(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Daniel 5:26-28 God has numbered the days of your reign and has brought it to an end…you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up…your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
If you were to talk with a financial advisor today, one thing they would encourage you to do is to have a “rainy day” fund for unknown expenses. The logic is pretty simple – your car will break down, or an appliance will break down, or something else will happen. When it does, you’ll want to be prepared by having some funds tucked away.
In Daniel Chapter 5, the young son of a king – who happens to have been placed in charge to administrate the entire Empire – is living a carefree life. This young man, Belshazzar, is ruling without any thought or concern of seeing the big picture. In fact, the king of Babylon, Belshazzar’s father, left him in charge because he went out into the kingdom to try to re-secure some of their trade routes that the Persian king had stolen.
But Belshazzar has zero concern that anything will happen. His rule is not marked by wisdom, but by lavish parties. His lack of preparedness will cost him not only the Empire, but his life.
READING & PRAYERS:
PROVERBS 2:6, EPHESIANS 5:15-16, JAMES 1:5 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: There’s a difference between being worried about what could happen and being prepared. Daniel was prepared to be used by God. What is one way you think God may be preparing you for His purposes?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Practice breath prayers throughout the day. Breathe in with the first part of the prayer, then exhale with the second. Some examples include: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “Speak Lord, I am listening.” “You are the potter, I am the clay.” “Peace. Be still.”
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I simply pray that You will provide me the wisdom to be prepared for Your purposes. Help me to see where I may be spending time and energy that falls outside of Your purposes for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
south ridge blog 