Thurs.’s Devo - The Tree

Read: Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Peter 1:1-21; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 28:17-18 Years later, Nebuchadnezzar had another dream and eventually Daniel, the chief of the magicians was called in to interpret it. *** In his dream he saw a very tall tree planted in the middle of the earth. It provided fruit and shade and provision for all. A messenger came from heaven and commanded that the tree be cut down and its branches lopped off. Only the stump would remain, bound by iron and bronze and surrounded by grass. It would stay there among the wild animals for seven years and have the mind of a wild animal. This would happen so that everyone would know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to whoever he chooses, even to the lowliest of people. *** Daniel had to tell Nebuchadnezzar that the dream was about him and he was the tree that would lose his mind and live among the wild animals for seven years. Then he would come to his senses and be restored to his kingdom. He would know that it is God who rules heaven and earth. *** One year from that time Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of his royal palace and made the proud confession that he had created this city by his own mighty power. It was then that a voice from heaven said he was no longer the ruler of this kingdom and the dream played out. *** When he returned from his insanity he was able to praise and honor the King of heaven whose acts are just and true. *** In Peter’s second letter he stated that God has given us everything we need to live a godly life. They are found in his promises that enable us to share in his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption that is caused by the evil desires of humanity. *** The processes that leads to a godly life are moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, and brotherly affection. The more we grow into these characteristics the more effective and productive we will be in the kingdom of God. Peter tells us how important it is to remind ourselves that these are the goals we are striving to live by. *** Peter knows that his time is short and he remembers when Jesus transfigured into his glorious body right before him. God spoke from heaven and told them that Jesus was his dearly beloved Son who brings him great joy. This gave Peter even more confidence in the prophecy of the prophets. Jesus will return in majesty and splendor just as they foretold. *** Lord, may we grow in all the attributes of your kingdom. May our lives be useful to you and what your plan is on the earth. May we participate in what you are doing and live to see your kingdom come to earth like it is in heaven.