Day 4: Nebuchadnezzar’s Folly

As was mentioned on Day 1, Nebuchadnezzar was a pretty smart king. Even though the Babylonian military had overthrown many different nations and people, as the king, Nebuchadnezzar employed the most learned and educated individuals from these other nations. The diversity of many different nations coming together turned out to be a great strength for his empire. 

Additionally, Nebuchadnezzar learned that the people were able to adapt to the changing political climate if they were permitted to continue practicing their own religion. For the most part, this freedom of religion provided a great deal of stability for the Babylonian Empire.

But something occurred that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t expect – the God of the people of Israel required exclusive worship. In one sense, Nebuchadnezzar himself had been able to rule over all of the gods people worshiped. But this new God was different. Israel’s God declared that He was responsible for Nebuchadnezzar’s success, and that He and He alone was worthy of being worshiped. Nebuchadnezzar struggled to accept God’s sovereignty, and did so to his own folly. As you read today, consider this: How did Nebuchadnezzar respond to the challenges he experienced?

READING:

     DANIEL 4:1-27

Think back through all of the readings from this week: How did Nebuchadnezzar respond to the challenges he experienced?

Would you have responded any differently a year ago? 5 years ago? 10 years ago?

Would you respond any differently today? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Deuteronomy 3 & 4

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, like Nebuchadnezzar, there have been times in my life when I have wanted to take credit for everything I’ve accomplished in life. But today I am reminded that You and You alone are responsible for everything I am, everything I have, and everything that is good and pure in this life. Today, I worship You for the many blessings You have provided. Specifically, I thank You for (_______), (________), and (________). But mostly, I thank You for the sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf. I worship You today! Amen. 

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     Day 3: Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

We all see things from various perspectives. Our family of origin, childhood experiences, friends, acquaintances, the entertainment industry, and more, have all educated us to think and observe in certain patterns. 

For many who have attended a Christian church for years, the story of Nebuchadnezzar is often taught from the perspective of Daniel, or from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When it comes to the latter three, they’re often seen as the godly heroes of Daniel Chapter 3. Nebuchadnezzar commands them to worship him over their own God. You likely already know how the story ends: they refuse, are sentenced to death, but miraculously survive. 

But try to read through the story from the perspective of Nebuchadnezzar himself. What was it that drove him to such a self-centered pride? Has something similar driven you to prideful thoughts or actions? What experiences led him to praise and worship God? Have you had similar experiences that have led you to praise and worship God?

As you read today, consider this: What situations or problems was Nebuchadnezzar facing? How do you think Nebuchadnezzar felt throughout these experiences? 

READING:

     DANIEL 3

What situations or problems was Nebuchadnezzar facing? 

How do you think Nebuchadnezzar felt throughout these experiences? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Deuteronomy 1 & 2

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, as I have read through the story of Nebuchadnezzar I confess that there have been times when I have been much like him. Full of pride. Full of rage. But also, times when I have been full of worship. 

Today, one act of worship I desire to offer is to remove all pride, impurity, jealousy, envy, hostility, and instead be Your representative. Reveal to me the opportunities to spread love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control to all I interact with today. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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     Day 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Have you ever had somebody place a ridiculously unrealistic expectation on you? Perhaps a coach or music instructor demanded absolute perfection, even though perfection itself is completely unattainable. Or perhaps a teacher or professor tested you on material in which they didn’t lecture, nor was it in your required reading. Unrealistic expectations can prove harmful for everybody involved.

As a ruler of a huge empire, Nebuchadnezzar placed an expectation on others that was completely and totally ridiculous. He had a dream and desired an interpretation of the dream, which was very common in his culture. But he took it a step further. He wanted the scholars of his day to not just provide an interpretation of his dream; instead, he wanted them to know his dream and its interpretation. When they couldn’t provide details of what he dreamed, he ordered them all to be killed.

Fortunately, a godly man named Daniel stepped forward and noted that even though he couldn’t interpret the dream, his God could reveal all mysteries.

As you read today, consider this: What aspects of Nebuchadnezzar’s story resonate with your own life experience?

READING:

     DANIEL 2

What aspects of Nebuchadnezzar’s story resonate with your own life experience? (Consider the unrealistic expectations he placed on others, those he supervised, those he interacted with, etc.)

What kinds of ambitions or hopes could Nebuchadnezzar have had through his life experiences? In what ways does this help you to identify with the story of Nebuchadnezzar?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 34 & 35

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I have placed unrealistic expectations on others. Not only that, but I have demeaned or criticized others unfairly for not living up to those expectations. Today I ask for wisdom and clarity as to how I may be able to make amends for these mistakes. Reveal to me steps that may be taken to rebuild trust, reconcile broken relationships, and regain influence in the lives of those I have hurt by my selfish actions. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.   

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     Day 1: Nebuchadnezzar’s Wisdom

Imagine you’re responsible to plan for a massive gathering. Attending the gathering will be people from several different nations, many of whom may speak English, but dozens, perhaps hundreds of others in attendance, may not. The security for the event is your responsibility. Communication during the event is your responsibility. Planning the event is—you guessed it—your responsibility. What do you do? 

The above is a simplified case study of a very real situation in which the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar found himself. The Babylonian Empire was huge, and oversaw people from many different nations. King Nebuchadnezzar was responsible for national security, education, communication, and everything else. Would he be up for the task? Would he be a different kind of leader than those who had ruled before him?

The answer to these questions is a resounding yes. Nebuchadnezzar employed educated and learned people from other nations the Babylonians had overthrown, not just his own. In time, people from many nations really came to like him as a leader. As you read today, consider this: What does this passage about Nebuchadnezzar tell you about reality? About humanity? 

READING:

     DANIEL 1

What does this passage about Nebuchadnezzar tell you about reality? About humanity? 

In what ways does this help you to identify with the story of Nebuchadnezzar? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 20 & 27:12-23

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, as I begin reading and learning about the life of Nebuchadnezzar, I pray that You would open my eyes and heart to see any similarities between his life and my own. If there were times when he resisted You, may I use that as an opportunity to confess the times I have resisted You. If there were times he was overtly proud, may I use that as an opportunity to confess the times I have been overtly proud. If there were times he worshiped You for who You are, may I use that as an opportunity to worship You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 5: GOD IS WITH US IN OUR DOUBTS

Have you ever seen God accomplish amazing things? Assuming the answer is yes, consider this: Have you ever doubted God even though you’ve seen Him accomplish amazing things? If so, then the story of Moses is one that should resonate with you. 

At this point in the story of Moses, he has seen God work in profound ways. Moses had first experienced the presence of God on a mountain in the form of a wildfire. Then Moses experienced the power of God by turning his staff into a snake. He then witnessed the strength of God through various plagues that God sent upon Egypt. 

After Pharaoh released the people of Israel, Moses crossed through a body of water on dry ground, with the Egyptian Army pummeled by the same waters. He then experienced the presence of God in the form of cloud and fire. If you read through the entire story from start to finish, you’ll see that Moses had no reason to doubt God. But despite everything he had seen God accomplish around Him (and within him), Moses still had doubts. 

As you read today, consider this: Think back through all of the readings from this week: How did Moses respond to the challenges he experienced?

READING:

     NUMBERS 34

Who is the hero of the story of Moses? What passages in this story lead you to this conclusion? 

In just one sentence, write out the one thing You learned from the story of Moses. Then write out how You will respond to God as a result. 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 16 & 17

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

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     Day 4: Moses Doubts Again

Have you ever seen God accomplish amazing things? Assuming the answer is yes, consider this: Have you ever doubted God even though you’ve seen Him accomplish amazing things? If so, then the story of Moses is one that should resonate with you. 

At this point in the story of Moses, he has seen God work in profound ways. Moses had first experienced the presence of God on a mountain in the form of a wildfire. Then Moses experienced the power of God by turning his staff into a snake. He then witnessed the strength of God through various plagues that God sent upon Egypt. 

After Pharaoh released the people of Israel, Moses crossed through a body of water on dry ground, with the Egyptian Army pummeled by the same waters. He then experienced the presence of God in the form of cloud and fire. If you read through the entire story from start to finish, you’ll see that Moses had no reason to doubt God. But despite everything he had seen God accomplish around Him (and within him), Moses still had doubts. 

As you read today, consider this: Think back through all of the readings from this week: How did Moses respond to the challenges he experienced?

READING:

     NUMBERS 20:1-13

Think back through all of the readings from this week: How did Moses respond to the challenges he experienced?

Would you have responded any differently a year ago? 5 years ago? 10 years ago?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 13 & 14

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, even though the life Moses lived is very different than my own, I’m encouraged to know that I am not alone in my doubts. I’m encouraged to know that somebody who accomplished such great things still struggled with doubts. 

But even though I do struggle with some doubts, I pray that You will continue to reveal to me the purpose and plans You have for my life, and that I won’t run from Your purposes, but will instead continue to embrace them. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 3: Moses’s Obedience

Take just a moment to think about somebody you know who is regularly looking for ways in which God is already at work so they can join Him in it. Do you think they ever struggle with their own doubts or fears? Do you think they ever wonder if they’re actually doing what they’re supposed to be doing? Do you think they experience trials? The answer, of course, is a resounding yes. Everybody struggles with these thoughts from time to time. 

At this time in the story of Moses, he had seen and experienced God doing a lot of miraculous things. Now he was leading an entire nation of people out of Egypt, but there was a huge obstacle in the way – a great sea on one side, and a furious Egyptian army prepared for battle on the other. 

As the people began to panic, Moses remembered everything God had accomplished. He turns to the people and shares a truth that helped calm their fears. He said, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14). 

As you read today, consider this: What problems was Moses facing? How do you think he felt throughout these experiences? 

READING:

     EXODUS 13:17-14:31

What problems was Moses facing? 

How do you think Moses felt throughout these experiences? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 11 & 12

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there are times in my life in which I don’t feel close or connected with You. There are times when I feel like I need to pray more, or read my Bible more, or do more of something else in order to be closer with You. But today I am reminded that the battle is Yours. You have fought for me. You are fighting for me. You will continue to fight for me. My role is simply to be still.

Today, my desire is take intentional time to be silent and to experience Your presence. May You speak to me in the quiet, and may I be refreshed and rejuvenated by meditating on the wonders of who You are. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 2: Moses’s Invitation

Have you ever been invited to a large event or gathering and you weren’t sure what to do?  Maybe there was an expectation that you would give a speech, or interact with politicians, or some other requirement that was completely out of the ordinary for you?

This is the situation in which Moses finds himself. Except he’s not just supposed to give a speech, nor is he just encouraged to interact with a major political figure. It was so much bigger than that. Moses was invited to meet with the most powerful world leader in his day, and tell him that he needed to permit all of the enslaved people to leave and not come back. 

While God may not be inviting you to sit down with world leaders to discuss foreign policy, He is inviting you to be a part of some big things. As Henry Blackaby writes, one of the best ways to experience God is to “…find where God is already at work, and join Him in it.” In the story of Moses, God was already at work in leading His people to more fully trust Him. Consider the likelihood that God is already at work in significant ways around you, and He’s inviting you to join Him in it. 

As you read today, consider this: How will you join God in the work He is already doing in your own life? In the lives of others?

READING:

     EXODUS 4:1 – 6:12

What aspects of Moses’s story resonate with your own life experience? (Consider his family upbringing, those he worked for, those he interacted with, etc.)

What kinds of ambitions or hopes could Moses have had through his life experiences? In what ways does this help you to identify with the story of Moses?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Leviticus 23

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are already at work within me and all around me. My desire is to be fully committed to You and to join You in the work You’ve already started. Open my eyes so that I may see and understand the work You’re doing within me, and continue to provide me opportunities to reveal the wonders of who You are to others. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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     Day 1: Moses’s Doubt

On first glance, Moses’s life was very different than our own. He grew up away from his family in a royal household. He was provided the very best opportunities for education and training. But when difficulties came his way, Moses responded in the same way many of us would – he ran!

In his young adulthood, Moses learned that he was a Hebrew, not an Egyptian. Shortly after learning of his true heritage, he kills an Egyptian who was beating a fellow Hebrew. When Pharaoh learns of what happened, he sets out to kill Moses. This is when Moses started running.

While living out the rest of his days away from Egypt, God appears to Moses and tells him that he is being sent back to Egypt to free God’s people. How does Moses respond? He doubts God. He doubts he can fulfill God’s purpose and plan in his life. He doubts everything. In Exodus 3:11, we read:

“¹¹ But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 

As you read today, consider this: What does this passage about Moses tell you about reality? About humanity?

READING:

     EXODUS 2 & 3

What does this passage about Moses tell you about reality? About humanity? 

In what ways does this help you to identify with the story of Moses?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Leviticus 23

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, as I begin this week I want to pray specifically for three people. I pray for (_______), (_______), and (_______). I pray that You will reveal Your grace and love to them in profound ways, and I recognize that You may very well use me to reveal it to them. Which leads me to pray this: I question whether or not I’m the best person to fulfill that role in their lives. I confess that I have doubts about Your purpose and plans for my own life. I confess that sometimes my default response is to run. This week, may the only running I do be towards You and Your Word. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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    Day 5: God is WITH Us in our Trials

READING:

     GENESIS 47 & 50:15-26

Who is the hero of the story of Joseph? What passages in this story lead you to this conclusion? 

In just one sentence, write out the one thing You learned from the story of Joseph. Then write out how You will respond to God as a result. 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Leviticus 16 & 17

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.