The Dream and the Warning
November 02|Daniel: Honor in Exile Series
November 02|Daniel: Honor in Exile Series
Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” Daniel 4:27
Read: Daniel 4:9-27
Listen: Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar rules the world, but a dream terrifies him. His dream features a mighty tree that a messenger from heaven commands be cut down. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that he is the tree and will be humbled. Daniel then gives a warning. He encourages Nebuchadnezzar to turn from sin and stop oppressing people. Nebuchadnezzar has been building his kingdom on the backs of others and taking advantage of people. Daniel wants Nebuchadnezzar to change so the dream doesn’t come true. But the king doesn’t want to change.
God takes pride seriously. Pride distances us from God and says we don’t need him. Pride treats others like they aren’t as important as us. We begin to believe we deserve everything we have because we did it on our own. This attitude can cause us to look down on others who aren’t as accomplished, wealthy, famous, athletic or respected as us. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion teaches how a tangible part of humility is showing kindness toward others.
Ask God to help you see his warnings in different areas of your life where you might be prone to pride. Pray to recognize God’s warnings through his Word, promptings of the Spirit or the church community. Pursue humility in your life by being kind to those around you.
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
MATTHEW 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”