Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans.
Lord God my Father,
Keep me close so I may see the hearts of those around me. Protect me from discouragement and keep me encouraged in your Truth and Peace.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”
Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”
Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.
Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the Lord our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth.
He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision.
“The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any of you who are his people may go there for this task. And may the Lord your God be with you!”
Lord God my Father,
Give me discernment to see those who deceive and destroy. Allow me to call on your angles to expose your Truth to destroy the deceivers. Restore your plan in your people and bring us under your authority so we can live by your will alone. Restore your greatness and destroy our idols.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, 22until the Ancient One—the Most High—came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.
The army of heaven was restrained from responding to this rebellion. So the daily sacrifice was halted, and truth was overthrown. The horn succeeded in everything it did.
But when his heart and mind were puffed up with arrogance, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.
Lord God my Father,
Give me a Peace beyond my understanding, allow your peace to guide me. Give me faith that doesn’t ask questions, but believes your plan is perfect without question. Allow me to trust in you alone and not be distracted by confusion of this world and keep me from falling into compromise of your Truth.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
“And the day will come when I will cause the ancient glory of Israel to revive,29:21 Hebrew I will cause a horn to sprout for the house of Israel. and then, Ezekiel, your words will be respected. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
Lord God my Father,
Bring new life to the tired bones, restore me to do you will with courage and confidence.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
They will teach my people the difference between what is holy and what is common, what is ceremonially clean and unclean.
Lord God my Father,
Help me to know you and your way, I wish to be made holy in service to you. Give me insight to identify what separates me from your will for me.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. 26But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”
Lord God my Father,
I have lived by my own rules too long, I want to live by yours completely. Soften my heart to release my will so I may live completely by yours.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity.
“Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel.
The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins.
Lord God my Father,
Teach me how to live for you, help me to see the enemy before they are close and warn the troops. Keep me from deceit and help me to stay alert.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.
They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.
O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again.
I will make my home among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
it will be a glorious victory for Israel when I demonstrate my glory on that day, says the Sovereign Lord.
Everyone will see the punishment I have inflicted on them and the power of my fist when I strike.
The nations will then know why Israel was sent away to exile—it was punishment for sin, for they were unfaithful to their God. Therefore, I turned away from them and let their enemies destroy them. 24I turned my face away and punished them because of their defilement and their sins.
Lord God my Father,
Give me the courage and confidence to do you will without hesitation. I do believe you are God, and all things are possible with you, but I lack the drive to be obedient without hesitation. Give me fire i my faith that inspires me to bury only for you and cause me to be feared by evil because of this boldness. You are with me always, give me your purpose above all else, give me your hopeful, peaceful strength to represent your glory in ways only you can. Heal your people.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen