do you know His Word?  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

       “Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

              let every man be                

                      swift to hear,

                      slow to speak,

                      slow to wrath:

       20 For the wrath of man

    worketh not the righteousness of God.                                

   21 Wherefore lay apart

              all filthiness

              and superfluity of naughtiness,

       and receive with meekness

              the engrafted word,

                      which is able to save your souls.

       22 But be ye doers of the word,

              and not hearers only,

                      deceiving your own selves.       

       23 For if any be a hearer of the word,     

              and not a doer,

       he is like unto a man beholding

              his natural face in a glass:

       24 For he beholdeth himself,                   

              and goeth his way,

\            and straightway forgetteth

                      what manner of man he was.

       25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,                         

and continueth therein,

       he being not a forgetful hearer,

              but a doer of the work,

                      this man shall be blessed in his deed.

       26 If any man among you

              seem to be religious,

              and bridleth not his tongue,

                      but deceiveth his own heart,

              this man’s religion is vain.

       27 Pure religion and undefiled

              before God and the Father is this,

                      To visit the fatherless and widows I

                             n their affliction,

              and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”   James 1:19-27

Which path are you choosing?  And yes, we are free to choose, but we are not free to set the consequences of those choices; and there is a day coming when you will be faced with the consequences of your choices!  Jesus warns us about the choices and calls us to choose wisely for the consequence are evident if we will but pay attention.  Remember just saying so, doesn’t make it so!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves…

….21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils? and

in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Portions of Matthew 7:13-23

And in closing the words of our Shepherd.  Do you know Him?  I pray that you do, and if you don’t that you will call on Him today in repentance and faith in His sacrifice for you and me!  He makes it clear that HE knows His own, and Paul confirms this also.

“I am the good shepherd,

and know my sheep,

and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me,

even so know I the Father:

and I lay down my life for the sheep…

…27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

 is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:14-15 & 27

And as Paul said:

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,

having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Amen and Amen!!!

What’cha doing with what’cha know?

Choose wisely, there is a test!  (Read Revelation 20:11-15)