Category Archives: Faith

Does Real Faith Worry??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 18

02 Sunday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Does real faith worry?, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fret NOT!, Fretting or Faith???, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 18   Does Real Faith Worry???

Worry: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts…to fret

A cause of uneasiness or anxiety…

I heard a lovely song this morning, which gave me pause to question, for the jest of the song was that we won’t “worry” in heaven, and while that is true, the implication was that we ‘worry’ here and that isn’t necessarily ok!

Worry is a pretty natural state of affairs in most of our lives, yet are we really walking by faith when we live in a state of worry?  I was guilty of this very idea of justifying our “worry” this week in a discussion about an upcoming event in our lives, and I was calling my “concern” everything but “worry”, for I know in my head and in my heart that Jesus makes it clear that walking with HIM by faith will diminish our tendency to “worry and fret”, if not completely eliminate it altogether, and I wasn’t doing that!  That is where I desire to live, even though I know I often fall so far short.  Yet faith that Jesus talks about seems to be the antitheses of modern faith!  I say I trust HIM, yet I keep doing things myself instead of bringing them to Jesus and leaving them at the cross.

I remember a testimony that a friend shared with me many years ago, of a couple whose home he entered to work on a utility problem; as it turned out, he told them he would have to come back, and they said they probably wouldn’t be home, but their home would be unlocked, and he could just come in and do what he needed to do.  Well, needless to say, my friend was shocked! UNLOCKED? So, he questioned the lady, and she simply told him, “Our home belongs to Jesus, along with every possession we have, and whatever HE sees fit to permit, we trust HIM!”  I must tell you, how often that story has come back to me again and again, for I am far from having that kind of faith; yet so many of our missionaries all over the globe, live that kind of faith in ministry, while we have so much more than they do.  And me?  I wrestle with anxiety over being safe, I cannot tell a lie, and I know God has brought me a long way in the area of “trusting” HIM in regard to safety; of “resting” in HIM when I’m alone; of relying upon HIS total care when I am being and doing what HE has called me to!  How about you?  Are you a “fretter”?  Are there areas of life that you have trouble letting go of?

Well, if you are like me, maybe you also need a reminder of what God has called us to; how He wants us to understand that fretting over and clinging to the “cares of this world” ought to be foreign to us.  Let’s see what HIS Word teaches, and I pray that we (ME included most of all—as Paul said, “I am chief” offender!) will learn to have a more exercised faith, and show the world the power of grace, love, and a trust in the power of our crucified, risen and soon coming KING!  The safest place that you or I can ever be, is right, smack in the center of God’s will for us!

“And that which fell among thorns are they,

which, when they have heard,

go forth,

and are choked

with cares

and riches

and pleasures of this life,

and bring no fruit

to perfection.”   Luke 8:14

 And a verse that I run to more often than I can say:

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

“The king’s heart

is in the hand of the LORD,

as the rivers of water:

he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man

is right in his own eyes:

but the LORD pondereth the hearts.”  Proverbs 21:1-2

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not what a day

may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

Jesus also had much to say about this subject—may we heed HIS amazing call to walk by faith:

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink;

nor yet for your body,

what ye shall put on.

Is not the life more than meat,

and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air:

for they sow not,

neither do they reap,

nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.

Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought

can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment?

Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow;

they toil not,

neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you,

That even Solomon in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field,

which to day is,

and to morrow is cast into the oven,

shall he not much more

clothe you,

O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father

knoweth that ye have need

of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:24-34

Oh, if we had time to dig into the depths of this message of Jesus’, but let’s consider this first statement above—”No man can serve two masters”; did you get that “no one”—man, woman, boy, or girl—can truly have divided loyalties!  Either we will choose to follow our Lord, or we will go our own way. For those who have never come to Jesus, this is a disastrous choice that will lead to destruction (See chapter 7); for the believer it could end in a “shipwrecked” life—a life with no “fruit”, or as Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 3, no rewards to bring to our king.  I think that passage is also worth our consideration, for it reveals a real danger of a lack of faith and obedience in our life when we miss our Lord’s direction and choose worry/fretting instead of boldly, courageously, walking in faith.  Let’s consider Paul’s message, especially in light of what Jesus says above, which makes it clear that we can be a genuine believer and still miss God’s perfect will and purpose for our life if we go our own way instead of choosing Jesus’ will by faith; by producing our own works, choosing to give inadequate heed to The Word of God, and settling for the popular lead of the world (choosing wood, hay and stubble instead of gold, silver and precious stones)!  Are you choosing the indestructible things of God, or the totally flammable works of the flesh; ashes or precious treasure to honor our KING?.

“For other foundation

can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed

by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not

that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God,

him shall God destroy;

for the temple of God is holy,

which temple ye are.

18 Let no man deceive himself.

If any man among you seemeth to be wise

in this world,

let him become a fool,

that he may be wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world

is foolishness with God.

For it is written,

He taketh the wise

in their own craftiness.

20 And again,

The Lord knoweth

the thoughts of the wise,

 that they are vain.”  1 Corinthians 3:11-20

As Paul says, “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ”, no matter what is popular—only Jesus IS LORD—only Jesus IS THE WAY—what will you choose today?  Jesus? Or your own way?  The world’s way?  Faith or fretting?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  And just as important as that, there are those following you who may never have any witness other than the example and testimony that you leave every day by your footsteps of faith or fretting or settling for your own way.  Who’s following YOU?  Let’s choose to be like Joshua and boldly stand in faith!

“And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

Let’s pursue holiness and faithfulness, as the Psalmist calls us to so encouragingly!  Amen and Amen!!!

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him who prospereth

in his way,

because of the man who bringeth

wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:3-9

Walking–By Faith Or By Sight??? A Word from THE WORD!!! Bible Ballistics

11 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Cross, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Take Up YOUR Cross, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus

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A Word from THE WORD!!! #6 Walking– By Faith Or By Sight???

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed

from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just

shall live by faith.”  Romans 1:16-17

How are we to walk by faith?  By the power of the “new birth” that God works in those who come to Jesus in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin—mine and yours—and being made a “new creation” inChrist Jesus!

“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 5:17

But how is this worked in us?  By the power of the Holy Spirit, and the coming of The Lord Jesus Christ to live a sinless life, being The Lamb of God, who had come to die for our sin.

“That was the true Light,

which lighteth every man

that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them

that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”   John 1:12-13

As John the Baptizer said:

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said,

After me cometh a man

which is preferred before me:

for he was before me.”   John 1:29-30

Because of what Jesus did, I can walk by faith—faith in The One who loved me and you, and gave Himself for me/you, that we could live IN HIS power, as I/you die to ‘my’ flesh and live unto ‘my’ LORD Jesus!

“I am crucified with Christ:

 nevertheless I live;

 yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

So, how are you “living”?  By your own wiles, efforts, and schemes, or by the power of Jesus?  Have you been “born again” by the Spirit of God, or are you still walking in your own sin, your own way, with the consequences that accompany that choice?  It is your choice but choose wisely there is a test!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

 which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

And in closing, the definition of faith from the author of Hebrews:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report

….6 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.”   Portions of Hebrews 11:1-6

So, who are you seeking?  How are you walking?  By faith?  Or by sight? Are you walking with a “cross” simply hanging around your neck, or have you taken up your “cross” to follow Jesus?

“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

Amen and Amen!!!  May Jesus speak to your heart today!

A Word from THE WORD!!! #3 Bible Ballistics

29 Friday Apr 2022

Posted by in Evil and Adulterous Generation?, Faith, Faithful, Seeking Signs?

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A Word from THE WORD!!!  #3

 

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came,

and tempting desired him

that he would shew them a sign

from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them,

When it is evening,

ye say, It will be fair weather:

for the sky is red.

 3 And in the morning,

It will be foul weather to day:

for the sky is red and lowring.

O ye hypocrites,

ye can discern the face of the sky;

but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation

seeketh after a sign;

and there shall no sign be given unto it,

but the sign of the prophet Jonas.

And he left them, and departed.”  Matthew 16:1-4

Are we seeking Jesus or what HE can do!  Satan tried to tempt Jesus to use HIS power to “do signs”; what are you asking Jesus for?  Are you seeking HIM or want proof of something?  Jesus makes it clear that His resurrection IS THE SIGN.  Don’t get caught up in the culture’s demand, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, for signs and wonders.  The deceiver who is coming will fool the people with false signs and wonders—salvation and faith are just that, not some magic show.  We need to stop tempting God with our “demands” and bow before the KING of KINGS and LORD of Lords!  See what Jesus said to Satan’s request for “signs”! (And remember Satan can quote scripture too!)

“And saith unto him,

If thou be the Son of God,

cast thyself down:

for it is written,

He shall give his angels charge

concerning thee:

and in their hands

they shall bear thee up,

lest at any time thou dash thy foot

against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him,

 It is written again,

Thou shalt not tempt

the Lord thy God.”  Matthew 4:6-7

Seems we often forget who’s God!  Job said it best—with no request for a “sign” about his situation!

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

All because:

“For I know

that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:”  Job 19:25

Do you KNOW JESUS today, or are you running around seeking for signs?  “I know”, and you can too!  Simply look unto Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” for you and me!  If HE is knocking at the door of your heart, won’t you open the door and let HIM in?  No signs, just the pure presence of The Master! (See Hebrews 12:1-3)

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s On Your Tree??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #783

16 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Evil will not win, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Faith, Faithful, Faithfulness, Fruit of the Spirit, Full Of what?, GET READY, What's On Your Tree?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #783???    What’s On Your Tree???

 

A word for this Wednesday which I pray will encourage you to press on with Jesus; no matter what the world is doing, saying, acting out or pushing in our faces, our Lord is still KING, and I do believe, a ‘soon coming King’!  May we be found faithful and ready!  But the conflict isn’t new, nor is it temporary, so God gives us good instruction to prepare our hearts, lives, and our walk to align to HIS Word not the world’s voice!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

And to be transformed by the “renewing of your mind” begins with salvation/redemption and then being grounded in The Word of God; and to do that we must read it, study it, and make it our “daily bread”!  Jesus not only faced the same temptations as we do, but HE answered Satan at every turn with The Word!

“And when the tempter came to him, he said,

If thou be the Son of God, command

that these stones be made bread.

 4 But he answered and said,

It is written,

Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word

that proceedeth

out of the mouth of God.”   Matthew 4:3-4

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15

Oh, what a Savior we have—HE met Satan face-to-face and stood His ground by The Word of God!  Oh, that we would learn to do the same.  I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom, intelligence, and ideas to face temptation but on the very same thing that Jesus prevailed with—by knowing The Word of God!  And to help us with the things that we face continually in this fallen world, let’s look at the principles of discernment that Paul shares with us.  I think we can find them a great help to prepare us for the days in which we live, which matches what Isaiah spoke of long ago (truth and mankind haven’t changed—see Ecclesiastes. 1:9)!

“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!”  Isaiah 5:20

The “woes” of God are nothing to be disregarded—they have come in the past, and The Word declares that they are coming again—and I can’t help but believe that those final “woes” are very near!  Are you ready?  Are you and I familiar enough with God’s Word that we know what HE has said?  Are your eyes open and your ears attending to the things that God has and is saying?  We need to tune in to God’s station!

“He that hath ears to hear,

let him hear.”  Matthew 11:15

I find it most interesting that not only did Jesus say this to those who were opposing HIM, but He repeated the same call to the seven churches (full of real believers and not so real believers) to heed His call to righteousness for various reasons, but His call to each one was to hear and obey.

“He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”  Revelation 3:6

As we continue, Paul gives a great lesson that we need (at least I do) to be reminded of often.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

…. 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous

of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25-26

In this same chapter, Paul lays out the contrast of the “fruit of the spirit” and the “works of the flesh” (or fruit).  I find it interesting that at this time of year as we prepare for celebrating The Resurrection, as I’ve often shared a good illustration from this time of spring; many of us like to decorate for the seasons, and you will often see yards with “egg trees”; a bare tree with plastic eggs tied on it in lovely colors of spring.  But the truth IS that there is no such thing as an “egg tree”!  And there are many around us today who profess the name of Jesus, but their lives make us wonder if they’re just “egg trees”; they have tied on some religion, some good deeds, some church attendance (maybe) yet there is no love for Jesus or regard for His Word—there is no desire for holiness—and there seems to be a lot of calling “evil good” and “good evil”!  Jesus Himself addressed this issue.  What are we known by—plastic eggs, or the true fruits of the Holy Spirit of God?

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath, strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

 longsuffering,

gentleness,

 goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.”  Galatians 5:19-24

And Jesus’ own warning (and for a most detailed description of ‘false’ teachers/prophets see 2 Peter chapter 2):

“Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them

by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes

of thorns,

or figs

of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

 ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:15-20

So, the question today is, “What’s on your tree?”  Are you bearing the “fruit of the Spirit” (and that is “fruit” not “fruits”—God’s work is evident in His own in all of our ways, not just ‘one proof at a time’!) or are you trying to fool the world, yourself, and God by hanging plastic eggs (the works of the flesh) on your bare tree?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  (I encourage you to read all of Matthew 7, and FYI the context is clearly talking about ‘living’ a life of redemption or of rebellion, not an isolated stumble or failure but a “lifestyle” that will reflect the work of God or the work of the devil/world!).

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Jesus will be your Savior or your judge; the choice is yours.  I’m praying that you will open your eyes to see truth, and your ears to hear the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart and respond appropriately!  (See Revelation 3:20)

Amen and Amen!!!

Really Knowing God??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #777

11 Friday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Courage, Daniel & Hannah--Faithful Servant's, Faith, Faithful, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Have You Heard?, He Died That We Could Live, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Leading Or Mis-Leading?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #777   Really Knowing God???

 

I would like to share a few examples from God’s Word today that I pray will help us see what confidence in God really looks like.  Two of my favorite Bible examples of purity, integrity and knowledge of God are Daniel, (an amazing young man, who had a confidence in God based on his knowledge, and apparent experience trusting in The God Almighty that he had walked with for some time, even though he was just in his late teens or at the most, early twenties when the account we’ll look at took place) and Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who also exhibited a great faith and faithfulness to Almighty God!

I pray that this will be an encouragement and help to you, for it is imperative that our confidence is based on the truth of God’s Word—the written Word and the Living Word, Jesus—which we can, we must, choose to stand on.  Paul reminds us of our part in developing this kind of relationship with our God and Lord Jesus, through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit.

“Study to shew thyself

approved unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

 rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun

profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

We must pursue God and HIS Word to be able to recognize and avoid the “profane and…vain” things that Satan uses to lure us into sin and stumbling.  And one of the things that I believe that Daniel and Hannah knew without a doubt, is that we must choose to believe truth, not the lies.  And believe you me, there are lots of lies floating all around us, for Satan is the great “father of lies” (See John 8:44), and he is always dangling them in front of us, like a carrot to lead the donkey!  We can choose to build our house on the sand of lies, or the Rock of truth; it’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  If we’ll choose to dig into God’s Word, we can be confident and secure in HIS truth!

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

 and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”   2 Timothy 3:16-17

God’s Word is what prepares, equips, and reveals (to ourself and others) who and what we are as we live by the power of God daily so that others see Jesus in our lives in all we do and say.  Daniel was a great example of this.

This young man was taken captive by a foreign, pagan king and moved far from home, yet he made the decision to be faithful to his God regardless of the outcome!  When confronted with a threat of death, Daniel and his friends sought God’s help in prayer to reveal the King’s dream.  While we won’t look at the entire story today (you can read Daniel chapter 2 and see the whole scene play out) I do want us to see Daniel’s understanding of WHO was in charge, even in this situation that threatened death—BUT GOD!  Oh, praise you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the truth of “BUT GOD”; you have been so faithful to me, and I pray that my life may ever reflect Your work and power!

“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.

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 2:17-23

WOW!!!  Is God good, or what?  GOD is so faithful to “all who call upon HIS name”! (See Deuteronomy 4:7). Daniel and his friends not only had their prayers answered but as you read the rest of the story, the answer brought not only deliverance from the ‘death sentence’, but Daniel and his friends were promoted to positions of prominence in the Kingdom of Babylon.  All because they had decided to trust their God in all things!  What about you and me?  What are we “not” trusting God for?  Why not?  If we belong to Jesus, we have the privilege of coming into HIS presence with not only our love and adoration (which Daniel did in response to answered prayer, we can learn from his example) but with our burdens, our grief, our sorrow, our needs (real or perceived), our fears, and our uncertainties—God is never unavailable, too busy, asleep, nor does HE ever say “oops”!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;   

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:15-16

Oh my, if we could just remember this regularly!  We can come to our Father, Our Lord Jesus, always in confidence, not arrogance or presumption, but in confidence that HE knows how we feel.  Jesus walked this earth with all its pain, sorrow, temptation, grief, and meanness, but HE did it without sin and then died willingly that we could live victorious lives of confidence in HIM—the risen LORD—victor over sin, death, and hell!!!  Don’t forget this truth.  Hannah didn’t—and she was simply looking forward in faith to the coming Messiah!

“So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk.

Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul,

and prayed unto the LORD,

and wept sore.

11 And she vowed a vow, and said,

O LORD of hosts,

if thou wilt indeed look

on the affliction of thine handmaid,

and remember me,

and not forget thine handmaid,

but wilt give unto thine handmaid

a man child,

then I will give him unto the LORD

all the days of his life,

and there shall no razor

come upon his head.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying

before the LORD,

that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart;

only her lips moved,

but her voice was not heard:

therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her,

How long wilt thou be drunken?

put away thy wine from thee.”  1 Samuel 1:9-14

Now most of this is for background, but I want us to note that sometimes when we are doing right, others will not see it for what it really is!  Yet Hannah spoke up for truth!

“And Hannah answered and said,

No, my lord,

I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit:

I have drunk neither wine

nor strong drink,

but have poured out my soul

before the LORD.

16 Count not thine handmaid

for a daughter of Belial:

for out of the abundance

of my complaint

and grief

have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said,

Go in peace:

and the God of Israel grant thee

thy petition that thou hast asked

of him.

18 And she said,

Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight.

So the woman went her way,

and did eat,

and her countenance

was no more sad.”  1 Samuel 1:15-18

Hannah was blessed and knew that she had honored God and answered Eli truthfully, also, that he believed her and blessed her desire.  We won’t look at the rest except for Hannah’s prayer, much like Daniel’s, that praised and honored God for His faithful provision.  For Daniel, it was deliverance from death, for Hannah, it was the provision of life—the life of a Son, whom she had promised to God and did in fact return Samuel to God’s service at the proper time.  How amazing that this precious woman knew her God so well.  Her prayer became scripture—what will our prayers write in our future.  Let’s pray on—we serve a God who hears and answers prayer!!!  In HIS way, and in HIS time!

“And Hannah prayed, and said,

My heart rejoiceth in the LORD,

mine horn is exalted in the LORD:

my mouth is enlarged

over mine enemies;

because I rejoice

in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy

as the LORD:

for there is none

beside thee:

neither is there any rock

like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly;

let not arrogancy

come out of your mouth:

for the LORD

is a God of knowledge,

and by him

actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty men

are broken,

and they that stumbled

are girded with strength.

5 They that were full

have hired out themselves for bread;

and they that were hungry

ceased:

so that the barren

hath born seven;

and she that hath many children

is waxed feeble.

6 The LORD killeth,

and maketh alive:

he bringeth down to the grave,

and bringeth up.

7 The LORD maketh poor,

and maketh rich:

he bringeth low,

and lifteth up.

8 He raiseth up the poor

out of the dust,

and lifteth up the beggar

from the dunghill,

to set them among princes,

and to make them

inherit the throne of glory:

for the pillars of the earth

are the LORD’S,

and he hath set the world

upon them.

9 He will keep

the feet of his saints,

and the wicked

shall be silent in darkness;

for by strength

shall no man prevail.

10 The adversaries of the LORD

shall be broken to pieces;

out of heaven

shall he thunder upon them:

the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth;

and he shall give strength unto his king,

and exalt the horn of his anointed.”   1 Samuel 2:1-10

I pray that this will bring hope, confidence and a truly encouraging word for you today.  I know some are grieving, some are wondering which direction to take, others are running from God so hard that you are out of breath; so, take a minute and listen to the voice of God speaking to your heart!

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn to the right hand,

and when ye turn to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

Remember, Jesus has this!  God has this, and if you are HIS, HE’s got YOU!!!  I believe—do you?

“But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man

pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father,

which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father

are one.”  John 10:26-30

Amen and Amen!!!