Bible Ballistics: Praying With Compassion!!! Vol. 6#22

Well, today we are going to consider the first part of Daniel chapter 9. While the end of the chapter is one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture, we must keep it in it’s context and the context of Daniel 9 will be our focus for today.

“In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; 2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” Daniel 9:2

Here Daniel sets the scene for us—it’s the first year of Darius the Mede, the kingdom of Babylon has fallen and the Medes and the Persians are ruling over the captives of Israel/Judah (which parallels chapter 6 and Daniel’s encounter in the “lion’s den”). It’s during this first year of Darius, that Daniel receives the vision of Daniel 9, but before he receives the vision, we discover the great prayer life of this man of God. Daniel had a burden of grief, which he took to God in prayer. A grief over his people and their unrepentant condition; as well as praying for God’s compassion toward a people who are not spiritually ready to return to their homeland of Judah and Jerusalem, to obey and follow the Lord God Almighty. Oh, that we could have a heart of compassion like Daniel, as we pray for our people, our nation, and our world. A world that is in need of God’s salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Daniel was also motivated by reading the Word of God, particularly the writings of Jeremiah which revealed the 70 years that God had declared for the captivity of Judah. Why would this bring Daniel to a place of such deep grief? I believe that because Daniel knew the days of the people’s return to Judah was near at hand, even at the door, he knew that they were no different than when they were taken into captivity. Remember he had lived through the latter years of Jeremiah’s prophesying and was in the first group to go into captivity. We also remember from our study of the first 6 chapters that Daniel had been faithful and devoted to God, yet he identified with his people in their sin. Do we have that kind of empathy and compassion for our people? Or do we slam others for their weaknesses, their shortcomings or lack of understanding or comprehension of God’s Word? Do we see ourselves as part of the problem? Or do we blame everyone else but ourselves for the condition of our world, and plead for God’s mercy and grace that others might see him, even as HE brought us to see HIM and the cross? I think Daniel teaches us the way we are to relate and identify with our world, and to seek God on their behalf. To be the ones who will stand in the gap.

One of Daniel’s contemporaries talked about standing in the ‘gap’!

“The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. 30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. 31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 22:29-31

We can learn from Ezekiel and Daniel the importance of “standing in the gap” for others. God told Ezekiel that judgment came when it did because not one was willing to “stand in the gap” and intercede for a sinful people. Let’s examine what Daniel calls us to. Are we willing and ready to be that one who will ‘stand in the gap’ for our people? What does it require? Let’s dig into Daniel 9 and find out!

“And I set my face unto the Lord God,

to seek by prayer and supplications,

with fasting,

and sackcloth,

and ashes:

4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God,

and made my confession,

and said,

O Lord, the great and dreadful God,

keeping the covenant and mercy

to them that love him,

and to them that keep his commandments;

5 We have sinned,

and have committed iniquity,

and have done wickedly,

and have rebelled,

even by departing

from thy precepts

and from thy judgments:

6 Neither have we hearkened

unto thy servants the prophets,

which spake in thy name

to our kings,

our princes,

and our fathers,

and to all the people of the land.”    Daniel 9:3-6

What does Daniel show us? First and foremost Daniel set his face unto “the Lord God”—the only place that we can confidently go is to God. Daniel knew that he couldn’t fix the hearts of his people, but God could. So first of all, we must determine to seek the face of God—not man!! Then we find Daniel committing to seek God not only through “prayer” but also to commit himself to prayer and supplication (asking and petitioning God), fasting (refraining from food for focus and single-mindedness toward God), and sackcloth and ashes (the attire of those who wanted to make known their earnest commitment to seek God’s face in prayer, and to express their deep grief) over his requests to God. Daniel’s heart was broken over his people and their unrealized need for God Almighty, even as we saw Daniel rehearse the character of His God in Daniel 2:20-23:

“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might are his:

21 And he changeth the times and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom unto the wise,

and knowledge to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth the deep and secret things:

he knoweth what is in the darkness,

and the light dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee,

O thou God of my fathers,

who hast given me wisdom and might,

and hast made known unto me now

what we desired of thee:

for thou hast now made known

unto us the king’s matter.”

Daniel was well acquainted with the character of God and he rehearses it again here in this prayer. When we pray we are always on a good track when we pray scripture—the character and promises of God, as well as the prayers of God’s own, including Daniel, Paul, Jesus. Along with the character of God, Daniel rehearses the sin of his people—but not with accusations and denials of his complicity in their sin, but in identification with his people and their failures toward God. Daniel acknowledges the reality that the people didn’t accidentally slip into sin, but willfully in rejection of the very prophets of God whom He sent to warn them and call them to repentance of their sin and to return to the God who loved and provided for them in every way. How do we often pray? With compassion toward those who are walking away from God, or with a stretched out finger shaming and rebuking them from our lips so that we won’t be stained by their presence? Ouch! Will we take up Daniel’s banner and pray “Lord, WE” have sinned? Or will we stick to our ‘selfie’ culture and pray, “they” have sinned—I have not? (Be sure and go back over this whole chapter and note the pronouns “we” and “us”, and “they” and “them” and learn from them). Let’s see what else Daniel has to show us.

“O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee,

but unto us confusion of faces,

as at this day;

to the men of Judah,

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,

and unto all Israel,

that are near,

and that are far off,

through all the countries

whither thou hast driven them,

because of their trespass

that they have trespassed against thee.

8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face,

to our kings,

to our princes,

and to our fathers,

because we have sinned against thee.”     Daniel 9:7-8

Daniel again rehearses the goodness of God and the sin of his people—all the people, nationally. Those who were near and those who were far off, those of low degree or of high position. Daniel helps us to understand that God is always good in all his ways, and that we will reap the consequences of our sin.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

We will reap what we sow. And God is the one who is keeping account, whether we are saved or lost. Just because we belong to Jesus, doesn’t mean that we are not responsible for our actions. God disciplines His own children, and as the book of Hebrews tells us—no discipline=not God’s child. Check it out!

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” Hebrews 12:6-8

Let’s see what else Daniel has to say as we continue on through chapter 9:

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses,

though we have rebelled against him;

10 Neither have we obeyed the voice

of the Lord our God,

to walk in his laws,

which he set before us

by his servants the prophets.

11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law,

even by departing,

that they might not obey thy voice;

therefore the curse is poured upon us,

and the oath that is written in the law of Moses

the servant of God,

because we have sinned against him.

12 And he hath confirmed his words,

which he spake against us,

and against our judges that judged us,

by bringing upon us a great evil:

for under the whole heaven

hath not been done

as hath been done upon Jerusalem.  

13 As it is written in the law of Moses,

all this evil is come upon us:

yet made we not our prayer before the Lord

our God,

that we might turn from our iniquities,

and understand thy truth.

14 Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil,

and brought it upon us:

for the Lord our God is righteous

in all his works which he doeth:

for we obeyed not his voice.

15 And now, O Lord our God,

that hast brought thy people forth

out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown,

as at this day;

we have sinned,

we have done wickedly.” Daniel 9:9-15

See the contrast between the goodness of God and the sinfulness of man. We have done wickedly—we are reaping what we sowed, just as Israel was reaping the consequences of abandoning their God. But Daniel isn’t through yet, and neither are we!

“O Lord, according to all thy righteousness,

I beseech thee,

let thine anger and thy fury be turned away

from thy city Jerusalem,

thy holy mountain:

because for our sins,

and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people

are become a reproach

to all that are about us.  

17 Now therefore, O our God,

hear the prayer of thy servant,

and his supplications,

and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary

that is desolate,

for the Lord’s sake.

18 O my God,

incline thine ear,

and hear;

open thine eyes,

and behold our desolations,

and the city which is called by thy name:

for we do not present our supplications before thee

for our righteousnesses,

but for thy great mercies.

19 O Lord, hear;

O Lord, forgive;

O Lord, hearken and do;

defer not,

for thine own sake, O my God:

for thy city

and thy people

are called by thy name.”     Daniel 9:16-19

Now Daniel brings it down to the nitty-gritty; only God could help him and his people. ONLY God can help our people and us. But it’s not because we deserve help from God, but because of God’s own great mercy, which He grants to mankind. Only God can change the hearts and lives of people—men, women, boys and girls!!! We deserve judgment, but praise God, through Jesus we can seek and receive mercy. Are we willing to fall down before our God and ask for His provision and deliverance? Will we learn from Daniel to confess our sins—yes OUR sins, and the sins of our people, whoever they may be? Enough for today, we will take up the rest of Daniel 9 next week.

After this time of intense devotion to seeking God and interceding for his people, Daniel receives one of the greatest single eschatological prophecies in all of scripture. Read through chapter 9 this week and we’ll take up the balance of the chapter next week, and see what this earnest prayer resulted in.

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #203 My God Is More Than Enough!!!

As we talked last time about the safety of being in God’s hands, we can also rest assured in that place of safety because The Lord God Almighty is more than adequate to our every need—the very creator of the universe cares for you and me:

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

And Jesus has not only given His life for the sheep, but also given His life for us that we might have not just life, but “abundant” life. Eternal life that delivers us from the condemnation of SIN! All because of God’s abundant love:

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth

in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because

he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten Son

of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”    John 3:16-19

And when we believe in Jesus –coming to Him as the only “way…truth…..and the life…”—then we have not only eternal life, but abundant life!!! And His abundant life is sufficient to anything that we may face in this life. And when we come to understand and rest in that reality, we can say with Job:

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

I will trust Him—because HE IS trustworthy. He has been, is now and always will be faithful, and I join Paul in declaring the sufficiency of God—because God declared to Paul and to us that He is!

“And lest I should be exalted above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted

above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

So??? Won’t you place your hope and confidence in the ONLY ONE who is sufficient to your every need? He loves you and will provide!!! Will you join me, and Job and Paul and praise HIM for HIS faithful love and grace? Look up!!! Trust HIM!!! And press on!!! He is able!!!

The choice is YOURS!!!

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #202 I Am Safe In God’s Hands!!!

I’d like to share a word of encouragement with you all this morning. We all have things come up that

startle us,

things that frighten us,

things that alarm us,

things that rock our world.

But what are we to do in these times? We must, I repeat, we must look to the only sure source of comfort, courage, peace and strength—our Lord God Almighty.

He is our rock,

our defense

and our total supply for every need—

whether it is a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual need. He is God over all—for HE created it all. He is trustworthy and faithful! He is dependable for all those who come to HIM His way—and that way is Jesus, by grace through faith:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

And when we come to Him, we can rest assured in His total provision for us no matter the darkness of the night or the heat of the battle:

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel,

Fear not:

for I have redeemed thee,

I have called thee by thy name;

thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters,

I will be with thee;

and through the rivers,

they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned;

neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the Lord thy God,

the Holy One of Israel,

thy Saviour: ……………..

5 Fear not:

for I am with thee: ……………..” Portions of Isaiah 43:1-5

Isaiah reminded God’s people Israel that God was with them (and He still is), and we can rest in those same promises as those who trust in Jesus—the Redeemer of Israel and all who will believe and follow Him. The scriptures are full of assurances of the sufficiency and faithfulness of God. I’d like to share just a few to encourage and lift us up today, no matter what we may be facing. I have learned by God’s Word and experience that He isn’t hindered by time, space, conflict or crises! He doesn’t need a “cell signal”! He doesn’t need “high speed internet”! Nor does He require a “prime time” spot or a “half-time” announcement!!! God knows where you are, what’s going on, and because He never sleeps—He is there for YOU!!!

Psalm 121 declares God’s faithful ability to sustain us:

“My help cometh from the Lord,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel

shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy keeper:

the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:

he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve

thy going out

and thy coming in

from this time forth,

and even for evermore.”

Did you get it? God doesn’t need a nap (even though I do)! And Hebrews 13 reminds us again of this very thing, because God wants us to “get it”!!! To know that you can do the “this” in your life today—God has placed you where you are and He will grant you the grace, strength and courage that you need to persevere and overcome “in that place”. Press on dear ones, press on!!! You are NOT alone!!!

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear what man shall do

unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #201 Light Or Dark???

Just a brief challenge for us today:

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren,

ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly

that the day of the Lord so cometh

as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say,

Peace and safety;

then

sudden destruction

cometh upon them,

as travail upon a woman with child;

and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren,

are not in darkness,

that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light,

and the children of the day:

we are not of the night,

nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep,

as do others;

but let us watch and be sober.”   1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Simply put, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and “The Day of The Lord” is coming—of that we can be assured. But the question is just as simple for us all: Are we in the light or in the dark? Are you of the brethren who believe, or are you of “them” who have rejected HIM?

Those who:

Say peace and safety (but mean otherwise)—

Will receive destruction from God—

Shall NOT escape the Lord they have rejected.

Those of us who know the Lord Jesus and belong to Him, in contrast are NOT of ‘them’ but we are part of:

Those who are:

Brethren of the Lord—

Not in darkness—

Won’t be overtaken by the darkens—

Children of the Light—Not of the dark–

Children of the Day—Not the night–

Not to be sleeping—

To be watching and walking soberly!!!

So I have just a few questions for you today.

Do you know the Lord Jesus?

Are you walking in the light?

Are you in the light but asleep?

If you don’t know Jesus, will you come to Him in repentance and faith today? If you do know Him, won’t you wake from your sleep and be diligently alert to what God has for you and I to do—for the good of others, and the increase of God’s Kingdom.

Have a blessed week:

“Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Bible Ballistics: BBs #200 Where Is YOUR SECURITY???

Security: the state of being free from danger or threat; the state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety.

We live in a world obsessed with “security”. Financial security, political security, familial security, retirement security, are all things that people are focused on. We all desire an environment that is safe, stable and “free from fear or anxiety” in every way. We depend on insurance, storm cellars, big bumpers, a strong military force, savings accounts, 401-K’s and/or any number of other things to “secure” our present and our future. But will these things assure our security? I think not.

Just look at history—the passengers on the Titanic were assured that “this ship” could NOT be sunk. Yet, sink it did. America was secure in it’s efforts toward peace with Japan on December 7, 1941. Yet by sundown on that “day that will live in infamy”, Pearl Harbor and much of the U.S. fleet were damaged, burning or sunk, as we were hurled into the midst of World War II. We can look at countless other things that have interrupted our state of security: October 28, 1929—Black Monday! October 28, 1987—Another Black Monday worked havoc! September 11, 2001—911, the number that we depend on for help in an emergency, became a number for chaos, loss and disaster to New York City and America. Security? Really? What are YOU trusting in today, to make, keep or pass on your sense of security?

There is only one ‘true security’ that exists!!! And HE is God—God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and His Holy Spirit who dwells in and directs those who belong to Jesus. As the Psalmist reminds us today, may we take heart and look “UP” rather than “Around” for our total security.

“O God,

thou art my God;

early will I seek thee:

my soul thirsteth for thee,

my flesh longeth for thee

in a dry

and thirsty land,

where no water is;

2 To see thy power and thy glory,

so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,

my lips shall praise thee.

4 Thus will I bless thee

while I live:

I will lift up my hands

in thy name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied

as with marrow and fatness;

and my mouth shall praise thee

with joyful lips:

6 When I remember thee

upon my bed,

and meditate on thee

in the night watches.  

7 Because thou hast been my help,

therefore in the shadow of thy wings

will I rejoice.

8 My soul followeth hard after thee:

thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalm 63:1-8

There is only one true place of ‘security’ and that is in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and in the hands of HIS Father, and HIS Holy Spirit, who is dwelling within us who are born again and belong to Jesus. So why do we turn to everything else? I can’t give a definitive answer to that, but I can give us a definitive alternative—we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, our only hope:

“……which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:27b

Jesus is our only hope, and when we belong to Him, and He dwells within us, our hope rests in Him—not our circumstances, our economy or our political situation.

So??? Get focused:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

So??? Set your confidence on the right thing! And that, my friends, is ONLY JESUS!

“Truly my soul waiteth upon God:

from him cometh my salvation.

2 He only is my rock and my salvation;

he is my defence;

I shall not be greatly moved.” Psalm 62:1-2

What are you ‘waiting’ on? Will ‘it’ make you truly secure? God can and He will—call on Him. Today!!!

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,

call ye upon him while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the Lord,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7