Joy, Pride, and Abandoning God…

If you could put your finger on the one thing that drives a man to abandon God and seek joy and pleasure in his life, it would be this: he doesn’t want to be told what to do. It’s that simple. It’s that basic. Man’s pride is the root of his sinfulness. It’s his selfishness that leads him away from God, or Godly wisdom. Take the abortion debate (there really is no debate) for instance. The bottom line isn’t whether a fetus is a human being, of course it is, it has two parents. The real underlying issue is that people don’t want to be told what they can and can’t do. Addressing this issue would stir the soul more than arguing at what stage of development does a fetus become human. Man’s pride is the issue that needs addressing. It’s not until he realizes that he’s not in control, that real progress can be made. Genuine joy comes from acknowledging God is superior to man, and subjecting himself to His sovereignty.

18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29:18

The World Hates Righteous Behavior….

Don’t ever waste your energy trying to figure out why the world hates Christians. For a person who has no love is dead. The world hates righteous behavior because it exposes wicked behavior. The world wants to stop this unwanted exposure.

11 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. 13 So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 14 If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. 15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them. 1 John 3:11-15

His Love Overcomes….

When I read Hosea chapter 4 I can’t help but see the parallels between idolatrous Israel and modern day America. There is no knowledge of God in our land. People’s word means nothing. Violence is everywhere. Blame is passed off to someone else. People refuse to know God. Idolatry is rampant. People long for peace but never find it. They seek answers from idols, or psychics, or mediums. They love shame more than honor. Do you think this comparison is accurate? What can be done? A start would be accepting the consequences, and being sorry for what each individual is responsible for. The answer lies in the heart of every single man. Repent, and know God. His love can overcome a multitude of sins.

1 Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel!The Lord has brought charges against you, saying:“There is no faithfulness, no kindness,no knowledge of God in your land.2 You make vows and break them;you kill and steal and commit adultery.There is violence everywhere–one murder after another. 3That is why your land is in mourning,and everyone is wasting away.Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky,and the fish of the sea are disappearing. 4 “Don’t point your finger at someone elseand try to pass the blame!My complaint, you priests,is with you.5 So you will stumble in broad daylight,and your false prophets will fall with you in the night.And I will destroy Israel, your mother.6 My people are being destroyedbecause they don’t know Me.Since you priests refuse to know Me,I refuse to recognize you as My priests.Since you have forgotten the laws of your God,I will forget to bless your children.7 The more priests there are,the more they sin against Me.They have exchanged the glory of Godfor the shame of idols. 8 “When the people bring their sin offerings, the priests get fed.So the priests are glad when the people sin!9 ‘And what the priests do, the people also do.’So now I will punish both priests and peoplefor their wicked deeds.10 They will eat and still be hungry.They will play the prostitute and gain nothing from it,for they have deserted the Lord11 to worship other gods. “Wine has robbed My peopleof their understanding.12 They ask a piece of wood for advice!They think a stick can tell them the future!Longing after idolshas made them foolish.They have played the prostitute,serving other gods and deserting their God. Hosea 4:1-12

When the rulers of Israel finish their drinking,off they go to find some prostitutes. They love shame more than honor. Hosea 4:18a

Feelings Are Often Overrated…..

Feelings are legitimate, but often subjectively overrated. Yes, feelings help guide us, but often they tend to turn the focus off what’s important and onto ourselves. What we need to do in those times is put them aside and go with what we know to be true, God’s Word. It is our everyday spiritual thermostat and compass for life.

20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything.21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him. 1 John 3:20-22

What “Habitual Sin” Reveals….

This may rub some people the wrong way but it’s written right here in 1 John chapter 3. Continual or habitual sin is proof that a person has not been saved. Those that practice sin, by thinking it’s not a sin, or by purposely continuing it when they know it’s wrong, do not know or understand Who Jesus is. You can’t be saved without a Savior, and if you do not know Who Jesus is (Lord of your life), you are not “Heaven bound”. Think about the “modern church”, they accept all kinds of sinful behaviors. Yes, the church is a group of sinners, welcoming in other sinners, but it does not or should not condone sinful behavior. It’s a place of refuge for the repentant sinner, not the habitual, “justify my evil behavior”, unrepentant sinner. Understand that Jesus came to save the world (those that believe) from sin. How can He save a person who does think he needs rescue (to be saved)? God will not drag a person kicking and screaming into Heaven against his will. In order for a man to be saved he must recognize his need of a Savior. Sin does this. But when sin deceives him into thinking it isn’t, how can he realize his state of need? He can’t. When we know Who Jesus is, He gives us the ability to see sin for what it is, rebellion against God. When we see it in its proper perspective, we are to agree with God on His view of sin. Then we act accordingly: repent, and ask for forgiveness. This cannot happen if we don’t acknowledge our sin. You must know Jesus to deal with your sin; for He is the only remedy. A man cannot have spiritual life and continue to go on living in habitual sin.

4 Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 5 And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in Him. 6 Anyone who continues to live in Him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know Him or understand who He is. 7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. 1 John 3:4-10

Reason For The Extra Flab….

If parents actually did a better job of disciplining their children, I don’t think America would be where it is today. People think they can do and say whatever they want. They can be rude and disrespectful to whomever they choose. This lack of discipline creates a troubled heart. A little pain (discipline) early in life, never ruined a child. I remember a story of a man I met in the gym a long time ago. He told me when he was 5 years old, he lived on one of the Caribbean islands. He was poor. When a new, wealthier classmate came to his school with new, matchbox cars, he stole one. His father knew he lied about where and how he obtained it. So the next day, at school, in front of his entire kindergarten class, he had to apologize for stealing the car. Then, his father pulled his pants down and spanked Him in front of the class. You say, “how cruel, or that’s child abuse”. The man then said, “I never stole again”. What society deems anti-PC, or cruel or abusive, the Bible calls discipline. There’s a reason why our behinds has extra flab on them, it’s called the seat of discipline. As long as it’s done in love, you will never worry about second-guessing the outcome. Discipline produces wisdom. And that will always make the heart glad.

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. Proverbs 29:17

Distance From The Proud…..

Here’s a truth throughout scripture that is consistently stated about what characteristics God favors in human beings. Humility is a character trait that God will always reward by drawing closer to those who display it. When arrogance and pride creep in, God deals differently with that. He distances Himself from those who are full of themselves, usually allowing circumstances to run their course. Remember, humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s focusing on helping others, loving them through the channel that God provides. Humility allows room for God to fill you up with His Spirit, which always is better than too much of “ME”. Humility is the channel in which God moves most commonly in human beings. You can’t expect God to move in you unless you make room for Him. The only moving He will do with you when you’re prideful, is moving you out of His way.

6 Though the Lord is great, He cares for the humble, but He keeps His distance from the proud. Psalms 138:6

Do You Trust Him?

Imagine being asked by God to marry a prostitute. Then asked to name your three children from that prostitute after the place where God will punish a king, “not loved”, and “not My people”. Kind of bizarre, wouldn’t you say? This is exactly what God commanded Hosea to do. And He did it. You’re probably thinking, how cruel! God was making a point, illustrating how the northern kingdom, Israel, acted like a prostitute by turning against God and worshipping other gods. Remember God is Sovereign; He can do what He wants. Hosea’s faithfulness to God helped Israel see their wickedness, it served its purpose. What we think is bizarre, God uses to accomplish His will. It’s not until we accept His Lordship, that we begin to understand His purpose. And even then, there are things we still don’t understand. That’s where trust and faith in knowing His character, and overall purpose comes into play. Knowing God, knowing His best is for our best and His glory, brings peace and a sense of “I’m okay with it, because I know the One behind the scenes is accomplishing His will”. God may ask you to do things that don’t make sense in a “worldly manner”, but it shouldn’t stifle you because you know the character and ultimate purpose of the One in control. Do you trust Him?

2 When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, He said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.”3 So Hosea married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she became pregnant and gave Hosea a son. 4 And the Lord said, “Name the child Jezreel, for I am about to punish King Jehu’s dynasty to avenge the murders he committed at Jezreel. In fact, I will bring an end to Israel’s independence. 5 I will break its military power in the Jezreel Valley.”6 Soon Gomer became pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter. And the Lord said to Hosea, “Name your daughter Lo-ruhamah–‘Not loved’–for I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them. 7 But I will show love to the people of Judah. I will free them from their enemies–not with weapons and armies or horses and charioteers, but by My power as the Lord their God.”8 After Gomer had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she again became pregnant and gave birth to a second son. 9 And the Lord said, “Name him Lo-ammi–‘Not My people’–for Israel is not My people, and I am not their God. Hosea 1:2-9

Depth, Hope, and Meaning In A Transient World….

The World is a system that man has set up to make himself happy without Jesus. Jesus is not welcome in the world’s system. If God isn’t part of your life, you’re living for things that won’t deliver on what they promise. It’s like a farmer needing rain for his crops, seeing dark clouds off in the distance, thinking to himself ”finally, the rain is coming”, then never receiving one drop. Sadly, we don’t realize this until we get to the end of our lives and learn it with little time to do anything about it. Embrace Jesus and you’ll guarantee yourself depth, hope, and meaning, in a shallow, transient world.

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

Know God, Know Truth…..

When God convicts you with the truth, He fills you with a spirit of resolve. It becomes part of who you are, and nothing will make you stand against It (Truth). When you know God, you know Truth. Anything that conflicts with this Truth, must be resisted. Evil will never hold power over the Truth, never. It may appear to win a small battle, but it will never win the war. Truth is what sets the captives free, and preserves the soul.

31 “His army will take over the Temple fortress, pollute the sanctuary, put a stop to the daily sacrifices, and set up the sacrilegious object that causes desecration. 32 He will flatter and win over those who have violated the covenant. But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him. Daniel 11:31-32

20 But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you His Spirit, and all of you know the truth. 21 So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. 1 John 2:20-21

26 I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. 27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true–it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:26-27

Pretending and Fooling Oneself….

The difference between an authentic believer and a “religious” believer is the former admits he is a sinner. The “religious” one denies his sin, and claims he has been cleansed, completely free from ever sinning again. The true believer knows he’s still a sinner, and even though he has been cleansed from the consequences of his sin eternally, he still needs to confess to God to be forgiven daily. You see when we confess our sin, by admitting we are sinners, we acknowledge our continual dependence on God, and His wonderful grace being showered on us daily. The fact that we recognize our sinful nature is still there (as long as we live here on earth in our fleshly bodies), we can rightfully welcome God’s forgiveness when we confess to Him. For God is faithful and just, willing to forgive and cleanse us from all wickedness. The “religious” believer is only pretending to be without sin, only fooling himself, not God, or others. If you think there are few people who “pretend” when it comes to this topic, think again. I’ve met many of them, and could tell you some interesting stories.

8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:8-10

The Double Effect of God’s Word….

This passage in the book of Micah does several things. First, it points out the relevancy of scripture. We still have this kind of behavior going on today, almost 3,000 years later, proving times change but people don’t. Second, it exposes the motive behind corrupt leadership (selfishness). And lastly, and most import, it shows how God’s word provides stability and guidance, and rewards His followers with true empowerment, all the while calling out bad behavior and attitudes of those who refuse to follow God. What God’s word does for the believer, it does the opposite for the hater, condemning the rebel. When we are sharing the Good News with others, remember it’s not me doing the heavy lifting, it’s God’s Word doing what it has always done. What a gift we have from God.

But as for me, I am filled with power–with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion.9 Listen to me, you leaders of Israel! You hate justice and twist all that is right.10 You are building Jerusalem on a foundation of murder and corruption.11 You rulers make decisions based on bribes; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid.Yet all of you claim to depend on the Lord. “No harm can come to us,” you say, “for the Lord is here among us.”12 Because of you, Mount Zion will be plowed like an open field; Jerusalem will be reduced to ruins! A thicket will grow on the heights where the Temple now stands. Micah 3:8-12

Exactly When We Need It….

You hear people all the time ask others to pray for them. Due to some trial or occurrence, they have been worn down and mentally exhausted. Praying for God to strengthen them is exactly what they need, and exactly what God does. Here is an example in the Bible of this exact thing. Daniel is weak from mourning for three weeks, he didn’t eat or drink much, so he was worn out. As the angel spoke, Daniel felt his strength return, and he was refreshed in spirit as well. Isn’t it like God to give us exactly what we need exactly when we need it? So from now on when people ask you to pray for them when they are weak, pray for God to strengthen them, it’s exactly what they need.

2 When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. 3 All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.4 On April 23 , as I was standing on the bank of the great Tigris River, 5 I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. 6 His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.7 Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. 8 So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. 9 Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.10 Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11 And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. 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. 13 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. 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”15 While he was speaking to me, I looked down at the ground, unable to say a word. 16 Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. 17 How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe.”18 Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. 19 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:2-19

You Are Precious To ME….

Can you imagine an angel coming to you and telling you that “you are precious to God”? It’s exactly what Gabriel did to Daniel in chapter 9 of his book. Imagine the overwhelming love he felt when he heard those words? How would you feel? We have been given even better news then that. When Jesus died on the cross, and said, “it is finished”, it’s just like He said to the repented believer, “you are precious to Me, so much so, I died for you to prove it”. Wow! How this makes you feel is in direct correlation with the condition of your heart. Any one in the right relationship with God, feels comfort, elation, and loved. Those that take this for granted or blow it off, need some form of perspective adjustment. Never take for granted the Good News of the Gospel, it’s our constant source of guidance, proper perspective, and self-worth. Knowing we are precious to God changes everything. Now go out there and act like it.

23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision. Daniel 9:23

Proof of His Patience….

What unbelievers mistake God’s absence for His non-existence or apathy towards us, for believers is His patience giving us time to repent and be saved. Just because God doesn’t act in our time frame doesn’t mean He doesn’t care, or is not real. The believer’s eyes have been opened, we see with spiritual eyes, which the world cannot see. Unanswered prayer is not evidence against God’s existence, it’s proof of His patience. What we deem necessary for God to do in order to give us what we want, isn’t always what we truly need. I read a story of a woman who was in great turmoil, experiencing severe pain, nothing she brought on herself. She started experiencing great abdominal pain. At the hospital, they ran test after test but couldn’t figure out what the issue was. She was given high doses of pain medication but none of it worked. The pain grew more intense with each passing day. After 4 days in the hospital, a new doctor ran one last test, he discovered that her large intestine had torn off the abdominal wall and was completely blocked. They had to remove the majority of her large intestine. She survived. When the doctor came and told her about the procedure, he explained that this was extremely rare coming from a non-injury type of occurrence. If the pain that she (and many others) prayed for had subsided with the medication, she would’ve been set home the first day and she would’ve died. You see, pain isn’t always a bad thing. And God’s patience with us is always a good thing. It gives us time to figure out what’s wrong, and prescribe proper treatment. Don’t ever allow the world to dictate truth, or God’s ways. His patience is for our good, no matter what excuse the world gives you.

8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:8-9

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight.15 And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him 2 Peter 3:14-15

When the World Gets Under Your Skin…

One of the reasons I trust God is because He knows what He’s doing. He knows how to handle evil, while dealing with those who love and follow Him. In this example, we have Lot, a righteous man sickened by the evil of His day, being rescued by God in the midst of destroying an evil city. God knows how to run the world, I don’t. I trust Him with that responsibility. It’s a shame unbelievers don’t see this. They think they are in control, at least until their life gets out-of-control. When the world gets under your skin, and you are bothered by all the wickedness and evil going on around you, ask God to rescue you. He knows how to rescue those who are faithful to Him, while keeping the wicked under control. I trust Him with that, do you?

Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority. 2 Peter 2:8-10a

The Company We Keep….

Here’s one reason politics are so corrupt. The company we keep, shows others the values we honor, tolerate, or display ourselves.

12 If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked. Proverbs 29:12

Honor Him…..

I am always fascinated at the story of Daniel and the den of lions. The king’s leaders wanted to find fault with Daniel, but couldn’t. So they used his religion against them (sound familiar?). The king knew Daniel was innocent, but couldn’t do anything about it (without defying his own rule). Yet, the king probably prayed for Daniel in his distress (even though it doesn’t state that he did). In the end, God honors those that honor Him. And those that defy Him, they suffer from their own doing. This is just one more story/reason for our full devotion to our deserving God.

Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2 The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. 3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.4 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. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”6 So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, “Long live King Darius! 7 We are all in agreement–we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors–that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders 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. 8 And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” 9 So King Darius signed the law.10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. 12 So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. “Did you not sign a law 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?”“Yes,” the king replied, “that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.”13 Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.”14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.”16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 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.19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent His angel to shut the lions’ 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.”23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you!26 “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.27 He rescues and saves His people;He performs miraculous signs and wondersin the heavens and on earth.He has rescued Danielfrom the power of the lions.” 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:1-28

Keep Arrogance At Bay….

Arrogance, something that is not from God, ends up being the downfall of all of its possessors. Arrogance is an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions. Breaking it down to its simplest form, arrogance is taking what a God has given and acting as if it’s your own (like you deserved it). It’s like saying, “I invented love, since I love.... or you made the ocean since you travel over it”. Arrogance, in it’s most direct sense, is not giving God credit for what He has done for you. Pride is “settled down” arrogance. We all know what God thinks of pride, “He resists the proud”. So arrogance would seem even more appalling to God. Arrogance also turns the focus on yourself and less on helping others. This prevents the humility God requires to fulfill His will. Lastly, if arrogance is a selfish state of mind, then love cannot be maximized, for two reasons. First, selfishness is the opposite of love, so you’ll have little to give. And two, without God, the little you have cannot be real, because you’re not drawing from ITS Source. You can’t give what you don’t possess. Just one more reason to stay connected to God, be in His word daily, so you set the thermostat of your heart at the proper level, establishing your priorities, and knowing your rightful place in the grand scheme of things. God’s presence, and your reverence for Him, will keep arrogance at bay, preventing it from creeping in and distorting life.

13 So Daniel was brought in before the king. The king asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles brought from Judah by my predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar? 14 I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within you and that you are filled with insight, understanding, and wisdom. 15 My wise men and enchanters have tried to read the words on the wall and tell me their meaning, but they cannot do it. 16 I am told that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems. If you can read these words and tell me their meaning, you will be clothed in purple robes of royal honor, and you will have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”17 Daniel answered the king, “Keep your gifts or give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means. 18 Your Majesty, the Most High God gave sovereignty, majesty, glory, and honor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. 19 He made him so great that people of all races and nations and languages trembled before him in fear. He killed those he wanted to kill and spared those he wanted to spare. He honored those he wanted to honor and disgraced those he wanted to disgrace. 20 But when his heart and mind were puffed up with arrogance, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21 He was driven from human society. He was given the mind of a wild animal, and he lived among the wild donkeys. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he learned that the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone He desires to rule over them.22 “You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself. 23 For you have proudly defied the Lord of heaven and have had these cups from His Temple brought before you. You and your nobles and your wives and concubines have been drinking wine from them while praising gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone–gods that neither see nor hear nor know anything at all. But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny! 24 So God has sent this hand to write this message.25 “This is the message that was written: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. 26 This is what these words mean: Mene means ‘numbered’–God has numbered the days of your reign and has brought it to an end.27 Tekel means ‘weighed’–you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up.28 Parsin means ‘divided’–your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” 29 Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was dressed in purple robes, a gold chain was hung around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.30 That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed.31 And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. Daniel 5:13-31

So We Won’t Forget….

Something that’s easily forgotten living in today’s technological, “science proves everything” society, when it comes to believing the Bible, it was written by eyewitnesses. John wrote about this, as did Peter. They both actually saw, touched, and heard Jesus speak. They experienced the Transfiguration firsthand. Peter clearly tells us here in 2 Peter chapter one. Why? So we won’t forget it’s all real. So we won’t lack confidence in God’s authentic message. So we won’t see God’s truth as irrelevant in today’s society. So we can have clear understanding in a confused and “messed up” world. So we have a clear path to Heaven. Never forget, the Bible was written by eyewitnesses, inspired by God, and is still true today than when it was written.

12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these things–even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw His majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when He received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to Him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place–until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:12-21

We proclaim to you the One who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw Him with our own eyes and touched Him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 2 This One who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen Him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that He is the One who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then He was revealed to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 1 John 1:1-4

I Don’t Have, Think Again….

God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. It’s knowing Him. It’s found in His Word. When we commune with Him daily, in His Word and in prayer, we are equipped to carry out His will. This helps us escape the world’s corruption. Christians don’t need drugs or alcohol to escape, we have God’s Spirit to help us escape the negative influences the world may offer. We align our desires with His desires and it diffuses our human desires, which always lead to our or someone else’s downfall. We need to cling to God’s promises, and nurture our fruits of the Spirit. The more we do this, the more useful and productive we will be in our daily walk with Jesus. So the next time you think you “don’t have..”, think again. You have everything you need for living a godly life, it’s just a matter of perspective (and forgetfulness on our part).

3 By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11

Insight in Living…

It’s not until a man acknowledges and accepts the reality of God and His sovereignty, that he can truly have purposeful insight in living his life. The Bible calls this repentance. It’s when we learn that God is in control, and we are not. He dictates the order of this world not man. He chooses who He establishes kingdoms for and determines how long they will last. It is He Who gives us our next breath. Until we can accept this truth, honor Him, and relinquish our pride, back over to God, we can only live pretend lives. It’s only when God willfully reigns in our life, by our own volition, that we are restored, our sanity returns, and we can honestly praise, glorify, and honor the King of Heaven.

24 “ ‘This is what the dream means, Your Majesty, and what the Most High has declared will happen to my lord the king. 25 You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses. 26 But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.27 “ ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’ The Dream’s Fulfillment 28 “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. 30 As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.’31 “While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. 32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses.’33 “That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws. Nebuchadnezzar Praises God 34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the One who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and His kingdom is eternal.35 All the people of the earth are nothing compared to Him. He does as He pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop Him or say to Him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’ 36 “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before.37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All His acts are just and true, and He is able to humble the proud.” Daniel 4:24-37

Securely Serving God…

Do you serve God? Really serve Him, Him alone? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego certainly did. Their words seemed pretty stout in their reply to King Nebuchadnezzar. I’ve always felt their words are some of the strongest, most important words in all of Scripture. “But even if He doesn’t, we.....”. Their faith and their resolve was in one place, and no where else. They trusted God with the life He had given them. Their faith dictated everything they did, from what they ate to Who they did and didn’t worship. They trusted God even if they suffered and died (even a horrific death). Can you say this about your faith? Can I? What’s so different about them than us? I’m sure there are many more people not listed in the Bible and more people living in this world today, that have this kind of faith? Are you one of them? Do you display this boldness in securely serving God?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 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.” Daniel 3:16-18

This Truth Sets Us Free….

Suffering is part of life. It’s part of being a true Christian. Once we accept this truth, it changes our attitude toward everything. Life isn’t about the pursuit of happiness, it’s about the pursuit of God (knowing Truth). We find joy in this pursuit. And this joy is real, and can never be taken away, regardless of the circumstances. This Truth sets us free.

Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.10 In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to Him forever! Amen. 1 Peter 5:9c-11

Devouring People…

For those that view Satan in any other form than a destroyer, you are deceived. For anyone to think Satan loves them, you are dead wrong. It’s impossible for Satan to love, for He has no love inside. For those that say they would rather spend their eternity with their friends in Hell than with God, I feel sorry for you, for you have been mislead in your beliefs. Satan is all about one thing: devouring people. That’s it. How can someone favor, help, or love someone if their agenda is to devour them? Satan can’t love, it’s not in Him. He’s too selfish. He’s to full of himself, there isn’t any room for love inside. Remember selfishness is the opposite of love, hatred is only part of selfishness. Don’t ever let yourself think anything positive about Satan. If you do, you’re treading in dangerous waters.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9a

Desire To Serve….

The true evidence of an authentic believer is that he pursues God out of his desire to serve, not for what he can get out of it. Give this some thought today. Examine your own heart to see if this is true with you. If it isn’t, ask God to realign your priorities, making your number one priority to serve Him and others. If you already have this established in your heart, praise Him for giving you this wonderful mindset. No one has ever regretted serving God, when their attitude was to truly serve. Serving is never wasted, when God is the recipient of your service.

2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly–not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 1 Peter 5:2-4

Humility’s Effect on God’s Enemies….

When our reverence for God keeps us humble (reserved, reverent, and teachable), God uses us to show even our enemies how great and awesome He is. They even praise Him with their own mouths. If this doesn’t make you want to pursue God, something is wrong.

29 “While Your Majesty was sleeping, you dreamed about coming events. He who reveals secrets has shown you what is going to happen. 30 And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart. Daniel 2:29-30

47 The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.” Daniel 2:47

Twisted Truth….

When it comes to fortune tellers, mediums, psychics, and astrologers, none of them have the ability to reveal the mind of God. Yes, they have the ability to deceive, to confuse, and manipulate people. They have the ability to pray on people’s vulnerabilities (which is evil). They don’t have the ability to reveal truth, because they don’t get their abilities from God. Whatever Satan does (lie, deceive, and destroy), is the same that one of these kinds of people can do, because they get their power from Him. Truth, the ability to interpret dreams, and prophecy, only come from God. Unless these people ask God for wisdom, its impossible for them to speak truth. They will tell you what you want to hear, but remember, most people don’t want to hear truth. And it’s impossible for a follower of Satan to speak truth. They speak “twisted truth”, which isn’t truth at all. Have no business with these kinds of people, they will only pull you away from God.

27 Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed. Daniel 2:27-28

Not Ashamed…

Never be ashamed of the Gospel. It’s called “Good News” for a reason. Even though we may suffer temporarily and not experience all of God’s promises in this life, He will never fail us. I would rather live life, in all of its peaks and valleys, with God, than experience the greatest thrills it has to offer without Him. This life is temporary, eternity is forever. It’s a perspective worth keeping. And it’s possible when you are in daily communion with God.

16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by His name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved,what will happen to godless sinners?” 19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:16-19

Anxious To Do His Will…..

When God forgives us through Christ when we repent, we become believers/Christians, and we become finished with sin. This means we are freed from the power and penalty of sin. It no longer holds us captive. We are no longer its slave. This transformation helps us stop chasing after our own desires by replacing that pursuit with the duty of pursuing and doing the will of God. We become anxious to do His will, leaving the pull of world in its wake.

1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy–their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:1-5

You Can’t Expect Resolution When….

When I read this proverb I can’t help but think of “modern day protesters”. They spew out a lot of anger, ridicule truth, slam high ranking officials with no sense of shame, and refuse to be tolerant, yet demand respect and tolerance from their opponents. You can’t expect any resolution when you confront a fool, for their minds are darkened. It’s impossible for a fool to accept truth, because he refuses to believe it. Be careful when you have conversations with fools, you won’t leave satisfied.

9 If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction. Proverbs 29:9