Who Do You Belong To?

1 JOHN 3:7-24

(December 3)

Ancestry is the rave right now. People order the kits, take the samples, and send them off to see what they can find out about the people they belong to.

My adopted son just ordered his kit, and I am excited for him to know a little more about his genealogical history, as we don't have a lot of information.

I have not done that yet, but I do have a ton of old photos and keepsakes to remember the people in my family who came before me. It is important to me to not only remember, but to preserve those memories and memorabilia for the generations to come.

Of far more importance in our lives is who we belong to spiritually. Do we live according to the word of God, doing what is right and good? Or does our sin cause us to live our lives belonging to the devil?

If we have been born into God's family, we are protected. God came to destroy the devil and his evil works. The way you choose to live your life tells the world if you belong to God or to his enemy.

One great indicator of belonging to God is showing love to others. This doesn't mean to just love those who are nice to you or easy to get along with. It isn't about only the people who do things that benefit you. It also means to love those that are hard to love. Any believer is worthy of our love.

When we act in this love, we show that we are alive in Christ. But when we live in hatred and anger towards others, this clearly shows that the enemy has control over our lives.

How do we know how to love? How do we know what real love is? The answer is very simple. Jesus is our example of true love. He came to this earth, lived, died a terrible death ... all for the sake of us. He gave up his life for us, so why shouldn't we be willing to do the same for other believers?

What does this look like? If you see someone with a need ... meet it if you are able. If you notice someone who looks hopeless ... give them hope. Pray to have eyes that are open to see the needs around you and pray for a heart that is willing to be the help.

When we choose this way of life, we will still sin at times. It doesn't make us perfect. But that is why Christ died, to pay the price for those sins. And the expectation is for us to live a life of true appreciation for that gift and a desire to do all we can for others. In this way, we show the world that the enemy has no authority over us. We belong to God.

Troubled Waters

One Year Bible: Dec. 3

Daniel 11:2-35

Troubled Waters

I am reminded of a song made famous in the ’70s that people have wondered about its true meaning… “When you’re weary, feeling small. When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all…I will comfort you. Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.”

The song is called “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkle and Anita Franklin “took this song to church.” Does this song “take us to church”? Do we grasp that Jesus is the ONLY BRIDGE then and forever that will take us over the troubled waters?

Make no mistake, the enemy of God will give it everything he’s got to take out the saints in order to stop his own judgment from God. He chooses to stop and hinder us now, and in the end times, he will give it one last futile deadly deception to try and thwart Eternity’s Reward.

The book of Daniel is a very intriguing book because it is based on “The Inbetween.” Daniel sees prophecies that come true before the time of Christ, and he also sees “end time prophecies” that will come true after his time is up.

The question is, “Did Daniel know of Christ or meet HIM personally during his time “On The Restless Sea”?

Let’s take a look back at the book of Daniel. We must agree that Daniel certainly is filled with great “Miracles and Mysteries.” He hangs out with the angels… and beyond.

Let’s go back to the story of “The Fiery Furnace” included in Daniel 3. It is in this place that Daniel's three companions face imminent death. The fire is so hot that it kills the guards that stand outside.

Outside the fire, there are the three men walking to their “death”. Inside the fire, there is a fourth man whose presence is more brilliant and strong than any human of all time. They walk out of that place without even hinting at the smell of that smoke.

The presence of God, in what is believed to be the pre-incarnate Jesus, is found “Inside the fire.” He is in there waiting to “receive them.” He is only found “IN THE FIRE.”

Jesus Christ is always present in the believers’ life, but HIS presence is profound when we walk through the fires!

The book of Daniel is often referred to as the book of Revelation of the Old Testament.

In Daniel 9, Daniel is given a revelation of the 70 weeks, which describes the cutting off of Messiah Prince. This distinguishes His first coming from the time of His reign as King over Israel.

In 9:25, we see the first passage in Daniel referring to “Messiah.” He is the “Anointed One.” This passage tells of His purpose, timing, and results of His coming. In the New Testament, the title “The Christ” means “The Anointed One.”

We learn six objectives that will take place during the 490 years mentioned in this passage that God will complete in the “End Times.” God promises to: Finish the transgressions of men, Bring an end to sin, Make a complete atonement for iniquity, Seal up the vision and prophecies revealed, and Anoint the most holy place again.

Perhaps you may wonder why Satan wasn’t just delivered to Hell and bound after Jesus’ death on the cross. Sometimes I wonder that…

The book of Daniel reminds us that God is not done yet with “His Chosen People.” It is not yet “The Fulness of Time.” God will complete all of His prophecies and restore the temple so that His chosen people will know once and for all that Jesus was the Messiah. He will complete all prophecies, and Satan will be exposed once and for all as the “Anti-Christ.”

He has masqueraded as an angel of light and will come to power through this deception. In so doing, he will deceive those who do not know the Word, the Truth, and The Hope of Christ. This Anit-Christ will be revealed as the traitor that he has always been.

The visions were given to Daniel to “foreshadow” the “veiled Christ,” but He will be fully revealed at the “Fullness of Time.” Until then, Daniel was to “keep silent.” He saw more than he could ever speak...

What broke him and cause him to be pale and sick?

I find it difficult for Daniel to see the visions that told of the destruction of the Jewish kingdom and their judgment and then jump to the end times and the antichrist. It would be difficult to skip from one to the other without seeing a glimpse of the suffering of Jesus that would bridge that gap. I think it not only made Daniel sick to glimpse Jesus’ suffering but also the Antichrist’s final delusion to try and nullify the cross.

Why do I think this? The Bible, in summary, is the story of Grace revealed in one word, “Messiah” or “Christ.”

The exact opposite of Grace is found in the word “Satan” or “Antichrist.”

To stand in the midst of this revelation of how the enemy would come against God, His Son, His Spirit, and the kingdom of God is the most heartbreaking realization a person can experience.

The Jewish people at that time were in desecration and disarray, but help was on the way. God will return them home and make a way for their future.

“On the Restless Sea” of life, there is “A Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Jesus is that bridge and the ONLY way to the Father!

Father, we thank you for the deliverance that you provide for us even though none of us are worthy. We pray that we may keep our eyes on you and be filled by your spirit and power. May we be filled with the courage to stand firmly and bow our knee to no one but YOU. Amen.

The Last Hour

1 JOHN 2:18 - 3:6

(December 2)

John uses this opportunity to talk to the recipients of this letter and let them know about what to expect in the last days, that time between when Christ first came to earth and when he will come again. They were living in those days. We, too, are living in those days.

It is in this in-between time that the false teachers were pretending to be Christians in order to lure others away from Christ. That happened then and it is still happening today. And just like in any group, there is a leader ... the great antichrist that we hear about in God's word. He will show up just before Jesus makes his return.

John calls these false teachers "antichrists." They were not strangers to the church. In fact, they called themselves Christians. They were in the church but didn't really belong because they didn't believe that Jesus was who the prophets said he was. They said they had faith in God yet did not believe what was said about Jesus.

Denying Christ is the same as rejecting God. When you accept God as the Father, you must also accept Christ as the Son. The two are one and can never be separated.

John reminded the believers and followers of Christ that they were not like those evil-minded people. They had the "anointing from the Holy One" which meant they had the Holy Spirit to guide them to the truth ... to Jesus. He urged them to remain faithful to this truth in order to remain in fellowship with Christ and with God, for it is in this fellowship that eternal life with him is promised.

Those who did not choose to remain faithful to Christ do not belong to him, they belong to the world. God does not call them children as he does those who believe. It is those he calls children who will be like Jesus and see him as he really is. How exciting for us!

By keeping our hearts and lives pure, we will experience such a beautiful and great final reward. Those who do not will find that the last hour has nothing beautiful about it.

Where do you want to be in the last hour? With Jesus, or with the world? The decisions we make today shape the place we will be when that time comes. Choose wisely! Choose eternally! Choose Jesus!

Lessons on the Restless Sea

One Year Bible: Dec. 2

Daniel 9:1-11:1

Precious to God

“LORD, you are a GREAT and AWESOME GOD!” (Daniel 9:4)

There is no king, Jew nor Gentile, that is able to flourish and rule beyond the hand of God’s sovereignty. Not then! Not now!

Take “Alexander the Great” of Greece, for example. Alexander the Great is referred to in Daniel 7 as “the large protruding horn.” He helped bring people together and eventually brought the common Greek language to the people. They say that he connected “the east to the west,” which opened up the ancient world to the coming of Christ and the Bible’s translations.

After the death of Alexander the Great, we see that his empire is divided into four parts. One of those “little horns” becomes a great leader, Antiochus Epiphanes, the ruler of Syria. In Daniel 8: 9-14, we learn about him; he was known as one of the cruelest tyrants in history. His name means “illustrious manifestation” because he claimed to be “an epiphany of the gods.” He even had the word “theos,” meaning “god,” put on coins minted with his “ugly mugg” on it. History tells us that Antiochus Epiphanes “went mad” in Persia, where he died. This evil man will be seen again as we continue reading through Daniel. He was “evil personified” in his time.

Knowing about Antiochus in this passage is important for us to understand what the people of that time would understand, as it foreshadows the antichrist in “the day of evil.”

Daniel 7 told us of the “king of fierce countenance,” the antichrist. If we look intently at these verses in Daniel 8, we will see a parallel between Antiochus and the Antichrist.

Both of these enemies of God started out modestly but increased in power and influence. They are both blasphemers of God and persecutors of God’s chosen people. They claim to be gods and put images in the temple imposing their religion on the people. Both will be opposed by the believing remnant of God and will appear to succeed for a while. Both are finally defeated by the coming redeemer.

Daniel sought God to understand the mystery behind the evil that he saw, and God’s lead angel explained it to him. He was left sick, pale, and shaken by what he saw.

Do you wonder what he saw that sickened him?

Did he glimpse the evil and the persecution of the saints of God?

Could he possibly have been given a glimpse of the suffering of the Son of God being crucified on the cross and watched him tortured and killed for our sins at the hands of the evil one?

Could he have witnessed his days in the grave and then the final attack of the antichrist to try one final time to extinguish the debt that was paid for our sins that left Daniel broken?

This we do know, Gabriel calls Daniel “son of man” and points him to the end of time. We are told that “the master of intrigue will rise to power and become very strong.” He will be a master of deception and devastate the holy people of God… For a TIME.

Daniel 9 goes on to fill in the gaps for us. We learn that Daniel is fasting and praying for his people. He repents for their sin and pleads for mercy. Daniel states that all of their faces “are covered with shame.” Although God’s people have been disloyal to HIM, He has always been faithful to His people.

It might not seem to Daniel that he has been heard because this vision will “play out” inspite of his earnest pleading. However, this will not happen because he was not heard. There is something much grander in the scheme of Heaven that is going on to redeem God’s people and restore worship to its rightful place forevermore.

Daniel says, “Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true.” This war that is raging has everything to do with “This Curse” of God’s people through “the fall of man.” The one that wanted to make himself “Equal with God” is at war with ALL of Heaven.

Will this stop the war because of his prayers? Daniel 9:12FF gives us a little sneak peek into the realm of Spiritual Warfare that goes on in the Heavenlies.

Gabriel says, “Don’t be afraid. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for TWENTY-ONE DAYS, the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.”

In this passage, we find out that Danial’s prayers are heard, and God esteems Daniel. Gabriel comes swiftly while Danial is praying and tells him, “You are precious to God.” Daniel is loved, heard, and God is with him… even on this Restless Sea!

Perhaps you have heard southern comedy at its finest, where someone responds to an irritating person and says, “Well… aren’t you precious!” The sarcasm shines through the smile! God, however, isn’t like that! Daniel esteemed God, and God esteemed Daniel!

Do you ever feel that your prayers sometimes seem to be “stuck on pause”? Perhaps, today we have gleaned some insight into the realm of beyond… Daniel’s prayers were “Esteeming God,” not just asking for things for himself.

God’s timing in this passage is perfectly explained to us. Yes, the numbers used here may be beyond our comprehension, but look at Gabriel’s explanation in Daniel 9: 27. When will all of this war and desecration end? “Until the fate decreed for this defiler is FINALLY poured out on him.” (9:27)

Keep praying, dear “Precious Child of God,” because The Battle Belongs to the Lord in the Fullness of His Sovereign Timing!

Be About God’s Business

1 JOHN 2:1-17

(December 1)

My teenagers know my house rules. We go over them often. But that doesn't mean they always follow the rules exactly as given. There are times when their rooms don't get cleaned up on a Saturday morning ("Oh, sorry Mom, I forgot!"). Other times, I find them staying up past bedtime ("I just wanted to finish this game!"). And there are the frequent times of quarrelling ("She started it!").

They know the rules, yet they make a choice to not follow them. When they do, they suffer the consequences.

John is talking about much the same thing in chapter 2. We, as believers, know the way we should live and the things which are considered to be sinful. But do we do those things anyways? You bet!!

John isn't speaking about some new law that is just being enforced amongst believers. He is talking about the commandments that have been around for ages. These should definitely be "old news" by now.

When we continue to break these rules, we can't really say "I know God." If we do, we are lying, not living in the truth. In order to say "I know God" we must be living in his truth, being about his business.

What is his business? The first commandment (and the most important one) is to love others. Jesus was the truest example of loving others, loving enough to sacrifice his own life. You cannot say you follow Jesus, and still hate another believer. If you have hatred for others, you walk in darkness. Light is only found by living a life of love.

Have you, as a believer, felt hate for another? If you say "yes", you are most certainly not alone. But there is still hope and all is not lost. Because of Jesus!

Because of Jesus, our sins are forgiven. So even if we have walked in hate towards others in our past, we can step into the light, being washed clean of that sin and turning away from it. When the word of God is living in your heart, the battle against the enemy is won.

The love we have in our hearts should not be for the world we live in or what it offers us. These offer only sinful things like pride and jealousy. These things will not last. This world will fade someday, and all those things you thought you had to have will be gone.

Our love should be towards the Father and those who follow him. That is where hope is found. That is where promise of eternal life is found. It is that love that endures through all that the enemy tosses our way.

When we love God and love others, we are free to live for him and fulfill his plan for our lives. That is when we have the freedom and the privilege to be about God's business.

The Restless Sea

One Year Bible: Dec. 1

Daniel 8:1-27

The Restless Sea

Daniel is standing beside the sea and once again has a vision. This vision is much like those before, but he is not able to interpret it. This vision parallels the other visions given but it is more evil…

As you may recall from the end of chapter 8, Daniel is paid a visit by the angel, Gabriel. Daniel is left speechless, pale, and filled with fear.

In the early 1800s, there was a Baptist minister named William Miller who intensely studied Daniel 8 in conjunction with other prophetic passages of scripture. After much study, he became convinced of the exact date of Christ’s second coming based largely on Daniel 8:14. His theme was “1843 will be the year of Jubilee”! He even targeted the date of October 22. But when the date came and went, he and his followers realized the error in his predictions.

William Miller’s emphasis on the second coming of Christ led to the founding of denominations such as the Seventh Day Adventists and the Advent Christian Church.

Unlike the prophet Daniel, he felt that he could interpret the great mysteries of God and he was not speechless. His mission was centered around his focus on the end times.

Which approach is correct and why does Daniel remain silent?

We can find many modern prophets who believe they can interpret all “the players” in the final countdown of evil waged against God’s kingdom. They sell books, fly in their private jets, and speak of all their calculations. Many are greatly energetic as they speak because their intellectual mind is stimulated and challenged.

I can’t begin to tell you who all these players will actually be in the end times. I can say that while we are often hunting for the “Obscure” we may overlook the “Obvious”.

Today, we will stop to reflect on what is made “Obvious” to us in this passage.

Here is what is obvious and plainly stated...

Daniel, a major prophet of God did not see the vision as a show of strength like Nebuchadnezzar did. While Nebuchadnezzar saw the kingdoms as great, impressive, and important, God revealed these nations to Daniel as ferocious beasts that were seeking to attack and devour his kingdom and its saints.

Daniel is NOT proudly spewing out all the information that he learned from Gabriel, God’s lead angel. Instead, Daniel is weeping over “This Restless Sea”.

This image of “The Restless Sea” is a common biblical image revealing the nations of the world which we can read more about in Isaiah 17:12-13; 60:5, Ezekiel 26:3; Rev. 13:1, and 17:15.

Daniel has seen the rise and fall of five kingdoms, but nothing compares to the vision that he sees of the end times which leaves him weak and speechless. Daniel is “troubled in spirit” .(vs. 15)

While commentators and historians will agree that all of Daniel’s prophecies were correctly interpreted and came true, this prophecy is different… vastly different. It is of a time to come beyond Daniel’s knowledge and interpretation.

It is interesting to note that from chapter 8 to the end of the book of Daniel that the text is written in Hebrew, as it deals with God’s plan for the nation of Israel. However, chapters 2-7 were written in Aramaic as they contained a great emphasis on the Gentile kingdom and its role in history and prophecy.

We as humans seem to want to know “all the mysteries”.

We don’t like being surprised, and if truth be told, we want to be “in control”.

But, that my friends, is the “OBVIOUS” message to us in this passage. God will be FULLY “In Control”, and when we come to face HIS Glory (as Daniel came in contact with the angel) we will be on our knees in repentance and faced with remorse.

Here is also what is obvious in Daniel 8, God is not only “In control” of all nations (Godly or ungodly). He ALONE will be in control, and ultimately be the victor!

While Daniel is transported by God to see this vision of what is to come in “God’s Day of Wrath”, he is never left alone. God sends his top general, Gabriel to minister to him. He picks him up and strengthens him. He calls him “son of man”.

When will this happen? It will be in “the fullness of time”. That too will be under HIS complete Sovereignty. This is not Daniel’s prophecy to reveal.

That, my friends, is “The mystery of God”. He is accomplishing a plan greater than Daniel, his beloved prophet, can begin to understand or comprehend.

This will be the culmination of the war that began in heaven when Satan wanted to be equal with God. The original sin that occurred in the Garden of Eden has played out throughout the entire Old Testament. Brother kills brother. God atones. Sinful man defies God over and over again.

Yet, God “Tabernacles” among HIS people. This story is far from finished…

A nation is permitted to crush God’s chosen nation so that they may come to their knees in sorrow and repentance. Sins are rolled away but never “washed clean”.

This is indeed a “God moment”! Daniel is on his knees, pale, sick, and terrified...

It is precisely at this time of Daniel’s greatest need, that the angel of the Lord steps in to comfort Daniel at “The Restless Sea”.

Friend of Jesus

1 JOHN 1: 1-10

(November 30)

Friends... what would we do without them? They are there in our times of struggle and fear. They rejoice beside us in our victories. We all need them. God designed us to crave them. They make life happier, and they make our hearts stronger.

When we think of our friends, we can recall the ones who were especially close to us. Those that stood out among the others as truly devoted to us, and purposely thoughtful about how our lives were going. What great value they add to our lives!

John, the writer of this letter, was not only one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, but he was also "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He, Peter, and James had an especially close relationship with Jesus, with John being the closest.

Those the letter was intended for had been exposed to false teachings. There was a group of people who had left their church and were sharing their beliefs that spiritual things were good and physical things were bad. In their belief, the divine Christ was not the same human Jesus who went through suffering for the sins of man. According to these false teachers, they had a direct knowledge of God. They also claimed to be morally perfect. (Insert laughter!) Despite all that they claimed, they lived lives full of sin, lacking in love, and brimming over with pride.

John hoped to strengthen the faith of those who were hearing these lies. He encouraged them to stand firm in what they believed and had heard from the apostles, and to not be swayed by this group. The best way they could express the gospel was through love and living a right life. He also offered them assurance that forgiveness, victory, and eternal life through Christ was theirs if they walked in righteousness.

By the time this letter was written, between A.D. 85-90, Jerusalem had been destroyed and Christians were scattered throughout the lane. Christianity had been around for more than a generation, having faced severe persecution.

The main problem of the church was a declining commitment to faith and many believers were starting to conform to the standards of the world. They were not standing up for Christ and their faith was being compromised.

John wanted them to turn back to Jesus and to realize that he was the sacrifice for their sins. They no longer had to sacrifice the blood of an animal as was done in the Old Testament. They now had the "real cleansing"... Jesus, the "Lamb of God."

"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." (I John 1:7)

Sin brings death. Jesus died, not for his own sins, but for the sins of the world. By committing our lives to Christ, his death becomes ours. He paid the price for our sins and his blood purifies us. Christ rose from the grave. We rise to a new life of fellowship with him when we commit to follow him.

This friend of Jesus, a very special friend indeed, wanted the people to know WHY Jesus endured what he endured. He wanted them to understand the importance of his friend's sacrifice. He wanted that sacrifice to MEAN SOMEHING to the world, and not allow it to be ridiculed by a bunch of sinful, prideful false teachers.

His friend was so important to him. And he wanted that friend to be the most important component of the lives of others. He was on assignment, fulfilling the call given to him by Jesus, and being devoted to his good, good friend.

Even If

One Year Bible: November 30

Daniel 7:1-28

EVEN IF

Are you a “What If-fer?”

You know what I mean. “What if this” and “What if that”? And on and on and on.

“What if” is a cousin to “Why me”?.

Both are dreary questions that lead us to an emotional “fiery furnace” and “lion’s den”. We fear the worst! Yet, Daniel actually faced THE WORST!! Daniel had already been in the lion’s den and his three buddies had been in the fiery furnace while he could do nothing to stop it.

However, there was a fourth man in the fire, and then a hand that closed the lion’s mouth.

Can you imagine spending the entire night in the lion’s den? We think a restless night of tossing and turning while laying on our Tempurpedic mattress is a tough way to go! Daniel, stood strong confident that his God was greater!

But, in the seventh chapter of Daniel, we find this very same man who was rescued from the lion's den is now TERRIFIED! In Daniel 7:15-28 we learn that Daniel’s nighttime visions are so overwhelming and troubling that Daniel was unable to interpret them like he could all the others and that he was distressed by “the fourth beast, which was different than all the others and extremely terrifying”. (7:19)

His first vision in this chapter aligns very closely with the vision that he interpreted for King Nebuchadnezzar about the world powers and how God could reduce even a king like that to madness when needed. The bottom line was and is… God is over all nations!

Daniel knew this fact and personally understood it. In fact, he demonstrated his understanding of this fact when he spoke to the king after his night in the lion’s den.

So, what has this rock of a man trembling now with this second vision?

He saw a fourth beast that was terrifying. Then he saw someone “like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world so that people of every race and nation, and language would obey him. His rule is eternal--it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.” (7:13Ff)

Nonetheless, Daniel was terrified and verse 16 tells us that he “approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant.” (An angel?)

What troubled Daniel so much was that this “fourth beast” was waging war against God’s holy people and was DEFEATING THEM.

UNTIL… the Ancient One, the Most High, came and judged in favor of his holy people.

THEN… the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom. (7:22)

How will this “fourth beast” (referred to by most theologians as the antichrist) “devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path”? (7:23)

“He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control FOR A TIME, TIMES, and HALF TIME”. (7: 25)

This disturbing war on the saints refers to the people of God living on earth during this time of tribulation, and some will die for their faith. (14:9-13)

How long will this desperate time last? “Time, Times, and Half A Time” according to Dan. 7:25, and Revelation 13:5, his dictatorship will last for three and a half years. (42 months, 1,260 days). Too long, yet, within God’s Lordship to overthrow the kingdom of Satan for all eternity!

What is Daniel’s reaction to this last vision? We are told that his face grows pale and he is greatly troubled. In upcoming chapters, we will learn that Daniel becomes ill and unable to work after this last vision. Does he not know of the outcome of this situation? Yes, indeed he does, as it was explained to him. Nonetheless, like Jesus weeping at the grave of Lazarus he is greatly affected, and so should we be as well.

To watch evil harm the people of God and not weep for the things that break God’s heart would be unfathomable!

This chapter ends with these words, “I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.” (7:28)

Why do you think that Daniel kept these terrifying images to himself?

It is interesting that Daniel had visions but he wrote no series of novels and directed no movies. He took this information and did nothing to make it “sensational”. Instead, he was terrified, pale, and sick over what the enemy was planning to do.

What if? Why me”... any of these would have been excellent titles for his novel or movie series.

Yet, just like his friends who were thrown into the fiery furnace, I am pretty sure that the phrase that he continued to live by was, “EVEN IF”.

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3)

Here is my take on the last days, my dear sisters. Terrifying Times indeed! I grow pale and my heart hurts to see the schemes unfolding. Do you remember Daniel 7:25 where it reveals the plan of the evil one to overtake us? “He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control.” For a season…

“What if” and “Why me?” Fears need an “EVEN IF” Faith!

Will we bow to the one who seeks to overtake God’s laws, celebrations, and seeks God’s worship? Or will we respond like Daniel and his three friends?

When all is said and done, THE ANCIENT OF DAYS will be TRIUMPHANT! The greater question is will we be TRIUMPHANT standing with HIM and for HIM.

“EVEN IF”!

Twisted!

2 PETER 3: 1-18

(November 29)

Have you ever played that game where someone whispers into someone's ear, then that person turns and does the same, and on and on until you get to the last person? More often than not, the message the last person hears is very different from the original message first whispered.

Through the course of relaying it, the message gets twisted and becomes something different.

That is what the false teachers were doing to the teachings of the apostles. Peter wanted to remind the believers that they would hear these twisted versions and would need to stand firm in their faith.

He especially mentioned the subject of time, and when Jesus would come. Gid is patient, and he will wait until all people have the time to be saved.

He advised them that while they lived their lives, waiting for his return, they should make every effort to live pure and peacefully.

While Peter had a very different background and personality than Paul, they still held each other in high esteem. Paul put emphasis on salvation by grace while Peter focused on Christian life and service.

The false teachers purposefully used Paul's writings to twist the words into something that would condone sinful behavior. While this most likely made these teachers popular, it destroyed Paul's message. Often, Paul warned his followers to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ so they could avoid the mistakes made by believing the false teachers.

Peter is offering the same advice in an effort to keep the believers from believing a false and twisted truth.

Windows Open

One Year Bible: November 29

Daniel 6:1-28

Windows Open

Daniel’s life was “an open window”. Everyone knew this. It was no secret!

It put him in great danger, and it led him out of a lion’s den.

That is the perfect description of prayer in the life of a believer.

Why is this, we wonder? Light invites, and Light repels.

While it INVITES God into our lives, at the very same time it PROVOKES the ungodly.

It is really that simple, and that complicated as well…

Daniel always prayed. Three times a day. Open Window. Open Heart.

He invited God into his life, questions, and problems.

As a result of this unique relationship, Daniel was able to answer mysterious questions that no fortuneteller, Wiseman, magician, or enchanter could begin to fathom.

His interpretations both INFURIATED kings and INGRATIATED them to him.

They also infuriated the people serving the king. How were they to get “the one up” on Daniel, who was rising in power and trusted over all men to oversee the money?

A trustworthy man always means less opportunity for the “underlings” to pull shenanigans with the Kingdom’s wealth. They hated that, and thus they hated Daniel.

There was only one little problem. Well, actually it was a BIG problem for them.

Here is what Daniel 6:4Ff tells us about their predicament. “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”

So, they suckered the king (out of his vanity) to join them in declaring a ruling that “for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human- except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions.” (6:7)

Done Deal! When a king signed something into law it was irrefutable. Even, the king could not abolish it. This king was truly sad when he realized the situation that he had put his faithful servant Daniel in.

I would say that the king was “a few cards short of a full deck”.

There was story after story about Daniel’s ability to interpret dreams, the fiery furnace, and that he was a man given power by “the gods”. Somehow they didn’t connect that it was from “The God”. Big mistake. Huge!

So, Daniel was thrown into the Lion’s Den and a stone covered the mouth of the lion's den. We know that part, but what was the king doing during this little “overnight sleepover”?

Listen to this, “Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.” (6:18)

The next morning the king hurried to check on Daniel and listen to his words, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”

Daniel replied, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lion’s mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” (6:20)

The King was overjoyed! Daniel was lifted from the den, and God’s name was lifted up!

The King sent out a proclamation, “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and in the heavens and on earth. He has reduced Daniel from the power of the lions.” (6: 26-27)

In good times and bad, Daniel OPENED HIS WINDOW and set his face towards the Holy City.

He OPENED his heart to God and GOD OPENED the WINDOW of protection and providence for Daniel.

Is your WINDOW OPEN and your gaze lifted high?

Doomed!

2 PETER 2: 1-22

(November 28)

Sin does not go unpunished. You may have seen that in your own life on many occasions, when you paid a high price for a wrong you committed. Not one of us is free from judgement for our sins. God is always watching.

The same held true for the false teachers Peter spoke of in his letter. Much like the false prophets of the Old Testament, these false teachers were spreading untruths, twisting the teachings of Jesus into what people wanted to hear. They claimed there was no significance in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and some even claimed he was not an actual man. These false teachers went as far as to encourage immorality, especially sexual sin.

Peter is making a statement of assurance that these false teachers will not go unpunished. God sees all, hears all, and knows all. Just like he wiped out everyone but Noah and his immediate family in the flood, he will pour out judgement on the sins of these false teachers.

He showed this to be true when he wiped out Sodom, leaving only Lot's family to escape. Lot had been a man who was frustrated by the immorality in his town. Being a righteous man, he suffered daily in seeing all the sin going on around him. Lot is proof that God knows us. He knows who to rescue from the trials and sins of this world, all the while punishing the wicked.

They will be destroyed, just like wild animals. This is the price they will pay for the harm they do in the world. Despite this, they continue to lure people in and deceive them, especially when it comes to taking their money.

This could be today in our world. In fact, it is! We see false teachings in our schools, in our government, and still in our churches. Some people will tell you whatever you want to hear, just to get a chance at your money or your service. They will take the truth, mold it and shape it, and turn it into something that looks really good on the outside, but is pure evil on the inside.

Just as in the time this letter was written, we must be alert and on guard. We need to know the REAL truth that comes from the word of God so that we aren't deceived into believing the lies of the wicked. When we stand firm in our faith in God, and hold solidly to the teachings of Christ, we will be like Lot ... sickened by what we see around us and hopeful for a new life and a change for the better. God will see us and our hearts amidst the evilness of the world, and he will rescue us from the pit of despair and the judgement that will come.

While those who worship their greed and immorality instead of worshipping God will be DOOMED, we will be SAVED by God's grace.

The Royal Finger

One Year Bible: November 28

Daniel 5:1-31

“The Royal Finger”

Have you ever been driving down the freeway and someone “shoots you the bird”?

I have no idea why this idiom is used to describe a person holding up their middle finger in anger and profanity, but we have probably all been the recipient of this unwanted gesture. Make no mistake this grand gesture is a sign of blasphemy and a declaration of revenge.

What do you do when this happens?

I read a funny story about this very matter. There was a man who had a bumper sticker on his car that said, “Honk if you love Jesus.” When he heard all the honking and saw the antics of the person next to him, he immediately thought of his bumper sticker. He saw the finger in the air and heard the many blasts on the horn and he was getting so excited to think that this person truly loved Jesus and that they were ecstatic in their response.

Lucky for him, he didn’t notice which finger the person was raising!

Today’s story is about a great blasphemy that was done through Belshazzar and all of his guests that filled the banquet hall.

In response to this great blasphemy, there was indeed “a finger raised”. It was a single finger that wrote on the wall, “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin.”

All the wealthy, self-seeking society was there dining in the fancy banquet hall when they saw the finger without a hand writing… Just writing. No explanation. No context. No interpretation.

They were merrily drinking from the sacred cups taken from the temple which was a blasphemous act in and of itself when all of a sudden the king’s knees went weak and his color went pale.

How humiliating and frightful! He too saw “the finger” but make no mistake he was not “praising the Lord”!

Most of us know very little about Belshazzar’s feast, rule, or the “handwriting on the wall”. We have no idea of the “grander picture”.

The city of Babylon had boasted that it was impregnable and had enough food stored away for twenty years. The great Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 BC and was succeeded by his son Evil Merodach, who reigned for two years. His brother-in-law murdered him in 560 and usurped the throne and ruled for four years. Nabonidus became king and reigned from 556 to 539 and he was the father of Belshazzar. It was a rotating “door” to the kingdom…

Young Daniel, who had been known throughout the kingdom by Belshazzar’s ancestors, was “lost on” Belshazzar. Somehow throughout the years, Belshazzar seems to have missed the stories of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednigo. He was also blind to what Daniel had spoken to his ancestors about their indulgence, indifference, and irreverence.

Belshazzar is blind to ALL OF THAT… until the Queen Mother shows up and reminds him that the foretellers and enchanters are still “clueless”, but Daniel revealed secrets before, and can do it again. He was known as a man “who has the spirit of the gods within him”.

Daniel had been just a young man when all of this occurred and historians believe that he is now probably in his eighties. He still has the very same power inside him as he did in his youth.

Belshazzar tries to coerce Daniel by offering him a “purple robe of royal honor and a gold chain around his neck”. Daniel tells him, “where he can put it”. To put that more politely he says, “Keep your gifts or give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means.”

Is this guy a diplomat or what?

Daniel begins telling Belshazzar about his “family tree”. He must have missed his kingly lessons on this subject, so Daniel is making up for this big deficit. He tells him of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. God made him so great that he could honor or disgrace whoever he wanted to through his great power. But then, his heart and mind were puffed up with arrogance, and he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. He was driven from society and given the mind of a wild animal. In fact, he ate grass like a cow…

Then comes the big ending… You, O Belshazzar are his successor, and you sir, know all of this, and yet you have NOT humbled yourself. (Make no mistake this is a “Got Milk” kind of moment. The dairy industry is on full display right before Ol’ Belshazzar’s grazing.

He points out particulars now… “For you have proudly defied the Lord of heaven and have had these cups from his Temple rough before you. You and your nobles and your wives and concubines have been drinking wine from them while praising gods of silver, gold…”

The short summary is, “The Banquet is over!”

“Mene” means “numbered”. “Tekel” means “weighed”. Parsin means “divided”.

Daniel was dressed in a royal purple robe (though he did not desire that elevation in power), and Belshazzar was declared DEAD that very night. His robe and all his power were stripped away from him!

They were basically “giving the finger” to God through their blasphemy.

But make no mistake because God will not be mocked, even by wealthy, arrogant, godless rulers. With one finger he wrote on the wall, “Your days are numbered and your kingdom will be divided and taken away from you.” His days were “MENE”, not Many!

It only took God “One Royal Finger”, and three small words to leave a lasting impression and a new legacy for this nation!

Denouncing Evil Motives

2 PETER 2: 1-21

(November 27)

While 1 Peter was written just before Nero started persecuting the Christians, 2 Peter was written about three years later, when the persecution was very intense. This was meant to be a letter that put focus on the internal problems of the church, especially the false teachers. They were causing believers to doubt their faith and turn away from the gospel. Peter wanted to denounce the evil motives of these false teachers and reaffirm the truths of Christianity ... that scripture has authority, that faith is the primary component, and that believers can be certain of the return of Christ.

Peter wrote this knowing he would die soon. Jesus had already prepared Peter for the kind of death he would endure. When the time came for his crucifixion, Peter requested to be crucified upside down, because he didn't feel worthy to be crucified in the same exact way as Jesus.

"For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (verse 16) Peter assures the believers that the Old Testament prophets were truly writing messages from God. He then adds himself and the other apostles to the same category as they also proclaimed the truth of God.

Peter wanted them to know (and us as well) that the Bible is not a collection of tall tales or someone's viewpoint on God. It is the very word of God, spoken through his chosen people to the people of the world. How can Peter be so sure? He was an eyewitness to much, and God inspired him, giving him words to combat the false teachings. It was simple, really ... if their words didn't line up with the Bible, then their message wasn't from God. The same is still true today.

Why did Peter call Christ the "Morning Star" in verse 19? He said this because Christ will shine upon his return, bright in his full glory just like the morning star. As we wait for that day to come, we can use the Bible as a light and the Holy Spirit as a way to illuminate those words, guiding us to the truth. And when we are firm in the truth, we can denounce the evil motives of those who come against God and his word.

Don’t Bend

One Year Bible: November 27

Daniel 4:1-37

Don’t Bend.

“Here is a story from the Good Book we know.

A story ‘bout a miracle that happened long ago.

We hope that you’ll take courage when temptation you meet.

There’s somebody watchin’ you who’s strong when you’re weak.”

“The Fourth Man” (Gaithers)

My daddy sang bass, and he sang it well! He also sang in the era of quartet music. They all loved a great quartet. Now, if you know anything about quartet music you know that there is often a part of the song where the bass part really shines! Not only that, but my dad also played the trumpet. So, he covered the “low notes” and he hit “the high notes”.

Today’s story is about “the low notes” and “the high notes” too…

I can’t tell you this story without hearing one of his all-time favorite quartet songs. I heard it along with many others on assorted trips in his car…It is called “The Fourth Man”. Johnny Cash sang this song, along with the Gaithers, and many other quartets.

“They wouldn’t BEND. (Basses)

They held onto the will of God so we are told.

They wouldn’t BOW. (Basses)

They wouldn’t Bow their knees to the idol made of gold.

They wouldn’t BURN. (Basses)

They were protected by the fourth man in the fire.

They wouldn’t BEND. They wouldn’t BOW. They wouldn’t BURN.

I wish you could hear those low guys sing on this one! It is the kind of song that you need to hear in your ears, mind, and heart when all seems horribly lost and when everything seems to have gone terribly wrong!

That is EXACTLY what happened to Rach, Shack, and Benny (Meshach,, Shadrach, and Abednego).

Notice that Daniel was not in the fiery furnace with them. Did you realize this?

These three men would not BEND, BOW, or BURN when they were thrown in the fiery furnace for not bowing down to worship the golden idol statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. The guards turned up the heat in the furnace and were killed… but not these three guys! Not only that, when the king looked into the fiery furnace he saw “A Fourth Man” in there with them!

“I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” (Daniel 3: 25)

We are told that “Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” ((3:27)

Is this a GREAT BOOK, or what?? And, how about that “Fourth Man” that looked like a god??

King Nebby has a change of heart, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (3:28)

The king then made a decree that any race, nation, or language that spoke a word against their God would be torn “limb from limb” and their houses will be turned into rubble.

Why? “There is no other god who can rescue like this! (3: 29)

So, here is the BIG question of the hour. Did Rack, Shack, and Benny have any idea that their situation would turn out so miraculously well?

When the king flew into a rage and threatened them with a fiery furnace here is their response, “If we are thrown into a blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But, even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will NEVER serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”( 3: 6-18)

EVEN IF… He doesn’t!

What does this mean to us in the fiery spots of life?

Remember the story I told you of my daddy who sang bass? He faithfully served God as a pastor all the days of his life, but when he got older things got rough. Fiery hot, in fact.

He had Parkinson’s, and then a stroke. He got so that he couldn’t swallow and would often choke. He had to leave our home and be in a care facility which broke our hearts. It was a rough ride. But, even when the fires of life intensified, he sang. When he was in pain at night his caregivers would tell us he sang hymns. When he had problems speaking and remembering words, he could still sing. That beautiful voice sang that bass line loud and strong…

“That Invisible Hand” still writes today, and “The Fourth Man” in the fire still unchains the captives…

So, just keep singing, “Don’t BEND. Don’t BOW. Don’t BURN.”

“We hope that you’ll take courage when temptation you meet.

There’s somebody watchin’ you who’s strong when you’re weak.”

(“The Fourth Man” by The Gaithers)

All for His Glory

1 PETER 4:7 - 5:14

(November 26)

Are you willing to go the extra mile for someone? Will you willingly sacrifice for the good of others? These are traits of a true believer and follower of Christ.

Being clear-minded and self-controlled, knowing the gifts we possess, and using them to serve God and others, is a beautiful example of love and hospitality. When we use our abilities to help others, God is praised.

Will this bring suffering to us? Sometimes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Anytime we suffer while doing the will of God, we are showing our faithfulness to our Father.

Peter saw what Jesus went through as he suffered for the sake of mankind. He was one of the three apostles who saw the glory of Christ at the transfiguration. He found himself often being the spokesman for the apostles. He witnessed the death and resurrection of his friend, preached at Pentecost, and found himself in the role of being a pillar in the Jerusalem church.

When he wrote to the elders of the church, he wrote as an elder himself, not as anyone superior to them. His request was that they act as "shepherds of God's flock," which is what Jesus had requested of him. So, Peter was actually taking his own advice and worked alongside the others in caring for the believers. His example is one of Christian leadership, demonstrating an authority that is based on service, not power.

When we act in this way, humbling ourselves, God exalts us. Submission is the key to Christian life. Wouldn't you rather have the recognition of God over the recognition of others?

Keep in mind, if Satan is God's enemy, he is our enemy too. And he will do whatever he can to keep us walking in pride and arrogance, living life for ourselves, instead of walking in humility and service, doing all things for the glory of God.

The Invisible Hand

One Year Bible: November 26

Daniel 2:24-3:30

The Invisible Hand

If I was going to give a nickname to King Nebuchadnezzar for The Veggie Tales series I would have named him “Fickle Pickle”, but no one asked me so I kept my opinion to myself.

However, look at this guy. He has a really BAD DREAM and he calls out ALL the “wise men, enchanters, magicians, and fortunetellers” in the land.

This man is seeking INTEL from all areas and has no idea of who or what he believes. Not only that but if they can’t tell him what his dream means He is going to have them all killed.

Trust me when I say this is a bad day to have a job in “The Intelligence Department”.

Daniel is serving in this area as a young captive brought to Babylon and he seeks God for the answer and gets the message. However, it is not the kind of message that anyone would want to reveal to an unstable king who is ready “to whack some heads”, but Daniel does reveal it to him. Ready or Not…

Daniel also reveals the “Insight behind the Message”.

He tells the king this, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future.” (2: 28)

Have you ever played the little game, “Rock, Paper, Scissors”? Who wins?

The Rock is a closed fist. Paper is a flat hand with palm down, and scissors is a fist with two fingers out as symbols. Rock crushes scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock.

Nebuchadnezzar's dream is like that…King Nebby saw a huge statue which was a frightening sight. Its head was made of fine gold and its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze. Its legs were iron, and its feet were a combination of iron and baked clay. A rock was cut from the mountain, but not by human hands. The whole statue was crushed to pieces.

Who was this statue? Daniel reveals to King Nebby, “You are the head of GOLD”.

Daniel goes on to tell him that other kingdoms will rise to take his place and then be destroyed.

In the next chapter of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar has them build a statute of GOLD for the people to bow down and worship. I guess he forgot the part about Mighty God destroying it through other nations.

(He remembered the paper and scissors but forgot THE ROCK.)

Is this frightening dream like the random game, “Rock, Paper, Scissors”?

There is a RANDOMNESS to that game, but there is NO RANDOMNESS to what will happen in the kingdom. It may seem so to human eyes, but behind the scenes, there is a Sovereign God who uses EVEN HIS ENEMIES to bring down the proud and deliver HIS people.

We see this teaching “NOT BY HUMAN HANDS” again in the last part of chapter three.

Let’s take a quick peek at what comes next. Daniel tells the king that no wise man, enchanter, magician, or fortune teller could possibly reveal his dream to him. Daniel then boldly tells the king the awful truth of his demise.

Daniel is rewarded and placed in leadership of the kingdom. He is placed in a high position and given valuable gifts. The King made Daniel ruler over “the whole province of Babylon” as well as CHIEF over ALL the wise men.

Daniel then appoints his three friends, Shadrach, Meschack, and Abednego “in charge of ALL the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court. (2: 49)

Before you can “bat an eye” King Nebby who just learned, “You are the head of GOLD” has constructed an idol of gold for the people to bow down and worship.

You see, “Fickle Pickle Nebby” was so impressed with Daniel’s being able to interpret his dream, that he placed Daniel in charge of the land. Daniel then placed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of Babylon.

However, this “Fickle Pickle Ruler” forget “The Pickle” that Daniel warned him about.

He had “Shortermers” when it came to his memory. He once again listened to the jealous crowd who could tell him nothing, nada, zilch. But now he has agreed to ask everyone to bow to his “golden statue”. Interesting that the dream that Daniel revealed described King Nebby as ‘The golden head” that would be toppled.

The Fickle Pickle, King Nebby also forgot all about what Daniel had revealed to him about “The Invisible Hand” behind the revealing of his dreams.

But, “The Invisible Hand” has not forgotten about King Nebby. Things are about to “Heat up” in the Ol’ Fiery Furnace…

The Qualities of a Believer

1 PETER 3:8 - 4:6

(November 25)

According to Peter, there are five qualities of a good believer and follower of Christ:

• Love as brothers

• Be tenderhearted

• Be courteous

• Be of one mind

• Have compassion for one another

By living life this way, you are a blessing to others. And the greatest way to RECEIVE a blessing, it to BE a blessing. The way to do this is to seek peace with others. Often this is hard. When it gets tough, pray for God to help you.

We must guard our tongues and be watchful of what we say. Once spoken, you can't take it back. Words can be forgiven, but they are not forgotten.

With a sanctified heart, we can be faithful and hopeful, even when we are suffering. We can be blessed, even when persecuted. We must always be ready and willing to testify to the goodness of God, despite our situation. There will be those who come against you, mock you, and defame you. Guard your testimony and don't give the enemy any ammunition to slander you.

In this way, you imitate Christ. He was persecuted, he suffered, he was mocked and defamed. People slandered his name with relish. But not once did he put his testimony at risk. Not once did he give any ammunition for the enemy to use against him. He was sinless through it all.

If we arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ, we will have the power to stand strong. Our goal should not be to get even with those who come against us, or prove them wrong. Our attitude should be a dedication to living out God's will for our lives.

Sometimes, in order to do this, we have to walk away from people who cause us to sin or have negative thoughts. These are the people we are still called to love, but we love them from a distance. We need to be careful that we don't let the people of our past draw us back into the ugliness of heart that goes against the mindset of Christ. We don't want to join them when they have to give an account to God for their actions. We don't want to be involved in that day of judgement.

Aren't you glad the gospel is the way out of that? And the way into new life? When we read, believe, and act out the gospel in our lives each day, we will possess those qualities of a believer that testify to the world about the goodness of God.

Detours Determine Destiny

One Year Bible: November 25

Daniel 1:1-2:23

Detours Determine Destiny!

“He knows what lies hidden in darkness though he is surrounded by light.” (2:22)

Our son grew up on “Veggies”, but he didn’t always eat them!

He delivered his first sermon before the entire church family (kids and all) at the age of THREE! It was the most miraculous thing that I have ever seen! It was an all-church picnic when “he stepped up to the plate” to hit his “grand slam”.

Our son's sermon was an entire story called, “Dave and the Giant Pickle” from the children’s series, “Veggie Tales”. Every night I would put his stories on his little CD player before he went to sleep. He memorized all of them and sang every song. We were just beginning to learn that this boy is an auditory and visual learner who would one day be a worship leader… “A David”.

But, here’s the back story… our son is adopted and we were privileged to hold him on the day of his birth. However, God was in the “mix” wayyyyy before that took place! His birthmother wanted to name him “David”, the title of his first little sermon! Also, she wanted a home that had sports and music, and she desired this for him before he breathed his first breath.

There is a LOT of importance found in a NAME, and we will see this in today’s story! We will also see how HUGE DETOURS DO NOT DETER God’s Sovereign plan.

This story today is one of my all-time favorites and it is also in the VEGGIE TALE FAMILY.

This episode is called, “Rack, Shack and Benny” which is the nickname for Daniel’s three Jewish friends. I love, love, love how Veggie Tales teaches kids stories from the Bible. They really stick in your head, and the songs sing out in your mind.

Here’s the thing, though… Today’s “Veggie Tale” is much more than a TALE!

The book of Daniel is, Magnificent Miracles and Manifestations of a Mighty God!

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were only teens (Probably about 17 years old) when they were taken to serve King Nebuchadnezzar in the palace.

When you think of a land being captured and taken into captivity it sounds like they got a pretty “Posh Position” being catered to in the palace. Doesn’t it?

Looking at the “back story” quickly helps us understand their delicate position in this pagan land.

These four teenage lives were entirely changed before they even began their training!

Immediately, they became EUNUCHS in order to serve in the king’s court. This means they were CASTRATED and would never have families or children. This was to make them “safe” to serve. Most eunuchs were made by removing their testicles. Welcome to the kingdom, guys!

Not only did they take away their future, but they also tried to take away their past history.

First, their Jewish identities were removed. Their names as “God’s chosen” were taken away and they were given pagan names with “the meanings of idols attached”.

Daniel means “God is Judge”, but they changed his name to “Belteshazzar”. Hananiah’s name means, “God has been gracious”. Mishael’s name means “Who is what God is”. Azariah’s name means “Yahwah has helped.”

Why did the Babylonians change their names? They couldn’t have them with names that pointed to God as they were a godless, polytheistic land. So, they took away their NAMES, but they couldn’t take away the MESSAGE IN THEIR NAMES.

Did you catch the message hidden in their names? The God who is judge is gracious to us and will show WHO HE IS when He helps us!

Not only that, but they gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar to conceal God’s identity in his life. But, guess what his new name means? Here is what they intended, “Bel’s Prince” for their principal god of Babylon. The name “Belshazzar” means “Bel Protect the King”. His name “Belteshazzar” actually means “Bel would not protect the king”.

They had lost their manhood, and identity, and now they wanted them to eat food that was against their Jewish Mosaic upbringing. They could be eating the king’s best steaks and wine, but they chose to eat “Their Veggies” and water. The word “Pulse” means food from seeds and grains.

You see, they could place their carnality all AROUND them and force pagan names ON them, but they could not take away their heart and allegiance to serve God. Daniel 1: 20 tells us that they found them “TEN TIMES MORE CAPABLE” than any of the other WISE GUYS.

And now, for the rest of the story… In Biblical names, the meaning of the name Belteshazzar is: “Who lays up treasures in secret”.

Listen to what Daniel prays when he received the vision from God about King Nebuchadnezzar’s disturbing dream. “He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in the darkness, though he is surrounded by light.” (2:22)

The enemy of God took away these boys' freedom, manhood, and names. However, they could not take away the meaning or miracles attached to their names. God used this painful DETOUR to place them right where HE wanted them to be… speaking to a pagan king!

Oh what a “Veggie Tale” they will TELL…“DETOURS DETERMINE DESTINY”

Just Passing Through

1 PETER 2:11 - 3:7

(November 24)

Today is Thanksgiving, that day when we focus on the things we are thankful for in this life. What comes to mind when you consider what you have to be thankful for? Most of us think of our family, our friends, our home, our health, our job. I am thankful for all of these things.

Even more, I am thankful for my salvation. I am thankful that, because of Christ, I am just a "temporary resident and a foreigner" (verse 11), and that this shattered and broken earth is not my forever home.

As believers, our real home isn't here ... it is with God. Life in heaven is not a cartoon or fairy tale, it operates according to God's principles and values, and it is eternal and unshakable.

Heaven first came to earth in symbolism with the Jewish sanctuary (tabernacle) where God's presence lived. With the coming of Jesus, heaven became present even more. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, heaven was able to permeate the world as the Spirit dwelt within each new believer.

After the judgment of God and banishing of all sin, the kingdom of heaven will rule over all the earth. That is OUR home. That will be our final place of residence. This earth is only a temporary place to dwell until God's timing places us in our eternal home.

Many blessings come with resting in the assurance of being "not of this world." But with it also comes responsibility ... to live like Christ, to honor others even when they don't honor me, to submit to authority even when that authority seems wrong, and sometimes suffer and endure the unjust things of the world in order to be an example of Jesus.

WHEW! That's a lot! But it is necessary if we want to be followers of Christ. Jesus set the example of humility for all of us, an example that we must make every effort to follow. We have to JUST SAY NO to ungodliness and enjoy the freedom we find in Christ.

Peter tells us that as wives, we must accept the authority of our husbands. Does that apply to husbands who are not believers? Yes, it does. That is our opportunity to speak the gospel to them through our actions instead of our words, as they observe the life of faith we live.

We should be far more concerned with that type of living than we are about the way we look on the outside. Our gentle and quiet spirit is far more beautiful than our made-up faces, styled hair, or sparkling jewelry. It is that spirit that truly makes us beautiful. This is what shows the self-giving love that Christ showed the church.

What about the husbands? Are there any instructions for them? There sure are! They are to honor their wives and treat them with gentleness and understanding, as an equal partner in life.

On this day of giving thanks, aren't you so grateful that you are just passing through?

Step Into the Water

One Year Bible: November 24

Ezekiel 47-48:35

Step Into the Water

“In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the court of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing through the south side of the east gateway.” (Ez. 47: 1-2)

What do we know about this water?

Ezekiel tells us that the water was “up to his ankles”, then “it was up to his knees”, then it was “up to his waist”, and then the river was ‘too deep to walk across”. “It was deep enough to swim in, but too deep to walk through”. (47: 3-5)

Then “The Measuring Man,” asked, “Have you been watching, son of man?”

As we end the book of Ezekiel today, this is the question that we all need to answer…

“Have we been watching?”

Today’s message is truly a message of Thanksgiving on this Thanksgiving day. It tells of a literal feast and a feast of plenty in food and healing.

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will NEVER turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.” (47:12)

Oh, I love Thanksgiving time with all the brilliant fall colors, but I hate the period after that when the leaves fall and there is cold emptiness. This description lets us know that God’s living water is bringing life and refreshment, and the dead has come to LIFE!

In this chapter, the priests are told HOW TO LIVE, WHERE to LIVE, and that LIFE IS CELEBRATION!

Remember, how the priests were to only wear LINEN? “When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must NOT wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple.” (44:17)

Why you may ask? The priests weren’t supposed “TO SWEAT IT”. Linen was much lighter than wool. They were not supposed to physically sweat in that heat and create bacteria which causes uncleanliness, nor were they to the labor of their own “Sweat”.

When God’s presence was with His people the “living water flowed” and they were to move within that power of life… Check out Deut. 11: 10-14 where God provided for all their needs and they drank the “water of the rain of heavens”.

God’s presence ALWAYS involves LIVING WATER FLOWING!

God will provide for their land, food, and blessings… AGAIN!

Not only that but there will once again be CELEBRATION!

There were three major feasts observed by Israel. In October there was the Feast of Tabernacles. Passover was in April. Fifty days after that came Pentecost.

In this passage, the people, led by the prince, will partake in the Feasts of Passover and Tabernacle, but not the feast of Pentecost. Interesting, isn’t it?

The Passover Lamb is Jesus and he will literally “dwell or tabernacle” there with them. (John 1:14). Pentecost, the Feast of First fruits, was a feast of “Anticipation” and was poured out in the Upper Room in Acts 2.

The Spirit poured out there like a “mighty rushing wind” or “rushing water”. In God’s timing, they will experience the “living water that is rising… rising… rising…” It is so deep that they can literally swim in it!

My dad loved a good gospel quartet and he sang bass quite well. I can remember riding in his car many times to the sounds of a song called “Step Into the Water”. All the grandkids could sing this song for you in their finest “quartet voices”. There was humor in the air as they sang it until Grandpa passed away. The song took on a different tone after that…

“Step into the water, Wade out a little bit deeper. Wet your feet in the water of his love. Oh, step into the water, Wade out a little bit deeper, Come join angels singin’ Praises to the Lamb of God.” (Step Into the Water, the Cathedral Quartet)

There is not a Thanksgiving that goes by that I don’t thank God that one day all of our memories will be eclipsed by Majesty and that broken hearts will mend because of Calvary. Jews and Gentiles will celebrate the living water running freely and strife will end.

May we “Step into the Water” of HIS love and praise the Lamb of God!