The Daniel Prayer - Session 5 - Pleading In Prayer

The Church of Divine Guidance Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group studying the book The Daniel Prayer:  Prayer That Moves Heaven And Changes Nations By Anne Graham-Lotz.  

James 5:16 (NLT2) ¹⁶  Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 

The Daniel Prayer is born deep within your soul, erupts through your heart, and pours out on your lips, words created by and infused with the Spirit of God quivering with spiritual electricity. It’s really not an everyday type of prayer. It’s a prayer birthed under pressure. Heartache. Grief. Desperation. It can be triggered by a sudden revelation of hope. An answer to prayer, a promise freshly received, a miracle that lies just over the horizon.

Study along with us by getting a copy of the book by clicking this LINK or the image of the book in the study notes. 

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing.  JOEL 2:13–14

The prophet visualizes terrible plague coming. In highly poetical terms he depicts the swarms of locusts like a hostile army, coming as the army of the Lord for judgment. But the door of mercy, he says, is still ajar! If the people will turn to their God with contrite hearts, the calamity may be averted. The prophet summons the whole community to assemble for prayer and fasting in the house of the Lord.

PLEADING WITH CONFIDENCE

When we pray fervently for the nation, our friends, our church, or ourselves we must pray in faith with confidence in God and His promises.  When we have confidence that God has placed us in a particular place at a specific time we have complete confidence that He has prepared us to handle it whether before friends or enemies. 

Luke 12:8-12 NLT  “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.  But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels.  Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say,  for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

Matthew 10:16-20 NLT “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.  But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.  You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.  When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.  For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Trust God like the old man trusted the tightrope walker to carry him across Niagara Falls in h wheelbarrow. He trusted him with his life. He showed his belief by his actions or works not like many of us who talk a good game u til times get rough.

Proverbs 3:5 NLT Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

CONFIDENT FAITH IS DEVELOPED BY CHOICES

Confident faith is a choice.  We make choices everyday.  We can choose to be bold in our faith or we can choose to be silent. The more we choose boldness the bold we will become. I don't mean overbearing. That can have the opposite effect of the one you want. 

Ann talks about the choices Daniel made and the response of God to those s choices.  He chose to resist eating foods that had been sacrificed to idols even though his freedom, his name and his masculinity were taken from him.  The first time he could choose he chose to obey the Law. 
 

The choice was to not fear.

THE CHOICE TO BE FEARLESS

Daniel's choices could have cost his life.  Most of us will never have to make that choice but there are people who do face life or death choices.

THE CHOICE TO BE FAITHFUL AND FOCUSED

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With each choice Daniel became more confident and faithful in following and trusting God.  He showed his faithfulness through his thanksgiving of God response to his faith choice. The example Ann gives is Daniel's praise after God gave him Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the interpretation.  If God hadn't done that Daniel and all the other wise men of Babylon would have been executed.

Daniel 2:20-23 NLT He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. 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. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. 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.”

What is really interesting was the impact of Daniel's choices and faithfulness on others. 

Daniel 2:47 NLT The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”

Then there was the time that Daniel made the choice to defy Darius’ decree that the only one that the people could pray to was him. Daniel continued to pray to Jehovah three times every day. That choice landed him in a den of lion's.

 Daniel 6:13-20, 22 NLT Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

We know that God's response to that choice was an angel shutting the lions’ mouths, and the impact that had on a pagan king.

Daniel 6:23-27 NLT The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Then Ann asks about our choices.

Which makes me wonder what my choices really reveal. When I pray, God, be glorified in my life, do I truly mean it? Am I willing to back up that request with choice after choice from

choice to lay everything on the line . . .
     
reputation, position, education . . .
     
ministry, marriage, motives . . .
      
safety, success, strategy . . .
     
family, future, finances . . .
     
children, career, comfort . . .
     
dreams, desires, duties . . .
     
 time, talents, treasures . . .
     
 My whole life
     
 . . . and trust it all to Him?
     
If you and I rarely exercise our faith, how can we be surprised when it’s too weak for anyone to notice? Too weak to move others to recognize and acknowledge that our God is God? Too weak to be contagious?

CONFIDENT FAITH IN GOD’S COVENANT

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Daniel pleaded in prayer with confidence because he was confident that God would abide by His covenant with Israel.

A covenant is a legal agreement between two or more parties, as in a treaty or formal agreement between nations. Or a land covenant between the buyer and the seller of property. Or a marriage covenant between husband and wife. The old biblical covenant with God is the one Daniel entered into through the Jewish laws, ceremonies, and sacrifices.

God made six covenants with Israel. They are the following:

Abrahamic Covenant
Mosaic Covenant
Palestinian or Land Covenant
Davidic Covenant
New Covenant

Abrahamic Covenant

God established the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12.1-3

Genesis 12:1-3 NLT The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

 and confirmed it in Genesis 13.14-17; 15.1-21; 17.1-27; 22.17-18; 26.1-5; 28.10-17; 32.12; 48.3-4; 50.24. It was reiterated many times throughout the Old Testament (cf. Exodus 2.23-25; 3.6-8, 17; 6.4; 12.25; 13.5, 11;  Judges 2.1; 1 Chronicles 16.13-18; 2 Chronicles 20.7; Psalm 105.6-11; Jeremiah 24.6; 31.35-37; 32.40-41; Amos 9.15; Isaiah 60.21). This covenant was a sovereign promise God made with Abraham. Its validity and fulfillment depend wholly upon God’s sovereign faithfulness.

The elements of the Covenant were that God would make Abraham great, that he and his seed would be a blessing to all mankind, that God would bless those who blessed them and curse him that cursed him, that Abraham would have innumerable offspring (physical and spiritual), and that God would give Abraham and his offspring land–“from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.” Below are specific provisions of the Covenant:

Mosaic Covenant

God’s purpose for Israel was that they should be a holy nation composed of a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19.4-6).

Exodus 19:4-8 NLT ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord .

The Mosaic Covenant is also referred to as the Old Covenant is really contained in Exodus 19-24.

With the call of Abraham, Israel became “special” in God’s sight and in His dealings (cf. Deuteronomy 7.6, 14.2, 26.19, 28.9; 1 Peter 2.5, 9; Revelation 1.6, 5.10; 20.6). Israel promised to do all the Mosaic Law (Exodus 19.8) but has failed. Despite their historic failure, the nation will one day keep the Law and God will fulfill His purpose for them: a nation of priests.

Unlike other covenants God gave to Israel, which were sovereignly established and eternal, the Mosaic Covenant was temporal and conditional. It required obedience. God knew Israel would not, indeed, could not keep it–even though the people promised they would (Exodus 19.8).  Under the Mosaic Covenant, the Law was given.

Sabbatic Covenant

God established the Sabbatic Covenant with Israel

Exodus 31:12-18 NLT The Lord then gave these instructions to Moses: “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord , who makes you holy. You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord . Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’” When the Lord finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God.

The Palestinian or Land covenant

Deuteronomy 30:1-10 NLT “In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the Lord your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. The Lord your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors! “The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live! The Lord your God will inflict all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate and persecute you. Then you will again obey the Lord and keep all his commands that I am giving you today. “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.

The Palestinian Covenant, or Land Covenant, amplifies the land aspect that was detailed in the Abrahamic Covenant. According to the terms of this covenant, if the people disobeyed, God would cause them to be scattered around the world (Deuteronomy 30:3-4), but He would eventually restore the nation (verse 5). When the nation is restored, then they will obey Him perfectly (verse 8), and God will cause them to prosper (verse 9).

Davidic Covenant

2 Samuel 7:8-16 NLT “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. “‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”

The Davidic Covenant amplifies the “seed” aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant. The promises to David in this passage are significant. God promised that David's lineage would last forever and that his kingdom would never pass away permanently (verse 16). Obviously, the Davidic throne has not been in place at all times. There will be a time, however, when someone from the line of David will again sit on the throne and rule as king. This future king is Jesus (Luke 1:32-33).

The New Covenant

Jeremiah 31:31-34 NLT “The day is coming,” says the Lord , “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord . “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord . “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord .’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord . “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

The New Covenant is a covenant made first with the nation of Israel and, ultimately, with all mankind. In the New Covenant, God promises to forgive sin, and there will be a universal knowledge of the Lord. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. Now that we are under the New Covenant, both Jews and Gentiles can be free from the penalty of the Law. We are now given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hebrews 8:1-13 NIV Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.  Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”  But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.  For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said : “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.  It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.  This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.  No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.  For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”  By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Ann calls our relationship with Jesus under the New Covenant the believer’s birthright with guarantees. 

Acceptance by God, with access to Him 24/7,
     
Blessing upon blessing upon blessing because I am His beloved,
    

Confidence that I’ve been chosen by Him,
     
Deliverance from the penalty and the power of sin,
     
Enlightenment to understand spiritual things, and eternal life that will never end,
        
Forgiveness of all my sin—past, present, and future,
     
 Grace for every situation and need,
     
Hope for my tomorrows, and a Heavenly Home being prepared for me,
     
An inheritance that is kept for me in Heaven,
     
Justification so that in God’s sight I am right with Him,

A covenant relationship with God is the equivalent of a legal promise to which He binds Himself so that you and I can take Him at His word with absolute confidence.  It’s His guarantee—signed with His own blood.

CONFIDENT FAITH IN GOD’S CHARACTER

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We can always be confident in our faith in God character. Daniel starts his prayer with worship. He starts it with a declaration of praise for who God is.  He starts with worship. We talked about that last week.  Starting prayer with our focus on God as our Center Point.

We are actually communicating with a living Person who has . . .
     
 eyes to see us,
     
 ears to hear us,
    

feet that swiftly come to our aid,
     
hands to hold us,
     
a mind that thinks on us,

WORSHIP GOD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS

We can think of the many times that God has been faithful in keeping his promises in our lives. 

WORSHIP GOD FOR HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

 Daniel 9:7 NLT “Lord, you are in the right; but as you see, our faces are covered with shame. This is true of all of us, including the people of Judah and Jerusalem and all Israel, scattered near and far, wherever you have driven us because of our disloyalty to you.

How can you and I truly believe that God does the right thing when really wrong things happen to us, to our loved ones, to our nation, and to our world? We can confidently say God does the right thing because God is righteous. That’s His character. He never does the wrong thing. He cannot be anything other than Himself.

What difference it would make in our perspective if we didn’t look at God through the lens of our circumstances, but looked instead at our circumstances through the lens of who God is.

WORSHIP GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS

●     He is love - 1 John 4:8-10 (HCSB)⁸  The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.⁹  God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.¹⁰  Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

●     He is faithful - 1 Corinthians 1:9 (HCSB)⁹  God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.; 2 Timothy 2:13 (HCSB)¹³  if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.;  1 John 1:9 (HCSB)⁹  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

●     He is patient - 2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)⁹  The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

●     He is forgiving - Isaiah 43:25-26 (HCSB)²⁵  “It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.²⁶  Take Me to court; let us argue our case together. State your ⌊case⌋, so that you may be vindicated.; 1 John 1:9 (HCSB)⁹  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.; Ephesians 1:7 (HCSB)⁷  We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

●     Delights in and takes pleasure in me. - Psalm 147:11 (HCSB)¹¹  The LORD values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love.;  Zephaniah 3:17 (HCSB)¹⁷  Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring ⌊you⌋ quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy.”

●     Cares about even the smallest details of my life - Matthew 6:31-32 (HCSB)³¹  So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’³²  For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.;   Luke 12:6-7 (HCSB)⁶  Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight.⁷  Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!

●     Pities (has compassion on) me when I’m hurting - Psalm 72:12-14 (HCSB)¹²  For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper.¹³  He will have pity on the poor and helpless and save the lives of the poor.¹⁴  He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious in his sight.; Isaiah 63:9 (HCSB)⁹  In all their suffering, He suffered, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. He redeemed them because of His love and compassion; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of the past.;  2 Corinthians 13:3-4 (HCSB)³  since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you.⁴  In fact, He was crucified in weakness, but He lives by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, yet toward you we will live with Him by God’s power.

●     Is patient with and understanding of my weaknesses and failures - Psalm 103:12-14 (HCSB)¹²  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.¹³  As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.¹⁴  For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.;  Hebrews 4:15-16 (HCSB)¹⁵  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.¹⁶  Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

●     Wants to help me out of the messes I get myself into - Psalm 40:1-3 (HCSB)¹ I waited patiently for the LORD, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help.²  He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.³  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.; Isaiah 61:7 (HCSB)⁷  Because your shame was double, and they cried out, “Disgrace is their portion,” therefore, they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. (The double glory or blessing of (a) membership in God's family, (b) possession of Christ himself as their indwelling Lord and Companion. - The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.)

●     Enjoys sharing His heart with me - Psalm 25:14 (HCSB)¹⁴  The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them.;  Matthew 11:25-26 (HCSB)²⁵  At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants.²⁶  Yes, Father, because this was Your good pleasure.

●     Likes to hear what I think and feel - Psalm 62:8 (HCSB)⁸  Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.Selah; 1 Peter 5:7 (HCSB)⁷  casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

●     Is always happy to see me, even when I’ve sinned against Him - Luke 15:1-2, 11-24 (HCSB)¹  All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to Him.²  And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” ¹¹  He also said: “A man had two sons.¹²  The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them.¹³  Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living.¹⁴  After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.¹⁵  Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.¹⁶  He longed to eat his fill from the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any.¹⁷  When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger!¹⁸  I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.¹⁹  I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’²⁰  So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.²¹  The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’²²  “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.²³  Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast,²⁴  because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

●     Always has time for me - Deuteronomy 31:6 (HCSB)⁶  Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. (Pastors song);  Psalm 139:7-10 (HCSB)⁷  Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?⁸  If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.⁹  If I live at the eastern horizon ⌊or⌋ settle at the western limits,¹⁰  even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.; Hebrews 13:5 (HCSB)⁵  Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.

●     Wants to rescue me when I’m in trouble - Psalm 91:14-15 (HCSB)¹⁴  Because he is lovingly devoted to Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name.¹⁵  When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor.; 2 Timothy 4:18 (HCSB)¹⁸  The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.; 2 Peter 2:9 (HCSB)⁹  ⌊then⌋ the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment

WORSHIP GOD FOR HIS GREATNESS

Daniel 9:15 NLT “O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness.

As Daniel recalled this supreme, historic demonstration of God’s unparalleled power to set His people free, he was compelled to plead with God, Do it again! If God had been moved to action as a result of the cries of the Israelites in Egypt, surely the same God would be moved to action as a result of the cries of the Israelites in Babylon. And if God could change Pharaoh’s heart long enough so that God’s people were set free, then the same God could change the Persian emperor’s heart so that the Israelites were set free once again. Couldn’t He?
     
And if God heard the cries of His people in Egypt and in Persia so that Heaven was moved to answer, why would He not hear our prayers today for our nation? For the revival of the church? For our families? And if God changed the heart of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the kings in Babylon and Persia, why cannot the very same God change the hearts of our political and religious leaders, and the hearts of others today? If God could change the nations of Babylon, Persia, and Israel, why can’t He change our nation?     
     
 He can, can’t He?      

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