How can we honor God daily, acknowledging His control over our lives? Daniel 5:23—The Gravity of Honoring the One Who “Holds in His Hand Your Life and All Your Ways” “But you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. You had the vessels from His house brought to you, and you and your nobles, wives, and concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand; but you have not glorified the God who holds in His hand your life and all your ways.” What Went Wrong in Babylon • Pride replaced reverence: Belshazzar treated holy things as common. • Created things replaced the Creator: he praised lifeless idols instead of the living God. • Forgetfulness replaced thankfulness: he ignored the God who literally sustained his breath. Daily Heart Posture—Recognizing God’s Sovereignty • Start each morning confessing: “You hold my life and all my ways” (cf. Psalm 31:15). • Keep short accounts: quickly repent of any hint of self-exaltation (James 4:6–10). • Cultivate gratitude: “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Speak often of His deeds: tell family and friends what He has done (Psalm 145:4–7). Practical Rhythms That Declare His Rule 1. Scripture First – Read or listen before news, email, or media (Matthew 4:4). 2. Prayerful Dependence – Pray over calendars, decisions, and interruptions (Proverbs 3:5–6). 3. Worship in All Tasks – “Whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). 4. Stewardship – Budget time, money, and abilities as resources on loan (1 Corinthians 4:2; Psalm 24:1). 5. Public Testimony – Honor Him verbally when successes come (Daniel 2:28; 1 Peter 3:15). 6. Sabbath Rhythm – Set apart weekly rest that proclaims trust in His provision (Exodus 20:8–11). 7. Compassionate Service – Serve “the least of these” as serving Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40). Guarding Against the Belshazzar Syndrome • Beware casual treatment of holy things—Scripture, gatherings, ordinances. • Refuse to let entertainment eclipse devotion. • Examine where praise is directed: God or gifts? • Remember sudden accountability: Belshazzar’s judgment came in a single night (Daniel 5:30). Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • Proverbs 3:5–6—Trusting Him straightens our paths. • Romans 12:1—Offering bodies as living sacrifices is true worship. • 1 Corinthians 10:31—“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” • Jeremiah 9:23–24—Boast only in knowing the Lord. • Philippians 2:13—He works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure. A Simple Daily Checklist ☑ Begin with praise and Scripture. ☑ Acknowledge His control over schedule and plans. ☑ Practice thankful words. ☑ Choose obedience in the small thing right in front of you. ☑ End the day recounting how He sustained every breath. |
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