July 16, 2026

Hey guys, 

This week’s Thought comes from Daniel 1:1-2. Starting with verse one, “During the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign in Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.” Horrible news! The enemy of God's people has conquered God's people and God's holy city! 

Then, in verse two, “The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted Nebuchadnezzar and his men to take the sacred objects out of the temple of God.” 

Two points struck me as I read this: Number one is accountability. God promises us freedom from sin through the mercy and grace we find at the cross, but He never promises freedom from the consequences of those sins. God's people had sinned against Him, which is why He allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to conquer his people. 

Then, it says that He permitted them to take the sacred objects from the temple of God. As I read, I realized, nothing happens without God's permission! God is bigger than any of the circumstances we face. I've had a particularly difficult three or four weeks. When I'm struggling, when I'm fighting through a battle, I have to remember that nothing happens without God's permission, so nothing can overtake you without God's permission! Whatever you're facing, whatever you're going through today, whatever battle you're fighting, just remember that nothing happens without God's permission. You can trust that, and you can trust Him. 

Love you guys,

John