Author: newlifenarrabri

Reflection on Daniel 6:1-13

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Scripture

“That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.”

Observation

King Darius decides to divide his empire into 120 provinces and he appoints a high officer to rule over each one. To rule over these officers and to protect the king’s interests, he appoints Daniel and two others. Because Daniel rules with great ability, King Darius, plans to place him over the entire empire.

The high officers and other administrators concoct a plan. They go to the king and ask him to sign a law that for the next 30 days, nobody is to pray to anyone other than the king under penalty of being thrown to the lions.

Daniel, however, continues his practice of praying in front of his windows in an upstairs room. The officials then go to the king with the accusation that Daniel has broken the law.

Application

Jealousy is a terrible sin. It is a form of coveting in that we think we should be entitled to get the same treatment as another person. The officials were jealous of Daniel because of his favour with the king, and so they plotted to get rid of him unjustly.

People can be jealous of all kinds of things- money, careers, a promotion at work, a spouse of a friend, a family, and much more.

When we see somebody with a lifestyle, or a thing that we wish we could have, do we rejoice that they are blessed? Or do we get angry that we don’t have it ourselves?

Being jealous of others, can release all kinds of negative spiritual power. It can result in soulish prayers or curses giving satan authority to harm the person we are jealous of.

It should go without saying that jealousy should have no part in any Christian’s life.

Prayer

Lord, examine my heart and see if there is any jealousy or envy in my heart. Amen.

Tasmania Day 11

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We got up this morning with no other plan than to wander around the city. Then we came across the Red Explorer bus, and sitting on a bus tour seemed more appealing than walking. This is one of those buses where you can hop off at any point and then hop on the next bus. We just stayed with this one, though. We saw sights such as the Cascade Brewery, the Female Factory and the Wharf. Well worth the money.

All over the country people took part in the March for Australia today. Hobart’s was in Salamanca Place just down the road from our hotel. The lefties, of course, organised a counter protest, hoping to provoke violence, and it was also just down the road from the hotel.

After the speeches and songs, they moved on to do the actual marching, which (surprise, surprise) took them towards the counter-protest, as they headed towards Parliament House.

We heard part of the speeches at the counter-protest. It was the usual leftist talking points about “fascism”, the evil landlords and capitalists and supporting the workers, all delivered in a private school/ university accent. Meanwhile the real workers were the ones carrying the flags at the March for Australia. That disconnect is what is driving the marches.

After the excitement died down, all the marchers dispersed, and after we had a nap, we went to a different park for a short walk before it got too cold. In the soft cool climate grass there are masses of alpine daisies.

Our Tassie holiday has come to an end. We fly out of Hobart at 11.35 tomorrow morning, arriving at Sydney about 1.35. From there we leave about 3.30, arriving in Tamworth about 4.30. Then it’s just a short 2 hour drive home.

Tasmania Day 10

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Today we bade a fond farewell to Coles Bay, where the temperature this morning was 6 degrees, feels like -1. The wind was brutal, but no snow to be seen.

There are some nice towns along the way, such as Swansea and Sorrell, but right in the middle of nowhere we came across this coffee shop, where we enjoyed a nice cuppa and a Mars Bar slice. Lunch was cheese and ham on buns, enjoyed in the warmth of the car in a park in Sorrell.

The Salamanca Inn is located right next to the famous markets, but road closures made it hard to find our way in. We pulled over when we could find a parking space and rang the hotel. The receptionist cheerily told us to drive around the Road Closed barrier and into the car park where she would raise the barrier for us.

We found the place and checked in. This is our room…

Very classy!

With an hour to spare before closing time, we wandered down to the markets. It is exhausting just looking at it, let alone walk around the stalls. Apparently this happens every Saturday.

There are numerous transport options available. The Spirit of Tasmania does not normally come to Hobart, but is here to show off the latest incarnation before it returns to Melbourne for fitting out.

Margaret unwittingly demonstrated the changes in telecommunications in our lifetime.

It is Margaret’s birthday today, so feel free to call or text her with appropriate blessings. 😀

Dinner tonight is room service from the swanky hotel restaurant. Should be good!