Verse of the Day 3/9

Verse of the Day 3/9

Daniel 9:23

English Standard Version

23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.

Today's verse has been on my mind recently.  With all that is going on in the world and in our own lives, war; illness; finances and other things that can cause anxiety, the verse is a reminder to us that we should turn to the Lord in prayer, seek His mercy, seek His grace and seek His guidance. 

Daniel was a man of prayer.  He was a man of faith but he still had concerns for the events that we evolving around him personally and for his countrymen.  In response to his prayer in this passage, God sent the angel Gabriel to him in a vision telling him, reminding him that he was greatly loved by God.  It should serve as an example to us to remind us that we are loved by God as well.  Today's verses reveal to Daniel and reveal to us that God has heard our prayers "at the beginning of our pleas".  He knows the full story, we don't need to bring Him up to date.

If you are feeling anxiety, pray; go to His Word.  If you are in financial straights, facing illness; feeling anxious or worried about what lies ahead; read the following verses and know that your prayers are heard and that God can speak to you through His word to encourage you in your circumstances.  They are may be a place today where you can begin to "count your blessings".

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me . . . to proclaim good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18). "The sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2). "[He is] gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14).

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Daniel 9:17-23

English Standard Version

17 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord,[a]

Dan 9:17-23 ESV - - Bible Gateway

 make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

Gabriel Brings an Answer

20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, 21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, "O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.