Daniel 6:4a
“So the governors and leaders sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom of Darius; but they could find no fault.”
These guys were jealous of Daniel because he was the chief among them. (Daniel 6:2) So they set out to find any fault in him they could exploit. But they were unsuccessful because Daniel was a man of integrity, one of excellent spirit. (Daniel 6:3)
This speaks clearly to me about how we should live our lives as Christians. How important it is to walk our talk and not give any area of fault, which could call into question our Christianity. As Paul put, “All things are lawful for me but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
None of us are perfect but, we still must be careful with our liberties as to not stumble others or give cause for fault. We’re all sinners saved by grace and it’s His grace that holds us and protects us as we armor up daily and go into service for Him.
Thank you Lord.
The Truth
“ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Humble Yourself Before God
Daniel 5:22a
"O Belshazzar, you have not humbled your heart, though you knew all of this.”
Now Belshazzar was well aware of the things that happened to his grandfather, king Nebuchadnezzar. The madness that he experienced until the seven seasons had passed over him, his restoration, the proclamation that his grandfather made, "there is no god in all the earth like the God of Daniel who is able to set up those whom He would and bring down those whom He would. And sets in authority those whom He will." (Daniel 5:21) Belshazzar knew all of this yet; he blasphemed the God in whose hand his very breath was in. (Daniel 5:23)
There will always be people like Belshazzar who will belittle the existence of God. People who seem to be so forward in their mockery, ridicule, and blasphemy of God, that they have no fear of Him within their hearts at all - just brazenly living in open denial.
Are these people beyond His reach? - Absolutely not. Will the Lord continue to make His presence known to those who constantly deny Him? Sadly no. Therefore, humble yourself before God while you still have time, ask His forgiveness and be cleansed.
The Truth
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32,33)
"O Belshazzar, you have not humbled your heart, though you knew all of this.”
Now Belshazzar was well aware of the things that happened to his grandfather, king Nebuchadnezzar. The madness that he experienced until the seven seasons had passed over him, his restoration, the proclamation that his grandfather made, "there is no god in all the earth like the God of Daniel who is able to set up those whom He would and bring down those whom He would. And sets in authority those whom He will." (Daniel 5:21) Belshazzar knew all of this yet; he blasphemed the God in whose hand his very breath was in. (Daniel 5:23)
There will always be people like Belshazzar who will belittle the existence of God. People who seem to be so forward in their mockery, ridicule, and blasphemy of God, that they have no fear of Him within their hearts at all - just brazenly living in open denial.
Are these people beyond His reach? - Absolutely not. Will the Lord continue to make His presence known to those who constantly deny Him? Sadly no. Therefore, humble yourself before God while you still have time, ask His forgiveness and be cleansed.
The Truth
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32,33)
Sunday, July 27, 2014
He is Able To Humble
Daniel 4:37c
“and those who walk in pride, He is able to humble.”
King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the Babylonian empire, and the most powerful ruler in the history of the world, struggled with pride. (What a shock) We’ve all heard it, “power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Pride is the foundational sin of everyone who is not saved and a stumbling block to those who are. Pride is what caused the fall of Lucifer (the son of the morning) thinking he could exalt himself above the stars of God. (Isaiah 14:13)
The moment we begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should, you can be sure a correction is on its way. This king was humbled through a series of dreams interpreted by Daniel that came to fulfillment as prophesied. This led him to say, “and those who walk in pride, He is able to humble.” And boy was he.
God will do whatever it takes to bring people to a place where they see they need him. He did it to king Nebuchadnezzar, he did it to me and at some point, he’ll do it to you.
The Truth
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18,19)
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Divine Deliverance
Daniel 3:29d “ Divine Deliverance”
“because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
King Nebuchadnezzar was amazed, when Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-nego emerged from the fiery furnace unharmed, but still not converted. He declared, “there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” He should have stopped after, “there is no other God”, which he will voice later.
This account in scripture speaks to me about, though we still have fiery trials as a Christian, God will be with us through them. He died to protect us from the fires of judgment, not the trials of life. Trials come into our lives so He can reveal Himself to us and to others around us – that we may minister to those who experience similar trials in life.
The Truth
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 1:7)
“because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
King Nebuchadnezzar was amazed, when Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-nego emerged from the fiery furnace unharmed, but still not converted. He declared, “there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” He should have stopped after, “there is no other God”, which he will voice later.
This account in scripture speaks to me about, though we still have fiery trials as a Christian, God will be with us through them. He died to protect us from the fires of judgment, not the trials of life. Trials come into our lives so He can reveal Himself to us and to others around us – that we may minister to those who experience similar trials in life.
The Truth
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 1:7)
Friday, July 25, 2014
Give Me Time
Daniel 2:16 – Give Me Time
“So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation.”
What great courage and confidance Daniel displays here – seeking an audience with the very king who wanted to kill him. Daniel was young, probably in his early twenties, and different than most of the king’s advisers. He lived a separated life (Daniel 1:8), not a part of the king’s court and all the partying but a life devoted to seeking the Lord - which probably did not sit well with most of the king's counselors.
Our text also shows expectancy on Daniel’s part. Asking for time to hear from God - to wait on the Lord – to receive the expected outcome, the interpretation. Daniel knew God would speak to him, he had no doubts. He believed in the one God in heaven who knows all things. His convictions were soon rewarded through a vision in which he was given both the dream and the interpretation. The king was so grateful that he made Daniel ruler over the entire providence of Babylon.
Separation and Expectation are the two key components in hearing from God along with being in touch with his living Word.
The Truth
“ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5,6)
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Daniel's First Stand
Daniel 1:8a
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”
This portion of scripture is referring to the King’s command that Daniel eat the King’s meat, that had been offered to idols and drink the King’s wine, which could dull his faculties. Instead, he ate vegetables and drank water, thereby not defiling himself according to the law of Moses. He could have taken his liberty but he purposed in his own heart to follow the law and set himself apart to honor his God.
Whenever we set something apart for God, our time, our money, or our service – He will never be indebted to us. As Pastor Chuck use to say, “You can’t out give God.” He will always give back to you, “exceedingly abundantly above all you could ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)
The Truth
Serve God. He will honor you, meet you there and bless you abundantly.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”
This portion of scripture is referring to the King’s command that Daniel eat the King’s meat, that had been offered to idols and drink the King’s wine, which could dull his faculties. Instead, he ate vegetables and drank water, thereby not defiling himself according to the law of Moses. He could have taken his liberty but he purposed in his own heart to follow the law and set himself apart to honor his God.
Whenever we set something apart for God, our time, our money, or our service – He will never be indebted to us. As Pastor Chuck use to say, “You can’t out give God.” He will always give back to you, “exceedingly abundantly above all you could ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)
The Truth
Serve God. He will honor you, meet you there and bless you abundantly.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
The Energizer Rabbi
Acts 28:30,31
“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
For two years, chained to a guard, Paul would continue to teach all who came to him until released from his house arrest to stand before Caesar Nero. Some believed the words that were spoken while others did not. Sadly today, not much has changed.
However, no matter what his state, Paul kept going and going for Jesus. Sharing his Lord anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Always ready to clear up misunderstandings and to set the record straight - as one who walked with Jesus, an eyewitness to His ministry - an Apostle.
As Paul did in his day, should we not do today?
The Truth
“But sanctify the Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (2 Peter 3:15)
“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
For two years, chained to a guard, Paul would continue to teach all who came to him until released from his house arrest to stand before Caesar Nero. Some believed the words that were spoken while others did not. Sadly today, not much has changed.
However, no matter what his state, Paul kept going and going for Jesus. Sharing his Lord anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Always ready to clear up misunderstandings and to set the record straight - as one who walked with Jesus, an eyewitness to His ministry - an Apostle.
As Paul did in his day, should we not do today?
The Truth
“But sanctify the Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (2 Peter 3:15)
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
I Believe God
Acts 27:25a – “I believe God.”
In Chapter 27, when it came time to decide; 1) to stay the winter in Crete or 2) set sail for Phoenix in early October, the centurion in charge of the voyage decided to followed the crowd (the master, owner and crew v.11) and set sail. Paul had warned him earlier of the dangers of sailing so late in the season but he did not listen to Paul, a tentmaker by trade but a man of God by profession.
Later during the voyage when a storm threatened the ship, it’s cargo and all on board, Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me and not loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to “be of good cheer”: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.” (Acts 27:21,22)
Again they must have thought, “what does a tentmaker by trade, a rabbi by profession and a prisoner by decree understand about the dangers of the sea?”
Paul went on to testify that there was an angel of God who spoke to him saying, “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. (Acts 27:23,24) Therefore, Paul could say, “be of good cheer” and mean it. Why? - Because he believed God and not man. (Acts 27:25a)
This speaks volumes to me about decision-making and how not to follow the crowd or get impatient. But wait on the Lord by seeking a solid inner conviction, a Holy Spirit direction - not what the majority thinks. While mans wisdom can be helpful, God’s wisdom is perfect. Why settle for less?
The Truth
“If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
In Chapter 27, when it came time to decide; 1) to stay the winter in Crete or 2) set sail for Phoenix in early October, the centurion in charge of the voyage decided to followed the crowd (the master, owner and crew v.11) and set sail. Paul had warned him earlier of the dangers of sailing so late in the season but he did not listen to Paul, a tentmaker by trade but a man of God by profession.
Later during the voyage when a storm threatened the ship, it’s cargo and all on board, Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me and not loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to “be of good cheer”: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.” (Acts 27:21,22)
Again they must have thought, “what does a tentmaker by trade, a rabbi by profession and a prisoner by decree understand about the dangers of the sea?”
Paul went on to testify that there was an angel of God who spoke to him saying, “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. (Acts 27:23,24) Therefore, Paul could say, “be of good cheer” and mean it. Why? - Because he believed God and not man. (Acts 27:25a)
This speaks volumes to me about decision-making and how not to follow the crowd or get impatient. But wait on the Lord by seeking a solid inner conviction, a Holy Spirit direction - not what the majority thinks. While mans wisdom can be helpful, God’s wisdom is perfect. Why settle for less?
The Truth
“If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
Monday, July 21, 2014
Almost Persuaded
Acts 26:28 – “Almost Persuaded” The saddest statement in the Bible.
Phillip Paul Bliss was inspired to write the hymn, “Almost Persuaded,” after hearing a message on Acts 26:28, where King Agrippa tells Paul he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. The preacher said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved but, to be almost saved is to be entirely lost." As with Paul, I would hope that all who hear the Word, would become a Christian.
Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) And what is the father’s will? That He is, “Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9c) “As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.’ (Ezekiel 33:11)
How do you do that?
The Truth
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) In other words, you will then become persuaded.
Phillip Paul Bliss was inspired to write the hymn, “Almost Persuaded,” after hearing a message on Acts 26:28, where King Agrippa tells Paul he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. The preacher said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved but, to be almost saved is to be entirely lost." As with Paul, I would hope that all who hear the Word, would become a Christian.
Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) And what is the father’s will? That He is, “Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9c) “As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.’ (Ezekiel 33:11)
How do you do that?
The Truth
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) In other words, you will then become persuaded.
Friday, July 18, 2014
I Appeal To Caesar
Acts 25:11b - “I appeal unto Caesar.”
In Chapter 25, Paul is disgusted with the legal maneuvering and political manipulation of the entire judicial system. He has grown weary of being a political pawn, being moved back and forth to different locations, to be seen and heard by those who wish to sit in judgment of him. He said, “Enough is enough, I have done nothing wrong. I appeal to Caesar.”
Paul, being well educated in his legal rights as a Roman citizen, knew he could make this appeal and that it would trump any other attempt to judge him. Just as Paul knew his legal rights as a Roman, so we, as Americans, need to know our legal rights and freedoms as Christians and exercise them before they are legislated away.
As Sir Edmund Burke put it , “All that is needed for evil to prevail, is for good men to do nothing.” When good men do nothing, they get nothing good done. The Lord commands his people to do good (Luke 6:35; Eph. 2:10). Christ "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
The Truth
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7).
May we sow to righteousness. Blessings to all.
In Chapter 25, Paul is disgusted with the legal maneuvering and political manipulation of the entire judicial system. He has grown weary of being a political pawn, being moved back and forth to different locations, to be seen and heard by those who wish to sit in judgment of him. He said, “Enough is enough, I have done nothing wrong. I appeal to Caesar.”
Paul, being well educated in his legal rights as a Roman citizen, knew he could make this appeal and that it would trump any other attempt to judge him. Just as Paul knew his legal rights as a Roman, so we, as Americans, need to know our legal rights and freedoms as Christians and exercise them before they are legislated away.
As Sir Edmund Burke put it , “All that is needed for evil to prevail, is for good men to do nothing.” When good men do nothing, they get nothing good done. The Lord commands his people to do good (Luke 6:35; Eph. 2:10). Christ "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
The Truth
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7).
May we sow to righteousness. Blessings to all.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Guilty Of Following - "The Way"
Acts 24
In this chapter Paul was given a chance to defend himself against the accusations of the high priest Ananias; that he caused sedition among the Jews world wide, was a ring leader of the sect of the Nazarenes and that he had profaned the temple. Paul defends himself by professing his guilt.
"But this I confess unto thee, that after "the way" which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers. Believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and unjust." (Acts 24:14)
In other words, the only thing Paul is guilty of is: 1) Being a follower of Jesus. 2) A believer in the Scriptures and 3) Waiting for the Resurrection. These beliefs kept Paul in jail for another 2 years.
Today, in many countries around the world, Christians are still being persecuted for their beliefs; jailed, banished, tortured and even executed. May God give them strength to stand in the face of those who would take their life. May the Spirit remind us to pray for the persecuted church around the world - and may we be found guilty of .... following "The Way."
The Truth
"Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:20-21)
In this chapter Paul was given a chance to defend himself against the accusations of the high priest Ananias; that he caused sedition among the Jews world wide, was a ring leader of the sect of the Nazarenes and that he had profaned the temple. Paul defends himself by professing his guilt.
"But this I confess unto thee, that after "the way" which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers. Believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and unjust." (Acts 24:14)
In other words, the only thing Paul is guilty of is: 1) Being a follower of Jesus. 2) A believer in the Scriptures and 3) Waiting for the Resurrection. These beliefs kept Paul in jail for another 2 years.
Today, in many countries around the world, Christians are still being persecuted for their beliefs; jailed, banished, tortured and even executed. May God give them strength to stand in the face of those who would take their life. May the Spirit remind us to pray for the persecuted church around the world - and may we be found guilty of .... following "The Way."
The Truth
"Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:20-21)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Be Of Good Cheer
Acts 23:11
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
In Paul's darkest hour the Lord meets him again, in a jail cell and lifts him up with these words of promise and encouragement. The promise, "you will bear witness of Me in Rome," meaning Paul will not die in his current circumstance - he is just in protective custody so to speak. The encouragement, not only did our LORD stand by him but spoke to him, "be of good cheer."
I'm sure, as you look carefully back over your lifetime, you could find an example of, "divine protection" - an outcome you just can't explain or, maybe you witnessed this in the life of someone else. I have witnessed many of these kinds of moments, both in my life and the lives of brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. In those moments, God meets with us - He stands by us and gives us hope and encouragement.
As here (in our text) with Paul, our Lord frequently becomes most real to us when we're in the midst of darkness - when we are discouraged and defeated, when things appear hopeless. It is during these times that I have seen the Lord most clearly. So, be of good cheer brothers and sisters. Even in our darkest hours, He is faithful still, for He can not deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). God is on the throne.
The Truth
"The LORD is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
In Paul's darkest hour the Lord meets him again, in a jail cell and lifts him up with these words of promise and encouragement. The promise, "you will bear witness of Me in Rome," meaning Paul will not die in his current circumstance - he is just in protective custody so to speak. The encouragement, not only did our LORD stand by him but spoke to him, "be of good cheer."
I'm sure, as you look carefully back over your lifetime, you could find an example of, "divine protection" - an outcome you just can't explain or, maybe you witnessed this in the life of someone else. I have witnessed many of these kinds of moments, both in my life and the lives of brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. In those moments, God meets with us - He stands by us and gives us hope and encouragement.
As here (in our text) with Paul, our Lord frequently becomes most real to us when we're in the midst of darkness - when we are discouraged and defeated, when things appear hopeless. It is during these times that I have seen the Lord most clearly. So, be of good cheer brothers and sisters. Even in our darkest hours, He is faithful still, for He can not deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13). God is on the throne.
The Truth
"The LORD is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
Monday, July 14, 2014
What Shall I Do Lord?
Acts 22:10a - "And I said, "What shall I do Lord?"
Have you ever asked the Lord, "What shall I do?" "Where should I serve?" If you've spent time in prayer, in His word, seeking His guidance and waiting for Spiritual direction only to find, you're not sure you've got it right - join the club. Sometimes we can get clear direction as how/where we should serve, like Paul did (Acts 22:10b); while other times, it may not seem as clear. So, what shall we do then? How should we move forward into service?
The Christian life should be lived: by taking steps of faith (without being foolish) but, being willing to pull back if God is not in it. Steeping out in faith becomes our "direction barometer" to determine if we should continue down the chosen path. Not being sure how things will go is not a reason to remain uninvolved. If we knew how things would workout- it would not be faith. If we had it all mapped out- it would not be faith. If we knew where the money and supplies would come from - it would not be faith. Faith is believing that God will be there to guide our steps, open or close doors as we walk in service to Him. So step out - but if you get a feeling that the Lord is not in it, regroup, see what else He might want to do.
Remember, even our Lord was a servant. What better example do we need.
The Truth
"The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)
Have you ever asked the Lord, "What shall I do?" "Where should I serve?" If you've spent time in prayer, in His word, seeking His guidance and waiting for Spiritual direction only to find, you're not sure you've got it right - join the club. Sometimes we can get clear direction as how/where we should serve, like Paul did (Acts 22:10b); while other times, it may not seem as clear. So, what shall we do then? How should we move forward into service?
The Christian life should be lived: by taking steps of faith (without being foolish) but, being willing to pull back if God is not in it. Steeping out in faith becomes our "direction barometer" to determine if we should continue down the chosen path. Not being sure how things will go is not a reason to remain uninvolved. If we knew how things would workout- it would not be faith. If we had it all mapped out- it would not be faith. If we knew where the money and supplies would come from - it would not be faith. Faith is believing that God will be there to guide our steps, open or close doors as we walk in service to Him. So step out - but if you get a feeling that the Lord is not in it, regroup, see what else He might want to do.
Remember, even our Lord was a servant. What better example do we need.
The Truth
"The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Away With Him
Acts 21:36b
"For a multitude of people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!"
I am so blown away at Paul's courage, character and total surrender to our Lord - even in the face of those who would want to kill him. Remind you of anyone? Faithful unto death, even the death of the cross. Of whom else did a crowd say, "away with Him"? Paul was truly a mans man. Here the Jews were out to kill him yet, he still wanted to speak to them. But, where was the church? The same place the disciples were when Jesus was taken....a far off.
In these last days, as we see the signs of His return, may we not be a far off but, ever closer to Him.
The Truth
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and expectation of those things which are to come on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)
"For a multitude of people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!"
I am so blown away at Paul's courage, character and total surrender to our Lord - even in the face of those who would want to kill him. Remind you of anyone? Faithful unto death, even the death of the cross. Of whom else did a crowd say, "away with Him"? Paul was truly a mans man. Here the Jews were out to kill him yet, he still wanted to speak to them. But, where was the church? The same place the disciples were when Jesus was taken....a far off.
In these last days, as we see the signs of His return, may we not be a far off but, ever closer to Him.
The Truth
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and expectation of those things which are to come on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Do Not Be Afraid
Acts 18 (v.9-10)
In our text, the Lord gave Paul this promise, " do not be afraid for I am with thee". So too our Lord has given us over 3,000 promises in His Word. All that remains for us is to believe them. We don't need to be on an emotional roller coaster - it's our choice. We can be established and strenghtened in His promises or can fret and fear needlessly. Read the Word and look for His promises, as you rest in His presence. Blessings to all.
The Truth
"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does." (Psalm 145:13)
“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." (Joshua 23:14)
In our text, the Lord gave Paul this promise, " do not be afraid for I am with thee". So too our Lord has given us over 3,000 promises in His Word. All that remains for us is to believe them. We don't need to be on an emotional roller coaster - it's our choice. We can be established and strenghtened in His promises or can fret and fear needlessly. Read the Word and look for His promises, as you rest in His presence. Blessings to all.
The Truth
"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does." (Psalm 145:13)
“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." (Joshua 23:14)
Monday, July 7, 2014
Beaten Up
Acts 16:22-25
"The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."
In our text, Paul and Silas were beaten, bruised and bloodied for their beliefs. How did they react in the trial? They started singing and praising God. You'll never know how far you are in the maturation process as a Christian until you get beaten up. Trials do not make us or break us, they simply reveal what is going on inside us. So, being "beaten up" brings an opportunity to reveal what the Lord has accomplished in our lives - it reveals where we are at.
It has been said that Christians are like tea bags, meaning....we'll never know what flavor we are until we are placed in hot water. It's the unexpected trial that will reveal our flavor. But, weather we are beaten up or beaten down by the trials of life, we can rejoice because Satan has been beaten back by the back of Jesus. He bore our punishment, our griefs and our sorrows.(Isaiah 53:4-6)
The Truth
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5-6)
"The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."
In our text, Paul and Silas were beaten, bruised and bloodied for their beliefs. How did they react in the trial? They started singing and praising God. You'll never know how far you are in the maturation process as a Christian until you get beaten up. Trials do not make us or break us, they simply reveal what is going on inside us. So, being "beaten up" brings an opportunity to reveal what the Lord has accomplished in our lives - it reveals where we are at.
It has been said that Christians are like tea bags, meaning....we'll never know what flavor we are until we are placed in hot water. It's the unexpected trial that will reveal our flavor. But, weather we are beaten up or beaten down by the trials of life, we can rejoice because Satan has been beaten back by the back of Jesus. He bore our punishment, our griefs and our sorrows.(Isaiah 53:4-6)
The Truth
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5-6)
Friday, July 4, 2014
From the Archives
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2013
Speak Encouragement
A modern parable has been written about the tools of the enemy that I believe we can really learn from.
“Some time ago, an advertisement appeared in which the devil was putting all his tools up for sale. On the day of public inspection, each one of his tools was marked with its selling price: Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Doubt, Lying, Pride, and so on, were each on the block. Set apart, however, from all the rest of the pile, was a harmless-looking tool, well-worn, but priced very high — it was discouragement!
Someone asked the devil, ‘why is that one priced so high?’ He replied, ‘Ah, that one is more useful to me than all the rest. With it I can pry open a man’s heart and enter, when I cannot get near him with any other tools. Once inside, I can lead him any way I choose. The tool is very worn because I use it on almost everyone, since few people know it belongs to me.’”
The enemy loves to sow discouragement — but believers have a tool much more powerful — encouragement! We can speak a word into the lives of those who desperately need to hear it: to the college student adjusting to his new environment; to the missionary who may feel alone in the harvest field; to the forgotten servants of God who labor in an obscure and difficult ministry; to the orphans and the widows; to all those who need to hear a word in due season!
Inspire one another with words of encouragement! It costs nothing, and reaps an eternal reward. Merry Christmas.
The Truth
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! (Proverbs 15:23)
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