A Revelation?

I am doing a new Bible study...have I mentioned that?  My goal is to always be immersed in one.  God speaks to me through His word, and it happens more frequently when I set aside the time to study and do my homework. 

Anyway, I'm doing (for the 2nd time) the book of Daniel by Beth Moore.  You all know she is my favorite word-artist.  That is what she does...paints pictures with words so that it comes alive.  I love the way she writes out the homework, too.

In this study, she asked us to memorize a small portion of Daniel.  Chapter 2, verses 20-23.  Those of you who know me, know that I am working on memorizing Scripture right now.  Why?  So that no matter what, God's word is first and foremost in my mind.  When I'm having "a moment", I can recall these verses that I have to come to know and love. 

Needless to say, I jumped all over it when she asked us to memorize these 4 verses.  I'll write them out for you, so you can get a visual on what I'm about to say.

Daniel 2:20-23

Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His.  He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.  I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and power.  You have made known to me what we asked of You, You have made known to us the dream of the king. 

I have this habit of going back and reciting all the verses I've committed to memory thus far...it helps me remember them better, and I like to quiz myself.  I've even been known to involve my kids in quizzing me...it helps hold me accountable.  When I did this yesterday with Jonah, he let me have it for using "God" instead of "Christ" in one of the verses.  I told him it was okay...I didn't mess it up that bad.  ;)

So this morning, I was going over these verses in Daniel.  I could not remember the first word of this passage to save my life.  I was even saying in my mind, "Lord, help me to remember!"  As soon as I thought those words, the word "praise" jumped into my mind.  The whole passage started with the word "praise". 

I like the thought of that...how everything should start with praise.  Our day should definitely start this way!  If we wake up and climb out of bed, the first thing we should do is praise Him for another day of life.  Too often, I do not do this.  I immediately start going about my day.  In my chaos and routine, do I praise Him enough? 

That's one thing I love about the way our Moms in Touch group prays...we start with reading some Scripture, then we immediately begin praising God for His attributes...who He is.  Faithful, loving, forgiving, gracious, gentle, kind, patient...you get my drift.  It's taught me so much in my own personal prayer time, and it's changed the way I pray. 

The thing I'm striving for through this Bible study is having a more Daniel-like life.  I want to live an honorable life, one that is pleasing to my heavenly Father.  I want to have integrity in this God-forsaken day and age we live in.  Whereas the world has taken Him out of most things, I want Him to be at my very center...my very core.  I want to be like a sponge soaked through with water...I want Him to pour out of me.  I want to praise Him more.  I want to pray more.  I want to be a better example of a Godly leader.  I want people to see Him in me.

And if I can just remember to put praise at the top of my priority list...then maybe, just maybe, some of this will start to happen more often. 

These are just some thoughts I'm having this morning.  And I thought I would share, since it's been sweet forever since my last blog.  Anyway, my time is up...I have to run.  Happy Wednesday and love to all!