Thriving… No Matter What – Part 4: Down, But Not Out!

Daniel 4:10-17 (NLT)

While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth. ¹¹ The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. ¹² It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.

¹³ Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven. ¹⁴ The messenger shouted, “Cut down the tree and lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit! Chase the wild animals from its shade and the birds from its branches. ¹⁵ But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the wild animals among the plants of the field.

¹⁶ For seven periods (seasons) of time, let him have the mind of a wild animal instead of the mind of a human … ¹⁷ so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses— even to the lowliest of people.” 

Daniel 4:30-31 (MSG)
“Look at this, Babylon the great! And I built it all by myself, a royal palace adequate to display my honor and glory!” ³¹ The words were no sooner out of his mouth than a voice out of heaven spoke, “This is the verdict on you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your kingdom is taken from you.”

Discovery #1:  leads to knockouts!

Daniel 4:37 (CEV)

Praise and honor the King who rules from heaven! Everything he does is honest and fair, and he can shatter the power of those who are proud.”

Proverbs 16:18 (MSG)
First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.

Proverbs 13:10 (TLB)

Pride leads to arguments;

Discovery #2: Knockouts are !

Isaiah 1:18-20 (GW)

“Come on now, let’s discuss this!” says the Lord. “Though your sins are bright red, they will become as white as snow. Though they are dark red, they will become as white as wool.

¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land. ²⁰ But if you refuse and rebel, you will be destroyed by swords.” The Lord has spoken.

1 Peter 3:7 (NLT)

… Treat your wife as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

Daniel 4:27 (NLT)

“O King Nebuchadnezzar, please listen to me. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past by being merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.”

Discovery #3: Knockouts aren’t !

Recovery begins with !

Daniel 4:34 (TLB)
At the end of seven years I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity returned,

Recovery happens through redirected !

Daniel 4:34 (TLB)

… and I praised and worshiped the Most High God and honored him who lives forever, whose rule is everlasting, his kingdom evermore.

Recovery progresses by walking  with God!

Proverbs 14:21 (TEV)

If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.

Proverbs 29:14 (MSG)
Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.

Philippians 2:3-4 (MSG)
Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. ⁴ Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.