Category Archives: Choose You This Day!

One Way-One Price-JESUS!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #718

02 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Beauty For Ashes, Believe IN Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Cross, Eyes that SEE HIM, God's love, He Died That We Could Live, He IS Alive!, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE, JESUS, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #718  One Way-One Price- JESUS!!!

 

He was placed in a tomb—but my friends, HE, Jesus, didn’t stay there.  HE arose triumphant over sin, death and hell!  And HE did it all for YOU and me!  I pray that you will seek Jesus today!

“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.”  John 3:16-18

Condemned or Redeemed?  The choice is yours but choose wisely there is a test.  And Peter gives us a most beautiful picture of the price that our Lord paid, and how we who are HIS should approach the world!

“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 2:20-25

May you see Jesus in this special time, and when you do, may the world see Jesus IN you/me!

Jesus’ love and willingness to die for you and me says it all—

What will YOU do with HIS sacrifice?

Amen and Amen!

 

 

Why We NEED The Altar??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 01

28 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Be not conformed to this world, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Compromise, Confessing Sin, Consider Your ways, Crucified With Christ, Distractions, Encouragement, Every Knee Shall Bow, Evil will not win, Father's Way!, God Who Sees, Judgment, Listening To God, We NEED an altar!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 01  Why We NEED The Altar???

 

I recently read a social media post longing for the days when we practiced the “altar call” in more of our churches.  I so identified with the writer, for I know that same longing; yet there was a response disclaiming, of sorts, this longing with the thought that we didn’t need the altar for “everyone” is worshipping, and that the “body of worship” is the new altar.  Well, I would beg to differ, and I’d like to address the reasons I differ.  The altar was the center, the heart of most churches—it wasn’t just the more charismatic churches, but Baptist churches, and Methodist churches and Presbyterian churches, and others who all called congregants to the altar at the conclusion of the services.  Why?  That is the issue, and what I long for; a return to a time when we are called to decide if we will truly hear and heed the Word of The Lord, to respond in obedient to submission to the call of The Lord to each heart.

Today we seem to just glory in the volume of the music, and the activity of raised hands or shouts of glory, but I’ve often watched the faces of the congregation turn to stone after all of this “praise” when The Word of God is opened.  Where is the longing to please God by hearing His Word and responding to the conviction of The Holy Spirit calling us to face our sin, to repent or to yield to God’s direction in our everyday living?  What is worship after all?  It’s not the genre of our music, or the cut of our clothing, or even which translation of the Bible you may use; worship is a life lived in obedience and devotion to God. Even as Jesus said:

“Jesus saith unto her,

Woman, believe me,

the hour cometh,

when ye shall neither in this mountain,

nor yet at Jerusalem,

worship the Father.

22 Ye worship ye know not what:

we know what we worship:

for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh,

and now is,

when the true worshippers

shall worship the Father

in spirit

and in truth:

for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him

must worship him in spirit

and in truth.”  John 4:21-24

And what is this Spirit by which we are to come to God?  It is the indwelling Holy Spirit, the New Covenant, of Jesus who will lead us into all truth.

“Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you

things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine, and

shall shew it unto you.”   John 16:13-14

And what is this truth—it is all The Word of God (the written word and The Living Word)—that which touches the hearts of HIS own and enables us to live holy lives that display God and His Word before a lost and dying world.  Conviction, restoration and truth can be found at an altar—for we who belong to Jesus or want to—by bringing our burdens to lay them at HIS feet!  We are to bring our faults and our failures for His forgiveness and cleansing, as well as our burdens.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us from

all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word

is not in us.”   1 John 1:5-10

God is ever at work conforming us into the image of HIS Son Jesus (See Ro. 8:28-29), yet so many today seem to be content with a praise that omits a life of holiness.  Much like the crowd that greeted Jesus with “Hosanna” on Sunday yet cried “Crucify HIM” four days later.  We want a ‘worship’ that makes us feel good but requires nothing of us: no repentance, no recognition of sin, no willingness to align our lives with The Word of God.  What do I mean, well, let’s be blunt:  we live the way we want, singing “Praise the Lord” on Sunday and curse like the world on Monday; we lift our hands on Sunday and join hands in living with one to whom we’re not married with no compunction or shame and we could go on, but Jeremiah describes much of the Christian culture today, much better than I—yet it grieves my heart.

“For from the least of them

even unto the greatest of them

every one is given to covetousness;

and from the prophet

even unto the priest

every one dealeth falsely.

14 They have healed also

the hurt of the daughter of my people

slightly, saying,

Peace, peace;

when there is no peace.

15 Were they ashamed

when they had committed abomination?

nay, they were not at all ashamed,

neither could they blush:

therefore they shall fall among them that fall:

at the time that I visit them

they shall be cast down,

saith the LORD.

16 Thus saith the LORD,

Stand ye in the ways,

and see,

and ask for the old paths,

where is the good way,

and walk therein,

and ye shall find rest for your souls.

But they said,

We will not walk therein.

17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying,

Hearken to the sound of the trumpet.

But they said,

We will not hearken.”  Jeremiah 6:13-17

“For they have healed

the hurt of the daughter of my people

slightly, saying,

Peace, peace;

when there is no peace.

12 Were they ashamed

when they had committed abomination?

nay, they were not at all ashamed,

neither could they blush:

therefore shall they fall among them that fall:

in the time of their visitation

they shall be cast down,

saith the LORD.”  Jeremiah 8:11-12

Much like our culture, Israel had chosen to be “religious” but not faithful to God.  They renamed sin, just like we do, but it remains sin—then and now, and there is a price to pay!

“Woe unto them that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!”  Isaiah 5:20-23

Paul warned Timothy of the peril of sin and its toll on mankind and the world; and it would worsen with time.

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul also made a most profound statement to the Philippian church, that I think we ought to take to heart today.

“Beware of dogs,

beware of evil workers,

beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision,

which worship God in the spirit,

and rejoice in Christ Jesus,

and have no confidence

in the flesh.”  Philippians 3:2-3

It’s all about being faithful to “worship God in the spirit”, to “rejoice in Christ Jesus”, and most of all to “have no confidence in the flesh”!  We must return to the altars of days gone by and seek God’s face in repentance, mourning and hope.  Our God hears and answers prayers, and as John said above (in 1 John 1:5-10) we can find forgiveness, and restoration in God, and HE will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”!  And confess means to agree with God that our sin IS SIN!  We must stop this attitude of self-satisfaction, and seek God’s face, and as the woman at the well, hear Jesus’ assessment of our sin, repent and receive His forgiveness, restoration and cleansing.

What is the altar all about?  Good question.  It is the place of sacrifice—the place of recognizing our sin, and the offering of a sacrifice for it.  The Old Testament believer would take the required animal, slay it before the priest in confession of sin; then he would take the blood and burn it upon the altar, to cover the sin.  Jesus came to be the sin offering for all sin—the ultimate sacrifice.  So, when we come to the altar, we come recognizing our sin and failure to be what God has called us to be, seeking HIS forgiveness and the application of HIS redeeming blood and grace!

“the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin”!

Oh, that we could be willing to humble ourselves before our God and seek HIS face in all we do, even bowing at an altar!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter be turned to mourning,

and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:6-10

The altar is to be a place to bow and draw nearer to God, to seek His face, to discern HIS will for our lives.  The old-timers sometimes referred to the altar (or a portion of it) as the “mourner’s bench”—a place where we intercede over the sins, needs and wickedness of our world.  Oh, that we could have a heart as Daniel had to pray for his people, not in arrogance and self-righteousness, but in identifying with his people, and calling on God to move and call HIS people to HIMSELF in repentance!  Oh, that we would hold ourselves to God’s standard, and humble ourselves in all our ways.

As we see in scripture, over and over again.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you be subject

one to another,

and be clothed

with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:5-7

And as Peter goes on to say, we are to trust to God’s care in humble dependence upon HIM, resisting the devil in faith!

“Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.”  1 Peter 5:8-10

I simply pray that God will take this message and touch my heart and yours, and that we will flock to that altar to find renewed love, holiness, peace, and power to change the world!  So, let’s come to HIM in confidence, seeking HIS face and ways, and not our own, as the church at Laodicea did.  May we take heed to the very words of our Lord and Savior and “see” truth!

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;

These things saith the Amen,

the faithful

and true witness,

the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works,

that thou art neither cold nor hot:

I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm,

and neither cold nor hot,

I will spue thee

out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not

that thou art wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold

tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness

do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see.”  Revelation 3:14-18

May HE open our eyes “that thou mayest see”!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s Turning Your Heart??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #713

11 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Encouragement, Erasing The Lines?, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, God Who Sees, God's Judgment, Good News, Sowing and Reaping, The Little Things., The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Truth

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #713   What’s Turning Your Heart???

 

“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old,

that his wives turned away his heart

after other gods:

and his heart was not perfect

with the LORD his God,

as was the heart of David his father.

5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth

the goddess of the Zidonians,

and after Milcom

the abomination of the Ammonites.

6 And Solomon did evil

in the sight of the LORD,

and went not fully after the LORD,

as did David his father.” 1 Kings 11:4

What an indictment for us to consider today.  Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (other than Jesus, the God-man Savior) made some foolish choices that cost him dearly.  God judged his sin, and the effects of it reached throughout his kingdom, and eventually resulted in a divided kingdom.  But for today I want us to consider the import of guarding our heart by keeping our eyes on Jesus and running the race that HE has set before us and called us to!  And then I’d simply like to share some scriptures with us about the heart and what a difference a right heart and right choices will make!  I’ve learned from experience and God’s Word that “little foxes” can ruin the crop of our heart and life!

“Take us the foxes,

the little foxes,

that spoil the vines:

for our vines

have tender grapes.”  Song of Solomon 2:15

We must guard the “crop” of our heart, for Satan is ever busy throwing his “fiery darts” to distract, deter and delay us until we’ve missed the opportunities of service to our Lord and King.

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”   1 Corinthians 15:33

Or as the NASB puts it:

“Do not be deceived:

Bad company 

corrupts good morals.”  1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB

May we with the Psalmist ever pursue God and HIS truth rather than the prattle of the world.

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

And again, great counsel from the Psalmist.

“LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me;

give ear unto my voice,

when I cry unto thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth

before thee as incense;

and the lifting up of my hands

as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not eat of their dainties.”   Psalm 141:1-4

It is a fulltime job to keep our heart right with God and it requires diligence and determination to keep our eyes set on Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 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.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Only Jesus saves and transforms lives—and the transformed heart, while regenerate, is not free from the trials and fleshly temptations that abound around us, but when we keep our hearts, minds and eyes “Looking unto Jesus” we will find the strength and courage to “withstand in the evil day…and having done all, to stand”!

We must be aware of our surroundings and the danger of compromise, for any reason.  We must keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus.  And while HE will deliver when we seek HIS provision and guidance, HE won’t violate our free will.  He is ever at work to conform us into HIS image, but we are called to “walk in the Spirit” and we will “not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”! (See Galatians 5:16 & 25).  Yet we can choose to compromise as Solomon did and reap the consequences of our choices, or we can trust to the care of HIM who completes HIS work IN US!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

So, my friends, we all have a choice, recognize the dangers of compromise and avoid them, or succumb to the “wiles of the devil”!  What’s your pleasure, to allow the things of this world to turn your heart away from God, or to “stand fast in the evil day”?  Jeremiah put it quite succinctly.

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?”   Jeremiah 17:9

God knows, God cares, and HE provides a way, if we will but keep our hearts and minds set on HIM.

“Shall not God search this out?

for he knoweth the secrets

of the heart.”  Psalm 44:21

And as the author of Hebrews put it, the standard is and will ever be The Word of God!  What’s your standard?  Like Solomon’s became, due to the influence of his pagan wives?  What’s drawing you away?  Culture, companions, media, sports, movies, popularity, power, lust…. the list could go on, but you get the point.  What will we choose?  But be careful, choose wisely there is a test.

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints

and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things

are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”    Hebrews 4:12-13

And if you want to see a picture of the contrast read and consider Psalm 1.  Blessings on you and yours….

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Going With You??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #712

04 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Assurance or Arrogance, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fear, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Fickle or Faithful, For Such A Time As This, Glory of God, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #712   Who’s Going With You???

 

I just have a brief word to share this morning, but by way of “FYI”, I do want to let you know that the inconsistent schedule of postings is due to some personal issues here at home.  My husband’s health is not doing so good, and simply put, much of the “time”, my “time” isn’t my own.  So, I’ll keep on doing what I do when I’m able.  I hope to post at least twice a week and when I’m able to do more, I will.

This morning, I want to share a simple but profound reminder from one of my favorite Bible characters, Joshua.  The man who needed reminding to “be courageous”—but by the end he truly had learned to trust his GOD!  So, here’s a reminder for us all today to “be courageous” regardless of the size of the giants!

“The LORD thy God,

he will go over before thee,

and he will destroy these nations

from before thee,

and thou shalt possess them:

and Joshua,

he shall go over before thee,

as the LORD hath said.

4 And the LORD shall do unto them

as he did to Sihon and to Og,

kings of the Amorites,

and unto the land of them,

whom he destroyed.

5 And the LORD shall give them up

before your face,

that ye may do unto them

according unto all the commandments

which I have commanded you.

6 Be strong and of a good courage,

fear not,

nor be afraid of them:

for the LORD thy God,

he it is that doth go with thee;

he will not fail thee,

nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua,

and said unto him

in the sight of all Israel,

Be strong and of a good courage:

for thou must go with this people

unto the land which the LORD

hath sworn unto their fathers

to give them;

and thou shalt cause them

to inherit it.”  Deuteronomy 31:3-7

And again, as he was about to lead the people in, God reminded him of his commission and the “supplier”!

“There shall not any man be able

to stand before thee all the days of thy life:

as I was with Moses,

so I will be with thee:

I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong

and of a good courage:

for unto this people shalt thou divide

for an inheritance

the land, which I sware

unto their fathers

to give them.”  Joshua 1:5-6

“Only be thou strong and very courageous,

that thou mayest observe to do

according to all the law,

which Moses my servant

commanded thee:

turn not from it

to the right hand

or to the left,

that thou mayest prosper

whithersoever thou goest.”   Joshua 1:7

“Have not I commanded thee?

Be strong and of a good courage;

be not afraid,

neither be thou dismayed:

for the LORD thy God

is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.”  Joshua 1:9

What has God commissioned you/me to?  Are we willing to go fearlessly?  It’s our call, yet our confidence is in the ONE who calls, equips and goes with us all the way; so that with Joshua we can proclaim in confident assurance:

“…as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD”. Joshua 24:15b

And put a bit differently by the author of Hebrews:

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

Faithful Pray-er Or Panic-er??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 23

28 Sunday Feb 2021

Posted by in All Sufficient God!, Believe IN Jesus, Blessed by God, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Confidence or Presumption?, Consider Your ways, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel's choices, Daniel's Prayer, God's Faithfulness, Influence, Inspiring Others, Integrity, Liars, Lies, Light In The Dark, Prayer or Panic?

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 23 Faithful Pray-er Or Panic-er??

 

As we finish up our look at Daniel and his friends, we look today at chapter 6, and we’ll see quite a contrast in kings and circumstances.  We looked last week at an arrogant king who had no regard for God or the lessons he had the opportunity to learn from; and saw that king meet his doom.  This week we’ll see the conquering king (although there were co-rulers in the empire, we will only consider one king) and even though a wise and discerning king, even the wise and discerning can be subject to ego, vanity and deceit.

“In that night was Belshazzar

the king of the Chaldeans

slain.

31 And Darius the Median

took the kingdom,

being about threescore and two years old.”  Daniel 5:30-31

Darius the Mede has taken control of Babylon after invading the city, as God prophesied through Daniel and the “hand-writing on the wall”!  Have you been paying heed to the “hand-writing” on your wall?  Or will you be taken unaware?  If we will pay attention to God’s voice and hand at work in our life, then we will find ourselves able to practice a faithful prayer life like Daniel.

“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom

an hundred and twenty princes,

which should be over the whole kingdom;

2 And over these

three presidents;

of whom Daniel was first:

that the princes might give accounts

unto them,

and the king should have no damage.

3 Then this Daniel

was preferred

above the presidents

and princes,

because an excellent spirit

was in him;

and the king thought

to set him over the whole realm.

4 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.”  Daniel 6:1-4

Remember God’s blessing on Daniel and his three friends?

“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 1:19-20

Each of these men along with Daniel had “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself”, and God honored their faithfulness in this hard place, by blessing them with ability and success in all of their endeavors. How does your faithfulness and mine measure up against such integrity?  I hope well, but it doesn’t come without effort and devotion to God and His Word.  God displayed his faithfulness and revealed himself through his faithful servants in a pagan land; and I believe there is a parallel for our consideration today—we are finding ourselves living in a pagan land—a land that is defying the Lord God Almighty; redefining virtually everything that HE has established, for greed, gain and self-promotion.  How will we stand?  For how long?  Daniel has proven himself faithful for some 70 years in Babylon, and even the new Median King Darius sees the integrity and ability in “this Daniel” and promotes him to a place of honor and service; while he is considering an even greater promotion to chief in the land (under the king, of course)!  BUT—not everyone was excited about Daniel’s integrity or his success.  Why?  I think for the same greed, gain and self-promotion that pervades our culture today.  And I think, if you look closely, you’ll find the same tactics used these thousands of years ago, are being used today.  Satan’s tactics never change.  Let’s look?

“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

I find it interesting that even Daniel’s enemies couldn’t find any “occasion against” him in the affairs of state; and just like politicians today, I’m sure they left no stone unturned to find some.  Yet, these men in their eagerness to discredit Daniel, realized that they would have to be cunning and wily to discredit Daniel and could only trip him up with the “law of his God”.  The very thing that brought him into favor with Nebuchadnezzar, would now be used to try and bring him into disfavor with King Darius.  How hard would people have to look to find cause for discrediting us?  For most of us—including me—not very far.  We have all made bad choices, mistakes and just outright failures; but Daniel was a man of total honor, integrity and devotion to his God.  How about you/me?  These enemies went after Daniel in a way that brings me shame, for my faithfulness and consistency is often lacking in regard to my prayer and study of God’s Word.  Let’s see what they come up with.

“Then these presidents and princes

assembled together to the king,

and said thus unto him,

King Darius,

live for ever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom,

the governors,

and the princes,

the counsellors,

and the captains,

 have consulted together

to establish a royal statute,

and to make a firm decree,

that whosoever shall ask

a petition of any God

or man

for thirty days,

 save of thee,

O king,

he shall be cast

into the den of lions.

8 Now, O king,

establish the decree,

and sign the writing,

that it be not changed,

according to the law

of the Medes and Persians,

which altereth not.

9 Wherefore king Darius

signed the writing

and the decree.”  Daniel 6:6-9

We ought to learn something from these men, a lesson in current affairs; their plan of attack started with a consensus of flattery, lies and deceit—ring any bells?  They told the king that “all” of the “leaders” had agreed to this plan—“all” that is, but Daniel.  But they left that part out!  They included only the information they wanted others to know about, the truth was irrelevant!  Sound familiar?  Then they flattered the king and used his ego to trap Daniel.  Are we so faithful to God that we could be trapped by our faithfulness?   This king fell into the trap of ego and self-importance, and we need to be careful of the trap.  And we also need to understand that the enemy doesn’t play by the same rules that we do!

So, back to Daniel, what does he do?

“Now when Daniel knew

that the writing was signed,

he went into his house;

and his windows being open in his chamber

toward Jerusalem,

he kneeled upon his knees

three times a day,

and prayed,

and gave thanks before his God,

as he did aforetime.

11 Then these men assembled,

and found Daniel praying

and making supplication

before his God.

12 Then they came near,

and spake before the king

concerning the king’s decree;

Hast thou not signed a decree,

that every man that shall ask a petition

of any God or man

within thirty days,

save of thee, O king,

shall be cast into the den of lions?

The king answered and said,

The thing is true,

according to the law

of the Medes and Persians,

which altereth not.

13 Then answered they and said before the king,

That Daniel,

which is of the children of the captivity

of Judah,

regardeth not thee, O king,

nor the decree

that thou hast signed,

but maketh his petition

three times a day.”  Daniel 6:10-13

Here we find Daniel’s enemies gathered—probably at the only “prayer meeting” they’ve ever attended—to catch Daniel being faithful to his God.  And just FYI, when they come to find us faithful to our God, what will they find.  Will we be found continuing to be faithful?  Will we have to scramble to even know how to pray?  Or will we just count it too much trouble and cave to the culture around us?

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26

If you’re not following Him today, when do you intend to start?  God already had a plan for Daniel, who, like Job, knew in Whom he trusted.

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

“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

God confirmed Daniel’s faith through this pagan king who had seen faithfulness in Daniel on more than one front.

“Then the king,

when he heard these words,

was sore displeased with himself,

and set his heart on Daniel

to deliver him:

and he laboured till the going down

of the sun

to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king,

and said unto the king,

Know, O king,

that the law of the Medes and Persians is,

That no decree nor statute

which the king establisheth

may be changed.

16 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.

17 And a stone was brought,

and laid upon the mouth of the den;

and the king sealed it with his own signet,

and with the signet of his lords;

that the purpose might not be changed

concerning Daniel.

18 Then the king went to his palace,

and passed the night fasting:

neither were instruments of musick

brought before him:

and his sleep went from him.”  Daniel 6:14-18

Darius knew by Daniel’s life of faithfulness and integrity that his God would deliver him.  What does our life tell others about our God?  Does our faithfulness cause even our enemies to look to our God?  Or do we look so much like the world that no one can see God in us?

As Peter tells us, our testimony in suffering can make a difference.

“Dearly beloved,

I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

which war against the soul;

12 Having your conversation honest

among the Gentiles:

that, whereas they speak against you

as evildoers,

they may by your good works,

which they shall behold,

glorify God in the day of visitation.

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance

of man

for the Lord’s sake:

whether it be to the king,

as supreme;

14 Or unto governors,

as unto them that are sent

by him

for the punishment

of evildoers,

and for the praise of them

that do well.

15 For so is the will of God,

that with well doing

ye may put to silence

the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free,

and not using your liberty

for a cloke of maliciousness,

but as the servants of God.

17 Honour all men.

Love the brotherhood.

Fear God.

Honour the king.”   1 Peter 2:11-17

So, what did Darius find in the morning?

“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.

23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him,

and commanded that they should take Daniel

up out of the den.

So Daniel was taken up out of the den,

and no manner of hurt was found upon him,

because he believed in his God.”    Daniel 6:19-23

Daniel’s eyes were looking up to his GOD, not around at the lions; and his GOD delivered for Daniel’s good and HIS glory!  And, consequently, the destruction of the wicked, while God brought Daniel even greater honor.

“And the king commanded,

and they brought those men

which had accused Daniel,

and they cast them into the den of lions,

them, their children, and their wives;

and the lions

had the mastery of them,

and brake all their bones in pieces

or ever they came at the bottom

of the den.

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people,

nations, and languages,

that dwell in all the earth;

Peace be multiplied unto you.

26 I make a decree,

That in every dominion of my kingdom

men tremble and fear

before the God of Daniel:

for he is the living God,

and stedfast for ever,

and his kingdom

that which shall not

be destroyed,

and his dominion

shall be even unto the end.

27 He delivereth

and rescueth,

and he worketh signs

and wonders in heaven

and in earth,

who hath delivered Daniel

from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered

in the reign of Darius,

and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”   Daniel 6:24-28

Who or what is YOUR GOD?  Are your eyes on the prize—Jesus—or the lions—or the liars?

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast,

unmoveable,

always abounding

in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour

is not in vain in the Lord.”   1 Corinthians 15:57-58

May God bless and grow us in in HIS Word and HIS ways.  Keep looking up not around!  God hears and answers “prayers” not “panic”!

Amen and Amen!!!