The Father requires of His children to have heartfelt love
The same love they receive from heaven above
Loving the Father with all one’s heart, soul, and mind
And your neighbors as yourself that’s the kind
Of love that the Father commands throughout the lands
Love the Lord for He has compassion and mercy
When He hears your cries and prayerful voice
Shower your love and praise upon Him
Your grateful response as sons and daughters
And a heartfelt choice
He has declared and given us His Spirit of love
The red fruit we must consume every day
Rich in nourishment that helps us walk in His ways
Demonstrating heartfelt love.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
King Nebuchadnezzar esteemed Daniel highly as having the indwelling of the “Spirit of the Holy God” (the doctrine of the Trinity) who could interpret dreams that others could not therefore, he made it a point to always ask Daniel to interpret his dreams and visions. The king had a second dream that pictured a tree which was explained by Daniel to represent the king. After interpreting the dream, Daniel gave the king some sound advice that he hoped would be acceptable. One would say that Daniel was giving him feedback regarding his arrogant pride, conduct, and actions. The feedback or advice was to lead the king to repentance of his sins by breaking away from his inequities and showing mercy to the poor and being righteous. Daniel expressed to the king if he would follow his advice his time of prosperity may be lengthened.
The dream represented something more serious which Daniel had explained in his interpretation. Apparently, a year later the king had not changed and was exalting himself. Matthew 23:12 informs the reader that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. In the midst of king Nebuchadnezzar exalting himself, God spoke to him and made a not so pleasant decree (related to the dream) in that the king would realize in time that God rules the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever, he chooses. After the dream’s negative fulfillment and King Nebuchadnezzar humbling experience, he reasoned and understood who holds all the power and honor in the kingdom. Then he praised and extolled God as eternally sovereign and omnipotent of all the universe. In addition, King Nebuchadnezzar learned that God has the power and capability of humbling those who walk pridefully, His ways are just, and works are truth. God humbled King Nebuchadnezzar before exalting him again for a helpful and holy purpose.
Moral of the Story: Be attentive to your dreams, reflect on God’s word and feedback, be righteous in your doings, show mercy to the poor, understand that God is sovereign, and His kingdom is everlasting, and He will give you a chance to repent before He humbles you.
I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. You turned my wailing into dancing; You removedmy sackcloth and clothed me with joy.
In the Rhythm of the Spirit
My life sustaining movement of the Spirit.
The rushing breeze of the wind lifting me.
I feel like I am floating on air,
When I’m dancing to the rhythm of the Spirit,
The thematic sound of the timpani and conga drums.
Making His presence grand. My soul hums.
The wistfully sounds of a symphony hallowing His name.
Violins playing my soul is swaying so quiet, gentle, and sincere.
So melodiously near, there is nothing else I rather hear.
Other than the music He brings when we are embraced in dance.
Dancing to the thematic sounds of timpani and conga drums.
Build your house on the rock, the solid rock of Jesus. Say “He alone is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress, I shall not be greatly shaken. Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Psalm 62:2: Matthew 7:24).
Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.