Category Archives: All Sufficient God!

Used Where They Were? Really?? Bible Ballistics: BBs #707

04 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trials, Troubles, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Under His Wings, You can overcome

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #707 Used Where They Were?   Really??

 

I would like to take some time today taking a preview look at Daniel chapter 3. Why, you might ask; and the answer would be that there is so much to consider besides the exciting story of the “fiery furnace” which is often missed when we just read the story and go on to the next chapter.  I want to give you some homework, if you would, that I think will make our next session together of more benefit to you and me both!

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold,

whose height was threescore cubits,

and the breadth thereof six cubits:

he set it up in the plain of Dura,

in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together

the princes,

the governors,

and the captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

to come to the dedication

of the image which Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up.

3 Then

the princes,

the governors,

and captains,

the judges,

the treasurers,

the counsellors,

the sheriffs,

and all the rulers of the provinces,

were gathered together

unto the dedication

of the image that Nebuchadnezzar

the king had set up;

and they stood before the image

that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then an herald cried aloud,

To you it is commanded,

O people,

nations,

and languages,

5 That at what time ye hear the sound

of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer,

and all kinds of musick,

ye fall down and worship

the golden image

that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

6 And whoso falleth not down

and worshippeth

shall the same hour

be cast into the midst

of a burning fiery furnace.”   Daniel 3:1-6

Here we have an encounter that involved three of the four young men that we have been following; and I’ll just tell you up front, we don’t know where Daniel was, but he, at the very least, isn’t mentioned in this account; now whether he was away on government business or assigned to keep charge of the palace in the King’s absence, we just don’t know.  But his three friends are the subject and the object of this account.  If you take a few minutes to go back and review chapter 2’s prophetic part, you’ll find that the emphasis was on a statue, of which King Nebuchadnezzar was represented by the “head of gold”!  No matter what else the king heard from this dream’s interpretation from Daniel, it would appear that his own “head” has been puffed up with the thought of this “head of gold”!  So, he has built and erected a 90-foot-tall statue of “gold”!  And I have no doubt that the likeness of this statue was very likely the likeness of King Nebuchadnezzar—a man of pride, and temper.

The king has not only built this giant statue, but he has also called everyone of import to the ‘reveal’ of the image of gold; and not only a ‘reveal’ but a call to “worship” this image he has set up!  How ‘coincidental’ that he has called all the people to worship this image—including our three friends!  What I want us to consider today is the fact that our three friends find themselves in a dilemma of choosing how to respond to the king’s command!  There’s an old southern gospel song that sums it up: “They Wouldn’t Bend, They Wouldn’t Bow, They Wouldn’t Burn” (Written by Arthur Smith)!  But when did these three choose?  When will you choose?

“But Daniel purposed in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:

therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile himself.”    Daniel 1:8

Daniel and his friends made up their minds at the beginning to follow and serve their God no matter where they were!  They knew God and they trusted HIM to care for them one way or another!  Their faith and devotion was in their GOD not ‘religion’!  They had already chosen to trust God and follow HIM no matter where it led; whether it was pleasant, convenient or fair—they determined before the crises came that they would not do anything to “defile” themselves; and remember they had already been ceremonially defiled by their captors!  They weren’t filled with hate, but they were filled with love for and trust in the Almighty God of creation, their GOD, knowing that HE would use them whereever HE placed them.  God can use YOU/ME right where we are (or where ever HE may lead us) if we will repent of our sin, turn to Jesus and give our lives to HIM for HIS service where ever we are!  When we decide to follow Jesus any–where HE leads and to trust to HIS care, we will find that God will do amazing things—no matter whether the circumstances are pleasant or not—no matter if it is convenient or not—no matter if it seems ‘fair’ or not!  Our God reigns in all!  Here are some reminders for us to consider.

“God reigneth over the heathen:

God sitteth upon the throne

of his holiness.”  Psalm 47:8

“How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth

peace;

that bringeth good tidings

of good,

that publisheth

salvation;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!”  Isaiah 52:7

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

So, as we wind down for today, I would like to ask you to spend some time this week reading through and pondering the content of Daniel chapter 3 and noting what these men did, how they did it, why they did it and in whom their trust was secured!  How could they be so bold (never arrogant) as to face a raging king and respectfully stand fast trusting God!

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered

and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

How will you respond when you are under a Nebuchadnezzar who challenges your faith?  If we are ever called to ‘civil dis-obedience’ will we behave with godly civility or be arrogantly uncivil.  And if you need to see even more of an example ponder this with deep humility.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable

with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow

his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:” 1 Peter 2:19-23

May you hear from God as you ponder these things.  I pray that we will each bow before our God not the world!

Lord willing, we’ll take this back up Sunday!

Amen and Amen!!!

Some Things Don’t Change!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #706

27 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Changed Lives, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Redeemed By HIS Blood

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #706  Some Things Don’t Change!!!

 

I really do have a simple word for you today, and yet it is of great import to me and to all who will receive it.  I’m departing from our look at Daniel today due to time constraints and some “interruptions” in our daily lives right now.  I pray that this word of testimony will be an encouragement and help to you

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8  Amen!

As most of you know, my daughter was murdered just over a year ago, and our world changed forever!  But, my friends, Jesus DID NOT CHANGE!  He has walked by our side and lifted us up at every turn.  I would like to share a profound event that changed me even more, and while it is a bit morose, I pray that you will hear what my heart is sharing and not be offended by the nature of the story?

Anyone who has ever dealt with police matters knows that they are seldom “speedy” affairs, and so it was several months after the murder that we got the call to come and pick up her things; and while the detective did his best to dissuade me from getting them (because he cared for my welfare, not for any dark reason), I assured him that it was something that I had to do.  So, we picked up the box and went home and rested a bit and I prepared myself for what I knew was in that box.

As we opened each individually marked bag of “evidence” my heart broke and the tears came profusely—tears that needed to be shed—and as I pieced the things together and saw the blood-soaked garments and items my heart screamed with grief, but as we got to the bottom of the box, I began to weep with a different thought; and that is what I’d like to leave with you today.  As I picked up those garments and wept, I began to pray and praise God, for this is what I thought and said out loud to my husband as I held each one: “My precious daughter was stolen from us and here we sit holding these blood-soaked proofs of her death, and our Dear God—YOU sent Jesus and poured out HIS BLOOD for me—willingly, lovingly, generously for the payment of MY sin!  Even as Jesus said, they didn’t “take” HIS life, HE gave it willingly!  And you, Father God, poured out the blood of your “Only Begotten Son” for ME!  And I must say, I have never looked at the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of my Savior the same since.

“Therefore doth my Father love me,

because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me,

but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received

of my Father.”  John 10:17-18

This my friends, is why Jesus came—to lay down HIS life’s blood for YOU and ME!  Won’t you receive His gift of life?  And if you are HIS already won’t you reconsider the cost that HE paid for you/me!  It was on purpose, because of love!  Jesus was, is and ever shall be the “Lamb slain before the foundation of the world”!  With deliberate LOVE for YOU and Me!

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God

among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did

by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge

of God,

ye have taken, and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

Jesus loves you!  Will you let HIM change and deliver you?  He’s ready and waiting!  If you hear HIS voice don’t delay.

“For the love of Christ constraineth us;

because we thus judge,

that if one died for all,

then were all dead:

15 And that he died for all,

that they which live

should not henceforth live

unto themselves,

but unto him

which died for them,

and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man

after the flesh:

yea, though we have known Christ

after the flesh,

yet now henceforth

know we him no more.

17 Therefore

if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things

are become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:14-17

And in closing, Jesus’ own words about the option of believing and receiving or rejecting!  It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test coming!

“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.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.”  John 3:15-20.

Amen!!!

Responding Rightly??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 18

24 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Blessed by God, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Consider Your ways, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, Responding Rightly, Sovereignty, Stand Fast!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Trust, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 18    Responding Rightly???

 

As we continue our look at Daniel and his friends, we begin our look at chapter 2, and what a help it can be, if we’ll but pay attention to the actions of our “faithful four”!  To set us up, our friends have completed their time in training and are in service in the king’s court along with a multitude of other Babylonian “wise men” when a major “royal crisis” arises.  While we will not be dealing with the prophetic nature of this crisis, we will be looking at what we can learn from the character, choices and consequences of these four.  What lessons of faith and obedience we can learn from these young men—emphasis on young—in commitment, character and total consistency!  What kind of “Daniels” will we be when faced with a “Nebuchadnezzar” crisis?

The crises:

“And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams,

wherewith his spirit was troubled,

and his sleep brake from him.

2 Then the king commanded to call

the magicians,

and the astrologers,

and the sorcerers,

and the Chaldeans,

for to shew the king his dreams.

So they came and stood before the king.

3 And the king said unto them,

I have dreamed a dream,

and my spirit was troubled

to know the dream.

4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack,

O king, live for ever:

tell thy servants the dream,

and we will shew the interpretation.

5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans,

The thing is gone from me:

if ye will not make known unto me the dream,

with the interpretation thereof,

ye shall be cut in pieces,

and your houses

shall be made a dunghill.

6 But if ye shew the dream,

and the interpretation thereof,

ye shall receive of me

gifts

and rewards

and great honour:

therefore shew me the dream,

and the interpretation thereof.”  Daniel 2:1-6

The king has a disturbing dream, and he is frantic to know what it means!  But there is a major dilemma in this situation, the king can’t remember the dream, just that it disturbed him.  So, he has called in his “senior staff” to reveal the dream and its meaning to him.  First crisis—he can’t remember the dream!  Second crisis—he is demanding that they tell him the dream or face a brutal death.  But the trouble continues!  Third crisis—he apparently doesn’t trust his own “wise men” of this senior staff.

“They answered again and said,

Let the king tell his servants the dream,

and we will shew the interpretation of it.

8 The king answered and said,

I know of certainty

that ye would gain the time,

because ye see the thing is gone from me.

9 But if ye will not make known unto me

the dream,

there is but one decree for you:

for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words

to speak before me,

till the time be changed:

therefore tell me the dream,

and I shall know that ye can shew me

the interpretation thereof.

10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said,

There is not a man upon the earth

that can shew the king’s matter:

therefore there is

no king,

lord,

nor ruler,

that asked such things

at any magician,

or astrologer,

or Chaldean.

11 And it is a rare thing

that the king requireth,

and there is none other

that can shew it before the king,

except the gods,

whose dwelling is not with flesh.

12 For this cause the king was angry

and very furious,

and commanded to destroy

all the wise men of Babylon.”  Daniel 2:7-12

I love this scenario—the king demanding that these men not only “interpret” his dream but tell him the dream, for he has forgotten it!  But we see more than that here, we see an undercurrent of distrust—the king is not confident when they request more time, but thinks they are simply stalling until they think the urgency will pass.  But the king is threatening their lives and their “houses” (implying that their families would also be destroyed) if they fail—but great reward if they succeed.  Yet, we find a “God-insidence” here, as God is setting up an amazing turn of affairs in this crisis.  Oh, how we need to learn to trust in our Lord God—He is never caught by surprise, He never says “oops”, and He never leaves His will to chance—HE IS the Sovereign Lord of all—in or out of Babylon—under a Nebuchadnezzar or a David—in total freedom or in seemingly unescapable servitude!  Where are you today?  It’s not a surprise to God, and if we’ll just learn some of the valuable lessons that are here in this account, we will be equipped for success in God’s eyes no matter our circumstances!

All this being said, these “wise men” make an amazing statement without being truly aware of what they are acknowledging.

“it is a rare thing that the king requireth,

and there is none other

that can shew it before the king,

except the gods,

whose dwelling is not with flesh…”

WOW!!!  If we could really get a hold on this truth and the reality and difference that it would make when we realize the truth and contrast that this simple statement reveals.  These pagan astrologers/Chaldeans/counselors admit the king is asking something that “MEN” cannot do.  They also acknowledge that only “the gods” (little ‘g’ gods) can reveal this thing, and that “the gods”—their ‘gods’—dwell “not with flesh”!  But “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”, Daniel served a different GOD—The God Almighty of all creation—who does dwell with men (women, boys, and girls) who will choose to trust and follow HIM!

The response of these ‘wise men’ was not well received by the King, and he is virtually in a rage as he commands the destruction of “all” the wise men in the kingdom.  Enter crisis number four—Daniel and his friends are a part of this order of servants in the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar!  What will they do now?  Let’s see?

“And the decree went forth

that the wise men should be slain;

and they sought Daniel and his fellows

to be slain.

14 Then Daniel answered

with counsel and wisdom

to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard,

which was gone forth

 to slay the wise men of Babylon:

15 He answered and said

to Arioch the king’s captain,

Why is the decree so hasty

from the king?

Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

16 Then Daniel went in,

and desired of the king

that he would give him time,

and that he would shew the king

the interpretation.”  Daniel 2:13-16

The soldiers come to seek Daniel and his friends, but Daniel didn’t panic; rather he behaved himself with “counsel and wisdom” to “Arioch the captain of the king’s guard” as Daniel seeks to find out the cause of the extreme measures that seek the lives of these young men.  But notice what Daniel does and the response; don’t miss the import of this “young” man’s character and demeanor—he went into the king, who didn’t trust the other “wise men”, yet he seems to trust and have confidence in this Jewish young man, and grants Daniel the time he wouldn’t give to the “wise men” to give him the answer to his questionable, disturbing dream.  This is huge!  When we will choose to follow The Lord Jesus, and be faithful to His Word and His ways, God will go before us and make the way for us.  But the lessons that we can learn from the piety of these (not pride or arrogance) young men are lessons that we must not only seek, but pursue, with ardent fervor to be found as faithful in our crises as these young men. What next?  Let’s see.

“Then Daniel went to his house,

and made the thing known

to Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah,

his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies

of the God of heaven

concerning this secret;

that Daniel and his fellows

should not perish

with the rest of the wise men

of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel

blessed the God of heaven.”  Daniel 2:17-19

What was Daniel’s plan?  A plan that we all can learn from—he didn’t panic—he didn’t doubt, pout or drop out—he didn’t scream or pitch a fit–or even whine because it ‘wasn’t fair’—NO—HE PRAYED and called his friends to join him in seeking God’s face in prayer for “mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret”!  But let’s go back and rehearse something of import from chapter one when God honored our four young men for their obedience before the King:

“As for these four children,

God gave them

Knowledge

 and skill

in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel had understanding

in all visions and dreams.”  Daniel 1:17

Daniel’s gift from God included the ability to understand and interpret dreams and visions!  Oh, what a coincidence! NOT!  God has a plan for you and me just as HE did for Daniel—not necessarily the same plan, but HIS plan.  Just as the author of Hebrews reminds us.

“…let us run with patience

the race

that is set before us…”.   Hebrews 12:1b

God doesn’t call me to run your race, or you to run mine, rather, HE simply calls us to faithful obedience to follow HIM on “our race”—the race that HE has “set before us”!

Jesus also reminded us that all of our gifts are not the same, but God is at work all the same.

“For whosoever shall give you

a cup of water to drink

in my name,

because ye belong to Christ,

verily I say unto you,

he shall not lose his reward.”  Mark 9:41

Daniel and His friends sought God’s face in prayer that they would be delivered!  There is nothing wrong with praying for deliverance, when we understand that God is trustworthy, and we can declare with Job (perhaps a declaration that Daniel knew as well!) that no matter God’s answer we will still trust HIM!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

And Jesus own direction for prayer’s parameters:

“Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:10

So, my friends—Daniel prayed!  How about you and me?  Is prayer our first line of defense or our last resort?  But there’s more!  For God heard and answered Daniel’s prayer and gave him the answer he requested, but in closing for today, I want us to think on Danie’s response to answered prayer!  Have you prayed for a deliverance?  What did you do when God answered?  What if the answer wasn’t what you asked for?  Daniel makes it clear that he KNEW the God to whom he prayed.  Please ponder these thoughts this week, and I pray that it will encourage and speak to your heart!  I also pray that you will ponder the strength and sovereignty of our GOD!  May Jesus Christ be praised….  Remember “our God reigns”!  And we’ll look at the results next week. (By the way this is a great passage to commit to memory!)

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel

in a night vision.

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 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 2:19-23

May God bless you in your pursuit of HIM this week!!!  Blessings on you and yours as we press on with, for and through Jesus our Lord!

Amen and Amen!!!

Willing To Wait & Trust??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 17

17 Sunday Jan 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Blessed by God, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Daniel's choices, Dare To Be Different!, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Holy Living, Polluted by the world?, Pursuing Excellence?, Servanthood, Testing and Trials?, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Wait on the Lord

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 17 Willing To Wait & Trust???

 

As we continue in our study of Daniel’s character and that of his three close friends, today we will consider their trust in their God in the midst of a crises of faith and obedience.  Their personal faith and integrity are put to the test in the midst of their Babylonian captivity and service to King Nebuchadnezzar.  But let’s rehearse Daniel’s mindset in the midst of his circumstances.

“But Daniel purposed

in his heart

that he would not defile

himself

with the portion of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine which he drank:….”    Daniel 1:8a

This young man (and his 3 friends) had made up his mind and set his heart on God and his faith in Him, with a determination to be faithful to the law of his God, regardless of the circumstances or the consequences.  But the thing I want us to focus on is the rest of verse 8 which shows us Daniel’s behavior with decorum!  What about us—you and me?  What does our behavior reveal?  Sometimes mine just plain slips off the page; how about you?  I need this lesson whether you do or not!  I want to be found faithfully waiting on my Lord with decorum—not the flesh!!!

“…therefore

he requested

of the prince of the eunuchs

that he might not defile

himself.”  Daniel 1:8b

Here we find Daniel behaving with that “decorum” that we spoke about last week; behavior that was a reflection of the glory of his God.  Which, in the later years of his life, even his enemies had to admit was the lodestar of his life and behavior.  Note, this passage took place close to 70 years later (a man of some 80-90 years old, and he was still a man of honor, integrity and faithfulness to his God) than the events of chapter 1.

“Then the presidents and princes

sought to find occasion against Daniel

concerning the kingdom;

but they could find none occasion nor fault;

forasmuch as he was faithful,

neither was there any error or fault

 found in him.

5 Then said these men,

We shall not find any occasion

against this Daniel,

except we find it

against him

concerning the law

of his God.”   Daniel 6:4-5

Not only did his enemies recognize his integrity (even though they used it against him, God had other plans!) but King Darius recognized in Daniel a heart, mind and life that was different—and it was all due to his service to his GOD! What about you and me?  What would our enemies say about us?

“Then the king commanded,

and they brought Daniel,

and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Thy God

whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee…

…Then the king arose very early in the morning,

and went in haste

unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den,

he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:

and the king spake

and said to Daniel,

O Daniel,

servant of the living God,

is thy God,

whom thou servest continually,

able to deliver thee

from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king,

O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel,

and hath shut the lions’ mouths,

that they have not hurt me:

forasmuch as before him

innocency was found in me;

and also before thee,

O king,

have I done no hurt.”  Portions of Daniel 6:16-22

The Apostle Peter had a similar thing to say to believers in times of trials, suffering and persecution.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who,

when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:”   1 Peter 2:19-23

We see this same kind of commitment in the young man Daniel; he who also “committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”!  How about you and me?  Are we trusting to God to take care of us when we suffer unjustly or are you like me; getting out your pencil and paper and figuring out what “we” need to do.  I think we can learn a lot from Daniel and his friends about trusting, waiting and allowing God to provide in His way, in His time and for His purposes.  And what we’re going to see in the next few weeks as we peruse Daniel’s story, is how God will show Himself faithful time and time again, when we will but love HIM, obey HIM and then just “let God BE God”!

In verse 8 we saw Daniel asking “permission”—well, pardon me, “I” am “entitled”!!!  NOT necessarily, let’s see what Daniel’s experience was; and WHO was really in charge!

“Now God

had brought Daniel into

favour

and tender love

with the prince of the eunuchs.

10 And the prince of the eunuchs

said unto Daniel,

I fear my lord the king,

who hath appointed your meat

and your drink:

for why should he see

your faces worse liking

than the children which

are of your sort?

then shall ye make me endanger

my head to the king.

11 Then said Daniel to Melzar,

whom the prince of the eunuchs

had set over

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah,

12 Prove thy servants,

I beseech thee,

ten days;

and let them give us pulse to eat,

and water to drink.

13 Then let our countenances

be looked upon before thee,

and the countenance

of the children that eat

of the portion of the king’s meat:

and as thou seest,

deal with thy servants.

14 So he consented to them

in this matter,

and proved them

ten days.”   Daniel 1:9-14

Daniel went, if you would, through ‘channels’ and asked the first level for permission; but when this guy thought about it, he said he was fearful of his “head” if he disobeyed the King’s edict.  Then Daniel went to the next in line and offered a solution to the danger in giving them this leeway of their food and drink.  He asked the official to simply test them for 10 days and then he could decide how they appeared, and Daniel said they would abide by his decision.  No ‘doubting, pouting, and dropping outing’ but a willingness to pursue obedience and trust God for the outcome!  We must abandon our “western” mindset of demanding our way—or no way.  Or if you would, “it’s my way or the highway”!  I don’t know about you, but I wrestle with letting go of “my way” and pursuing and trusting to God’s plan without reservation……as Peter said, we ought to be committing ourselves “to him that judgeth righteously”!!  God is absolutely trustworthy!

The results are amazing when we let “God be God”, and simply do what God asks us to do, and be what HE has transformed us to be!

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31

And back to Daniel 1:

“And at the end of ten days

their countenances appeared

fairer

 and fatter in flesh

than all the children

which did eat the portion

of the king’s meat.

16 Thus Melzar took away

the portion of their meat,

and the wine that they should drink;

and gave them pulse.

17 As for these four children,

God gave them knowledge

and skill

in all learning

and wisdom:

and Daniel

had understanding

in all visions

and dreams.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king

had said he should bring them in,

then the prince of the eunuchs

brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them;

and among them all

was found none

like Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters

of wisdom

and understanding,

that the king enquired of them,

he found them ten times better

than all the magicians and astrologers

that were in all his realm.”    Daniel 1:15-20

So, what do we conclude?  You can make your own conclusions, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”, trusting to His love, care and provision in every matter; and pursue His ways and not my/our own!   Are you ready and willing to trust and wait on God?  I think we better learn, and learn quickly!

Jesus puts it pretty concisely:

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide

in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:4-5

Amen and Amen!!!

Disappointed Or Devoted??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #702

13 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Daniel's choices, Glory To God, God Is In Charge, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, God's love, God's provision, It's Your Choice, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Job, King of KIngs, Nebuchadnezzars & Daniels, Reaping & Sowing

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #702   Disappointed Or Devoted???

 

Continuing in our examination of Daniel’s experiences with God, we will begin with a verse from Job that is one of my favorites, for it expresses the trust that I share with Job, and I believe Daniel and his friends.

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will

maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15. Amen and Amen!

May this ever be our heart’s cry and the delight of our life?  As we continue our look at Daniel, I would ask you to consider what you will do when we are called to be under a Nebuchadnezzar?  Will you be a Daniel, and trust to God’s perfect care, or will you “doubt, pout and drop out”?  The choice is yours, but the consequences won’t affect just your life; they will affect those around you, those watching your so-called life of “faith”!  Where does your faith stand?  In God or your ability to control you own circumstances?  Whom do you trust?  Can we proclaim with Job the truth of our Lord and Savior?

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see

for myself,

and mine eyes

shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Life or death can never separate a true believer from Jesus!

“Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection,

and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth and believeth

in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?”  John 11:25-26

Just as Jesus asked Mary if she believed, He is asking us today, “do you believe” me—not just “in” me, but believe “ME” for life, now and in the future?  Daniel was faced with the most extreme of trials, let’s see what he did.

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim

king of Judah

came Nebuchadnezzar

king of Babylon

unto Jerusalem,

and besieged it.

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah

into his hand,

with part of the vessels

of the house of God:

which he carried

into the land of Shinar

to the house of his god;

and he brought the vessels

into the treasure house

of his god.”  Daniel 1:1-2

Here we have the background of the situation with Daniel and his friends; the people of Judah (the southern 2 tribes of Israel, upon the division of the nation after Solomon’s death).  The northern 10 tribes (called Israel) had already gone into captivity to the Assyrians some 100 years earlier, but Judah had been spared because of God’s grace and some good kings (the northern tribes never had a good king, although some were less wicked than others, they all rejected God).  But Judah had refused to respond to the preaching of Jeremiah the prophet to repent, so God’s judgment has come upon them, and God has given them into the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  Yet, there were those who were faithful to The Lord God Almighty of Israel and Daniel and his friends were a part of the faithful remnant within Judah, but you see—a principle that America needs to grasp—when God judges a nation, even the righteous are affected, and Daniel and his friends give us an awesome picture of the character of the godly when they suffer.  Peter had some things to say to us about this as well, it’s a bit lengthy, but I think it will benefit us to consider this important passage.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:19-25

And just as a reminder in the same letter, Peter reminds believers that our call is to faithful devotion, service and submission to whatever God may allow into our lives.  HE is trustworthy, and His purposes are often beyond what we can see, understand or comprehend!

“Beloved, think it not strange

concerning the fiery trial

which is to try you,

as though some strange thing

happened unto you:

13 But rejoice,

inasmuch as ye are partakers

of Christ’s sufferings;

that, when his glory shall be revealed,

ye may be glad also

 with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached

for the name of Christ,

happy are ye;

for the spirit of glory and of God

resteth upon you:

on their part

he is evil spoken of,

but on your part

he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer

as a murderer,

or as a thief,

or as an evildoer,

or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer

as a Christian,

let him not be ashamed;

but let him glorify God

on this behalf.

17 For the time is come

that judgment must begin

at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us,

what shall the end be

of them that obey not

the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,

where shall the ungodly

and the sinner

appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer

according to the will of God

commit the keeping of their souls

to him in well doing,

as unto a faithful Creator.”   1 Peter 4:12-19

This, along with Paul’s simple reminder that choices matter, of which we need to be mindful, continually.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.”  Galatians 6:7

So, as we look at Daniel’s situation, we can recognize that he was caught up in the “reaping” of the sin of his people, even though he and his friends were so obviously young men of integrity, and devotion to God.  Let’s consider what the next verses of Daniel 1 tell us.

“3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz

the master of his eunuchs,

that he should bring certain

of the children of Israel,

and of the king’s seed,

and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish,

but well favoured,

and skilful in all wisdom,

and cunning in knowledge,

and understanding science,

and such as had

ability in them

to stand

in the king’s palace,

and whom they might teach

the learning

and the tongue

of the Chaldeans.

5 And the king appointed them

a daily provision of the king’s meat,

and of the wine which he drank:

so nourishing them three years,

that at the end thereof

they might stand before the king.

6 Now among these were

of the children of Judah,

Daniel,

Hananiah,

Mishael,

and Azariah:

7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs

 gave names:

for he gave unto Daniel

the name of Belteshazzar;

and to Hananiah,

of Shadrach;

and to Mishael,

of Meshach;

and to Azariah,

of Abednego.”  Daniel 1:3-7

History tells us is that not only were these young men taken to Babylon for training in public service, but more than likely were also made eunuchs—after all they were under the “master of his eunuchs”, and while we see from our passage that they were outstanding and upstanding young men in the nation; chosen because of their looks and their intelligence; castration was in itself a ceremonial defilement to them (See Deuteronomy 23:1 & Leviticus 21:20). Yet, Daniel and his friends endured this shame, (this was common practice in pagan kingdoms—for many reasons), and while we don’t know how many were taken, (it could have been upwards of 100 young men) only these four are noted by God as faithful!

Consider the situation of Daniel and his friends for a minute, and then we’ll close till next time; Daniel was a young man (probably a mid-teen youth) with intelligence, good looks, and who had no defect.  He is being taken away from his home, his family, and friends to a distant place to learn a foreign language, to be put into service to a pagan king/kingdom, to be trained (literally brain-washed to accept the culture of the kingdom) for civil service; and on top of all that, they were each given a Babylonian name (look up their Jewish names in contrast to the new ones—you may be surprised by what you find)! That’s a boatload, of heartache, but that’s not all, these young men would be inundated with the king’s food and drink.  WOW, that sounds great to most of us, but here are young men with religious convictions in regard to food and drink—in particular, not only the food itself, but the fact that it would have been offered upon idolatrous, pagan altars before it was served to them.  What was Daniel to do?  His friends? Well, we’ll look at verse 8 and leave you to ponder Daniel’s choice, and consider the answer next time!

“But Daniel purposed

in his heart

that he would not defile himself

with the portion

of the king’s meat,

nor with the wine

which he drank:”   Daniel 1:8a

Daniel could have been “dis-appointed” in his circumstances, but I truly believe that he was keeping a divine “HIS-appointment”!  Will you see your ‘disappointment’ as “HISappointment”, and stand devotedly with Job and Daniel, or be one who “doubts—pouts—and drops out”?   It’s your choice—but there is a test!

Blessings on your week!

Amen and Amen!!!