And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (Daniel 4:34-35)

Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most successful rulers of the ancient world.  By ruthless and violent tactics he amassed an empire whose domain reached the end of the earth.  Ironically, God subdued this powerful ruler, thus prompting this inspiring ascription of praise.

This Babylonian ruler marks a typical example of misguided worldly achievement. Both nations and individuals alike may have little material prowess yet  have great moral stature. One's worth is not measured by the sum of one's earthly possessions, but by his understanding of his true purpose in this world.

Before arriving at this lofty goal, one must conquer himself.  Nebuchadnezzar, from the lofty heights of Babylon, the Great became prideful.  “Look what I have done!”, was his attitude. There is no sin that so frequently condemns as selfish pride.  This is especially true when self becomes the center of the universe.

God has a limit on his patience, and when his boundaries are crossed God takes action! When the sin of any nation or individual is full or complete God will punish!  Thus, in an instant, the sovereignty of this great Babylonian king was removed.

At the end of seven days Nebuchadnezzar's sanity was restored. In Homer Hailey's commentary of Daniel he states: “when one's mind is demented and his reason warped toward self and God by pride and arrogance, these can only be corrected when the individual looks to heaven and realizes the truth concerning himself and God.” The spirit of self-sufficiency must be removed and replaced by humility and dependence.

Thus, Nebuchadnezzar breaks forth in praise of Jehovah.  God was ruling long before any king appeared on earth. He is the Most High God, the Everlasting. His purpose will be accomplished, and no man or nation can restrain Him.

By George Slover

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (Acts 2:42)
 
The day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ was a great day as 3000 souls yielded to God’s will and converted to Christ.  These new Christians were soon drawn to each other sharing their new faith in Christ.  The text above states they were wholly given to fellowship.  Just what benefits did they receive from such devotion to each other?  Of what value is such fellowship today?
 
Accountability is one of the great benefits of association with God’s people.  Fellowship in a local church should involve the spiritual leadership of the spiritually mature – both men and women who set forth an example of excellence in conduct and character.  (Titus 2:1-10)  Its members should expect mutual encouragement from each other.  (Hebrews 10:24,25)  Of all our acquaintances, our brethren should have the highest expectations of us morally and spiritually.  We need that kind of friend.
 
The joy of serving is also another advantage of such fellowship..  God commands mutual service and sacrifice (Galatians 5:13) of his people.  He wants us to use our talents to care (I Corinthians 12:25,26) for each other.  By fulfilling the needs of my brother we lean the true meaning of the Lord’s statement – “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. (Acts 20:35).
 
So devote yourself to your brother and you will surely reap the rewards!
 
By George Slover, Jr. 

"So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them. (Exodus 2:24-25)

As Israel grew and multiplied in Egypt, another Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph.  This new ruler in Egypt subjected the Israelites to forced labor, and threatened to kill Israel’s baby boys.  This oppression would last for more than eighty years (Acts 7:17-36) before Moses would arrive to deliver them.

During this time Ramses II died and another Pharaoh took the throne.  On their ascension, such kings would often reverse the policy of the previous ruler.  But this new monarch disappointed the hopes of the Israelites.  Thus, they cried still more for freedom.

Israel’s sighs and groans during this long period were recorded and treasured in God’s ledger.  He must wean them of their attachment to Egypt and discipline them for the hardships of the desert.  Just at the time appointed, he sent Moses to rescue them.

This enslavement in Egypt mirrors the pitiful condition of the human race.  For thousands of years mankind has grouped in darkness looking for a purpose and hope. (Romans 8:22,23)  There is in every human a yearning for something better than this earthly existence.   At just the right time God sent his Son into the world to deliver man from the pollution of the World.  (II Peter 2:20)  

God hears the cries of the contrite.  We must never grow weary or listless, for if we seek him with an honest heart, he will release us from the bondage of sin, and lead us to the Promised Land.   

By George Slover