Friday, August 5, 2016

Daniel Interprets Again

There is a man in your kingdom who has within him the spirit of the holy gods. During Nebuchadnezzar's reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your predecessor, the king—your predecessor King Nebuchadnezzar—made him chief over all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers of Babylon. Daniel 5:11

The queen mother was telling the current king of Babylon, Belshazzar, about Daniel who had brilliantly and correctly interpreted the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar. She seemed to think that the spirit of the holy gods was within Daniel. This gave him insight, understanding and wisdom like his god. She was close to the truth. Daniel’s wisdom was a gift from his God—the one true God. Nebuchadnezzar recognized that Daniel’s wisdom was not only greater than that of his “wise” men, giving him the ability to interpret dreams, but God gave him the gift of administrative skills. Daniel, in respect to his God, took care of his body by not eating rich or fatty foods. Daniel was a valuable asset to the Babylonian empire. Once again now he was called into the king’s presence to interpret a mysterious occurrence. The Hand Writing on the Wall. This has become a cliché in modern society if there is something devastating or evil coming soon. People better see the handwriting on the wall for themselves. Have you ever experienced a message of “The Handwriting on the Wall?” Watch out—it can be a significant downturn as it was for Belshazzar.
 
Prayer ~ Lord God, may we be attentive to what is going on around us that we would be prepared for any coming disaster or calamity in our lives.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
The Book of Daniel doesn’t indicate that Daniel continued to eat a diet of fruits and vegetables, but in order for him to be obedient to the Lord, it is assumed that Daniel ate no fatty foods or sweet treats that would take his focus off of serving the Lord. It is likely that he did eat real fresh whole foods. Fresh healthy foods are not necessarily bland.

At this time of the year fresh fruits and vegetables are so abundant. One of my favorite herbs, growing in a pot by my door, is thyme. I find myself pinching off some of the plant and tossing it into breakfast egg dishes, lunch salad, and supper soup broths, sauces, meat marinades or rubs. It is a versatile herb that fights infection, is anti-fungal and is good for healthy brain function. Once again, God in His wisdom provides us with an amazing culinary herb that we can use not only to enhance the flavor of our food, but to keep us healthy. Enjoy!

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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