Today’s Reading: Daniel 10:1 – 11:1
Daniel had multiple visions as you read through all of Daniel. Today as we read through Daniel 10 & 11, you read about his heavenly message, which some commentators believe is the pre-incarnate Christ( Daniel 10:6).
5 I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. 6 His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.
This verse connects with Revelation 1:14-15
14 His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves.
Lyden mentioned yesterday Daniel’s prayer life. Daniel dedicated his life to Him. This chapter shows how in-tune Daniel was with God. Daniel had a vision of possible future events. He knew the only way to see the truth was to submit honestly. He cut out the social drinks, was fasting, and cut out all the fragrant lotions. As I thought about Daniel and our present time, I thought of things we do or put on that can make it appear like, “it’s all good.” Daniel had a heart attitude focused on prayer and connecting with God. So I ask today, “Where is your heart?” How close do I get in my intimate moments? Are there things we can do to draw closer? Am I more worried about the world race? Sadly, I know my answer at times.
This chapter has helped me refocus on what is truly important. We get a chance to see into the heart and life of Daniel, a man of prayer. With a broken heart and a selfless heart, Daniel’s prayers were about others. Where do my blessings come from? How selfless are they?
The last part that made me reflect was the truth behind the warfare between angels and demons. This battle can impact our hope for immediate answers to prayer. We know that the enemy is always trying to get us to lose hope. It is being able to stay strong and trust in Him.
13 But for twenty-one days, the spirit prince[c] of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels,[d] came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.
Today, I was able to see, know, and trust that we draw near to Him in the stillness and focused time with God. When we set up our ACTS prayer, get quiet, and away from the distractions, we find Him. This closeness to God can become increasingly rare in this world addicted to noise and speed. Even as I write, I fight the battle to think of and worry about what I have to get done today and what lies ahead later this week. God has it. Draw near to Him as Daniel would.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask you for the stillness in my soul I need to see, hear, and feel your presence. Provide the place and moments where like Daniel, I can put aside all things and focus on your love. Lord, help us see the vision you have planned and seek you when we question ourselves. Let us put aside the worldly race to remember that you alone answer our prayers in your time and not ours. Lord, help us have a selfless heart that allows us to get face down to the ground crying out for your presence. Meet us in the moments where we have no strength or breath in our lungs. Lord, it is you along that answers prayer. You give us power; you provide us with breath; you lift us up. When we struggle, lose focus, and are laid out on the ground with no words to say, you draw near. You lift us up. God, our spiritual battle we will face every day will be won by You when we have a heart like Daniel. ~ Amen