Introduction: Have you ever needed a word from the Lord for a specific direction? Guidance? Relationship? To be honest, we have all needed a confirmation. The prophet Daniel was no exception. In Chapter Nine of the book of Daniel, God reveals over 500 years of prophecy to Daniel. Skip over a Chapter (10) to 11, and the Lord reveals Gentile domination of history over Israel, all the way until the Antichrist will be seen. So Daniel Chapter 10 is an interlude. What is Daniel doing? Why can’t he get an answer to his prayers? What provisions does the Lord make for His servant, Daniel?
Let’s see:

1. The Historical Time frame!

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.” (Dan 10:1)

Cyrus was king of Persia. Daniel is probably about 85 years old at the time. The Jews (50,000) had already returned to their homeland bested on their 70 years of captivity in Babylon, which fell to Persia.

2. The Spiritual Quest!

“2In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins w(Dan 10:2f)ere girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.” (Dan 10:2f)

While fasting and praying, Daniel was greeted by a preincarnate or postincarnate Christ (see Rev 1).

3. The Diabolical resistance!

“2Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” (Dan 10:12-14)

Satan empowers and controls governmental leaders. Yet, Jesus Christ is over all.

4. Spiritual reinforcements!

“18Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 19And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. 20Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 21But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” (Dan 10:18-21)

Angels are at our Lord’s dispatch. Daniel is helped. Remember, Jesus Christ was strengthened by an angel in the garden of Gethsemane.

Introduction: It has been said, “A FAITH that FIZZLES at the FINISH was FAULTY at the FIRST”! This is the “acid test”!! How is your faith in Jesus? Today, we are looking at a man whose FAITH did not FIZZLE at the FINISH. By the way, one of the hallmarks of the Church is the PERSEVERANCE of the SAINTS. 

Listen to the words of Jesus, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)

Speaking of continuing in His Word, have you heard about Stephen?

1. Stephen dared to be filled with Faith in Jesus!

“8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” (Acts 6:8)

2. Stephen dared to defend his Faith in Jesus!

“9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:9-15)

3. Stephen dared to die for his Faith in Jesus!

“51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it……. 54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:1-60)

Stephen was one of the first martyrs of the early Church. He was FAITHFUL! Saul never got over witnessing this dedicated servant dying for his FAITH in Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion: Someone has stated that a CHRISTian is like a tea bag. It is not any good until it gets thrown into HOT WATER! Stephen was thrown into HOT WATER! But he was congratulated by JESUS CHRIST in heaven!! Welcome home my child!!! Did you notice that our Lord and Savior STOOD up in heaven and welcomed his FAITHFUL servant named Stephen to his new heavenly home?

His FAITH did not FIZZLE at the FINISH!

1. The Power of Prayer!

“Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” (Rom 15:30)

2. The Purpose of Prayer!

3. The Peace in Prayer!

Introduction: This devotion will attempt to pull back the drapes and let us SEE JESUS! That is the great need today – for us to SEE JESUS. One of the main themes integrated within the pages of the book of Hebrews is the SUPERIORITY of Jesus Christ. Let’s see Jesus in His 3-fold role:

1. We would SEE JESUS as a SUPERIOR PROPHET!

“1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” (Heb 1:1,2)

Jesus Christ came to reveal the Father. He came to live without sin and therefore be able to take away our sins through His redeeming blood. He predicted that He would be crucified but also that He would be resurrected from the dead. That has been fulfilled. That means the only thing left is for Him to return, which He will in due time.

2. We would SEE JESUS as a SUPERIOR PRIEST!

“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:2,3)

While at the right hand, Jesus is interceding for us at this moment as our great high PRIEST! Hallelujah!!

3. We would SEE JESUS as a SUPERIOR KING!

3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Heb 1:3)

Jesus was God in the flesh. He died for our sins that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. Then, He conquered the grave and ascended on high only to sit down at the right hand of the Father. He will return as the “King of Kings” and the “Lord of Lords” at His second coming.

1. Start by Building on the Right Foundation!

“10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 3:10-11)

2. Next, Build with the Right materials!

“12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1Cor 3:12,13)

3. Get ready for the FIRE TEST!

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1Cor 3:14,15)

Notice. Either we will be rewarded or suffer loss, although we will still go to heaven.

1. Levi’s Birth Curse!

Levi had a “bitter birth because of a mad mama”!

“34And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.” (Gen 29:34)

2. Levi’s Awful Anger!

“1And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 2And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her… …25And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.” (Gen 34:1-31)

3. Levi’s Daddy disgraced!

“And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.” (Gen 34:30)

4. Levi’s Legacy!

“26Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” (Exo 32:26)

1. When possible, do all the GOOD you can!

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

We are not saved by “Good Works” but if you are saved there will be some “Good Works”! Good works are the result of the Holy Spirit’s fruit (Gal 5:22,23).

The word “workmanship” is ποίημ,(poy’-ay-mah), which means a thing made, a work, workmanship.

I love what Jesus said. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:16)

2. With all the FAITH you can!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Eph 2:8)

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith we cannot please God. God gives each believer a measure of faith.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Rom 12:3)

3. Because God has all the GRACE you need!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Eph 2:8)

Notice the two CHOICES:

1. FAITHFUL Servants …Well done”!

“After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt 25:19- 23)

WELL DONE! These servants knew their Master would return and they would give an ACCOUNT to Him based on what they did with the “TALENTS.”

2. UNFAITHFUL Servant – not WELL done!

“Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt 25: 24 -28)

Introduction: How much do you LOVE your children? You might say, “Which ONE”?! But seriously, as a CHRISTian parent we are wanting to be a blessing to our children. Yet, how much more does our Heavenly Father want to give His children “GOOD THINGS”!

Jesus Christ made that clear.

I love to read this Scripture:

1. Jesus knows us and our shortcomings!

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:11)

In the context of prayer, Jesus reminds His disciples, as well as us today, that our Father in heaven has SOOOO much more to offer His children. So why not ask Him? If it’s in His will for us, He will provide the answer. 

Will you ask Him today?

2. Jesus compares our generosity to our Heavenly Father’s!

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:11)

The word “good” is ἀγαθός, (ag-ath-os’), which means intrinsically good, good in nature, good whether it be seen to be so or not. The word “gift” is δόμα, (dom’-ah), which means a gift, present.

Since our Father is ready willing and able to GUIDE and PROVIDE for His children, then it is up to you and me to ask and trust. 

Conclusion: The key to this passage is that we have to “ASK”! Then we must TRUST, our Heavenly Father knows BEST.

We are His children. Aren’t you glad we have a Heavenly Father like that?

Introduction: What does ANXIETY have to do with AUTHORITY? A lot! Peter explains in his epistle. Are you dealing with ANXIETY? Why? What is bothering you? Is there a cure for care? Please follow these defining steps to freedom from ANXIETY:

1.  What does ANXIETY have to do with HUMILITY?

“Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1Peter 5:5)

The word “humility” is ταπεινοφροσύνη, (tap-i-nof-ros-oo’-nay), which means lowliness of mind, modesty.

 The word “grace” is χάρις,(khar’-ece), which means as a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, favor, gratitude, thanks. 

Praise the Lord for His “GRACE”! Remember: He gives “Grace” to the humble.”

Question: Do we exhibit humility? Are we proud of ourselves, our accomplishments, or do we give the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

2. What does ANXIETY have to do with AUTHORITY?

“6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1Pet 5:6)

Notice the word “Under.”

We will never be “Over” until we learn to come “Under.” Even then, we remain “Under” God’s AUTHORITY.

The word “humble” is ταπεινόω: (tap-i-no’-o), which means to make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: I am humbled.

Are you willing to be humbled (brought low) before the mighty hand of God?

3. What does AUTHORITY have to do with VICTORY?

“7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Pet 5:7)

The word “care” is μέριμνα, (mer’-im-nah), which means care, anxiety. 

Here is where we get the word ANXIETY. In essence, Peter is encouraging believers to throw all our ANXIETIES on the Lord! Why? Because they are too heavy for us to carry. 

Conclusion: Please reread – “….for he careth for you.” Our Lord cares for us!

The second word “care” is μέλει,(mel’-o), which means it is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns.

We are the object of God’s care. Therefore, with HUMILITY, and coming under His AUTHORITY, we can experience His grace and VICTORY!