praise 2 - Ashley P.

Recall the story of Daniel for a moment and how he was dedicated to the God of the universe. Do you remember how the king had a dream and he sent for scourers and magicians and astrologers to interpret his dream? And then Daniel showed up and asked the king if he would share the dream so Daniel could interpret it. Then Daniel went to his friends first to ask what he should do. Isn't that what we do - seek council from our friends about a matter... well follow me here... let's read the verses:
Daniel 2:17-18
"Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for merch from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon."
So then what happened? Let's keep reading...
vs. 19-23
"During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel PRAISED the God of Heaven and said:
PRAISE be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and PRAISE you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
So, what is the point? Well, when Daniel had nothing, he prayed. His life was on the line. Can you imagine? Think about it.. Daniel pleaded with God and God gave him a vision to the kings dream. Then Daniel PRAISED God and thanked Him for the vision.
I know it has been tough the past couple of weeks trying to figure out work, housing, and all the other things above on our plates... It get frustrating, confusing, and down right- wait what's the word - oh yea - ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! ugh... ugh... am I on it yet? Now I know that we are starting to 'feel the heat' from the lack of income and other situations. Well guys, I believe it is time to plead and praise! God is still God - He is still faithful - and He is still working. Let's stand free, throw up our hands and worship and praise the God who has always held us and kept us in the palm of His hands. Again, think about that for a moment... Think about God holding you in the palm of His hand. How does it feel? Embrace it! Enjoy it! Long for it! Jump for JOY in His hand! We can do it, guys! We are children of God, and He loves us - He will NOT let us down!
Power Verse:
Psalm 103 8-13
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;"
Go and enjoy the embrace of the Lord today! He is holding us!
Listen to the song on the song list Joyful Noise - :)