Encouragement

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Preparing for Blessed Greatness

Greatness is a word that can be explained in as many ways as there are people. It is a self described ambition, something that is recognized by others—whether for good or evil, and a value that is equated to being blessed. God grants to us mercy and grace—we work for greatness through the Holy Spirit. Do you want to have greatness in your life? Do you want to be among the blessed? Stay with us in this teaching series—greatness is within your reach.

We begin the book of Daniel when he was a young man, chosen from amongst the children of Israel who had been taken into captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar was like many leaders—he wanted dominion over those who posed a threat. The king had understanding of whom he had in his control.

In Chapter 1 verses 3-4 the king spoke to the master of the eunuchs that “he should bring certain of the children of Israel and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.”

The first things we learn about being used by God and being placed in position for blessings is that we, as did these Israelites, need to be or have:
• A teachable character—first to receive and then give instruction
• Cunning knowledge—retaining what they learn and wanting more
• Being skilful in wisdom—not just ability but using it
• Character that would be able to stand before people who had obtained greatness
• People who could be taught how to blend with their current situation—not just buck the system and be stubborn

Proverbs speaks about the need for wisdom. King Solomon, author of Proverbs, is known throughout the ages as the wisest of kings, favored by God, and he and his children destroyed because of disobedience to God.

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 3:13-26 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.” (These are verses 13-26) Read the rest to find other hidden blessings.

Daniel had been taught and retained wisdom—what we would call today street smarts. It is amazing how many educated people there are who have only that—book education or knowledge—it is not enough!

Romans 12:1-2 instruct us to “…present your bodies [as] a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

King Nebuchadnezzar also knew that it was important to watch what went into the body not just the mind. He therefore ordered that the best food and wine be given to the young men who would be chosen for this important calling among the Chaldeans. Imagine—hand picked to serve the king!

Today, let us begin to prepare ourselves for greatness first by the renewing of our mind. What we think is what we achieve. If you want to be the best at being wicked you will be. But the righteous in Christ and avoiding of evil will bring long life and great reward for eternity not just this lifetime.

Ask yourself—if you were a captive as was Daniel, would you have been chosen to be trained to be brought before the king?

You have been chosen to stand before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and to be used for His service upon this earth and to be a heir in His kingdom.

Today—you are in control of what your mind is focused on; you are in control of what you feed your body physically and spiritually. Will you continue on to greatness as was promised in John 14:12, “…and greater things shall you do—because I go unto my Father.”

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