BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 ESV

You can count on it, you can observe it. Those who are good examples, have had good examples to follow. Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica is described in Acts 17. There were many Jews and Greeks who turned to Christ, but those who were jealous of Paul and his companions created an uproar in the city. Paul commends these faithful followers of Christ for embracing the gospel.

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4,5 ESV)

Those who turned to Christ needed to be grounded and established in their faith. As a result, they learned from Paul and his companions how to serve Christ and be true to Him. First of all, Paul through the example of his life proved himself to be a trustworthy example.

I recall the saying, “you can impress people from a distance, but you impact them up close.” I believe the Thessalonian believers had an opportunity to see how the Holy Spirit used Paul and also to be impacted through relationship with him. This wasn’t just a “run into town, preach and leave” and hope those who responded to the gospel “figure it out for themselves.”

There was adequate time and relationship for the Thessalonian believers to follow the example and teaching of Paul and his companions. The result of that was through their steadfast faith and perseverance, they became examples for others in the region.

We see this was done in “word” and in “deed.” “For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere…” (1 Thessalonians 1:8 ESV)

The believers in Thessalonica became examples to others, because they learned from the example of others. I believe this demonstrates that the impact of our lives is not based on “what” we know, but “who” we know; and who has been an influence on us.

We can observe this in many arenas in life. You may want to stop and consider who has served as a “role model” as an “example” in your faith and perhaps even in your profession. I believe that you will observe what we see in these reflections of scripture; the impact that we have on others, is because of those who have had an impact on us. That ripple effect can be seen in multiple ways and down through the generations.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for those who made an impact on us and have served as examples of faith and faithfulness. Allow our lives to be lived in such a way as to be an example to others. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” Daniel 6:16 ESV

When Daniel’s jealous advisers set him up for failure, they unwittingly created a dilemma for the King. They appealed to the King’s pride in issuing an order that no one could pray to any deity except the King. In legislative speak the “unintended consequence” was that this irrevocable order painted both the King and Daniel into a corner.

As we read the story it seems that the King was in greater turmoil, than Daniel. As Daniel faces the irreversible fate of being thrown into a den of lions, the King offers his simple prayer. Not just “good luck” or “nice knowing you” but recognizes the true deity that his own order had forbidden to be recognized.

As Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, the King became his unsuspecting “intercessor.” “Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting;no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him.” (Daniel 6:18 ESV)

As the dawn broke the King rushes to the den and calls for Daniel. That fact alone seems to indicate he believed that it was possible for the Lord God to save Daniel. He heard Daniel’s voice from the pit, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” (Daniel 6:21,22 ESV)

The King then had those who had accused Daniel thrown in the den of lions along with their families. They were devoured before they hit the bottom of the pit. King Cyrus then issued another edict,

 ^“I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Daniel 6:26,27 ESV)

As God’s people are experiencing their captivity in a foreign land filled with pagan gods, we see the Lord God demonstrating His power and might to Kings so that they would recognize the Lord God as the true Sovereign Lord of the universe.

As I reflect on these events it becomes clear that even when God’s people are not at their best, that God is still at work, revealing Himself to even those in positions of power. We see the Lord using those who are faithful to Him even in a pagan kingdom, filled with ruthless leaders to give them influence and to use them for His purpose. The Lord is able to turn the hearts of leaders and to thwart the plans of those who oppose God’s people. In this situation the Lord used the prayers of a pagan King to rescue Daniel from certain death.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that even when the situation looks impossible, we can see You at work. Help us to believe for You to do in our day what You have done in these stories that we read in the Bible.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And you…..Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven.” Daniel 5:22,23 ESV

During this year’s grandcamp our guest speaker shared, “the wise learn from their mistakes, those who are wiser, learn from the mistakes of others.” Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar is an example of failing to understand this lesson.

Nebuchadnezzar was the “King of the World” of his day. He was the “head of gold” of the statute in his famous dream. But he had another dream that came true one year after he learned the interpretation and received Daniel’s warning. The Lord allowed this great king to become insane and be like an animal until he recognized the Lord God as the true Sovereign over all. (Daniel 4)

His son knew of all this. Yet when he became King, we find him throwing an extravagant party and praising the gods of gold, silver and precious stones as he and all his guests drank from goblets taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. A hand appears and writes on the wall.

Daniel comes in, spurns the Kings offer of gifts and proceeds to interpret the words, “You have been weighed in the scales and have been found wanting. Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.” (Daniel 5:27,28 ESV) Those are sobering words for any king, even a drunk one!

Unlike his father, there was no delay in the words of the interpretation of the handwriting coming true. That very night the King was killed and Darius the Mede began his rule.

The statement about the difference between being “wise” and “wiser” reminds of the saying, “those who fail to remember the past, are doomed to repeat it.” For some reason, it seems to be in us that we need to learn from our own experiences in life. We can observe the failings and sufferings of others, but often taken a “it-won’t-happen-to-me” approach. Often we can find what we don’t think will happen, happens. We find that we are not the exception but the norm when it comes to the cause and effect of certain actions or attitudes or decisions.

Paul writes to New Testament believers and reminds them of Old Testament lessons that are to be learned. “Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were….. We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did….” (1 Corinthians 10:5-8 ESV)

Paul’s desire was for the Corinthians to be not wise, but “wiser.” I am reminded of Paul’s words, “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” (Romans 16:19 NIV)

One of our Teen Challenge girls made a comment that has stayed with me, “I wondered what it would be like to be high on Meth, and now I which I had never known.”  She couldn’t learn from the wrong decisions of others, so she was left to travel a road she never intended.

Let’s seek not only to be “wise” but those who are “wiser.”

Prayer for today…. Lord, give us the strength to keep our eyes upon You and not to be lured into that which will only bring heartache and pain. Thank You for the joy that there is on the path of wisdom.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries….” Daniel 2:27,28 ESV

Have you ever had a dream that seemed to leave an impact but you couldn’t remember what it was? That seems to have been the case with King Nebuchadnezzar. He had a disturbing dream and wanted to know the meaning, but couldn’t remember the dream.

He made the impossible request of his “wise” men and enchanters. “Tell me the dream or heads will roll!” This story has a problem that only a great God could solve. The Babylonian advisers told the king,  “…There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter …” (Daniel 2:10 ESV) Not only is there no man on earth who can respond to such a request, no king in history of the earth has made such a ridiculous request.

Daniel in response made a big request to the Lord. But he called on his three Hebrew friends in the king’s palace to “agree” with him in prayer. The Lord gave Daniel a dream of the king’s dream and the meaning of it. Daniel’s response was an anthem of praise to the Lord. Daniel recognizes God’s all powerful, all wise nature and then declares,  “I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you…” (Daniel 2:23 ESV) 

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is one of significance that captivates the minds and hearts of Bible scholars today. Daniel’s interpretation of the dream reveals that all earthly kingdoms serve a purpose and eventually come to an end. But there is a coming kingdom of the King of Kings that will one day come and it will never come to an end.

Isaiah prophesied about this king, “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (Isaiah 9:7 NIV) The words of the angel to Mary reveal the One who is the fulfillment of those words, “…he [Jesus] will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33 NIV)

In all of this I observe that Daniel reveals a humble spirit that is focused on giving God the glory. We see it in his praise response to the Lord’s revelation and we see it in his final words to the king, “A great God has made known to the king what shall be….” (Daniel 2:45 ESV)

He also was loyal to his friends. He sought their support and he helped secure their influence.  ^“Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon.” (Daniel 2:49 ESV)

When we give glory to the Lord and look out for others, God takes carer of us, “….the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon…” (Daniel 2:48 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You know the end from the beginning. You reveal to us what we need to know and when. We can relax and trust Your sovereign control over the affairs of the world knowing that Your kingdom is the one that will endure forever. 

We have enjoyed the company of our long time friends Paul and Colleen Irwin. This morning Paul joined me for the chapel service at Morning Star Assisted Living. This afternoon retired missionaries to Turkey Doug and Ruth Clark joined us for lunch. The Clark’s have a significant connection to Paul and his late missionary father. It was a pleasure to facilitate this connection.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.” Daniel 1:6,7 ESV

When the Babylonians took Judah captive some of the members of the royal family and families of nobility were brought into the service of the King. The goal of course was to transform these with potential to be leaders into those who were loyal to and identified with the new kingdom.

We see this “recruitment” strategy reflected in these words, “Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.” (Daniel 1:3,4 ESV)

In order for them to function in their new role, they were given a new identity. This was reflected in new names. Their given names of Hebrew origin reflected the supremacy of the Lord God to these men and the people. We find “Yah” or the Lord, reflected in their given names.  Hananiah  “The Lord is gracious”, Mishael “Who is like the Lord” and Azariah “The Lord has helped.”  In contrast, the names Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, all reflected a focus on Babylonian gods.

These names were to remind these men that their identity was to be found not in the Lord God, but in the pagan gods of Babylon. Since Babylon had conquered the people of the Lord God, it showed that their “gods” were greater and more powerful and should be recognized in these men who would be influential over the masses.

One of the greatest lessons we can observe in the Book of Daniel is that it is what our hearts reflect that determines our destiny and not how people label us or identify us. Daniel became the interpreter of dreams. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were granted status and positions of power, but they remained true to the Lord God, even to the point of defying the King’s order to bow to his image.

We see in these men that the spirit and dedication of one’s heart is what dictates one’s life and not outward identity. The King of Babylon tried to shape the lives of these men by giving them a “new name.” But we see in Revelation that our commitment to the Lord results in a new identity. To the Church in Philadelphia the Lord promises,  ^“The one who conquers…I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” (Revelation 3:12 ESV)

“Name calling” can be a devious tool that attempts to stifle focus, potential and determine identity. When we understand the identity and destiny that we have in Christ and in God’s secure love for us, we can live true to that and it can keep us focused and strong. It is how the Lord see us and what He says of us that counts.

We see this reflected in the city of Jerusalem in Isaiah’s words, “Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.”  Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,” for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.” (Isaiah 62:4 NLT)

Our character and identity is not determined by what we are called, but by what is demonstrated through our actions and commitment.

Prayer for today….. Lord help us to ignore the shaping of our identity and commitment by the which is on the outside and to realize that it is our inward commitment to be faithful to You that makes the difference. Help us to see ourselves as You see us and to claim that as our true identity. 

Wow, the last three days have been busy ones. Tuesday was my City Council day. Wednesday I left the house before 7 a.m. and returned for good by 7:00 p.m. I found that I can’t handle the 12 hour days like I used to. That was even with some a few breaks in my schedule that I tried to use for some naps. Yesterday, we left mid-afternoon for a wedding in Westminster of a family member. Christian performed the ceremony and did a great job.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God….But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”  John 16:1-4 ESV

Being a “faithful follower of Christ” can come with some real challenges. There are those who can “deny the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8) and whose “faith can become shipwrecked.” (1 Timothy 1:19) As Paul wrote to Timothy he told about spiritual companions who had deserted him. (2 Timothy 4:10)

Part of Jesus’ final preparations for the cross was to provide His disciples what they needed to “stay true” to Him and their faith. He warned them about being “put out of the synagogue.” For a Jew that was the act of public disgrace. We see it happening with the parents of the man who was born blind that had been healed by Jesus. (John 9:22)

Not only that we see that one day it would be considered, “in season” to kill followers of Christ. We see this reflected in the activities of Saul of Tarsus. As Jesus predicted, Saul believed he was doing a “righteous” deed against those who had turned from the “true faith” of the law and by those who claimed forgiveness of sin by faith in Jesus.

Jesus took the approach that “to be forewarned, was to be prepared.” So He tells His followers when these things happen remember that I told you. But Jesus’ approach was more than just warning. When he says, “I have said these things to keep you from falling away” it causes us to go back to His discourse of John 15.

In John 15 we see Jesus provides His disciples with these keys that would empower them to remain strong in their faith in the face of persecution and opposition. He tells them to “stay connected to me.”   He tells them, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers…” (John 15:5,6 ESV)

Jesus then tells them to love each other, to love God and to obey His words. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12-14 ESV)

Alone they would be vulnerable. Together they would be strong. You can experience today, you can observe it. When you are in the consistent fellowship and encouragement of other believers you grow spiritually and are strong. When people struggle in their faith and “drop out” it is because they have separated themselves from the fellowship of others and have become isolated in their spiritual lives.

Finally, Jesus points to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.  And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:26,27 ESV) 

The Holy Spirit would not only remind them of Jesus words and give them strength. The Holy Spirit would empower them to do the works of Jesus. Real peace, real strength, real security comes not from the world around, but from a God who is above it all.

 ^“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that You give us to the resources and strength to not only “keep the faith” but also to give it away and to share with others the source of true peace and life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  ^“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed….” Luke 23:44,45

Today was a notable day for science as we experienced the first solar eclipse to cross the continental United States since 1918. I was glad to have some solar glasses to watch the event unfold. Unfortunately we weren’t far enough north to experience a total eclipse. It was interesting how light it could be with just a sliver of the sun being exposed. Christian and the grandchildren were in Fort Collins for the event. Ellie (age 5) summarized it when she said, “that wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be!” Perhaps they will remember this day when the next one they can observe rolls around.

It is interesting to see the Bible references to the light of the sun being blocked. From the beginning of time people have been intrigued with the sun and the stars. The pattern can be observed, that what people don’t understand they can end up worshiping.

As a result the three times that readily come to mind about the sun’s light being turned to darkness are related to judgment events. The Egyptians were known for their sun worship. So as the plagues that fell as part of the Lord’s judgment on Pharaoh and the nation took place we see one of them was related to the sun.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.” (Exodus 10:21-22)

This was not 30 seconds or three minutes, but three days. Certainly enough time to get the attention of the people and to let them know that it was not just a “natural” occurrence.

The next marker in time was when Jesus died on the cross. At this time Luke records that there was three hours of darkness. Once again, a long enough period of time, along with the Temple curtain being torn and an earthquake to signal the earth’s response to the supernatural event that was taking place in the crucifixion.

The final one, still to come, is predicted is in Revelation. “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.” (Revelation 6:12,13 ESV)

The breaking of the sixth seal on the scroll held in the hand of God releases judgment on the created order. Once again we see a combination of events. Earthquake, sun becomes black, moon turns to blood, stars “fall” from the sky. This combination of events shakes everyone to the core of their being. When this happens the “fall out” from the panic will be as great as the ramifications of the events themselves. This is not the end. It is just the beginning of the end as the seventh and final seal is broken.

In the Bible what is described is more than natural occurring events. They are supernatural events that impact the natural order. They will not have a scientific explanation like solar eclipses we saw today and have seen and will continue to see.

But we are reminded that the Lord speaks to us through the natural order. Paul says,  ^“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made…” (Romans 1:19,20 ESV)

So we see the Lord reveals Himself through nature and He uses nature to get our attention and to one day bring judgment on a world that has denied His existence.

Prayer for today…. Lord, when we observe the world around and see how You intervene in the affairs of earth we are reminded how great You are! The creator God can use events or He can make events happen to get people’s attention and to fulfill His purposes.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.” John 7:28-30 ESV

The three years of Jesus’ active ministry were filled with being followed and adored by the masses, condemned by the Scribes and Pharisees and in the midst of it all was constant threats against His life.

The cross did not bring an end to Jesus earthly ministry it was the capstone of His mission and why He came. The words of the angel to Joseph were, “You shall name Him Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) When Jesus appear on the banks of the Jordan, John declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) As Jesus faced the cross He declared, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” (John 12:27)

Satan’s task was to keep Jesus from the cross. We see the first attempt was through Herod and the edict to kill the babies around Bethlehem. But it was during Jesus ministry that He faced not just opposition but constant threats.

In Nazareth at the beginning of His ministry Jesus read from Isaiah and declared He was the fulfillment of prophecy, to this the people tried to kill him. “They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” (Luke 4:29,20)

In John 8 Jesus told the religious leaders, “…but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.” (John 8:40 ESV) After the raising of Lazarus from the dead we read, “So from that day on they plotted to take his life.” (John 11:53) Even in the garden hours before the cross Jesus prayed in agony, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38) We see that in garden the Father sent angels to strengthen Jesus in His hour of need.

Jesus exercised wisdom to keep Himself from untimely death and He experienced divine strength and protection at critical times. The road to the cross was one filled with danger. Jesus knew why He had come and His focus during His ministry was to fulfill all the Father had planned for Him while He made His way to the cross.

The cup of death that was confronting Jesus in the garden, was given to Him on the cross and He “drank it” and declared, “it is finished.” His earthly life was finished. His mission was finished. The task of bringing salvation to the world was finished. In declaration of the end of His work on earth and the cross He was facing, Jesus prayed,  ^“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (John 17:4,5 NKJV)

The drama during Jesus’ life was intense, but He made it to the goal the Father had for Him and is in Heaven anticipating the time when all those who place their faith in Him, follow in His steps, complete their task on earth and arrive in the presence of the Father.

Prayer for today….. Lord, thank You for what we can observe in the life of Jesus making it to the cross in spite of challenges to get to the end of the journey. Help us to know that when we walk in Your will, and commit to fulfilling Your mission, we can have confidence of the same protection, wisdom and grace over our lives.