Daniel 1:17-21 ~ the first year of King Cyrus

Babylon's City Gate of Nebuchadnezzar II, Perfectly preserved in Archaeology. Today in Berlin. 

Daniel 1:17-21

17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 

19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.


When we read Jeremiah, the First Chapter does something 1 Corinthians 14 tells us we should long for in God's Love: Proclaim the outcome - Prophesy.

Jeremiah 1

6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the Lord.”


Daniel is not going to be erased. We know Daniel who was part of Nebuchadnezzar II's Chaldean Babylonian Dynasty. So Daniel is alive in 600 B.C. 2,600 years later , we know quite a lot about Daniel.

Daniel is going to go far in God Himself.

How did Daniel survive the furnace from Nebuchadnezzar's gold 60 cubits, 90 foot Statue? Good question. Daniel was given an "exile" name, Belteshazzar, the largest god of the Chaldean Babylonian Empire. So, this must have carried Daniel past that particular Drama.  Later, with the next ruler,  this escape didn't happen and the Lions occurred. God stepped in to miraculously save Daniel.

"I (Nebuchadnezzar) laid the foundation of the gates down to the ground water level and had them built out of pure blue stone. Upon the walls in the inner room of the gate are bulls and dragons and thus I magnificently adorned them with luxurious splendor for all mankind to behold in awe."

Inscription on the Gate of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar II is a very interesting spiritual person.
We don't see his reign go smoothly. In 2,600 years, there are some clues in the footnotes of the Scriptures and Babylonian Chronicles which mirror the Scriptures themselves. Nebuchadnezzar II is very invested in God Himself. He sees Isaiah 13 as written about himself. He is very probably exactly correct. Nebuchadnezzar invests in his people and sees to their welfare. We know the Hanging Gardens were built for his wife, Amytis of Media. Nebuchadnezzar made a marriage alliance with a neighboring nation and leaves behind a tale of the love found in their marriage 2,600 years later. He was a very interesting spiritual person.

Nebuchadnezzar not only has his dreams interpreted by Daniel, he has a time he becomes a mental werewolf for his pride according to Scriptures. When Historical records describe Babylon, build by this Emperor, we find an incredible city surrounded by an impenetrable wall. Repelling invaders from the two rivers running through Babylon, the lush city, and mentioned in the Garden of Eden in Genesis. Nebuchadnezzar has built an incredible Architecture and city.

Without clear flow, we find Daniel 5

5 King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in front of the thousand.

2 Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

5 Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, opposite the lampstand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. 6 Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. 7 The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king declared to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and shows me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” 8 Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king the interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his color changed, and his lords were perplexed.

10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, 12 because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”

Daniel Interprets
13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah. 14 I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter. 16 But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. 19 And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. 20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. 21 He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will. 22 And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, 23 but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.

24 “Then from his presence the hand was sent, and this writing was inscribed. 25 And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. 26 This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; 27 Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; 28 Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”


So who is King Belshazzar?
It's an alternative spelling to Daniel's Belteshazzar, the largest god of the Chaldean Babylonian Empire. In History this is quite common. So who is this King sitting in Nebuchadnezzar's place? Nebuchadnezzar's son is Amel-Marduk. Meaning 'man of Marduk', Marduk - another very large god of the Chaldean Babylonian Empire.

It really wouldn't do to inherit Nebuchadnezzar's throne and be the second god when Daniel has been wowing everyone as Nebuchadnezzar's advisor as the major god namesake Belshazzar (the god Belteshazzar). Scriptures say King Belshazzar is either Amel-Marduk, renaming himself - extremely likely. Or his predecessor - which is a very interesting History. The best quasi guess of this ancient history follows the Book of Jeremiah and Babylonian History. Tying into the Book of Daniel and reflecting as accurate.

We know Emperor Nebuchadnezzar II had 7 years of mental extreme issues when he praised himself for all of his successes. Like Herod did in the New Testament. And seven years is not going to end an Emperor.

History tells us Amel-Marduk is politically murdered by people in the court. And History also records he is killed by his sister, Princess Nitocris of Babylon's, husband. Nergal-sharezer or Neriglissar is mentioned in Jeremiah 39:13 and is the Chaldean Empire's go to ex-Royal. Very definitely a deal has been made to marry the extremely popular Princess Nitocris to the dark "Nergal." In fact, History tells us Nitocris, called a temporary queen, made the city of Babylon grow and expanded upon the safety of the city wall. Princess Nitocris is seen in ancient history as a rare, successful woman queen. And History records she overthrows her evil husband, probably "King Belshazzar". Very Possibly that very night!  Many advances occur during her reign, but ultimately Emperor Nebuchadnezzar returns telling everyone without his son, he knows the Chaldean Empire Dynasty will fall to another. Usually Emperors don't predict the downfall of their work.

Who is Darius?

Darius promises to return all 'exiles' other nations would call slaves. And at the base of his mosaic he praises God as his Helper. Who is Darius? It's difficult to tell, there are a lot of Kings named Darius with various numbers behind their name. The really famous one is going to be from another Dynasty. We could probably be safe to guess this is the husband of Nitocris. Helping her reign and being recorded in Scriptures.

Darius, the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede is the same nationality as Nitocris' mother. So probably her mother made a second marriage match for Princess Nitocris. The Babylonian Chaldeans are conquerors of the Medes, so it's unlikely Darius is "the" Ruler.




Because the Next King is the 3rd King promising to return the Children of Israel to Judah.
Fitting nicely into Jeremiah explaining 70 years of exile. (Israel was split in half almost immediately after King Solomon died due to the arrogance of his only son. And Judah or Judea will exist until 70 A.D. the natural time of death of Jesus, from the Tribe of Judah.)



Daniel
Now very interesting - very interesting, you have the King after Nebuchadnezzar using Daniel's given "exile" name.  Daniel is seen as such a threat, he is fed to lions. Darius can be explained using Babylonian History plus protecting the reputation of the popular Princess Nitocris of Babylon from lion to Daniel tampering. Then Cyrus. One of the most unique portions in this time frame of History is the attention those in power given to what we today call "Human Rights." Nebuchadnezzar wanted the Priests of the Temple to have a private home. Nebuchadnezzar wanted the "exiles" to worship their God. He encouraged their culture to blend into what he considered to be the best and most wonderful place on earth.

Now consider Cyrus.
Archaeology has been kind to this area with extreme goodness!

The Cylinder of Cyrus was found with about six hundred pieces of inscribed terracottas.

An introduction reviling Nabonidus, (Nergal-sharezer or Neriglissar is also recorded as Nabonidus and is very hated for taking over in a murderous coupe from, basically Nebuchadnezzar II. Best to look like the Winner over evil.) the previous king of Babylon, and associating Cyrus with the god Marduk;
Lines 20–22: detailing Cyrus's royal titles and genealogy, and his peaceful entry to Babylon;
Lines 22–34: a commendation of Cyrus's policy of restoring Babylon;
Lines 34–35: a prayer to Marduk on behalf of Cyrus and his son Cambyses;
Lines 36–37: a declaration that Cyrus has enabled the people to live in peace and has increased the offerings made

The Cylinder of Cyrus is Human Rights. Now consider who was interested in Human Rights:

Daniel
Daniel Chapter 10, Daniel's Terrifying Vision of a Man. When we consider we can find statues in Egypt speaking of Joseph Vizier of Egypt, we might consider Daniel is still being spoken of and in political adversarial roles of some significance - well past his time advising Nebuchadnezzar. Cyrus might be influenced by Daniel - in the Word of God - as Nebuchadnezzar was.

Definitely a Wonder of God to Consider!

After all, it's Cyrus who allows The Children of Israel to return to burned out Jerusalem. Life has been so good to the "exiles" many will stay on in this Empire to become the Jews in The Book of Esther.

Another really amazing and God Centered point bringing King Cyrus and God into focus:

Psalm 18:29

New International Version
With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

New Living Translation
In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

English Standard Version
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.

Emperor Nebuchadnezzar II, Princess Nitocris and even Nergal proclaimed their own success and bragged about the impenetrable wall they'd invented around Babylon. King Cyrus simply used the  wide wall as the highway into Babylon. The walls circled the City State using the wall as a "High" way. The River was flooded, or in time of Flood, simply took the troops to the top of the wall.

What God had said over and over in the Book of Daniel about pride was true. And when we trace the History of the Babylonian Chaldean Empire we find Scripture is accurate;

God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Abba, Father God,

You are the Way, Truth and Life!

In the footprints of Your Living Word we find this:

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow (all You have Written)
all the days of life,
and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

You interweave all things for Good. When we are called according to Your Purpose.

Thank You, Abba, Holy Father, our Father God,
For all Your Word. Great is Your Word.

You are merciful to Your Children, You call Beloved.
From the small blessings to the great ones,
help us to reason to our thanksgiving, being grateful.

Help us to express our gratitude and thanks.
Be our way, truth and Life to let our lives be living
testaments to the Good You have Willingly Given.

We ask you to put the Name of Jesus Christ upon us and we are Blessed of God.

Jesus Christ, pray for us, Speak Your Word, bring more Heaven to earth.
To Rejoice in all of Your world.

We ask Your Abundant and Flowing Blessings upon us.
Keep us safe from disasters, quieten storms and keep the Oceans safe.

Help us to seek You first and Your Kingdom.

To Live Love, Joy and Peace. Uphold those we Love. We Trust You.

We ask for the virus to end and Joy in Recovery.
We pray for Your Healing Word to be Spoken.
Your Help for a vaccine.

Jesus Son of God Himself Bless, Sustain, Comfort, Guide
President Donald Trump,
Vice President Pence,
Governor Abbott and these 50 United States Governors and Legislatures.
The Administration Coronavirus Response Team,
Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield

Jesus Christ Live in us. Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

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Numbers 11:16-23, 31-32 ~ the Spirit that is on you

Numbers 11:16-23, 31-32 (NRSV)

So the Lord said to Moses, "Gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them take their place there with you. I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take some of the spirit that is on you and put it on them; and they shall bear the burden of the people along with you so that you will not bear it all by yourself. 

And say to the people: Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat; for you have wailed in the hearing of the Lord, saying, 'If only we had meat to eat! Surely it was better for us in Egypt.' Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. You shall eat not only one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but for a whole month - until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you - because you have rejected the Lord who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, 'Why did we ever leave Egypt?'" 

But Moses said, "The people I am with number six hundred thousand on foot; and you say, 'I will give them meat, that they may eat for a whole month'! Are there enough flocks and herds to slaughter for them? Are there enough fish in the sea to catch for them?" 

The Lord said to Moses, "Is the Lord's power limited? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not."

... Then a wind went out from the Lord, and it brought quails from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day's journey on this side and a day's journey on the other side, all around the camp, about two cubits deep on the ground. So the people worked all that day and night and all the next day, gathering the quails; the least anyone gathered was ten homers; and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp. 

Father God Gives an imperfect life. Grieving and loss. Loss causes us to wonder if we will be happy again.

"I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my pain." 

"One of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others." - Rick Warren

We recognize Numbers 11 having to do with plague. Very definitely not all Plagues are alike. This Pandemic has it's own unique qualities.

Numbers 11: if we take a tally includes:

Protesting all the Comforts of all the Exodus are not comfortable enough.

Really making the Lord angry and then having His anger abate and making Him angry again. Complaining the food was bad. And far from exotic choices. Moses is watching this like a Terrible Game of Tennis. And Moses becomes afraid asking God Himself for a better group of people or another job. Moses is pretty overwhelmed by 600,000 people who are very upset.



10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 

11 He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

The conversation is earnest and continues:

21 But Moses said, “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’ 22 Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?”

23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”

31 Now a wind went out from the Lord and drove quail in from the sea. It scattered them up to two cubits deep all around the camp, as far as a day’s walk in any direction. 32 All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. Then they spread them out all around the camp. 

33 But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the Lord burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague.

What will we take from this:

Hopefully, we will resist Judging God. He did do quite a lot of Work. The point of the Exodus is hardship, hard work, for a Hope and a Future. God is demonstrating His Faith His people will find their feet.

I complain. We all complain. No one enjoys being in the desert of life. And we will all have desert portions from time to time. In each season, God gives Blessings. When the Promised Land is found, it's not as lush as Egypt in general and yet the farms produced very well mostly. And when the Promised Land was finally found, the community spread widely apart and all aspects of life changed.

In Pandemic, in re-opening, we will do better to focus on our Blessings. And remember the athlete trains for the prize. Believing in the Hope and Future of the training.

Luke 24:49

And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. 

Proverbs 8 as Jesus explains the Glory of God in His Creation, Jesus delights in the Master Workmanship of our Father. Jesus is given the Glory of Being God's Only Son and bringing Him to us. Jesus goes through an incredible life and His Words back to frail humanity are Words of Life, the Adoption of God as our Father.

John 10:28-30

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 

29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, 

and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 

30 I and the Father are one. 

Abba, Father God,

We ask you to put the Name of Jesus Christ upon us and we are Blessed of God.

Jesus Christ, pray for us, Speak Your Word, bring more Heaven to earth.
To Rejoice in all of Your world.

We ask Your Abundant and Flowing Blessings upon us.
Keep us safe from disasters, quieten storms and keep the Oceans safe.

Help us to seek You first and Your Kingdom.

To Live Love, Joy and Peace. Uphold those we Love. We Trust You.

We ask for the virus to end and Joy in Recovery.
We pray for Your Healing Word to be Spoken.
Your Help for a vaccine.

God Himself Bless, Sustain, Comfort, Guide
President Donald Trump,
Vice President Pence,
Governor Abbott and these 50 United States Governors and Legislatures.
The Administration Coronavirus Response Team, 
Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield

Jesus Christ Live in us. Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

Scripture for Today Web Results  

Scripture for Today Blogspot 

1 Corinthians 14 ~ pursue Love

1 Corinthians 14:1-12

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 

3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 

7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?

 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 

12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

We are all very familiar with I Corinthians 13 explaining God's Perfect Love.

The most striking "going forth"  Scriptural aspect is asking us to consider, once we understand God's Perfect Gift of Love... what will we go forth to bring Him?

The significant portion would be we all receive God's Gifts, but what will we do on Day 1 of Belief if we don't have a prophetic bone in our body or haven't yet experienced Xenoglossia?

Fortunately all Scripture is written for you. Child of God. Given the Life of Jesus to participate in Heaven, beginning today.

And in this certainty, we must become basic to see the Word of God given wings.
Prophecy is Scripture explaining Scripture. Making God's Word alive is when we participate with Jesus in the Road to Emmaus. We all consider Prophecy as the future. God tells us almost immediately, the cage of time is just something He places under His Feet. Life is a story belonging to our God, Father God.

The Tongues discussed in this passage is mostly considering Xenoglossia. When complete thought is expressed in a language unknown. And on this side of the New Covenant, has been recorded in history and in the lives of Pastors.

Now doubtlessly, we consider in our mortal lives prophecy being in touch with the Future. God reveals in the writing of Peter and Paul and Luke and John and Jude - the future is the Realm of God Himself. None of the Saints sitting on the top of the Vatican would say they knew all. Making this passage certainly more dear to our hearts suddenly. Whew, we didn't miss the major motivation. Thank God.

And then... this is about Prophesy! Isn't God asking us to want to become Nostradamus. Who was excommunicated,  veered to the occult, predicting crops and writing best-selling books while running in fear for his life. This would be ... Doubtful God would ask us to do this.

Not so Basic.
The Passage asks us to consider our lives would build up the Church.
We all have an idea of what Church is. Now consider the time frame :

Church didn't have buildings. Bible Studies where we become wiser on knowing the intricacy of Scripture. Scripture would be held by one person, referred to as memory would uphold what was read - and probably the Scripture moved on to the next town.

And we are asked to Edify the Church... we are seeing the Word of God reach into the 12 hours of the day. To ask us to Live the Word of God.

War is when all life changes and suddenly we are thrust into a Strong Series of Adaption. And in the seriousness of this - huge decisions are made.

We have faced this in the Pandemic. This is a key Scripture for this time of our lives.

The Book of Daniel is learning to adapt to a new world. A world where the slaves were not called slaves - for long - by Nebuchadnezzar II in the destruction of the Temple. After marching 1,000 miles (ca. 1,609 km) to lush Babylon with hanging Gardens -- by an Emperor led by Isaiah 13 - prophetically. Was Nebuchadnezzar II having a downside to this Prophecy. Yes, indeed. Father God of All, Alpha and Omega, was not taking kindly to the ego of mankind justifiably tearing down His Nation. Nebuchadnezzar II is told his nation will not be the 3 rivers of Eden, instead afterwards for the ostentatious destruction, this area would cease being lush and would become desert. Prophecy fulfilled.

Daniel tells us the Spiritual World is Alive and Well. Archangels are shaped, placed, and entrusted with sincere logistics to be messengers and protectors of Good, to the Glory and Benefit of God Himself.

What did the slaves, suddenly called exiles, have for edification? Ezekiel was given a house by a beautiful river. The exiles were encouraged to gather and worship God Nebuchadnezzar II considered to be his own God as well.

This scenario is more in line with the idea as the Church Jesus had spoken of was forming. The Edification would be something we find scarce today - UP Building. To honor the tendrils of heart we call faith. To put forth belief - is a tender time. We all will face times like this. A long time friend of ours was losing his beloved father to two types of Cancer. He'd attended Christian Schools and believed all would rally around his prayer requests for an older gentleman with two types of Cancer. And found the dubious and doubtful looks of people embarrassed for his hope. He found a Saturday group celebrating Morning Prayer and found they would pray for him daily for the next 6 years. This wasn't the building - this was people willing to have faith with him, God would help. He found solace in finding people willing to uphold his hope. We will all experience extended family crisis, consider - divorces too painful to discuss. Hurtful, embarrassing. Life altering. And in times of crisis, we will find our Church. Those willing to stand by you. To believe in goodness.

The Church is the people who will offer you support with reality and with hope. Calling on Jesus, believing Jesus, believing the Scriptures. The Church is who you are - to reach out. Not to squash new tendrils of faith. Is this a building? Yes, aspects of Church are Corporate Worship. Once a week. The Church is you. You are the Temple of God.

Desire Prophesy. Ephesians 3 tells us we are family. The people we up build, support, affirm are the family God is giving us today and in His Eternal Kingdom. We are The People. We strive to bring tomorrow into focus. We strive to make today better for the Expectation of more of Heaven on earth. We are given - Responsibility. To be the Church. To bring into focus what is what we know to be goodness, Love and Jesus Christ.

Edify the Church - remind each other - we are the Church Jesus Christ lived and died and Lived to Rejoice in.

Abba, Father,

Call to us to Live Your Word. Find in us the willingness to give 
Your Holy Spirit shelter in our souls.

Encourage us and guide us to see Heaven on earth, we are blessed to be told to know this.

Blessed is the Name of Jesus. Let us live to Give Glory to God.

Help us in all minutes of the day, to believe You have given us a Hope and Future.

Help us to build in all times, each day.

With Jesus and Your Gift of Faith, we will live in Love, Peace and Joy. 

Having the Blessing from Your Son to ask for more Heaven upon earth for all of Creation.

God of Love.

Living in the Freedom and Expectation to Seek You first 
and find Your Kingdom glimpsed around us.

Keep us safe from disasters, quieten storms and keep the Oceans safe.

Uphold those we Love. We Trust You.

We ask for the virus to end and Joy in Recovery. And Peace for anxiety, jobs and finances.

We pray for Your Healing Word to be Spoken.

Your Help for a vaccine.

God Himself Bless, Sustain, Comfort, Guide

President Donald Trump,

Vice President Mike Pence,

Governor Abbott and these 50 United States Governors and Legislatures.

The Administration Coronavirus Response Team, 

Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield

Jesus Christ, Thank You our faith is in You.

Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

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Mark 8:22-26 ~ Do you see anything

Today was a big news day.
Suicides are up in a large way. Universities debate life after death. Life after death is debated, we could act badly in this life waiting for the next one. Fighting for quarantine or opening. Church is deemed Essential. More than liquor stores!

Mark 8:22-26

22 And they came to Bethsaida.

And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village,
and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him

Jesus asked him, “Do you see anything?” 

24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 

25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”



 A place known for miracles. Miracles occur in an ongoing fashion. The blind man is not forsaken. Worries are not dismissed. Everything becomes clear. Humor is found. Today, we realize this is healed brain damage. For two millenniums we did not know this.

There is a path to the miraculous healing. Just as the news today has a path.

Personally, the fourth story was the reason I found the other stories:

http://www.today.com/health/i-crossed-over-survivors-near-death-experiences-share-afterlife-stories-t12841


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2032591/Woman-comes-back-to-life-after-being-dead-for-17-hours.html

http://www.storypick.com/death-experience/

http://www.today.com/news/pronounced-dead-man-takes-miraculous-turn-2D80555113
Zack's town put up signs all over Oklahoma to pray for him

http://www1.cbn.com/content/dr-chauncey-crandall-raising-dead

https://www.amazon.com/Dying-Be-Me-Journey-Healing/dp/1401937535

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/29/us/to-heaven-and-back/


One of the most famous recorded returns is Pam Reynolds Lowery (1956 – May 22, 2010) was an American singer-songwriter. In 1991, at age 35, Pam died on the table for many minutes and was clinically recorded as brain-dead with no life during a seven-hour operation. She was operated on with ear plugs. When she woke up she was able to tell about floating, knowing the operating conversation, the tools used and being in Heaven with her grandmother. 




Life after death shock: One in ten people have experienced ‘the afterlife’ – have you?

One in ten people have suffered a near death experience (NDE), a study has revealed as scientists move one step closer to understanding the afterlife.

By SEAN MARTIN
Published: Mon, Jul 1, 2019

A new study which had more than a thousand participants from 35 different countries has revealed that 10 percent of people have had a NDE. The most common forms of NDEs include a feeling of time distortion (87 percent), exceptional speed of thought (65 percent), exceptionally vivid senses (63 percent) and feeling separated from, or out of their body (53 percent) when involved in a scenario which could be fatal, such as a heart attack or car crash.

Today we have debates on Covid-19 Shaming. If we believe in Heaven, with 80% of the USA praying daily and believing Father God hears their prayers - do we believe we will either huddle at home in fear - or believe we will foolishly forge ahead.

Wouldn't the existence of Memorial Day prove both ideas are incorrect?

John 15:13
Greater Love has no man, than a man to lay down his life for his friends.

These brave people have fought for Freedom. Believing this life is worth fighting for.

Does God esteem Heaven more than earth? God's Mission is to save the world in Jesus Christ. The Exodus occurs as God fights for life to have good conditions. A Hope and a Future. God fights for us in this life.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Abba, Father God,

When You tell us to Fight the Good Fight, You speak Words of Life. We fight doubt, we fight our fears, and in Jesus Christ You give us Hope and Encouragement in this Life.

Jesus knew, personally, this life has troubles. The Prophet Haggai said we can find joy in all seasons of life as Jesus said in John Chapters 14 to 17.

Father God encourages us individually. We Overcome.

Romans 5

Our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace
in which we stand:

And we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations! Knowing that tribulation brings about Perseverance!

4 And perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope!

5 And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
has been poured out within our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

We Pray for all the world in Joy during tribulation as the work of mankind to believe in God, puts us on the steadfast path of Recovery.

For the Blessing found in Jesus in Prayer and in His House. All Joy and Safety.


With Jesus and Your Gift of Faith, we will live in Love, Peace and Joy.
 Having the Blessing from Your Son to ask for more Heaven upon earth for all of Creation. God of Love. God of Encouragement.

Living in the Freedom and Expectation to Seek You first and find Your Kingdom glimpsed around us.

Keep us safe from disasters, quieten storms and keep the Oceans safe. Your Mercy, Father God.

Uphold those we Love. We Trust You.

We ask for the virus to end and Joy in Recovery. And Peace for anxiety, jobs and finances.
We pray for Your Healing Word to be Spoken. Your Living Word to be honored.
Your Help for a vaccine.

God Himself Bless, Sustain, Comfort, Guide
President Donald Trump,
Vice President Mike Pence,
Governor Abbott and these 50 United States Governors and Legislatures.
The Administration Coronavirus Response Team, Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield

Jesus Christ, The Beauty of Your Willing Blessings Flow!  Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †  

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