MADE TO WORK

“What Every Influencer Needs More Of”
Pastor Doug Heisel – September 25, 2022

Daniel Chapter 4

Daniel 4:4-5 — I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in my palace in comfort and prosperity. But one night I had a dream that greatly frightened me; I saw visions that terrified me as I lay in my bed.

Daniel 4:14-17 — The messenger shouted, "Cut down the tree; lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit!...For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of an animal instead of a human. For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones. The purpose of this decree is that the whole world may understand that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses—even to the lowliest of humans.”

Daniel 4:22-25 — That tree, Your Majesty, is you. For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth... You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses.

Daniel 4:29-30 — Twelve months later, he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. As he looked out across the city, he said, 'Just look at this great city of Babylon! I, by my own mighty power, have built this beautiful city as my royal residence and as an expression of my royal splendor.’

Daniel 4:31-32 — ...While he was still speaking these words, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses.’

Daniel 4:34 — “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. (I said)... “His rule is everlasting, and His kingdom is eternal...”.

Daniel 4:37 — Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.

As my influence gets wider, GODLY HUMILITY must grow deeper.

James 4:6-7, 10 — But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. ...humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Two Key Habits That Will Cultivate More Godly Humility

1. Private and public heartfelt WORSHIP.
   
   DAILY surrendering to God’s leadership.
   
   WEEKLY gatherings.
   

2. Consistent LIFE-GIVING treatment of those you connect with and influence.
   
   John 14:34-35 — A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.