Scripture Reading: Daniel 5:1-31, Proverbs 16:18, 1 John 2:15-17
Clearly, Belshazzar was a bad guy.
He was a show off: “King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles” (Daniel 5:1, emphasis mine).
He was a drunkard: “Under the influence of the wine…” (v.2).
And worst of all, he was an idolator, irreverent toward the things of God: “So they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, wives, and concubines drank from them” (v.3).
It’s no wonder we want to cheer when a cosmic hand appeared and scribbled his condemnation on the palace walls. “You have been weighed on the balance and found deficient” (v.27).
Our righteous indignation reflexes feel satisfied by the Scripture’s description of Belshazzar losing his life and kingdom as a consequence of his pride. But we are wise to recognize that the same hand can scribble the same words on the walls of our life.
We’re all showoffs, riddled with pride and prone to make much of “me.” We each face the daily temptation to numb ourselves with a substance or an achievement or another few minutes of scrolling. And worst of all, our hearts are perpetual idol factories adept at worshipping anything (and everything) other than the one true God.
And like King Belshazzar, we will one day stand in the presence of the God who made us. Our good deeds will not supersede our sinful motives. Our righteousness will look like filthy rags compared to the blinding light of His holiness. The righteous Judge will have every right to declare, “You have been weighed on the balance and found deficient” (v.27).
But He won’t. When the Father looks at you, He won’t see bad Belshazzar, He will see His perfect Son.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
—Colossians 3:3
I’m reminded of another time the hand of God wrote something significant. We find it in the Gospel of John. This time the “bad guy” was a woman, caught in the act of adultery. Again, righteous indignation seems a fitting response. A judgmental crowd held court and found her wanting. But watch what Jesus did: “Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger” (John 8:6).
We don’t know what He wrote. We do know what He said.
When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
—John 8:10–11
He says the same thing to you today. In Christ, there is no condemnation—even for idol worshipping showoffs. His hand writes words of love and grace over our lives. You don’t have to live with knees knocking like Belshazzar (Daniel 5:6). Nor shall we persist in pride-fueled rebellion. Instead, we walk in the freedom of grace. We can know that what God has in store for us is good. The writing is on the wall.
Written by Erin Davis
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74 thoughts on "The Handwriting on the Wall"
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So good thank you Jesus for the grace we are drenched in
Amen!
Today, Erin shared, “We’re all showoffs, riddled with pride and prone to make much of “me.” We each face the daily temptation to numb ourselves with a substance or an achievement or another few minutes of scrolling. And worst of all, our hearts are perpetual idol factories adept at worshipping anything (and everything) other than the one true God.”
Those are convicting words to me. How many times have I basked in pride at a job well done or a goal accomplished? How many things do I do, watch, read or think about instead of spending time with God or doing something in His Name, helping another, or telling someone about Him?
Today, I pray for God’s forgiveness, in the Name of Jesus, for the many times I sin with pride and idolatry. Convict me, and open my eyes to my own sin, Lord. Forgive me, and strength me to walk according to Your will.
Amen.
Amen, Teresa. Praying your words of prayer as well about my own sin.
I remember hearing a sermon years ago about the woman who was caught in adultery. The pastor pointed out that the man in that situation should have been stoned too and the fact that he wasn’t brought forward too means that she was likely set up by this group of men. It doesn’t excuse her behavior, but when Jesus says, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her,” it very much changes the way the men in that group would have taken those words. Clearly, Jesus knew their hearts.
Thank you for your comments yesterday. Rhonda I do believe to remove myself is best.
In Christ there is no condemnation – even for idol worshipping showoffs. Oh Lord I am so thankful for your gift of forgiveness. Amazing grace indeed.
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore” John 8:10–11. What a precious gift this is. Thank you all so much for your prayers, it means more than you know. I also just want to clarify that my husband is not physically hitting me. I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of his stress, childhood trauma and frustration, like I’m his emotional punching bag. I really appreciate you all holding me and my marriage in prayer. Praise God. Be blessed dear sisters.
Dear Mercy, being his emotional punching bag still makes the relationship abusive. I lived this way for 27 years without realizing that it was abuse, and my mother lived for 49 years in an abusive marriage. When she tried to help me leave, I refused her help because all I could hear was, “Do as I say, not as I do.” I do not know your whole story, and I cannot tell you what to do; but I can tell you that emotional abuse violates the marriage vows every bit as much as physical abuse. Please get help for yourself from a licensed therapist who understands abuse, and DO NOT go to couples counseling until the abuse stops. Couples counseling can be very dangerous and is not recommended in situations of abuse. If he wants to go to therapy, that’s great, but he needs his own therapist. Love you, and praying for wisdom for you. ❤️
I’m so sorry Mercy. I was in a relationship like yours. It is very stressful and worrisome. Take time for yourself to heal from his angry outbursts.
Praying for you, Mercy ❤️
Many prayers❤️
Phew, this was convicting after yesterday…i knew i was being silly(& wrong) about being upset, but I let myself wallow anyway.. I need to keep my eyes on Jesus. Him alone…not on myself, or my desire at times to feel seen…or
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And my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, by grace alone!
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Please keep me aware of distractions that do not serve or honor you, Lord!
If anyone loves this world the love of the Father is not in them. This verse hit me full force today. Forgive me Lord God that the opinions of the world have crept in to change my heart. Forgive my prideful desire to be well thought of instead of being steadfast in presenting Christ to the lost. Steady my heart and my hands to serve only you.and not my earthly desires. Amen
“Steady my heart and my hands to serve only you and not my earthly desires. Amen”
A lovely prayer, Cindy.
I join with you.
“But He wont.” “Neither do I condemn you (me)” (Jn 8:11). I love how our JESUS loves on us. He wants ALL of us! No matter what life we walked, HE want us. He does not want Heaven without us and paid the ultimate penalty for us. Some of us, including myself can be so hard on ourselves, BUT one thing I keep in mind and will never forget is HIS love for “me” and “you.” And like our devo ended…God has in stored for us good. His way is always best.
Daniel is so good! It shows how God protects
“His hand writes words of love and grace over our lives.”
What a tender thought
to tether our Tuesday.
Shutter the “idol factory”.
Accept what you do not deserve.
Go in peace to love and serve
the one true God.
Amen & Amen
Amen!
But we are wise to recognize that the same hand can scribble the same words on the walls of our life…… BUT GOD…In Christ, there is no condemnation—even for idol worshipping showoffs.
Today is another day of reading where we look in the mirror, see pride staring back and take a big gulp. We can not outrun human nature but by the grace of God, we are saved. We have hope, restoration, forgiveness and an example for a life that brings so much more than we deserve. What beautiful amazing grace, mercy and love. Thank you Heavenly Father. ❤️
Amen, well said Wendy!
Everything Belongs to God He Is so Compassionate, Kind and Loves Us so much that He gives us things like(Life,Breath,Vehicles, Spouse,Children,jobs,money)just to name a few. God gives us these things and Trust us to Appreciate to Care of what He has given us So we Must Acknowledge Him Thank Him and Give Him All The Glory and Praise.
He can take it away at any time.
Amen❤️
When I count my blessings (thank and praise) I sometimes think of Job and how God allowed satan to take so much from him. Sadly, I seriously doubt I would be as patient and faithful as Job. :/
Amen
Wow! Wake up call for sure. Thank you Jesus for your salvation. I loved the comparison of Jesus writing in the sand. Help me to remember what is prideful and sinful in my life. Help me to recognize going against your holiness and allowing my pride to take over.
Amen!
SO GOOD!
“In Christ, there is no condemnation” – how blessed we are to be able to say and live these words!
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Without Christ I am a lost wanderer
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Without Christ I am without hope
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Without Christ I am condemned – unclean
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BUT GOD!
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In Christ I have been found!
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In Christ I have hope!
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In Christ I have been made clean!
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Father God, thank you for Your amazing grace. Thank you for your Son, who gave His live for me. Thank you for the cleansing power of Jesus blood. Thank you for all that is in store for all who are called according to Your purpose. In Jesus Name.
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Song Share for today: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me by CityALight. Here are just a few verses of the song:
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What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, “All is mine”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
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@Eileen Dowd – prayers that surgery for your pastor was successfull and for a full recovery.
@Mercy – praying for your husband, and for you. May God work in him so that he will accept help and counsel. Praying for peace in your home.
@Traci – continued prayers for you and your relationship with your unsaved step-family members, and for God’s grace for you.
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Happy Tuesday She’s!❤️
Amen!
Amen. Great song :)
Amen!
I have a hard time praying. I feel like I’m doing it wrong always. I try and try to be a better person each day. I am a baby Christian. When I ask for prayers or I pray I feel like an imposter – – – like who am I to pray or ask for prayers? There are others who have believed and prayed longer than me. I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone else
Dear sweet Rochelle,
There will always be people who pray “better or longer” than we do – please don’t feel like you are doing it wrong! You are now the daughter of the King of the Universe and He delights to hear from you. Tell Him what’s on your heart and keep opening your Bible where He reveals Himself to us.
yes!! I had a powerful moment a few years back that changed my prayer life forever (it was confirmed by a reading in daniel actually) but I was dealing with a lot of doubt that my prayers were of any use. and I heard God ask me, if the devil were to take away your biggest strength what would he attack and I immediately (to my great shock) answered prayer. when I started to view my prayers as my biggest strength and my feelings surrounding them as the devil’s lies trying to render me ineffective I prayed harder than ever. it felt like I was fighting back and winning just as we will read later in Daniel about the archangel michael! hang in there! prayer might be your biggest strength!
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Rochelle
Prayer is a spiritual practice you can learn.
(Note the last community read, “Faith in Practice”).
And God does not seek perfection.
He simply wants us to come into His presence.
Blessings, dear heart.
Makes sense to me. I also struggle to pray. My mind wanders
Mind wandering…
same.
I have had some success in gently bringing my mind back to my prayer as soon as I recognize the wandering. Am hoping that habit will result in less wandering to begin with. ??
Rochelle,
God isn’t looking for perfect or “correct” prayers. He’s looking for us, His Children, to bring our true heart, our deepest feelings to Him. God is our Father, and our Friend. Talk to Him as your best friend, because that is exactly Who He Is.
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Daniel 5:23 …. the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.
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Have I and am I glorifying the God, the one and only God? The one who holds my breath in His hand and owns all my way???
I’m thankful each morning, evening and throughout each day, but am I glorifying God?
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Just A Closer Walk With Thee, author unknown
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I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
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Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
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Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
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When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
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MERCY ❤️ continuing to pray, sister.
CEEGEE ❤️
TERESA COOPER DONLEY ❤️
TRACI GENDRON ❤️
EILEEN DOWD praying for your pastor ❤️
MARTHA HIX ❤️
B ❤️
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️
KIMBERLY Z ❤️
MICHELLE P ❤️
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one of my all time favorites! I love to use this song for helping people walk because it has the perfect walking beat.
One of my FAVORITES! LOVE that you used it for patients!
Oh Searching! That song is one of my favorites! Thank you for reminding me of it!
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“I’m thankful each morning, evening and throughout each day, but am I glorifying God?”
I’m working on more thankfulness/praise throughout the day, but am I glorifying God with my life…? Another thing to ponder.
I love that hymn.❤️
A little history note from the NET study notes on verse 1: “As is clear from the extra-biblical records, it was actually Nabonidus (ca. 556–539 b.c.) who was king of Babylon at this time. However, Nabonidus spent long periods of time at Teima, and during those times Belshazzar his son was de facto king of Babylon. This arrangement may help to explain why later in this chapter Belshazzar promises that the successful interpreter of the handwriting on the wall will be made third ruler in the kingdom. If Belshazzar was in effect second ruler in the kingdom, this would be the highest honor he could grant.”
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May Daniel’s words to B be my prayer, Lord my I glorify “the God who holds [my] life-breath in his hand and who controls the whole course of [my] life.”
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MERCY – I hope and pray that you were using figurative language in your post yesterday, and you are not receiving physical blows. Praying for your husband’s sound mind and emotional healing.
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EILEEN DOUD – praying all went well with your pastor’s surgery yesterday.
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ADRIENNE – continued prayers for Ann and the loss of her home.
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Thanks for the history note Kelly! ❤️
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Thanks for the history!
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Amen!
Father, keep us mindful that You, alone, are God over all kingdoms of the earth and there is nothing worthy of our worship but You!
Amen
We may not be kings or queens, but undoubtedly God is watching us & wanting us to worship only for Him.
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Amen
I am not a good person- I could do/be a better person.
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I am not a drunkard, but I am often under the influence of something or other, am I easily swayed?
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And worst of all, try as i might, I lean on my own understanding… often!
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BUT GOD..
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I am so very thankful for Jesus, who not only wrote in the dust, but gave me a reason to walk the path less travelled, not always easy, but in trying to do so, I am filled with hope and covered by and in grace and wrapped in His mercy, and without a doubt, in Him there is no condemnation on my choices. With the help and correction of the Holy Spirit, I can walk in the freedom of grace.
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Working towards doing much better Father God, thank you for your grace.. Thank you.. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Happy Tuesday, covered in prayers and hugs and wrapped in love.♥️
Amen, Tina, praise the Lord for His grace as we work toward being more like Him.
“I am filled with hope and covered by and in grace and wrapped in His mercy” – Amen! ❤️
Amen, Tina! Where would I be without Jesus?!
“Working towards doing much better Father God, thank you for your grace..”
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Amen and Amen!❤️
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So much failing on my part.
But God…
My (our) only hope❤️
Yes, Lord, thank you for your mercy, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice. We bow down and worship you and praise your Holy name.
I want to keep my eyes on you and be tethered to you.❤️❤️
Amen