Dare To Be A Daniel

Stepping into our time machine—the annals of history—we zoom back to the year 605 B.C. Nebuchadnazzar, King of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem and takes Jehoiakim, king of Judah, captive. Ravaging the city, he carries into exile to Babylon the remnant, those who escaped the devastation. In Babylon, they become servants of Nebuchadnazzar, then of his sons, then of the kingdoms of the Medes and Persians—70 long years.

(This removal of God’s people from the Promised Land happened with God's permission. By their idolatrous worship and disobedience to God's commands, scoffing at His prophets, they only heaped upon themselves God's wrath and their pending doom.)

Among those taken captive is a youth named Daniel, who, because of his aptitude for learning and handsome appearance serves in the king's palace all the days of captivity— through the reigns of Nebuchadnazzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Persian. And Daniel loves his God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and faithfully serves Him, too, all his life. He is thus a faithful witness before the governing powers that be, never compromising his faith in any way.

Yet, some administrators and other officials criticize Daniel's stance and seek grounds for accusation against him. Finding none, they devise their own. They convince Darius the Mede, then king in Babylon, to issue a decree, "that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den" (see Daniel 6:7).

Undaunted by the decree, Daniel continues as he has always done. In his upstairs room, he faces Jerusalem and praying three times a day to his God, Elohim, the Almighty three-in-one creator, and giving thanks.

A-ha! Finding Daniel in his praying ways and asking God for help, his accusers take him before Darius. And, "according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, not to be repealed," Daniel is thrown into the lions' den.

Unable to sleep all night, however, and without eating or any palace entertainment, at daybreak, Darius rushes to the lions' den. He is pleasantly surprised finding Daniel unscathed and safe; the angels of God had shut the lions' mouths. Consequently, Darius has Daniel's accusers along with their families thrown into that den of lions. The lions overpowering them crush their bones.

Darius then writes to all the "people, nations, and men of every language" about Daniel's God, "...He is the living God, and he endures forever; his kingdom no one can destroy..." (Daniel 6:26)

Our time machine now sweeps us home back to the 21st Century.  We realize that spiritual warfare continues throughout the world, as in the days of Daniel, even worsening, and will continue to the end of this mortal time.

God continues His search today for faithful "Daniels" and "Danielle’s," uncompromising in their faith. Those who will bravely stand before the nations and the governing powers that be. Perhaps in the face of intimidation and ridicule (perhaps in the face of actual persecution), and proclaim that our God is the living God, the one true God, enduring forever, whose kingdom no one can destroy. (See Matthew 16:18.)

Through these dark days, today, let us pray as Peter prayed in the first century, "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus (Yeshua),"  Acts 4:29-30.

The LORD says,  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth," Psalm 46:10.

For further study and/or group discussion: Daniel 1, 6; 2 Chronicles 12; 36:15-23.

A Sight of Wondrous Beauty I See

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: no ordinary baby

Lying in a manger, more than a prodigy. Born of a virgin,

Conceived of the Holy Spirit, the Christ (Messiah),

Born to me, Savior and Lord – God (Elohim) becoming a man.

(See Matthew 1:18; Luke1:27-28; John 1:1-4; Galatians 4:4.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: no ordinary man walking the earth,

More than a “miracle worker.”

Existing with God since before the beginning of time –  

All-Powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present.

He created all things and through Him, all things hold together.

He healed the blind, the deaf, the disabled, the diseased, and the sin-sick.

He aroused the crowd. He turned the world upside down – nay, upside right!

(See Colossians 1:15-17.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: a rugged cross on a hill called “Calvary,”

Blood-stained, where He suffered and died for me –

Paying the penalty for my sin.

(See Matthew 27:35-38; Mark 15:25-32; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: the tomb –

His grave –  the entrance, sealed with a stone.

My sins, too, are buried there – forgiven, as far as the east is from the west.

(See Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: the stone rolled away.

He is raised from the dead – raised to eternally secure

The future of all who receive Him in repentance and faith;

Now seated at the Father’s right hand in Heaven,

He prays for His own. He prays for me.

(See Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 1:12-13; John 20:1-10;

Luke 24:50-53; Mark 16:19-20; Acts 1:6-11.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: Jesus (Yeshua) –

God’s love gift to the entire world!

(See John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 8:32; 1 John 4:9-10; 5:13.)

Thank You, Father, for loving me, that I may love others likewise.

Thank You also for all the “cloudy days” that are sure to come my way.

Your grace is all-sufficient for this mortal life –

My sight daily fixed on Jesus (Yeshua),

Working and watching for His soon return.

(See Exodus 4:12; John 17:18; 20:21; Matthew 28:19; Luke 19:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Come Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua)!
Revelation 22:20

Consider the Birds of the Air

Continued from My Years: Past, Present, and Beyond

[I’ve considered my life and my lack of abundance of material wealth and possessions, and my recent loss of a job. Nevertheless, I am blessed. Through it all, God has so lead me to consider the birds of the air, that I am of more value to Him than they. At such also He made me realize the truer purpose for my life in this temporal time.]

Of More Value Than the Birds

Concerning a search for still further employment, the thought that being at an age where it may be more difficult to get a job, could be discouraging. But it doesn't have to be. Be assured of this, that if God so wills, it is possible to get a job still, perhaps whatever the age as long as one can work. At that, for another job, (almost) anything will do for the Christ-follower to enhance his/her witness for Jesus (Yeshua). As well, and not only for needed income, but to get one out of his/her home occasionally, particularly if the person is single to dispel loneliness.

Such for some to consider, and I too. With me, I had never had what one would call a “career,” except perhaps my 15 years out west. But, I'm still able to work, and (humanly speaking) a job is necessary; my “financial portfolio,” I think, considerably less than perhaps the norm when one reaches that age where one can take ease through those so-called “golden years” of their mortal existence. Yet, as the Scripture reads, “one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions,” Luke 12:15. And thus, we're not to worry about our financial status as Matthew 6:25-34, so reads. Verse 26, “[Consider] the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your Father in heaven feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” 

These days, perhaps since the coming about of my unemployment, Matthew 6:25-34 has had a great impact on my life. Maybe the Lord is saying (to me) there’s nothing wrong with having less (maybe less is even better) than what perhaps is the norm or average of material wealth or goods. And God did care for me all through my years.

An Abundance of Lack

I didn’t come from a “well-to-do” family; we never did have an abundance of wealth. Hence, I wasn’t born as the saying goes with a “silver spoon in my mouth.” My dad was a good provider. My mom cared for neighbor children in our home to help. As I have written in a previous article, “I have not much of everything  and very little of nothing.” But I think that’s okay. (Again, consider Matthew 6:26 as well, Luke 12:15; 21:1-4.) All my moving about, I didn’t have to pack up a van to move all my stuff. I moved out west, and that by bus, on just $50 a month support. When I moved back from California, I practically gave away all of my furnishings and other stuff via a yard sale (much of which was given to me anyway), and again I returned by bus.

I was blessed, having moved into a mobile home upon my return to Columbia. There I remained until I had to move out, due to a change of landlords.  Thus, my move to what was then Crossroads Apartments; little did I know, however, that my unemployment would come about ten months later. Again the furnishings I had at Crossroads were given to me. My two cars also were, for the most part, a gift, one at a time; the second car when the first car "gave up the ghost," so to speak. For that second (my present) car, I donated an amount for that person’s support who was going overseas in Christian mission work. But then my move to C.I.U.’s Pine View apartments and the furnishings I had went there with me. I gave it all up, however, upon my (hasty) move to Ohio. Thus, my little became even less. And that’s the way it is – now back here in Columbia.

Now with or without a job (I wish it to be with), these cooler months, nevertheless, in my small apartment, I may find it a little better to cope financially. How it is to have a bunch, I do not know, and probably best that way. (Again, consider Luke 12:15.) I’ve been awed visiting other peoples’ homes (but no coveting) seeing all their “stuff” (furnishings) – wow. My mind entertained the thought they’re either very wealthy or greatly in debt. But more appropriately, I’m sure, the Lord’s blessing. But the Lord lets me know that I’m blessed too when He lets me consider the birds of the air and their feeding upon the ground.

Awakened to the Truer Purpose

Perhaps God brought about my unemployment, even those eight months in Ohio, to rouse me out of my “comfort zone” of enjoying the passing pleasures of this mortal time – to awaken me to the truer purpose of my mortal existence. Hence, nothing else these days – particularly TV, sports fanaticism, or the things of Hollywood – holds my interest. Eternity is all that matters. Hence, should the Lord provide other employment for me (I like to think when), I should watch that I don’t get caught up again in that job or again in the temporal pleasures and pursuits of this passing, mortal time, so as I do not neglect the eternal values. (See Colossians 3:1-3.)

As well, having lived (physically) alone all my life, understandably I think, I sense loneliness at times. For myself to dispel such, again, I should watch and be ready to step out of my comfort zone to meet people, even in my not so talkative personality, being attentive to any divine appointments the Holy Spirit (Ruach Hakodesh) may so lead me for an opportunity to share Jesus (Yeshua). Considering it over the years, stepping out on occasion has occurred.

But that’s what I miss about residing at my Crossroads apartment; my present residence and my lack of furnishings, maybe in particular that I’m three levels up, it is not so convenient to practice hospitality. I have had the thought to move again into C.I.U.’s Pine View apartments; C.I.U., then C.B.C. is what brought me to Columbia in the first place where my life has been revived and renewed, and here in Columbia  (probably) I'll remain until my eternal homegoing or the Lord's return. But wherever, however, how long, I can’t live my life anymore simply with the mortal world in view. In that, “I can only [try to] imagine" what it will be like in eternity and the end of this mortal world. And looking forward to the end of this time, viewing the happenings in this world today, I can only echo words of the apostle John as recorded at Revelation 22:20, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Until then, however, perhaps my writings and other products of my design to encourage shining the Light is God's idea as a "ministry" for me through the remaining days of this temporal life. As well, other needed "tent-making" employment (as the Lord so wills), getting me out of my home, so enabling myself to be an example in shining the Light of the Good News of God's eternal love. And thus, my fellow Christ-followers, as well as myself, consider the birds of the air, that we are of more value to our heavenly Father than they. So let us pray for one another, through these dark days, in our endeavor as Light bearers to the world of God’s eternal truth.

All through your mortal life journey remember God Will Take Care of  You.

No More Walking the "broad way"

What we can learn from ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Considering Matthew 7:13-14

          

For sure many of us have seen the movie The Wizard of Oz; I for one have, just about every year of my earlier years – a popular film it was (and still is I imagine). It has been aired on television once a year for many years, and it is probably still available at public libraries and online. 

But what can we learn from that film? It’s about a girl named Dorothy; experiencing a tornado somewhere in the state of Kansas, the house with her in it is then slammed down somewhere in “Munchkin Land.” There she meets the Munchkin people – a friendly and hospitable short people. But she remembers her home is in Kansas and wishes to get back there, to her aunt and uncle. 

The Munchkins inform her that she should go to the “Emerald City” and meet the wizard of Oz; as she is encouraged he can help her get back to Kansas. To get to the Emerald City, however, she has to follow the yellow brick road, as the “good witch” instructs her and puts on her feet a pair of ruby slippers. But the way is not easy, for one the “bad witch” pursues her, attempting to get those ruby slippers.

And so Dorothy is off following the yellow brick road on her way to the Emerald City to meet the wizard of Oz with hopes she’ll find her way back to Kansas. On her way down that road, she meets three others -- a scarecrow, who needs a brain, a tin man who needs a heart, and a cowardly lion who needs courage. And so, they continue on together, following that "yellow brick road" to meet the wizard of Oz.

But, there is something else some of us may have missed in viewing that movie. Myself seeing the film, I noticed as Dorothy was still in Munchkin Land there was another road – a red brick road – running parallel to that yellow brick road; in my mind, I asked for some reason (wondering) where does that red brick road go?

The film brings one to realize the evil along with the good – “good” witches and bad witches (uh, is there truly any such thing as a “good” witch?) – wizards, warlocks, vampires, and psychics. Along with astrologers and sorcerers; all is evil – up to no “good” in God’s eyes. But then there’s the Emerald City to cover up it all, emphasizing the earthly pleasurable pursuits.

Something more pleasurable, however, as I have come to realize is pursuing the immortal things of God in my walk along this mortal narrow way (consider Matthew 7:13-14). Like Dorothy, I too have three friends walking along with me – the Almighty Three-in-one Elohim, my “brain,” my heart,” and my “courage.” (As with all of us, “fearfully and wonderfully made,” see Psalm 139:13-15).

As my “brain,” as God encourages in His Word, I’m to seek wisdom, and He is my wisdom all along the way.

^“...for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.,” Proverbs 8:11-12.

“...for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict,” Luke 21:15.

“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,” Philippians 4:8.

As my “heart,” from all my idols, I am cleansed (see Ezekiel 36:25).

God says, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.²⁷ And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules,” Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

“And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts,” 2 Corinthians 3:3.

 As my “courage,” God continually reminds me, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9; in so going His grace is “all-sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 12:9, as well Exodus 4:12).

Therefore, choosing no longer to follow that "yellow brick road" (the "broad way", see Matthew 7:13-14) to find my way home, having accepted Jesus (Yeshua) -- John 1:12-13 -- I have put off (for the most part) the TV, the Hollywood craves, and sports fanaticism -- my idols growing up. Thinking of this, consider Psalm 24:1-10 and 1 John 2:17. The Life Application Study Bible (LASB) notes, “Because the earth is the LORD’s, all of us are stewards, or caretakers, of it … We are not to become devoted to anything created or act as sole proprietors, however, because the world is passing away (1 John 2:17).

The LASB further notes on 1 John 2:17, “When the desire for possessions and sinful pleasures feels so intense, we probably doubt that these objects of desire will all one day pass away. It may be even more difficult to believe that the person who does the will of God will live forever… Knowing that this evil world will end can give [us] the courage to deny [ourselves] temporary pleasures in this world in order to enjoy what God has promised for eternity.”

Ah, I guess something “good” can from Hollywood after all, at least in this one instance; seeing that red brick road, God used it to remind me of the more meaningful way – through the blood of Jesus (Yeshua), the Christ (Messiah) – see Colossians 1:19-21 – I have been cleansed and given a new more purposeful life. Realizing this for myself, I have, therefore, refocused, traveling the red brick road, serving the immortal in this mortal time, on my way to my forever home, not the fiction “emerald city,” but the eternal Kingdom of God.

Consider also, among others, James 1:5; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 1:17; Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 27:1; 56:3-4; Isaiah 41:10-13; Matthew 10:28; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 1:12-14; Hebrews 13:5-6; Deuteronomy 31:6; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18; 1 Chronicles 28:20.