The king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. 13 And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends. 14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. 15 He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. 16 Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant. 17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 He said,
“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. 21 He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars. 22 He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you
and revealed to us what the king demanded.” Daniel 2:12-23 NLT
God of our ancestors,
Sometimes we have to be in a very tight corner before we pray and ask others to pray as if our lives depended on it! Daniel did not care who got the answer because otherwise they would all die! And he was open to God speaking. Because of his willingness he was able to approach the king and settle the perilous situation. And he takes none of the glory for himself. He shakes it off by bursting into praise for You, God who saved them..
When we cannot see the way forward, drive us to our knees for an answer and to not be worried about how or who it will come through. Then keep us ready to sing Your praises, so eyes are directed to You we do not take any of Your glory.
Thank You for those who have gone to other countries, not as captives, but willingly to witness to You and live Godly lives to show Your wisdom and strength through their witness. Watch over them and give them revelation and the understanding for their own situations. Not forgetting those of us called to reveal You in our own country. We need Your wisdom, revelation and understanding for our own times.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday August 21st 2025
We had this in March perhaps this is why it came instantly to mind as I read Daniel.
Surely our God is the God of gods
And the Lord of kings
The revealer of mysteries
Surely our God is the God of gods
And the Lord of kings
The revealer of mysteries
Repeat chorus . . .
He changes the times and the seasons
He gives rhythm to the tides
He knows what is hidden
In the darkest of places
Brings the shadows in to His light
Chorus
I will praise You always my Father
You are Lord of heaven and earth
You hide Your secrets
From the wise and the learned
And reveal them to this Your child
Chorus
Music interlude . . .
Thank You for sending Your only Son
We may know the mystery of God –
He opens the treasures
Of wisdom and knowledge
To the humble not to the proud
Lyrics: David L and Liz Morris