Jan 1

 Daniel 7- 9

Chapter 7

this is one of the first prophetic chapters. As I read it, I feel like its talking about the end times, and that the last kingdom, the last beast that is being referenced, that one will come out in my time, and will be the last beast that will give me trouble and headache. it seems like the type of beast that will be purposely created to challenge us christians in our belief and trust in God. 

Chapter 8

the thing that caught my eye is the date. King Belshazzar period. this is during the period where Daniel was in the middle of the Babylonian rule. this one amuse me even more, it is the part where God revealed to Daniel the downfall of the Babylonian rule, and then the downfall of the Persian rule which is much after his time, followed by the downfall of the greek rule. But what had me curious..... the relevance of revealing the Babylonian rule's downfall to Daniel I can understand, because he is involved in it. But the Persians down fall and greek downfall? why does God reveal it to him? it is centuries after his time. And due to the revelation, Daniel fall sick, and was even troubled by it. But I got a feeling, this is the kinda things that Daniel loves knowing. especially because he is recognized as a sage, or a "spiritual knowledge knower in his time. so God revealed this kind of information to him, not just for him to tell everyone, but probably for pleasure.

Another part I found interesting, he got Gabriel to explain it to him instead of Jesus. Usually explaining visions and words up to this point I have found to be the work of Christ. but this time round, it was the messenger who was tasked with this role. 

Chapter 9

this part to me is also puzzling. not the part of confession and asking for revival, that part is consistent. but the part that is about why Daniel felt that God's hand of judgment is on Israel. it is the period where Medes and Persia conquered Babylon, so I would think this is the period there should be joy? also this is the period where the people of Israel, the exiles get to go back to Israel. somewhere around this period. so curious I feel.

Chapter 10

Dec 29

 Daniel 6 - 

reflection.

This is another one of those "exploits  of Daniel" parts of the bible that is most commonly quoted when people want to say "do something radical for God. I used to listen to it avidly, but now... I feel like it is under studied. there haven't been enough development or breaking down what could be found behind these scriptures.

As I read it, I see a political manipulation that we would generally see everyday. Some bunch of people felt jealous because their room for growth and space is being invaded, then they decided to oust the person that is hindering them, namely Daniel, and the way they plot is meant to dethrone him. But interestingly the plot hinges on making Daniel fail to obey God, or treat God... as God? 

So the true challenge I believe is more than just "are you scared to pray to God when persecution starts." Because how Daniel got caught.... is by praying 3 times a day, meaning, he is not even hiding, not even reducing his volume. Which I think is interesting. Daniel's a smart man, so when he heard of what happened, I am quite sure he would have had contingency plans, but he didn't use any of it, so I felt like there is something else that he is trying to do, but can't deduce what. 

Dec 27

 Daniel 4 - 5

Reflections:

I noticed that when King Nebuchadnezzar was calling for Daniel, he doesn't acknowledge God. he still worships his own gods, and thinks that Daniel worships those gods. in fact, he addresses Daniel by those gods. Which makes me wonder, what does Daniel do before the King in terms of stating his connection with God and witnessing? How vocal was he before King Nebuchadnezzar. I can only wonder how difficult it must have been standing on life and death situations everyday when having to confront King Nebuchadnezzar. I look at the life of Daniel, he is clearly a very smart man, highly aware and emphatic I think? but also very brave. Willing to take ownership of his actions, but at the same time, aware of their impact. which can be seen when he has to break bad news, but instead of hiding it, he goes all out to tell King Nebuchadnezzar what they really mean, but also tell him that he hopes this vision is for his enemies. (this statement makes me wonder if Daniel was also fearful for his own life, but also wanting to be obedient to God. I know I would have try and soften the blow for him.)

Subsequently, Nebuchadnezzar became mad for a season (7 seasons they say) before being restored and then start praising God when his mind came back to him. the account was written as though he wrote the piece himself. What I don't get is the lack of global mention of this event by any historian, and only the bible and probably koran makes mention of it so far. I do not doubt God's word and validity, but am amused by the cover up from it. though I must say, this contrast does cause doubt in the mind that is questioning, and not sure if is healthy. I think while King Nebuchadnezzar accepted God as the big one, he did not acknowledge him as the only God, probably thought of him as a powerful one by the end, because in chapter 5, it seems this "father of Belshazzar" who should also be Nebuchadnezzar... did not acknowledge God as God, and did not proceed to teach his household of God, but let them continue their practices etc.

Next in chapter 5,  Nebuchadnezzar is no longer around. probably dead? now his son is in place. And seems like a major party chap. funny thing is, he is to be destroyed the second the reading by Daniel is complete. and by the Persians no less. Quite amusing to see it being am ambush type defeat. More so, the account that shows the shaming of God's artifacts by Belshazzar, was also taken very seriously, where he paid with his life.

Dec 26

 Daniel 2 - 3

The circumstances of Daniel feels same as me. Caught in a situation where he is going to be destroyed, given very little time and with that very little time, have to create some kind of magic.

I often wonder, if real estate is a mistake, if I should have went for a different career like corporate, or something more stable and smooth. Because the career I am in and am doing is going no where. there's no success, and very little results. Victories that bears no meaning, and acquisitions that in the end turns out to be mistakes. Am I being led by God? Am I consulting God on what I do? I find myself constantly running away from the fact that my career is a mess, and that I am actually doing very badly. There's no stability in my career at all, and I am making losses. I actually have to also borrow money to sustain myself and feed myself. This year, I made only 10k in sales value, and had so much headache given to me through out my career period. Is the lack of success in my career because I am not following God? I feel like there's no long term results I am getting. Every build only last for a few months or max 1 year. And then it doesn't continue on. Evaporates and looses value. Oh God, is this the wrong job I am doing that's why you are not blessing the work of my hands? Isn't it promised that if I honor you and put you first then the works of my hands will be blessed? It now feels like only my wife is being blessed. I am being left out. Or I am not counting my blessing? I am struggling with no money, no income, no nothing. I am worried for my future, I am worried for where this is going.

This book of Daniel talks about God being the one who provides wisdom, answers.... I feel like my faith is archeological findings lately. I struggle to hear God, I struggle to include him into my career. I struggle to allow him to work through me...And I don't know what I am doing. Or is it that I lack belief? That I don't believe in what God wants to do for me? Which is why as I read this book, even more questions and puzzles comes to my head.

As Daniel interpret dreams and visions to the king Nebuchadnezzar, I wonder to myself, what is the dream and vision that he has given me. have I held on to it.... I think not, and I think I am struggling to hold on, with no results to speak for itself. 

Consistently, the 1 thing Pastor and his wife both kept reminding me about is to take things slow and be still. remember that he is God. everything, be still, don't worry. hold out, God will come true.

Right after having all these doubts and concerns, the next message I read is regarding chapter 3, where Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden statue and then the jews doesn't want to bow down and worship it, but because there is death decree for all those who do not bow to it, all of them does so, except for Daniel's 3 friends (quite sure Daniel didn't too) And because they didn't, they stood out like a sore thumb to the public, this felt like the world that I am facing now, they don't come as lethally as like back in the days, but they control soft power very subtly, and they create systems and statures that does not follow what the bible instructs. also, they are very powerful and successful in whatever aspect they are doing, making me really want to follow them, especially after seeing how unsuccessful I am, But I can't, for some reason... no matter how I proceed with it, it is like there is some kind of barrier stopping me.Something like a moral code that holding me back.

Dec 20

 Daniel 1-

reflections

Chapter 1

this chapter is about Daniel and his 3 friends being brought into the courts of Babylon. It is the most commonly quoted scripture where when you put God first, God will in turn put you first. But I think it has. to be also taken into context where the Daniel and his 3 friends were living in accordance to God's perfect will, which is to make sure that they continue to preserve Israel culture, even in foreign lands. and from the looks of it, whatever job they did is not the main point. main point is that with the role that God gave them in where they live, they fulfill it to the best they could for God.

Dec 17

 Ezekiel 39-48

Reflections:

This one shows God's redemption plan. Instead of giving more judgement, more destruction as compared to the rest of the book, this part he shows restoration. How he will rebuild Israel, starting from the temple. His dwelling place, the holies of holies, all the way down to the measurements of the temple. I think it is very significant because instead of talking about restoration with just 1 or 2 chapters, during exile, he took 10 chapters to talk about restoration, rebuilding and returning. Each books were very detailedly written, down to details of how big, how wide each building or component is to be constructed. I think even though Ezekiel wasn't the most emotional of books.... in fact, it probably is a judgment book as I heard many say it,  this part goes to say and remind that that is forgiveness.

Dec 15

 Ezekiel 39 - 

Reflections:

chapter 39 looks like the foreshadowing of what God will do when he comes back glorious to resign as supreme leader over all the entire world. as I look at the historical accounts of Gog and Magog, it looks like a nation who has been taking advantage of Israel for a very long time during Israels exile, and now, is having to pay the price. There is a lot of symbolism to be regarded from this, among them, the weapons that these nations pride themselves on using, all are going to be used by Israel as firewood. And then the fleshes of these powerful nation's warriors and kings will be used as food for wild animals. God even said to the wild animals, it will be like buffet for them. God treat these soldiers and powerful mighty men like food to be delivered as meals, luxurious meals to the wild animals. And for the main reason to point out his might, power and greatness to the entire nation of Israel and to the inflicted nations.