Topic: Daniel’s Dose: Adventure 16- Are you awed by God’s actions or moved by Him?
Reflection of Daniel 2, 3 & 4
Good morning ladies and gentlemen! How are you doing? Today, is Friday; another wonderful week has come to an end! Hallelujah! I pray that this week has been great and full of joy, peace and laughter. This week has been the first week of the easing of restrictions in many countries around the world. If you are living in one of these countries, what did you do this week? How did you feel, experiencing the outdoors, once again? Do share your experiences, thoughts and feelings with us! We would love to hear from you!
Today’s message is a reflection on the last 3 chapters (we have reviewed) in this series- Daniel’s Dose. We are going to be exploring the theme; “Are you awed by God’s actions or moved by Him?” This is a very important question we must all answer, even as Christians. Are you ready for today’s piece? Well…
Let us get right into it!
If you are asked to describe God in one word, what word would you use? Well, a few responses might be Awesome, Great, Loving, Gracious, Kind, Merciful, etc. Yes! All these words are appropriate in describing God! The main thing is what you feel about God in your heart.
There are many people who are awed by God’s works. They are amazed to see God’s power and might over the earth. They are amazed to see a manifestation of love in other humans. They are awed the blessings God showers upon his people. They are in awe of who God is. Being in awe of God is great! He is a wonderful being; we must all be awed by Him! However, most of the time, when we are in awe of someone or something; we are just shocked or amazed by the things the person has done or the way something occurred. Most of time, it does not necessarily move you! That is how many Christians are! They are awed by God and the idea od God’s presence in their lives. They just go through the motions. They call themselves Christians to see and enjoy God’s blessings and gifts. They are not moved by God. They are not moved by God to spend time at His Feet worshipping, meditating and communicating with Him.
If you are awed and not moved by God, then, you can be likened to king Nebuchadnezzar. Yes! Let us take a journey through the Daniel 2,3 and 4! In Daniel 2, the king had a dream. He ordered that a wise man reveal dream and its interpretation to him. All the wise men, astrologers, magicians, Chaldeans were not able to do so. The king had them killed. Daniel, with God’s intervention, reveal the king’s secret and interpreted it. Nebuchadnezzar was awed by this. He was shocked to see that someone was actually able to reveal his dream and give an interpretation. As a result of this, he promoted Daniel and his friends. The king was not moved by God. He was awed by God’s actions. This situation should have moved Nebuchadnezzar to follow God, accept Him and worship Him. Instead, he was just awed. Nebuchadnezzar still believed that he was the most powerful and mighty king. He didn’t realize and acknowledge, a King greater than Him.
In Daniel 3, we see another example of Nebuchadnezzar amazed by God’s action. In this chapter, the king ordered for a gold image to be built. In addition to this, he ordered everyone to bow down and worship the image, once some music plays. The three Jewish men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nigo, refused to worship the idols. Nebuchadnezzar ordered for these men to be put in a fiery, burning furnace. However, these three young men came out of the furnace without any cuts, scraps or bruises. Once again, Nebuchadnezzar was awed by this event. He was surprised to see that the men came out alive and perfectly fine. He was awed by God’s action; not moved by it. This was the second time, God tried to show himself to Nebuchadnezzar, yet, he was still not moved. He still believed that he was the greatest.
The beginning of Daniel 3 story tells of a similar thing. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream; he called for Daniel. Daniel revealed and interpreted the king’s dream once again. Still, the king was not moved. He took the dream for granted. I am sure he believed that such a dream would not take place because there was no one greater than him, Nebuchadnezzar. By the end of the chapter, Nebuchadnezzar was moved by God; he started worshipping Him. This came only after he lost his kingdom; then he realized that he was no body. He realized that there was a God who was greater, stronger and more powerful than he was. He feared him and was moved by him.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, do not be like Nebuchadnezzar. Do not be in awe of God’s actions; be moved. Give God all you’ve got! Commit your whole life to Him. Serve Him! Obey Him! Worship Him! Trust Him! Fear Him! It is very important!
Each time, God uses these events/ situations to draw you closer to Him. He uses these events/ situations to reveal Himself to you. To show you His power and His might. Do not take them for granted! Do not be awed by God’s actions, be moved by Him; so that you may be able to perform those actions through you! Hallelujah!
Today, take the time to ask yourself, “Are you awed by God’s actions or moved by Him?” Answer this question truthfully! Are you a Nebuchadnezzar or a Daniel? God bless you!
Prayer Points:
Ask God to reveal Himself to you.
Ask God to prepare your heart.
Ask for healing in your heart and your mind.
Ask that you subdue your flesh and earthly desires.
Ask for the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Ask for help from the Holy Spirit.
Ask for the desire to learn more about God.
End with a time of praise and worship!
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank you for my life. I thank you for giving me another beautiful day. I ask that you guide me and protect me. I pray that I will choose you in every situation that I face. And that my life will be a testimony and an example to many that I have Christ living in me. Thank you, Lord, for sending your son to die on the cross and wipe my sins away. I lift your name high for you are Alpha and Omega. Amen!
IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
The prayer below is for anyone who does not know God or maybe has been apart from God for a while. God is here to pour His favor over your life. All you have to do is call out to Him. Make that decision today!
Dear Lord,
I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
If you repeated this prayer with all the sincerity of your heart, congratulations!! You are now a part of God’s family. Welcome to the greatest family ever. Heaven is jubilating on your arrival. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also excited to have you on board.
Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. The road might not always be easy, but God is with you each and every step of the way. Guiding you, helping you and encouraging up. You will never regret this decision; I can assure you of that. Two things I would recommend for you to do are;
Get yourself a Bible (in a version you understand) and meditate on it day and night. In Joshua 1:8, we are told that when you meditate on the Word day and night, you will be prosperous and successful.
Find a Bible- believing church to attend and fellowship with other Christians. This would help you grow spiritually.
I am excited that you made this decision. Welcome! If you would like some help or more understanding into anything, you can leave a message (adding your email address) and I would be willing and happy to help you out!