For the Glory of His Renown!

Yesterday a group of ladies at my church and I began the Beth Moore Daniel Bible study. After only one day of study, I would highly recommend it.

The book of Daniel opens with the king of Judah and others being taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar. They were then taken to Babylon. Four of "the others" consisted of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. All four were renamed and Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were renamed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

In the first video session, Beth conveys that Babylon is more than just a place on the map. It is a way of thinking. It is a culture/mindset that thinks only of themselves. "I am the greatest, there is none above me." "I can have anything I want because I deserve it."

Boy does that sound familiar to the message that is coming from our televisions and magazines. Our current culture emphasizes beauty, youth and being thin. Just like King Nebuchadnezzar valued it in his day. Take a look at the first chapter of Daniel.

But can I just tell you it is not all about us. Believe it or not our purpose here on earth was not so we could gain popularity and wealth all while staying young and beautiful. We were put here for the Glory of His Renown! It is all about Him and not about us!

Do we live that way?

Do we order our days by our agenda or by His?

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. That plan and purpose entails making a mark on this world for Him. You and I were created with the purpose of advancing the Kingdom.

Are we living a life of purpose?

I don't know about you, but this challenges me. May we start today by taking the focus off ourselves and putting it where it belongs...For the Glory of His Renown!