A mighty and strong people…

Daniel 11:32, “…but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

In this scripture…Daniel is more than likely referring to the great persecution under Antiochus, when the followers of Judas Maccabaeus, knowing their God, and keeping loyal to Him even though the majority bolted…refused to bow before the idols of Syria. These saints were in God’s strength, and did exploits never surpassed in the history of those who have suffered for the truth.

Obviously, when you look at this powerful statement, “The people that know their God shall be strong and do great exploits..” your eyes focus on the phrase, “know their God.” How important is it that we ‘know’ Him?

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, there were three prayers that he constantly prayed over his converts. The first was that they would ‘know Him.’ Phillippians 3:10 leads us in a prayer that we, no doubt have prayed many times – “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…”

There’s not a Christian alive today that hasn’t longed to ‘know Him’ more. Everyone of us, deep inside, has a longing to ‘know Him’ more – and I believe we can. The more time we spend with Him, the more attention we give Him, the more we’ll get to know Him.

The second phrase that jumps out of the 32nd verse of Daniel is that you, “…will be strong and do great exploits…” Man, who doesn’t want that! I mean, imagine being strong enough to do great exploits, which defined is, “an act remarkable for brilliance or daring…a bold deed.”

I think I speak for everyone when I say – no one wants to be born, live, and then die having accomplished nothing! Who wouldn’t want to be known as a man who did remarkable things – who accomplished brilliant achievements and who was bold enough to dare to believe?

Well, according to Daniel 11:32, this is do-able. If you and I do what’s necessary to know Him. But…that’s not all that’s required. I was just about to close my study books and wrap this up…when I was prompted to go back one more time and look closely at chapter 11.

I was amazed at what comes before knowing God and doing great things for God. I’m talking about the word people. Verse 32 reads like this: “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

The word ‘people’ is describing a ‘congregated unit.’ The meaning is crystal clear. We are not complete – even though we know God and accomplish great things – if we are not a part of a congregated unit. God does not want to build an army of Lone Ranger Christians. He wants to establish an army of men and women, young and old, who – as a congregated unit – get to know Him and together carry out great exploits.

Never Give Up On Prayer

Recently, I was reading the 109^th chapter of Psalms and came upon a small verse that caught my attention. It’s found in the fourth Verse, it goes like this; “In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”  The Psalmist obviously felt like he was being mistreated.  I love how he responds, rather than accuse back, he resorts to prayer; “…but I am a man of prayer!” Immediately my mind goes to James 5:16; “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  Another translation says that the effective fervent prayer…is powerful. 

I need the Power of God in operation in my life…I need the supernatural to override the natural in my home…I desperately desire that the power of God’s love be made manifest in my city…and today, I’ve found out how it will happen.  Horrible things are happening in my land, but; “…I am a man of prayer!”  I may not like what is going on in Washington…but it doesn’t matter because; “…I am a man of Prayer.”  When I am wronged, I can retaliate or I can take it to God, in prayer.  I can worry about tomorrow…I can fret about my finances, I can live a mediocre life with no hope, or, I can be a ‘man of prayer’ and illicit the Powerful Presence of God in my life. 

You know, I’m just like everyone else…I’ve got a lot on my plate, but when I read this verse I am convinced that I should never be too busy…to pray.  Jesus told His disciples that they should always pray and never quit…praying.  You know what, we shouldn’t either.  I’ve started writing down my ‘prayer-request’ on a card to carry around with me during the day.  I’d love to pray for you…send me your request and each day. I will add you to my list and ask that God’s Power will intervene in your life.

God Bless,

Pmvino

Truth

“How many legs does a dog have, if you call the tail a leg?  Four, calling the tail a leg doesn’t make it a leg.” President Abraham Lincoln

Welcome

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog.   There is a verse in the Bible found in Proverbs 13:20, that goes like this; “He who walks with the wise grows wise…” Man, how true that is!  I’ve had the privilege of walking with some incredibly wise people…and I have found that the way they live, the way they talk, the order in their lives has had a profound influence in my life.  I encourage you to be careful who you allow in your circle, who you allow to influence you.  We all have friends that we enjoy hanging out with…but, then there are the people who we sit up and listen too.  Proverbs tells us that you will become like them…if they are wise you’ll become wise…now, the rest of Proverbs 13:20; “…but a companion of fools suffers harm.”