Passage of the Day: Romans 5: 1 – 2 … 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
My Journal for Today: What an incredible truth we find in today’s verse related to the assurance of our salvation. Christ dying on the cross and His resurrection ushered in the New Covenant and allowed any, who are willing to receive Him as Savior/Lord, to have direct access to God’s throne of grace. Now, on this Independence Day, should we celebrate the ultimate in Independence, especially since the Lord is fully willing to dole out that grace in abundance, the grace that frees the captives to anyone (see Luke 4: 18), … anyone who would, in faith and obedience, stand with Him as proclaimed in the text for today from the Apostle Paul.
I embolden the world STAND above from Rom. 5: 2 because John MacArthur in Strength for Today on this date called my [our] attention to the origin of this word to help us understand the freedom we have in our relationship with Christ. In the translation from the Greek, our translated English word “STAND” comes from the Greek word, “histemi,” which not only implies standing, but also means being in a stance of balance and certainty. And that is what faith, or obedient belief in Christ, provides for the true Christian … standing as a faithful disciple of Christ. Christ’s finished work gives us the grace to be able to stand strong and to be free in our relationship with our Lord. And nothing we can do can detract from our ability to stand, balanced on the ROCK which Christ has provided for us (see Romans 5: 10). And isn’t it the ultimate in spiritual irony that we must surrender out lives, as slaves to Christ’s lordship, to allow Him to set us free through His saving grace.
It is through God’s grace that I was saved; and it is in His grace, i.e., being able to “stand” on the Rock of His enabling grace, that sustains me and frees me. Christ was the preeminent freedom fighter as we celebrate our freedom on this July 4th. Again, in Luke 4: 18, we read of Christ proclaiming, from the prophesy of Isaiah [see Is. 61: 1 – 2], that His mission in life was to proclaim the freedom of the gospel and to set us free from our shackles of sin. Prayerfully, I will always be able to stand with my Lord in the freedom He won on the cross and as He was raised from the grave; and I must choose to stand with Him in the balance of all I think, say, and do until that day He sees fit to take me home to be with Him so that I will attain that ultimate freedom in glory. There is no greater assurance I can have than to know that my freedom is eternal and that it is totally free for me in Christ.
My Prayer Today: I stand with You, Lord … free! Amen
Monday, July 04, 2011
Sunday, July 03, 2011
July 3, 2011 … Peace WITH God
Passage of the Day: Romans 5: 1 … Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, …
My Journal for Today: As I read and meditate on this verse, I’m almost overwhelmed by the reality of this truth. Think of it! Any sinner, and we all fit into that category (see Rom. 3: 23), … yes, anyone, who has repented of his/her sin nature, believing in Christ as Savior/Lord (see Rom 10: 13), has made eternal peace WITH God. Now this is not to be confused with the “peace OF God,” which comes from God’s Spirit as a fruit of salvation and is found maturing in a deepening relationship with Christ (see Gal. 5: 22 and Phil. 4: 6 – 7), being available for Christians as we live our lives in surrender to our Savior.
No, this is the peace we make WITH God through our justification, which we attain in our faith, leading to salvation. Until we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Christ and are saved, we are at enmity with God because of our sin nature. But when we are saved, God grants us an eternal state of positional peace with the Godhead, which was accomplished by Christ in His finished work on the cross and our faith in Him as Savior/Lord. The blood of Christ and our belief in and receipt of its saving grace, allows us to be in a state of eternal peace with our Holy God.
Abraham made his peace with God and was made righteous before His God (see Gen. 15: 6). The Apostle Paul wrote all of Chapters 3 and 4 of Romans to show us that our salvation comes only by our faith in Christ and our reception of God’s saving grace; and that salvation has nothing to do with any works we might do to attain that grace (see also Eph. 2: 8, 9 and Titus 3: 5 – 6). So, the overwhelming message for me (and for all of us) is that we don’t have to put our hope/assurance in ourselves for salvation … but ONLY in Christ and His finished work on the cross (see Rom. 5: 1 – 11; 2nd Tim. 2: 13; and Heb. 10: 23). And I don’t know about you; but not having to depend on ME for my salvation gives infinitely more assurance in my salvation than I could ever have if I had to be something or do something to achieve eternal life and heaven’s rewards. Perhaps you will join me as you read this by saying, from your heart, “PRAISE GOD!!!”
So, my lesson and message today is that, by being saved and knowing it, I am no longer at enmity with God, even as I still retain a sin nature (see Rom. 8: 7 and Eph. 5: 6). I am reconciled and at peace with our God eternally; and I KNOW that my Lord ever and ever intercedes for me before the Father (see Heb. 7: 25); and He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me (see Heb. 13: 5). And you can (and should) know that as well when (and if) you have believed in the completed and perfect atoning act of Jesus Christ on the cross to save mankind.
Really, I would need no more assurance of my salvation that this – but there will be more as we delve into this topic further this month.
My Prayer Today: I am Yours, Lord !!! Amen
My Journal for Today: As I read and meditate on this verse, I’m almost overwhelmed by the reality of this truth. Think of it! Any sinner, and we all fit into that category (see Rom. 3: 23), … yes, anyone, who has repented of his/her sin nature, believing in Christ as Savior/Lord (see Rom 10: 13), has made eternal peace WITH God. Now this is not to be confused with the “peace OF God,” which comes from God’s Spirit as a fruit of salvation and is found maturing in a deepening relationship with Christ (see Gal. 5: 22 and Phil. 4: 6 – 7), being available for Christians as we live our lives in surrender to our Savior.
No, this is the peace we make WITH God through our justification, which we attain in our faith, leading to salvation. Until we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Christ and are saved, we are at enmity with God because of our sin nature. But when we are saved, God grants us an eternal state of positional peace with the Godhead, which was accomplished by Christ in His finished work on the cross and our faith in Him as Savior/Lord. The blood of Christ and our belief in and receipt of its saving grace, allows us to be in a state of eternal peace with our Holy God.
Abraham made his peace with God and was made righteous before His God (see Gen. 15: 6). The Apostle Paul wrote all of Chapters 3 and 4 of Romans to show us that our salvation comes only by our faith in Christ and our reception of God’s saving grace; and that salvation has nothing to do with any works we might do to attain that grace (see also Eph. 2: 8, 9 and Titus 3: 5 – 6). So, the overwhelming message for me (and for all of us) is that we don’t have to put our hope/assurance in ourselves for salvation … but ONLY in Christ and His finished work on the cross (see Rom. 5: 1 – 11; 2nd Tim. 2: 13; and Heb. 10: 23). And I don’t know about you; but not having to depend on ME for my salvation gives infinitely more assurance in my salvation than I could ever have if I had to be something or do something to achieve eternal life and heaven’s rewards. Perhaps you will join me as you read this by saying, from your heart, “PRAISE GOD!!!”
So, my lesson and message today is that, by being saved and knowing it, I am no longer at enmity with God, even as I still retain a sin nature (see Rom. 8: 7 and Eph. 5: 6). I am reconciled and at peace with our God eternally; and I KNOW that my Lord ever and ever intercedes for me before the Father (see Heb. 7: 25); and He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me (see Heb. 13: 5). And you can (and should) know that as well when (and if) you have believed in the completed and perfect atoning act of Jesus Christ on the cross to save mankind.
Really, I would need no more assurance of my salvation that this – but there will be more as we delve into this topic further this month.
My Prayer Today: I am Yours, Lord !!! Amen
Saturday, July 02, 2011
July 2, 2011 … Assurance: Objective or Subjective?
Passage of the Day: 2nd Corinthians 13: 5 … Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
My Journal for Today: I don’t know about you; but for anyone reading this, today’s verse is a daunting challenge from Paul to the early church and to us by extension. Looking at the assurance of our salvation this month, I will be studying, with John MacArthur’s help and biblical insights, the testing of my (our) faith.
In Christendom, this has always been a contested issue. Early Roman Catholic believers contended, as they do even today as well as many other “works-oriented” religions, that salvation was [and is in doubt between any believer and God to the end of life and assurance of that salvation could not be known by the professed Christian. However, sixteenth century Reformers, men like Luther, Calvin, Knox, and Swingli, changed the heart of Christianity by asserting that believers had definite ways to establish the grounds for the assurance of salvation.
John MacArthur points out, and I agree, that our assurance of being saved can be established both objectively and subjectively with the former being based on the finished work of Christ and our faith in the promises of Scripture (see 2nd Cor. 1: 20 – 22 - below). The subjective basis for our assurance comes from our faith in the ongoing work of God’s Spirit, which includes His convicting and sanctifying ministries through God’s Holy and perfect Word (see Romans 15: 4).
SCRIPTURE: 2nd Cor. 1: 20-22 … 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
SCRIPTURE: Romans 15: 4 … For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
We will see this month (yes, I’ve been reading ahead) that, as today’s text proclaims, we can – and we should – test ourselves as Christians, based on the truth of God’s word; and we will see that we can – in fact (i.e., objectively) – KNOW that we are saved.
Many years ago, one of the first questions my mentor asked me was, “Are you saved, Bill?” Like the immature Christian I was at the time, I responded, “I think so (with a question mark in my voice as I replied).” He admonished me, as I will anyone whom may be reading this, by saying, “You ought to have that question settled.” And over the next twelve years of weekly and biweekly meetings with him, I learned and internalized that I am completely and definitely saved. And so, if you have any doubts about this or you know of others who might be in a quandary about such matters, come along with me this month and I will be drawing out the answer to the that question for you as well.
As I said, another reason to follow this devotional thread this month would be to be more effective in helping others know that they are saved (or not). As 1st Peter 3: 15 asserts, we need to be ready to answer the questions of others, especially when they doubt their own salvation. So, I look forward to this venture together this month so that we all can know that we know that we know that we know we’re saved!
My Prayer Today: O Lord, I thank You for knowing, beyond doubt, that You have saved me. Amen
My Journal for Today: I don’t know about you; but for anyone reading this, today’s verse is a daunting challenge from Paul to the early church and to us by extension. Looking at the assurance of our salvation this month, I will be studying, with John MacArthur’s help and biblical insights, the testing of my (our) faith.
In Christendom, this has always been a contested issue. Early Roman Catholic believers contended, as they do even today as well as many other “works-oriented” religions, that salvation was [and is in doubt between any believer and God to the end of life and assurance of that salvation could not be known by the professed Christian. However, sixteenth century Reformers, men like Luther, Calvin, Knox, and Swingli, changed the heart of Christianity by asserting that believers had definite ways to establish the grounds for the assurance of salvation.
John MacArthur points out, and I agree, that our assurance of being saved can be established both objectively and subjectively with the former being based on the finished work of Christ and our faith in the promises of Scripture (see 2nd Cor. 1: 20 – 22 - below). The subjective basis for our assurance comes from our faith in the ongoing work of God’s Spirit, which includes His convicting and sanctifying ministries through God’s Holy and perfect Word (see Romans 15: 4).
SCRIPTURE: 2nd Cor. 1: 20-22 … 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
SCRIPTURE: Romans 15: 4 … For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
We will see this month (yes, I’ve been reading ahead) that, as today’s text proclaims, we can – and we should – test ourselves as Christians, based on the truth of God’s word; and we will see that we can – in fact (i.e., objectively) – KNOW that we are saved.
Many years ago, one of the first questions my mentor asked me was, “Are you saved, Bill?” Like the immature Christian I was at the time, I responded, “I think so (with a question mark in my voice as I replied).” He admonished me, as I will anyone whom may be reading this, by saying, “You ought to have that question settled.” And over the next twelve years of weekly and biweekly meetings with him, I learned and internalized that I am completely and definitely saved. And so, if you have any doubts about this or you know of others who might be in a quandary about such matters, come along with me this month and I will be drawing out the answer to the that question for you as well.
As I said, another reason to follow this devotional thread this month would be to be more effective in helping others know that they are saved (or not). As 1st Peter 3: 15 asserts, we need to be ready to answer the questions of others, especially when they doubt their own salvation. So, I look forward to this venture together this month so that we all can know that we know that we know that we know we’re saved!
My Prayer Today: O Lord, I thank You for knowing, beyond doubt, that You have saved me. Amen
Friday, July 01, 2011
July 1, 2011 … The Need for Assurance
Blogger’s Note for July Devotionals: Continuing to use John MacArthur’s devotional book, Strength for Today, Dr. Mac’s topic for July will be The Assurance of Salvation. Perhaps you’ve doubted your salvation or maybe you know an immature Christian who doesn’t understand the permanence of true conversion. At any rate, this month of study will help us all gain more confidence in our salvation; or perhaps it will lead you to put a stake in the sand and clarify forever your declaration that Jesus Christ is your LORD and SAVIOR.
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Passage of the Day: 2nd Peter 1: 10a … Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
My Journal for Today: New month … new topic! And the topic is one which is always pertinent for God’s people … those who call themselves, “Christian.” This month I will be delving into the assurance of our salvation as Christians, again with the help of John MacArthur’s powerful devotional text, Strength for Today [if you have it, it will be covered during the month of July, as you might expect].
Above, in our text for today, we read the Apostle Peter’s strong exhortation [really, a Spirit-led command]; and he’s saying that we, as Christians, should not only have confidence in our salvation as believers in Christ, but we should also develop that assurance in the maturing of our faith over time. In other words, if you’re truly a Christian, you should find your assurance of your salvation growing as your relationship with Christ grows.
Actually, Peter’s friend and fellow Apostle, John, wrote an entire book in the canonized Bible, the Book of 1st John, to help Christians have assurance in their faith (see the theme verse for that book in 1st John 5: 13).
SCRIPTURE: 1st John 5: 13 … I [John] write these things to you who believe [i.e., Christians] in the Name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
It is true that there are people claiming to be “Christian;” and sadly they have false assurance, primarily wrapped in their works or in legalism; … and this works-driven “fire insurance” mentality is sorely misplaced. Jesus spoke to this with one of His most gruesome prophesies (found in Matt. 7: 21 – 23) when he said that many who call Him, “lord, lord,” would never be allowed into His heaven.
That, to me, is one of the saddest sayings from the heart, mind, and mouth of Jesus. And this month my study will focus on how real Christians can have a rock-solid assurance for their salvation and can, as Peter exhorted in today’s verse, exercise that faith to give them hope and strength in any or all situations. This is certainly a worthy re-study for my mind and heart [since this is the six year I’ve used MacArthur’s devotional book]; and I would also want to be able to help other believers to have that rock-solid faith as well. I pray, if you’re reading/studying along with me in this place, that you have your anchor of faith and salvation attached solidly to Christ as Your Rock, the Lord, Jesus Christ. If not this will be a good place to be daily as we explore the assurance of our salvation. BUT, … if you are sure of your salvation, like me, this will be a good place to be daily … so that we can develop the Spirit-led knowledge from God’s word to help others have the same solid assurance we have in Christ.
So, if you’re reading this, come with me, and with the help of John MacArthur, and more importantly the direction of God’s word and His Spirit, we will pursue and find true assurance of our salvation in Christ. And after this month of devotionals I would hope that we all, in the strong assurance of our own salvation, can help other Christians find that ROCK solid knowledge that once they are born-again by their faith and God’s grace, they will spend eternity with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My Prayer Today: I know You, Lord; but I want to know You even more. Amen
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Passage of the Day: 2nd Peter 1: 10a … Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
My Journal for Today: New month … new topic! And the topic is one which is always pertinent for God’s people … those who call themselves, “Christian.” This month I will be delving into the assurance of our salvation as Christians, again with the help of John MacArthur’s powerful devotional text, Strength for Today [if you have it, it will be covered during the month of July, as you might expect].
Above, in our text for today, we read the Apostle Peter’s strong exhortation [really, a Spirit-led command]; and he’s saying that we, as Christians, should not only have confidence in our salvation as believers in Christ, but we should also develop that assurance in the maturing of our faith over time. In other words, if you’re truly a Christian, you should find your assurance of your salvation growing as your relationship with Christ grows.
Actually, Peter’s friend and fellow Apostle, John, wrote an entire book in the canonized Bible, the Book of 1st John, to help Christians have assurance in their faith (see the theme verse for that book in 1st John 5: 13).
SCRIPTURE: 1st John 5: 13 … I [John] write these things to you who believe [i.e., Christians] in the Name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
It is true that there are people claiming to be “Christian;” and sadly they have false assurance, primarily wrapped in their works or in legalism; … and this works-driven “fire insurance” mentality is sorely misplaced. Jesus spoke to this with one of His most gruesome prophesies (found in Matt. 7: 21 – 23) when he said that many who call Him, “lord, lord,” would never be allowed into His heaven.
That, to me, is one of the saddest sayings from the heart, mind, and mouth of Jesus. And this month my study will focus on how real Christians can have a rock-solid assurance for their salvation and can, as Peter exhorted in today’s verse, exercise that faith to give them hope and strength in any or all situations. This is certainly a worthy re-study for my mind and heart [since this is the six year I’ve used MacArthur’s devotional book]; and I would also want to be able to help other believers to have that rock-solid faith as well. I pray, if you’re reading/studying along with me in this place, that you have your anchor of faith and salvation attached solidly to Christ as Your Rock, the Lord, Jesus Christ. If not this will be a good place to be daily as we explore the assurance of our salvation. BUT, … if you are sure of your salvation, like me, this will be a good place to be daily … so that we can develop the Spirit-led knowledge from God’s word to help others have the same solid assurance we have in Christ.
So, if you’re reading this, come with me, and with the help of John MacArthur, and more importantly the direction of God’s word and His Spirit, we will pursue and find true assurance of our salvation in Christ. And after this month of devotionals I would hope that we all, in the strong assurance of our own salvation, can help other Christians find that ROCK solid knowledge that once they are born-again by their faith and God’s grace, they will spend eternity with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My Prayer Today: I know You, Lord; but I want to know You even more. Amen
Thursday, June 30, 2011
June 30, 2011 … Integrity Brings True (Godly) Success
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 28 … So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
My Journal for Today: This month I’ve been looking at and writing about spiritual integrity, with John MacArthur’s help from his devotional, Strength for Today; and we have exemplified this attribute of Christian living by looking into the lives of Daniel and his three young Hebrew friends, who were renamed to the names most of us know them by … Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And I believe that MacArthur is right when he says, “True success is more a matter of character than circumstances.”
Daniel was loyal and true to God’s will/ways; and God used him successfully in the Lord’s big picture of God’s redemptive plan. Daniel’s work and influence over King Cyrus (and/or Darius), led to the Jews being freed and returning to Jerusalem (see Ezra 1: 1 – 3); and it was his prophesies (see Daniel 9) that led to the Magi searching for the Jewish Messiah (see Matt. 2: 1 – 12). All of that was a direct or indirect result of Daniel’s spiritual integrity; and it would be ludicrous to claim that all of those historical circumstances, which fit so intricately and powerfully together, happened by sheer chance.
So, Daniel’s story and life show us that God will use anyone who stays true to God’s will, allowing Him to work into God’s plan in His time through His people. May we all stay true, as did Daniel and the tree courageous Hebrew friends, to God’s word, His ways, and His will; and then let God use His faithful people of integrity [prayerfully that’s you and me] for His glory. And as I have reflected in my journal entries during this month, it’s a good time for any of us to ask ourselves how faithfully we’ve been into God’s word (see Joshua 1: 8) and living accord to His will (see 1st Cor. 4: 1 – 2). Because, … if we are God’s servants, as was Daniel, God will use us; but He can only use us when we yield to Him as did Daniel.
However, for the latter to be the case we must live and be an answer to King David’s ponderous prayer question in Psalm 15: 1, with his answer in verse 2 …
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 15: 1-2 … LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart …
Perhaps you, as I do, find these words imposing, if not impossible; and if it were not for the righteousness imputed by our Savior/Lord, it would be impossible to live up to this standard of righteousness. What David is saying/singing here is that only those who walk blamelessly in righteousness and speak total truth from the heart (i.e., live the completed and perfected life) have a right to dwell with God. And, of course, David, the Psalmist King, was/is right in this assertion. And that was the kind of life lived by Daniel; and late in their lives by men like Paul, Peter, John, and the other Apostles of Christ. But we know that the latter giants of the faith were not like that before they received the saving and enabling grace of God through their faith in Jesus Christ.
When Jesus called His disciples all of them were severely lacking in spiritual integrity. And King David, who wrote Ps. 15, certainly had his time when he did not live in a way to inhabit God’s “Holy Hill.” But when these men died, most of them as martyrs for their faith, they had chosen to live like Daniel, trusting God completely, walking blamelessly, and speaking THE TRUTH, … and following, by surrendered faith, the One Who led their lives, … THE Messiah, Who is Jesus Christ. And they all, just as we can, dwell in God’s sanctuary forever.
And may that be the aspiration of integrity for all who use the Name, “Christian.”
My Prayer Today: My I live under Your definition of success for my life, Lord. Amen
My Journal for Today: This month I’ve been looking at and writing about spiritual integrity, with John MacArthur’s help from his devotional, Strength for Today; and we have exemplified this attribute of Christian living by looking into the lives of Daniel and his three young Hebrew friends, who were renamed to the names most of us know them by … Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And I believe that MacArthur is right when he says, “True success is more a matter of character than circumstances.”
Daniel was loyal and true to God’s will/ways; and God used him successfully in the Lord’s big picture of God’s redemptive plan. Daniel’s work and influence over King Cyrus (and/or Darius), led to the Jews being freed and returning to Jerusalem (see Ezra 1: 1 – 3); and it was his prophesies (see Daniel 9) that led to the Magi searching for the Jewish Messiah (see Matt. 2: 1 – 12). All of that was a direct or indirect result of Daniel’s spiritual integrity; and it would be ludicrous to claim that all of those historical circumstances, which fit so intricately and powerfully together, happened by sheer chance.
So, Daniel’s story and life show us that God will use anyone who stays true to God’s will, allowing Him to work into God’s plan in His time through His people. May we all stay true, as did Daniel and the tree courageous Hebrew friends, to God’s word, His ways, and His will; and then let God use His faithful people of integrity [prayerfully that’s you and me] for His glory. And as I have reflected in my journal entries during this month, it’s a good time for any of us to ask ourselves how faithfully we’ve been into God’s word (see Joshua 1: 8) and living accord to His will (see 1st Cor. 4: 1 – 2). Because, … if we are God’s servants, as was Daniel, God will use us; but He can only use us when we yield to Him as did Daniel.
However, for the latter to be the case we must live and be an answer to King David’s ponderous prayer question in Psalm 15: 1, with his answer in verse 2 …
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 15: 1-2 … LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart …
Perhaps you, as I do, find these words imposing, if not impossible; and if it were not for the righteousness imputed by our Savior/Lord, it would be impossible to live up to this standard of righteousness. What David is saying/singing here is that only those who walk blamelessly in righteousness and speak total truth from the heart (i.e., live the completed and perfected life) have a right to dwell with God. And, of course, David, the Psalmist King, was/is right in this assertion. And that was the kind of life lived by Daniel; and late in their lives by men like Paul, Peter, John, and the other Apostles of Christ. But we know that the latter giants of the faith were not like that before they received the saving and enabling grace of God through their faith in Jesus Christ.
When Jesus called His disciples all of them were severely lacking in spiritual integrity. And King David, who wrote Ps. 15, certainly had his time when he did not live in a way to inhabit God’s “Holy Hill.” But when these men died, most of them as martyrs for their faith, they had chosen to live like Daniel, trusting God completely, walking blamelessly, and speaking THE TRUTH, … and following, by surrendered faith, the One Who led their lives, … THE Messiah, Who is Jesus Christ. And they all, just as we can, dwell in God’s sanctuary forever.
And may that be the aspiration of integrity for all who use the Name, “Christian.”
My Prayer Today: My I live under Your definition of success for my life, Lord. Amen
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
June 29, 2011 … Integrity Draws People To God
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 25 – 27 … 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: “May you prosper greatly!”
26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
My Journal for Today: The proclamation by King Darius, honoring Daniel’s God, was made by a pagan king of a pagan nation; and it illustrates the impact that God can have through just one man (or woman) who stands with integrity for God. Yes, just one person stands up for God to another, especially one of influence or power, in God’s timing, and it can, through God’s enabling grace, have the kind of influence/impact that Daniel had on King Darius (a.k.a., King Cyrus).
In his devotional for this date from Strength for Today, John MacArthur helps me (us) see other examples … e.g., Noah stood for God, being labeled crazy as he built the ark; … Joseph witnessed to Egypt, having been delivered from the pits and prison; … Moses, came from the wilderness and banishment to Egypt to deliver God’s people from slavery; … a young Gideon was lifted from hiding in a wine barrel to become a great leader in battle for Israel; … and Esther was God’s agent to save God’s people from wickedness and oppression in a culture where women were considered property. All of these were common people at the time God intervened and chose them, using them for His glory in uncommon witness.
But you may say, as I thought in reading this list, “I’m not a giant of the faith like these!” But look at how Jesus called His disciples. These men were not giants of the faith when Jesus called them. Those whom I mentioned above were not “giant’s” of faith when God called them to extraordinary duty. Yet, their witness in God’s timing and purpose, with their faith and surrender to God’s plan, changed the world forever.
The lesson here is that ANYONE can be used for God’s glory when that one surrenders completely to God’s purpose in His timing. Perhaps you or I can be God’s chosen witness to a lost person in our family or in our work place, even one of influence who might have great impact on others as was the case with a King Darius. Perhaps the position and influence you hold with others, with those people seeing Christ being lived out in your life, can have an enormous ripple effect on others for Christ over time. We won’t know when and how God will use something we say or how we live by faith to draw someone to Himself and then use that person for His glory.
When I was a hardened agnostic many years ago, a Christian acquaintance loaned me a cassette tape by a Christian speaker on the subject of one’s faith being lived out in our everyday lives; and that tape brought me to brokenness on April 13, 1983, the day I opened my life to Christ. And now that same former “anti-Christian” has, over three decades later, has become an ordained Christian minister and has been called to found and lead Battle Plan Ministry. Only God can do something like that; but He used one Christian standing up for his faith and witnessing to me boldly to bring yours truly into God’s family. Who do you know to whom God is calling you to witness today?
My Prayer Today: Use me even this day, Lord, in Your time, for Your purpose! Amen
26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
My Journal for Today: The proclamation by King Darius, honoring Daniel’s God, was made by a pagan king of a pagan nation; and it illustrates the impact that God can have through just one man (or woman) who stands with integrity for God. Yes, just one person stands up for God to another, especially one of influence or power, in God’s timing, and it can, through God’s enabling grace, have the kind of influence/impact that Daniel had on King Darius (a.k.a., King Cyrus).
In his devotional for this date from Strength for Today, John MacArthur helps me (us) see other examples … e.g., Noah stood for God, being labeled crazy as he built the ark; … Joseph witnessed to Egypt, having been delivered from the pits and prison; … Moses, came from the wilderness and banishment to Egypt to deliver God’s people from slavery; … a young Gideon was lifted from hiding in a wine barrel to become a great leader in battle for Israel; … and Esther was God’s agent to save God’s people from wickedness and oppression in a culture where women were considered property. All of these were common people at the time God intervened and chose them, using them for His glory in uncommon witness.
But you may say, as I thought in reading this list, “I’m not a giant of the faith like these!” But look at how Jesus called His disciples. These men were not giants of the faith when Jesus called them. Those whom I mentioned above were not “giant’s” of faith when God called them to extraordinary duty. Yet, their witness in God’s timing and purpose, with their faith and surrender to God’s plan, changed the world forever.
The lesson here is that ANYONE can be used for God’s glory when that one surrenders completely to God’s purpose in His timing. Perhaps you or I can be God’s chosen witness to a lost person in our family or in our work place, even one of influence who might have great impact on others as was the case with a King Darius. Perhaps the position and influence you hold with others, with those people seeing Christ being lived out in your life, can have an enormous ripple effect on others for Christ over time. We won’t know when and how God will use something we say or how we live by faith to draw someone to Himself and then use that person for His glory.
When I was a hardened agnostic many years ago, a Christian acquaintance loaned me a cassette tape by a Christian speaker on the subject of one’s faith being lived out in our everyday lives; and that tape brought me to brokenness on April 13, 1983, the day I opened my life to Christ. And now that same former “anti-Christian” has, over three decades later, has become an ordained Christian minister and has been called to found and lead Battle Plan Ministry. Only God can do something like that; but He used one Christian standing up for his faith and witnessing to me boldly to bring yours truly into God’s family. Who do you know to whom God is calling you to witness today?
My Prayer Today: Use me even this day, Lord, in Your time, for Your purpose! Amen
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
June 28, 2011 … Integrity Will Be Vindicated
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 21 - 24 … 21 Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
My Journal for Today: In the 21st Century, … in these days of blatant and open political and legal oppression of Christian values and ideals, it can be discouraging to stand with integrity as a believer in Christ in battle after battle for a country founded on Christian principles now being denigrated and degraded by men like those Daniel faced from the court of King Darius. That’s why it is most encouraging to latch on to the truth of this historical story of Daniel being delivered from the lions.
John MacArthur clearly states the principle … that “… God will always vindicate His people.” We don’t always know when or how the vindication will occur; but it WILL happen … even if that occurs in Heaven.
It had to have been a major downer for Daniel to know he was in the “right” and still was put into the lion’s den by a King with whom he had built a strong and lasting relationship of trust. But Daniel, I’m sure, remembered how God had delivered him in the past as well as his three young friends years before from the fiery furnace; and Daniel’s integrity of faith would be with him as he entered that den of lions. Would he be delivered from death? Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I’m sure Daniel believed that God would be his deliverer; but he could not know whether he would be delivered from the mouths of those lions or into the hands of God for eternity. But Daniel knew and believed, with integrity, that His God was his deliverer.
Now it’s true that deliverance from anti-God oppression these days may not be as quick or as dramatic as it was for Daniel; but Christ’s oppression on the cross, which resulted in His death and resurrection, has sealed our future where we, who have faith in Him, will be delivered and live with Him forever in heaven. Perhaps God has set our nation adrift as it teaches about a godless culture in Romans 1. But we, who claim Christ as our Lord and Savior, have the hope which overcomes the oppression from any circumstances; and it allow us to believe in the truth that all things work together for the good of God’s chosen ones (hopefully you recognize that from your memory of Rom. 8: 28).
My Prayer Today: We are so blessed, Lord, to stand with you as did Daniel. Amen
My Journal for Today: In the 21st Century, … in these days of blatant and open political and legal oppression of Christian values and ideals, it can be discouraging to stand with integrity as a believer in Christ in battle after battle for a country founded on Christian principles now being denigrated and degraded by men like those Daniel faced from the court of King Darius. That’s why it is most encouraging to latch on to the truth of this historical story of Daniel being delivered from the lions.
John MacArthur clearly states the principle … that “… God will always vindicate His people.” We don’t always know when or how the vindication will occur; but it WILL happen … even if that occurs in Heaven.
It had to have been a major downer for Daniel to know he was in the “right” and still was put into the lion’s den by a King with whom he had built a strong and lasting relationship of trust. But Daniel, I’m sure, remembered how God had delivered him in the past as well as his three young friends years before from the fiery furnace; and Daniel’s integrity of faith would be with him as he entered that den of lions. Would he be delivered from death? Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I’m sure Daniel believed that God would be his deliverer; but he could not know whether he would be delivered from the mouths of those lions or into the hands of God for eternity. But Daniel knew and believed, with integrity, that His God was his deliverer.
Now it’s true that deliverance from anti-God oppression these days may not be as quick or as dramatic as it was for Daniel; but Christ’s oppression on the cross, which resulted in His death and resurrection, has sealed our future where we, who have faith in Him, will be delivered and live with Him forever in heaven. Perhaps God has set our nation adrift as it teaches about a godless culture in Romans 1. But we, who claim Christ as our Lord and Savior, have the hope which overcomes the oppression from any circumstances; and it allow us to believe in the truth that all things work together for the good of God’s chosen ones (hopefully you recognize that from your memory of Rom. 8: 28).
My Prayer Today: We are so blessed, Lord, to stand with you as did Daniel. Amen
Monday, June 27, 2011
June 27, 2011 … Integrity Accepts God’s Will
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 18 – 22 … 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. 19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.”
My Journal for Today: As we read in today’s passage, it was God’s will that Daniel be delivered from the mouths of the lions. And it was undoubtedly Daniel’s steadfast integrity of faith and his open witness to King Darius prior to this incident which caused the King to have regrets in Daniel’s predicament, and at the same time hope that Daniel’s God would deliver Daniel, the king’s loyal servant. However, Darius, the King was stuck by the wiles of his advisors and his own laws and decrees. That’s why it’s so easy, as a believer these days, to be concerned by the laws that are being drafted or the rulings of judges which restrict or persecute Christians.
And, as John MacArthur points out in his devotional for this date in Strength for Today, it is not always God’s will that the faithful be delivered from the jaws of death as was the case for Daniel or for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego earlier. MacArthur reminds me and his readers that Isaiah was a faithful witness to God; and he was sawn in half by God’s enemies; and how faithful was Stephen, who was stoned to death as he declared his loyalty to God to the end? Finally, we know that both Peter and Paul were martyred in very cruel deaths for their faith. All of these men had incredible Spirit-led integrity; and all of them were bold and assertive witnesses to their faith … just like Daniel. Yet, they were not delivered from their individual “lion’s den” experience and were martyred for their faith.
Yes, as MacArthur writes, “Trusting God means accepting His will, whether for life or for death.” And as Paul wrote in Phil. 1: 21, “… to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” My primary goals in this life as a Christian are to know God and to live according to His will. And oh how I desire to be like these men of faith who held on to their integrity in Christ in their lives and in the face of death!
And right now, in my morning time with God, as His timing would have it, and as I listen to my ITunes music collection of Christian favorites, the version of the great praise song, I Will Follow Christ, performed by my dear friend, Clay Crosse, and two of his fellow Christian artists, Bob Carlisle and Bebe Winans has come up for me to listen to here in my quiet time. What a great song about following Christ no matter what the circumstances of life. And so that you, my fellow Christians reader, can hear my brothers singing this song, here’s a link to a You Tube performance by these great singers of that powerful song of praise and witness. Watch, listen, and be inspired to greater integrity and witness.
My Prayer Today: O, my Lord, to live or to die in You is my witness. Amen
My Journal for Today: As we read in today’s passage, it was God’s will that Daniel be delivered from the mouths of the lions. And it was undoubtedly Daniel’s steadfast integrity of faith and his open witness to King Darius prior to this incident which caused the King to have regrets in Daniel’s predicament, and at the same time hope that Daniel’s God would deliver Daniel, the king’s loyal servant. However, Darius, the King was stuck by the wiles of his advisors and his own laws and decrees. That’s why it’s so easy, as a believer these days, to be concerned by the laws that are being drafted or the rulings of judges which restrict or persecute Christians.
And, as John MacArthur points out in his devotional for this date in Strength for Today, it is not always God’s will that the faithful be delivered from the jaws of death as was the case for Daniel or for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego earlier. MacArthur reminds me and his readers that Isaiah was a faithful witness to God; and he was sawn in half by God’s enemies; and how faithful was Stephen, who was stoned to death as he declared his loyalty to God to the end? Finally, we know that both Peter and Paul were martyred in very cruel deaths for their faith. All of these men had incredible Spirit-led integrity; and all of them were bold and assertive witnesses to their faith … just like Daniel. Yet, they were not delivered from their individual “lion’s den” experience and were martyred for their faith.
Yes, as MacArthur writes, “Trusting God means accepting His will, whether for life or for death.” And as Paul wrote in Phil. 1: 21, “… to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” My primary goals in this life as a Christian are to know God and to live according to His will. And oh how I desire to be like these men of faith who held on to their integrity in Christ in their lives and in the face of death!
And right now, in my morning time with God, as His timing would have it, and as I listen to my ITunes music collection of Christian favorites, the version of the great praise song, I Will Follow Christ, performed by my dear friend, Clay Crosse, and two of his fellow Christian artists, Bob Carlisle and Bebe Winans has come up for me to listen to here in my quiet time. What a great song about following Christ no matter what the circumstances of life. And so that you, my fellow Christians reader, can hear my brothers singing this song, here’s a link to a You Tube performance by these great singers of that powerful song of praise and witness. Watch, listen, and be inspired to greater integrity and witness.
My Prayer Today: O, my Lord, to live or to die in You is my witness. Amen
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 26, 2011 … Integrity Enjoys Divine Resources
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 12 – 17 … 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”
13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.
15 Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, “Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”
16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.
My Journal for Today: As we read on in Daniel 6, the plot thickens involving Daniel and the jealous and somewhat desperate leaders of the court of Darius, who had unwittingly signed a decree which seemed to have sealed Daniel’s fate to death in the lion’s den. At this point Darius realized that he was trapped politically, legally, and personally; and Daniel would have to pay the appointed legal penalty for his unwillingness to give up his prayer discipline and his God honoring integrity. We read that Darius didn’t want to kill Daniel; but all human means of exoneration were exhausted.
And how many times have we been at a place in our lives when all human and/or legal means of solving a problem have played themselves out. It is in moments like Daniel’s predicament or when we have no human means of prevailing that our God, … Daniel’s God, has us just where He wants us – dependent totally on Him to save the day; and in our surrender He is glorified. And as we’ve read many times in these devotionals, God is in the business of saving the day for Himself. By now, I would hope that you’re thinking of two of my favorite passages of strength and deliverance, 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9, and perhaps 2nd Tim. 1: 7, or in the Old Testament, … Isaiah 41: 10.
These are truths from God’s word which have pulled me from the mires of self doubt or discouragement on many occasions. Years ago my mentor in Christ led me to memorize and internalize these verses; because he convinced me that one day I would need these verses and the promises of God to lift me up when I was down; and I hope you have these God-given promises or others to lift you up. Perhaps you need them even today.
Having the wonderful and powerful promises of these passages, God’s promises in moments of dire circumstance, is wonderfully comforting; because when I’ve exhausted all the options in my human bank of solution, God is with me, ALWAYS, with these promises from His word to lift me up, … to draw upon His strength in my weakness, …and to be an overcomer as was Christ (see also John 16: 33). And that’s exactly what Darius wished for Daniel as we read it in Dan. 6: 16. No, the king actually wanted to see Daniel’s God prevail. And that can also happen when we stand in moments of despair, relying totally on our God. The world in such moments has a God consciousness forged in their hearts by God to see our Lord prevail and be lifted up. But that would not have happened in Daniel’s predicament if he had not stood, in Godly integrity, for God’s way in the face of man’s law. And it won’t happen in our lives, if we don’t stand in the gap, trusting in and living out the promises of God when we are confronted with the lion’s dens in life.
And so, when we’re at our end, we learn from Daniel’s strength, over and over, as well as remembering the strength of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that God’s strength is perfect when our strength is gone. As the lyrics of a great worship song, which God’s timing has given me in this moment of morning worship. The song is His Strength Is Perfect, in which Steven Curtis Chapman, singing it into my earphones from my ITunes, declares, “… raised in His power, the weak become strong.” Daniel believed that; and Darius was able to see the end result of that truth as you read on in Daniel 6. Our challenge, as it was for Daniel, is to have complete trust in God’s power and not let our circumstances and fears get the victory. And when we do, as did Daniel, we will see that God’s strength, as Steven Curtis Chapman sings, “… is always perfect.”
And that, my dear ones, is Christian integrity applied and personified in the lives of believers who live out their faith in the midst of a lion’s den or in the furnaces of life.
My Prayer Today: My hope is ever with You, Lord. Amen
13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.
15 Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, “Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”
16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.
My Journal for Today: As we read on in Daniel 6, the plot thickens involving Daniel and the jealous and somewhat desperate leaders of the court of Darius, who had unwittingly signed a decree which seemed to have sealed Daniel’s fate to death in the lion’s den. At this point Darius realized that he was trapped politically, legally, and personally; and Daniel would have to pay the appointed legal penalty for his unwillingness to give up his prayer discipline and his God honoring integrity. We read that Darius didn’t want to kill Daniel; but all human means of exoneration were exhausted.
And how many times have we been at a place in our lives when all human and/or legal means of solving a problem have played themselves out. It is in moments like Daniel’s predicament or when we have no human means of prevailing that our God, … Daniel’s God, has us just where He wants us – dependent totally on Him to save the day; and in our surrender He is glorified. And as we’ve read many times in these devotionals, God is in the business of saving the day for Himself. By now, I would hope that you’re thinking of two of my favorite passages of strength and deliverance, 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9, and perhaps 2nd Tim. 1: 7, or in the Old Testament, … Isaiah 41: 10.
These are truths from God’s word which have pulled me from the mires of self doubt or discouragement on many occasions. Years ago my mentor in Christ led me to memorize and internalize these verses; because he convinced me that one day I would need these verses and the promises of God to lift me up when I was down; and I hope you have these God-given promises or others to lift you up. Perhaps you need them even today.
Having the wonderful and powerful promises of these passages, God’s promises in moments of dire circumstance, is wonderfully comforting; because when I’ve exhausted all the options in my human bank of solution, God is with me, ALWAYS, with these promises from His word to lift me up, … to draw upon His strength in my weakness, …and to be an overcomer as was Christ (see also John 16: 33). And that’s exactly what Darius wished for Daniel as we read it in Dan. 6: 16. No, the king actually wanted to see Daniel’s God prevail. And that can also happen when we stand in moments of despair, relying totally on our God. The world in such moments has a God consciousness forged in their hearts by God to see our Lord prevail and be lifted up. But that would not have happened in Daniel’s predicament if he had not stood, in Godly integrity, for God’s way in the face of man’s law. And it won’t happen in our lives, if we don’t stand in the gap, trusting in and living out the promises of God when we are confronted with the lion’s dens in life.
And so, when we’re at our end, we learn from Daniel’s strength, over and over, as well as remembering the strength of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that God’s strength is perfect when our strength is gone. As the lyrics of a great worship song, which God’s timing has given me in this moment of morning worship. The song is His Strength Is Perfect, in which Steven Curtis Chapman, singing it into my earphones from my ITunes, declares, “… raised in His power, the weak become strong.” Daniel believed that; and Darius was able to see the end result of that truth as you read on in Daniel 6. Our challenge, as it was for Daniel, is to have complete trust in God’s power and not let our circumstances and fears get the victory. And when we do, as did Daniel, we will see that God’s strength, as Steven Curtis Chapman sings, “… is always perfect.”
And that, my dear ones, is Christian integrity applied and personified in the lives of believers who live out their faith in the midst of a lion’s den or in the furnaces of life.
My Prayer Today: My hope is ever with You, Lord. Amen
Saturday, June 25, 2011
June 25, 2011 … Integrity Is Devoted to Prayer
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 10 - 11 … 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.
My Journal for Today: For today’s devotional in John MacArthur’s, Strength for Today, the Author states flatly, “There is a direct link between prayer and integrity (for the Christian).” As we read in today’s passage, it was the faithful discipline of Daniel’s prayer life that prompted the already jealous Medo-Persian officials in the court of King Darius to establish a law against praying openly to Daniel’s God. And here we live in a world today where there are those in influence and political power who have already attempted to strip prayer by legal means from the public arena. And, many of these power mongers would like to wipe the Name of “God” from all public interactions. Take note now, as I write this, our “king’s court” are doing all they can to keep military chaplains from invoking the Name of “Christ” from any public prayer in the military; and hate crime legislation is being formulated in Congress which, as it is in Canada and Sweden, would make it a “hate crime” to preach homosexuality as a sin from a Christian pulpit. So, even today the integrity of believers in God is being tested much the same as was Daniel in the times of today’s text.
As MacArthur above states, we see that Daniel’s public display of disciplined prayer signaled his spiritual integrity, as prayer does, especially public prayer, in our lives as Christians. It is God’s will that we pray to Him (see Col. 4: 2 and 1st Thess. 5: 17 below). And it was so for Daniel as well; and his willingness to pray openly to His Lord was his public witness to his faith in the one, true God.
SCRIPTURE: Col. 4: 2 … Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
SCRIPTURE: 1st Thess. 5: 16 – 18 … 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Are we committed to God and His will, as was Daniel, … so committed that we’d be willing to risk our very life, or at least be imprisoned for our commitment to prayer, by standing for our God by kneeling in prayer … just as He demands of His believers? Seeing military Chaplains being told they cannot pray “in the Name of Christ” and the political trends of the day, it is not difficult to imagine a time, not too soon in the future, when Christians may face a ban on public references to God, which will be most evident in limitations on our prayer to our Lord in public. Where will we stand – or kneel – for our God? Will we be believers with the integrity of a Daniel?
My Prayer Today: Lord, I pray that I will always declare Your Name to honor You, especially in prayer. Amen
My Journal for Today: For today’s devotional in John MacArthur’s, Strength for Today, the Author states flatly, “There is a direct link between prayer and integrity (for the Christian).” As we read in today’s passage, it was the faithful discipline of Daniel’s prayer life that prompted the already jealous Medo-Persian officials in the court of King Darius to establish a law against praying openly to Daniel’s God. And here we live in a world today where there are those in influence and political power who have already attempted to strip prayer by legal means from the public arena. And, many of these power mongers would like to wipe the Name of “God” from all public interactions. Take note now, as I write this, our “king’s court” are doing all they can to keep military chaplains from invoking the Name of “Christ” from any public prayer in the military; and hate crime legislation is being formulated in Congress which, as it is in Canada and Sweden, would make it a “hate crime” to preach homosexuality as a sin from a Christian pulpit. So, even today the integrity of believers in God is being tested much the same as was Daniel in the times of today’s text.
As MacArthur above states, we see that Daniel’s public display of disciplined prayer signaled his spiritual integrity, as prayer does, especially public prayer, in our lives as Christians. It is God’s will that we pray to Him (see Col. 4: 2 and 1st Thess. 5: 17 below). And it was so for Daniel as well; and his willingness to pray openly to His Lord was his public witness to his faith in the one, true God.
SCRIPTURE: Col. 4: 2 … Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
SCRIPTURE: 1st Thess. 5: 16 – 18 … 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Are we committed to God and His will, as was Daniel, … so committed that we’d be willing to risk our very life, or at least be imprisoned for our commitment to prayer, by standing for our God by kneeling in prayer … just as He demands of His believers? Seeing military Chaplains being told they cannot pray “in the Name of Christ” and the political trends of the day, it is not difficult to imagine a time, not too soon in the future, when Christians may face a ban on public references to God, which will be most evident in limitations on our prayer to our Lord in public. Where will we stand – or kneel – for our God? Will we be believers with the integrity of a Daniel?
My Prayer Today: Lord, I pray that I will always declare Your Name to honor You, especially in prayer. Amen
Friday, June 24, 2011
June 24, 2011 … Integrity Triumphs Over Deception
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 6 – 9 … 6 So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: “O King Darius, live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.
My Journal for Today: In the devotional book, Strength for Today, … the book that I have used to drive these daily journal entries, John MacArthur, on this date, quotes a prayer of King David in Psalm 5: 8 – 12 [linked here for your study], where David prayed that those who would plot to deceive him would be punished by God. Actually, a prayer like that one could have been Daniel’s prayer as well as we read what the jackals in King Darius’ court plotted against Daniel. And Darius, like Nebuchadnezzar years before him, had fallen prey to the ego-driven deceit of the King’s men, which set in motion another serious test of Daniel’s faith and spiritual integrity.
And as we read the story unfold in the rest of Daniel 6 (also, as I have read on ahead, you can follow my subsequent devotionals), God would protect Daniel again; and the deceitful men of the King’s court would lose their lives for plotting against God’s man, Daniel. From all of this, the lesson could not be clearer.
Faithful integrity which honors the one, true God, especially when tested, will be blessed by God’s will and way. And as it says in my wife’s favorite Bible verse, Prov. 3: 5 -6 (another passage I hope you’ve memorized by now), trusting God wholeheartedly finds the believer walking a straight, if narrow and harrowing, path in God’s direction. And we also know from one of my other memorized passages, 1st Cor. 10: 13, God’s promise is that He will always make a way for His faithful warriors to follow.
That was the way for Daniel; and that is the way it should be for all of us to follow the Lord.
My Prayer Today: Help me, Lord, to see Your path clearly … and then, to follow it faithfully. Amen
My Journal for Today: In the devotional book, Strength for Today, … the book that I have used to drive these daily journal entries, John MacArthur, on this date, quotes a prayer of King David in Psalm 5: 8 – 12 [linked here for your study], where David prayed that those who would plot to deceive him would be punished by God. Actually, a prayer like that one could have been Daniel’s prayer as well as we read what the jackals in King Darius’ court plotted against Daniel. And Darius, like Nebuchadnezzar years before him, had fallen prey to the ego-driven deceit of the King’s men, which set in motion another serious test of Daniel’s faith and spiritual integrity.
And as we read the story unfold in the rest of Daniel 6 (also, as I have read on ahead, you can follow my subsequent devotionals), God would protect Daniel again; and the deceitful men of the King’s court would lose their lives for plotting against God’s man, Daniel. From all of this, the lesson could not be clearer.
Faithful integrity which honors the one, true God, especially when tested, will be blessed by God’s will and way. And as it says in my wife’s favorite Bible verse, Prov. 3: 5 -6 (another passage I hope you’ve memorized by now), trusting God wholeheartedly finds the believer walking a straight, if narrow and harrowing, path in God’s direction. And we also know from one of my other memorized passages, 1st Cor. 10: 13, God’s promise is that He will always make a way for His faithful warriors to follow.
That was the way for Daniel; and that is the way it should be for all of us to follow the Lord.
My Prayer Today: Help me, Lord, to see Your path clearly … and then, to follow it faithfully. Amen
Thursday, June 23, 2011
June 23, 2011 … Integrity Promotes a Righteous Reputation
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 4 - 5 … 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
My Journal for Today: Character, it is said, is what we do when no one else is looking – save God, of course. Daniel, as we read in today’s passage from Dan. 6, was a man so consistent and reliable of faith that his jealous opponents, who were rigorously trying to bring Daniel down, had little outright behavioral evidence to indict his character before King Darius; so they decided to go after his openly recognized faith in the Hebrew God. And then we essentially see a replay of what happened under Nebuchadnezzar several decades earlier. And it’s also a foreplay of what is going on in our culture as power driven humans try to eliminate an vestiges of “God” or “Christ” from our culture.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter instructed the early church (and modern believers, by extension) that they (we) should live in such a way that their (our) character and integrity should continually glorify God by how they (we) live. [See 1st Peter 2: 12 below …]
SCRIPTURE: 1st Peter 2: 12 … Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
It is certainly the case that we, today as Christians, will have our nay-sayers, as did Daniel, … those who will challenge our faith and even try to strip us of the right to worship or promote our God. Even those in power today, such as a number of activist judges or organizations like the ACLU, are trying to create a Godless society. But as John MacArthur in his Strength for Today commentary for this date writes, “… (we Christians) must live the kind of life that silences and refutes (the world’s) accusations.” And when we do, MacArthur goes on to say, “… some of them might even come to Christ.”
I’ve heard it said, as perhaps have you, that our lives, lived with Christian integrity and purpose, may be the only “Bible” others in our world ever “read.” If that is the case, does my life and yours, as was the case of Daniel, reflect the very Christ we claim as Savior and Lord?
My Prayer Today: O, Lord, may all I think, say, and do openly reflect You for all to see. Amen
My Journal for Today: Character, it is said, is what we do when no one else is looking – save God, of course. Daniel, as we read in today’s passage from Dan. 6, was a man so consistent and reliable of faith that his jealous opponents, who were rigorously trying to bring Daniel down, had little outright behavioral evidence to indict his character before King Darius; so they decided to go after his openly recognized faith in the Hebrew God. And then we essentially see a replay of what happened under Nebuchadnezzar several decades earlier. And it’s also a foreplay of what is going on in our culture as power driven humans try to eliminate an vestiges of “God” or “Christ” from our culture.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter instructed the early church (and modern believers, by extension) that they (we) should live in such a way that their (our) character and integrity should continually glorify God by how they (we) live. [See 1st Peter 2: 12 below …]
SCRIPTURE: 1st Peter 2: 12 … Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
It is certainly the case that we, today as Christians, will have our nay-sayers, as did Daniel, … those who will challenge our faith and even try to strip us of the right to worship or promote our God. Even those in power today, such as a number of activist judges or organizations like the ACLU, are trying to create a Godless society. But as John MacArthur in his Strength for Today commentary for this date writes, “… (we Christians) must live the kind of life that silences and refutes (the world’s) accusations.” And when we do, MacArthur goes on to say, “… some of them might even come to Christ.”
I’ve heard it said, as perhaps have you, that our lives, lived with Christian integrity and purpose, may be the only “Bible” others in our world ever “read.” If that is the case, does my life and yours, as was the case of Daniel, reflect the very Christ we claim as Savior and Lord?
My Prayer Today: O, Lord, may all I think, say, and do openly reflect You for all to see. Amen
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 22, 2011 … Integrity Is Consistent
Passage of the Day: Daniel 6: 1 - 3 … 1 It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
My Journal for Today: As we move to Chapter 6 of the book of Daniel, the topic of note concerning INTEGRITY is “consistency,” …that is in this context, steadiness and long-term faithfulness in standing for what one believes. And Daniel is certainly a role model when it comes to being consistent and faithful in his long-standing role as quasi prime minister for over 70 years under three kings and two empires (the Babylonian and Medo-Persian Empires). All three kings, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar’s son), and Darius (a.k.a., “Cyrus”), saw the God-given integrity and talents which set Daniel apart to be able to administer leadership in those kingdoms (see Daniel 2: 48; 5: 29; and today’s passage).
By the way, for some of you Bible scholars who know ancient history, you may ask why there seems to be a discrepancy between the name of Darius, The Mede, who was named as ruler to the Medo-Persian kingdom in the Bible account of Daniel and the name of Cyrus, who was named in history books as the king of this empire at this time in history. According to my reading of John MacArthur and a little personal study, there are two explanations for this so-called inconsistency. First, as was the custom in those times, especially in those cultures, kings often changed names during their rule to increase their standing with their subjects – like a self-proclaimed promotion. Secondly, there is the possibility that Darius was appointed by Cyrus to rule the portion of the Medo-Persian empire where Daniel lived. According to most scholars, the first alternative is the most logical. [see Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985]
At any rate, each of the three kings over seven decades had recognized the consistently superior leadership skills which Daniel exhibited and kept him on as the “prime minister” of the kingdom under the rule of Darius (Cyrus). John MacArthur, in his devotional book Strength for Today on this date, posits that it was likely the influence of Daniel on king Darius [the one from Daniel 6] actually led to the release of the Jews to return to return to Judah (see Ezra 1: 1 – 3). And MacArthur charges all believers, “… despite any political, social, or economic changes that might come, (Christians must) remain faithful to Christ; and He will use you in ways that are exceeding abundantly beyond all you ask or think (see Eph. 3: 20).”
My Prayer Today: Lord, may I remain steadfast in and for You. Amen
My Journal for Today: As we move to Chapter 6 of the book of Daniel, the topic of note concerning INTEGRITY is “consistency,” …that is in this context, steadiness and long-term faithfulness in standing for what one believes. And Daniel is certainly a role model when it comes to being consistent and faithful in his long-standing role as quasi prime minister for over 70 years under three kings and two empires (the Babylonian and Medo-Persian Empires). All three kings, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar’s son), and Darius (a.k.a., “Cyrus”), saw the God-given integrity and talents which set Daniel apart to be able to administer leadership in those kingdoms (see Daniel 2: 48; 5: 29; and today’s passage).
By the way, for some of you Bible scholars who know ancient history, you may ask why there seems to be a discrepancy between the name of Darius, The Mede, who was named as ruler to the Medo-Persian kingdom in the Bible account of Daniel and the name of Cyrus, who was named in history books as the king of this empire at this time in history. According to my reading of John MacArthur and a little personal study, there are two explanations for this so-called inconsistency. First, as was the custom in those times, especially in those cultures, kings often changed names during their rule to increase their standing with their subjects – like a self-proclaimed promotion. Secondly, there is the possibility that Darius was appointed by Cyrus to rule the portion of the Medo-Persian empire where Daniel lived. According to most scholars, the first alternative is the most logical. [see Walvoord, John F. ; Zuck, Roy B. ; Dallas Theological Seminary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983-c1985]
At any rate, each of the three kings over seven decades had recognized the consistently superior leadership skills which Daniel exhibited and kept him on as the “prime minister” of the kingdom under the rule of Darius (Cyrus). John MacArthur, in his devotional book Strength for Today on this date, posits that it was likely the influence of Daniel on king Darius [the one from Daniel 6] actually led to the release of the Jews to return to return to Judah (see Ezra 1: 1 – 3). And MacArthur charges all believers, “… despite any political, social, or economic changes that might come, (Christians must) remain faithful to Christ; and He will use you in ways that are exceeding abundantly beyond all you ask or think (see Eph. 3: 20).”
My Prayer Today: Lord, may I remain steadfast in and for You. Amen
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
June 21, 2011 … Integrity Glorifies God
Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 28 – 30 … 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." … 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
My Journal for Today: At this point in Nebuchadnezzar’s life, believing that different people had different gods for differing situations, seeing the incredible episode involving Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the king likely believed that the three boys definitely followed a mighty god (“God,” with a capital “G,” for sure!), … A GOD who was greater than his gods [see today’s passage]. Here he had just witnessed his three respectful, but Godly and dedicated, young leaders be delivered from a fiery furnace where he had ordered them to die, which was impressive to say the least. But just as impressive was the integrity and courage of these boys to trust their God in the way they had in defiance of the King’s edict which put their lives in jeopardy.
Therefore, in this wondrous story of witness, recorded by Daniel in God’s Book, we see the power of strong spiritual (i.e., Christian) integrity, shining like a beacon in the darkness of the world, fully able to dissuade worldly authority and giving glory to God. When we stand for God in this pagan, post-modern culture, it will not go unnoticed. And, as I’ve written in my devotional journal entries this month, when others see God shining through the testimony and witness of a stalwart Christian life, a life being transformed into Christlikeness, the witness of such faith and growth will shine Christ’s light and glorify God. (again, see Matt. 5: 16)
If I might get personal here, humbly using my story as an example, … how could one, seeing or hearing about my transformation from die-hard agnostic and sex addict into a church Elder and ordained Christian minister of the Gospel, not see the fingerprints of God in my life story? It’s not what I have done but rather what God has done in my life that is a light [Christ’s Light] shining for anyone to see who is willing to see. Hence, I am driven to share my testimony in witness to God’s power as often as I can … with anyone who will listen.
If you are a believer, you have a story too; and as you build a life of Christian integrity, over time that story will grow in power and influence! Share your story with others that they may see the light of Christ shining in the darkness of this world.
My Prayer Today: Shine, Jesus, shine! Amen
My Journal for Today: At this point in Nebuchadnezzar’s life, believing that different people had different gods for differing situations, seeing the incredible episode involving Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the king likely believed that the three boys definitely followed a mighty god (“God,” with a capital “G,” for sure!), … A GOD who was greater than his gods [see today’s passage]. Here he had just witnessed his three respectful, but Godly and dedicated, young leaders be delivered from a fiery furnace where he had ordered them to die, which was impressive to say the least. But just as impressive was the integrity and courage of these boys to trust their God in the way they had in defiance of the King’s edict which put their lives in jeopardy.
Therefore, in this wondrous story of witness, recorded by Daniel in God’s Book, we see the power of strong spiritual (i.e., Christian) integrity, shining like a beacon in the darkness of the world, fully able to dissuade worldly authority and giving glory to God. When we stand for God in this pagan, post-modern culture, it will not go unnoticed. And, as I’ve written in my devotional journal entries this month, when others see God shining through the testimony and witness of a stalwart Christian life, a life being transformed into Christlikeness, the witness of such faith and growth will shine Christ’s light and glorify God. (again, see Matt. 5: 16)
If I might get personal here, humbly using my story as an example, … how could one, seeing or hearing about my transformation from die-hard agnostic and sex addict into a church Elder and ordained Christian minister of the Gospel, not see the fingerprints of God in my life story? It’s not what I have done but rather what God has done in my life that is a light [Christ’s Light] shining for anyone to see who is willing to see. Hence, I am driven to share my testimony in witness to God’s power as often as I can … with anyone who will listen.
If you are a believer, you have a story too; and as you build a life of Christian integrity, over time that story will grow in power and influence! Share your story with others that they may see the light of Christ shining in the darkness of this world.
My Prayer Today: Shine, Jesus, shine! Amen
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011 … Integrity Is A Powerful Witness
Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 26 – 27 … 24 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
My Journal for Today: You probably know the story; and as one might expect, the outcome of the three Hebrew lads being taken from the fiery furnace, unscathed and not even singed, had a profound impact on Nebuchadnezzar. He immediately, as we will review tomorrow [I read ahead in MacArthur’s devotional], declared that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served a very powerful “God,” even ordering his kingdom to worship their God [see Dan. 3: 28 - 29].
Now the king’s conversion to real faith in the one true God as the ONLY God would not happen until later (see Daniel 4); but the witness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as well as God’s deliverance of these boys from the fire certainly laid the groundwork for that later conversion experience. We see here that any time we stand in faith against the odds, we become a living display of God’s hope and promises to others; and we become witnesses of God’s power in the world, which is what we are commanded to be by our Lord and Savior (see Acts 1: 8).
Jesus taught (see Matt. 5: 14 – 16) that His disciples should be lights that reflect His Father’s glory into a darkened world; and when and where we do that, the prevenient grace of God will draw the lost to God like moths to a light in the night. And when unbelievers really see Christ’s light radiating from our lives as Christians, they will want to come to that Light. That was Bill Berry in 1982-83, responding to the witness of real Christians when I was walking in a fog of agnosticism, searching for light in my darkness. And when I saw the light of Christ shining in and through the witness of these Christians, I finally relented, repented and surrendered to THE LIGHT, Who is Christ.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were lights shining their integrity and faith into a world darkened by idolatry and pride (sound familiar?), even from the hell fires of life, allowing the world to see their faith, which, in turn, glorified their Father in Heaven (see again Matt. 5: 16).
My Prayer Today: Let me be a beacon, Lord, shining Your light into the darkness even today. Amen
My Journal for Today: You probably know the story; and as one might expect, the outcome of the three Hebrew lads being taken from the fiery furnace, unscathed and not even singed, had a profound impact on Nebuchadnezzar. He immediately, as we will review tomorrow [I read ahead in MacArthur’s devotional], declared that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served a very powerful “God,” even ordering his kingdom to worship their God [see Dan. 3: 28 - 29].
Now the king’s conversion to real faith in the one true God as the ONLY God would not happen until later (see Daniel 4); but the witness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as well as God’s deliverance of these boys from the fire certainly laid the groundwork for that later conversion experience. We see here that any time we stand in faith against the odds, we become a living display of God’s hope and promises to others; and we become witnesses of God’s power in the world, which is what we are commanded to be by our Lord and Savior (see Acts 1: 8).
Jesus taught (see Matt. 5: 14 – 16) that His disciples should be lights that reflect His Father’s glory into a darkened world; and when and where we do that, the prevenient grace of God will draw the lost to God like moths to a light in the night. And when unbelievers really see Christ’s light radiating from our lives as Christians, they will want to come to that Light. That was Bill Berry in 1982-83, responding to the witness of real Christians when I was walking in a fog of agnosticism, searching for light in my darkness. And when I saw the light of Christ shining in and through the witness of these Christians, I finally relented, repented and surrendered to THE LIGHT, Who is Christ.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were lights shining their integrity and faith into a world darkened by idolatry and pride (sound familiar?), even from the hell fires of life, allowing the world to see their faith, which, in turn, glorified their Father in Heaven (see again Matt. 5: 16).
My Prayer Today: Let me be a beacon, Lord, shining Your light into the darkness even today. Amen
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 19, 2011 … Integrity Never Stands Alone
Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 24 – 25 … 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king." 25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
My Journal for Today: This Old Testament [true] story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire with “the Fourth Man” we now know as a THEOPHANY, a visual appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. And for this humble student of God’s word [yes, me!], who journals here, it is a true incident which reinforces God’s promise that He will never leave me, nor forsake me (see Deut. 31: 6 or Heb. 13: 5) … no matter how “hot” the circumstances might get. As a Christian, I never stand alone!
Nebuchadnezzar, from his pagan mindset, had to be “blown away” when these boys came out of the fire, their clothes with no evidence of having been burned. First, he was definitely impressed by the spiritual integrity of the three young Hebrew boys. But the king couldn’t let it drop. He had to put the boys into the furnace to retain his kingly pride. But then, he must have flipped out to see the boys survive, dancing in the flames with a supernatural appearance of a “Fourth Man,” whom he perceived and described as “a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar was not yet in a place where he could see Christ as the Fourth Man in the fire, as “THE Son of God;” but this Babylonian King was getting there.
I remember in my own life when I saw the workmanship of God in the lives of others. Christlikeness was shining from them. It was undeniable; but in my agnostic, humanistic mindset at the time, I was unable to see the truth – only a shadow of the truth. And like Nebuchadnezzar, I could not humble myself to receive God’s grace being made evident before my very eyes. It finally took my own brokenness to open my eyes, which later was the case for King Nebuchadnezzar.
Later in the book of Daniel, Chapter 4, we read of how God humbled Nebuchadnezzar to the point that this powerful king could only look up and see God for whom He really was (is). And Nebuchadnezzar finally declared THE LORD to be the one true God [see Daniel 4: 37]. And though under different circumstances, that is what happened to me as well. God had to take me to a place of complete brokenness and humility so that I could (and did) ask for God to give me His saving grace. And like I believe it happened for Nebuchadnezzar, I was saved.
As I’m meditating on this passage of the day again, it all reminds me of the joint messages coming from 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9, which relate truth to believers that our faith in God will allow Him to visit our weakness with His strength and provide “a way where there seems to be no way,” as the words to the old hymn attest. And like the three Hebrew boys, our deliverance from the fires of this world or into the next, whatever is God’s will, is always a matter of our obedience and trust, i.e., our Christian integrity, which activates God to be there in the midst of our fires.
My Prayer Today: You are there, Lord, when I need You. Amen
My Journal for Today: This Old Testament [true] story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire with “the Fourth Man” we now know as a THEOPHANY, a visual appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. And for this humble student of God’s word [yes, me!], who journals here, it is a true incident which reinforces God’s promise that He will never leave me, nor forsake me (see Deut. 31: 6 or Heb. 13: 5) … no matter how “hot” the circumstances might get. As a Christian, I never stand alone!
Nebuchadnezzar, from his pagan mindset, had to be “blown away” when these boys came out of the fire, their clothes with no evidence of having been burned. First, he was definitely impressed by the spiritual integrity of the three young Hebrew boys. But the king couldn’t let it drop. He had to put the boys into the furnace to retain his kingly pride. But then, he must have flipped out to see the boys survive, dancing in the flames with a supernatural appearance of a “Fourth Man,” whom he perceived and described as “a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar was not yet in a place where he could see Christ as the Fourth Man in the fire, as “THE Son of God;” but this Babylonian King was getting there.
I remember in my own life when I saw the workmanship of God in the lives of others. Christlikeness was shining from them. It was undeniable; but in my agnostic, humanistic mindset at the time, I was unable to see the truth – only a shadow of the truth. And like Nebuchadnezzar, I could not humble myself to receive God’s grace being made evident before my very eyes. It finally took my own brokenness to open my eyes, which later was the case for King Nebuchadnezzar.
Later in the book of Daniel, Chapter 4, we read of how God humbled Nebuchadnezzar to the point that this powerful king could only look up and see God for whom He really was (is). And Nebuchadnezzar finally declared THE LORD to be the one true God [see Daniel 4: 37]. And though under different circumstances, that is what happened to me as well. God had to take me to a place of complete brokenness and humility so that I could (and did) ask for God to give me His saving grace. And like I believe it happened for Nebuchadnezzar, I was saved.
As I’m meditating on this passage of the day again, it all reminds me of the joint messages coming from 1st Cor. 10: 13 and 2nd Cor. 12: 9, which relate truth to believers that our faith in God will allow Him to visit our weakness with His strength and provide “a way where there seems to be no way,” as the words to the old hymn attest. And like the three Hebrew boys, our deliverance from the fires of this world or into the next, whatever is God’s will, is always a matter of our obedience and trust, i.e., our Christian integrity, which activates God to be there in the midst of our fires.
My Prayer Today: You are there, Lord, when I need You. Amen
Saturday, June 18, 2011
June 18, 2011 … Integrity Triumphs Under Fire
Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 21 – 23 … 21 So these men [Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego], wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
My Journal for Today: It is important for us to remember, while reading of this remarkable account of faith by these three Hebrew boys, God did not choose to deliver them from the actual fire of their trial. God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar, who is a picture or our world today, to have the boys thrown into the flames, which were so hot that several of the King’s attendants, throwing the three into the fire, were killed [an interesting tidbit of information which, I believe, adds a lot of credibility to this biblical account]. The, once the boys were thrown into the fire, the witness of the deliverance from the fiery trial of these three lads, as well as the presence of a fourth man (which we’ll explore tomorrow – see Dan. 3: 24 – 25) caused Nebuchadnezzar to declare openly the greatness of the Hebrew God (see Daniel 3: 28). But then, again, how could anyone witnessing that scene not be impressed by the God about Whom these boys gave witness?
All of this wonderful story corresponds with the message from the Apostle Peter in the New Testament in 1st Peter 1: 6 – 7 …
SCRIPTURE: 1st Peter 1: 6 - 7 ... 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
We Christians must be willing to stand in the fires of life and be refined into finer gold so that our God will be glorified when the world sees us walking with Christ in those fires which God uses to remold us into His image.
Men like Martin Luther even died in the fire, giving their lives as torched martyrs for their faith and for the glory of their God. However, their witness and posthumous testimonies live on with power, shining as light into a dark world even today. The fires may consume us (or not); but as with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, our faith and testimony must live on for the glory of God ALWAYS. Our integrity must not waver when we face the fire.
My Prayer Today: It is a privilege, Lord, to be in the fire with You. Amen
My Journal for Today: It is important for us to remember, while reading of this remarkable account of faith by these three Hebrew boys, God did not choose to deliver them from the actual fire of their trial. God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar, who is a picture or our world today, to have the boys thrown into the flames, which were so hot that several of the King’s attendants, throwing the three into the fire, were killed [an interesting tidbit of information which, I believe, adds a lot of credibility to this biblical account]. The, once the boys were thrown into the fire, the witness of the deliverance from the fiery trial of these three lads, as well as the presence of a fourth man (which we’ll explore tomorrow – see Dan. 3: 24 – 25) caused Nebuchadnezzar to declare openly the greatness of the Hebrew God (see Daniel 3: 28). But then, again, how could anyone witnessing that scene not be impressed by the God about Whom these boys gave witness?
All of this wonderful story corresponds with the message from the Apostle Peter in the New Testament in 1st Peter 1: 6 – 7 …
SCRIPTURE: 1st Peter 1: 6 - 7 ... 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
We Christians must be willing to stand in the fires of life and be refined into finer gold so that our God will be glorified when the world sees us walking with Christ in those fires which God uses to remold us into His image.
Men like Martin Luther even died in the fire, giving their lives as torched martyrs for their faith and for the glory of their God. However, their witness and posthumous testimonies live on with power, shining as light into a dark world even today. The fires may consume us (or not); but as with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, our faith and testimony must live on for the glory of God ALWAYS. Our integrity must not waver when we face the fire.
My Prayer Today: It is a privilege, Lord, to be in the fire with You. Amen
Friday, June 17, 2011
June 17, 2011 … Integrity Incurs the World’s Wrath
Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 19 – 20 … 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.
My Journal for Today: In today’s passage we read a prototype for worldly leadership reaction when the truth of God is being held up like a mirror in front of those in authority and power like Nebuchadnezzar. It’s predictable! King Nebuchadnezzar looked in the mirror of truth represented by the four Hebrew lads; and he saw himself for who he really was; and the result was anger and reprisal. And that’s what we, as Christians, can expect if we go against the cultural tides these days, especially when the wrath of certain, powerful organizations are confronted, … groups like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and the People for the American Way. Buck these self-proclaimed protectors of the status quo; and you will feel the wrath of their anger.
When the ego or authority of ungodly leaders sees a reflection of themselves in God’s mirror of truth, and when the integrity of any strong Christian holds that mirror before these leaders, rage, as was Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction to the three Hebrew lads, is a common, and even expected response. King Nebuchadnezzar went “bonkers” when the three boys, whom he had loved and given favor, challenged him with rejection of his idol, holding onto their faith in God. These faithful boys were God’s mirror of truth; and the King just couldn’t see Godly truth without become defensive in denial and wrathful in reaction.
There have been other similar examples in scripture. Other incidents include the wife of King Herrod, reacting to John, the Baptist (see Mark 6: 19); and there was Saul of Tarsus and his Jewish mob reacting to the witness of Stephen (see Acts 6: 9). And finally, of course, there was the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem becoming totally irrational as they reacted to the Lordship of Jesus during His time of Passion. To me, the latter as well as today’s study are the most salient examples of how the world with likely react to Christian integrity.
What we see in the reaction of Nebuchadnezzar and in these other examples described above is the attitude of Satan, reacting to those who stand up in living worship to the living God. But we know from the outcomes of the situation involving our three Hebrew lads, and even from those who died as martyrs like John, the Baptist, Stephen, and most certainly from Jesus, that no matter what the reaction of the world might be when we stand for Christ, we are overcomers in Him when we do so (see John 16: 33). We become lights shining in the darkness when we stand for God; and our Lord will always be glorified when we do so (see Matt. 5: 16).
My Prayer Today: Lord, I live in You and You in me, no matter how the world reacts. Amen
My Journal for Today: In today’s passage we read a prototype for worldly leadership reaction when the truth of God is being held up like a mirror in front of those in authority and power like Nebuchadnezzar. It’s predictable! King Nebuchadnezzar looked in the mirror of truth represented by the four Hebrew lads; and he saw himself for who he really was; and the result was anger and reprisal. And that’s what we, as Christians, can expect if we go against the cultural tides these days, especially when the wrath of certain, powerful organizations are confronted, … groups like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and the People for the American Way. Buck these self-proclaimed protectors of the status quo; and you will feel the wrath of their anger.
When the ego or authority of ungodly leaders sees a reflection of themselves in God’s mirror of truth, and when the integrity of any strong Christian holds that mirror before these leaders, rage, as was Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction to the three Hebrew lads, is a common, and even expected response. King Nebuchadnezzar went “bonkers” when the three boys, whom he had loved and given favor, challenged him with rejection of his idol, holding onto their faith in God. These faithful boys were God’s mirror of truth; and the King just couldn’t see Godly truth without become defensive in denial and wrathful in reaction.
There have been other similar examples in scripture. Other incidents include the wife of King Herrod, reacting to John, the Baptist (see Mark 6: 19); and there was Saul of Tarsus and his Jewish mob reacting to the witness of Stephen (see Acts 6: 9). And finally, of course, there was the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem becoming totally irrational as they reacted to the Lordship of Jesus during His time of Passion. To me, the latter as well as today’s study are the most salient examples of how the world with likely react to Christian integrity.
What we see in the reaction of Nebuchadnezzar and in these other examples described above is the attitude of Satan, reacting to those who stand up in living worship to the living God. But we know from the outcomes of the situation involving our three Hebrew lads, and even from those who died as martyrs like John, the Baptist, Stephen, and most certainly from Jesus, that no matter what the reaction of the world might be when we stand for Christ, we are overcomers in Him when we do so (see John 16: 33). We become lights shining in the darkness when we stand for God; and our Lord will always be glorified when we do so (see Matt. 5: 16).
My Prayer Today: Lord, I live in You and You in me, no matter how the world reacts. Amen
Thursday, June 16, 2011
June 16, 2011 … Integrity Trusts God Unconditionally
Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 16 – 18 … 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
My Journal for Today: My wife’s favorite live verse is Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 (see below; but you probably have this one memorized; and if you haven’t, I do hope you’ll dedicate yourself to do the memory work on this important passage!) …
SCRIPTURE? Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 ... Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Since we, who claim Christ as Lord and Savior believe that this is God’s truth, it is fair, but most certainly difficult, to ask, … “Do we follow Prov. 3: 5 -6 completely and unconditionally?” In other words, “Do we really trust God – all the way!?”
In today’s passage we see that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, though very young men, were “Proverbs 3: 5 – 6” believers. The depth of their integrity of faith to God was mature … far beyond their years. Their faith was tested, literally by fire, and they trusted God with their very lives. Collectively they are a picture of the ultimate model of Godly integrity, Jesus, Who when His life was on the line, knowing He would be on a cross the next day, said, “Father, … not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”
When someone comes to true faith in Christ, that one will not be like the ones Jesus spoke of in Matt. 13: 20 – 21, who have “head belief,” proclaiming to be Christian, but then, with no “heart belief,” fall away when tested. If we call ourselves “Christian,” we must live it out, knowing the cost of discipleship (see Luke 9: 23 and John 15: 20); and that means to deny ourselves, no matter where it might lead – yes, even if it might lead to a fiery furnace.
So, again we inventory the heart for the integrity we seek as believers of the same God Who saved the four young boys we have read about these past few days. And do we really live our belief in Prov. 3: 5 – 6?
My Prayer Today: O Lord, if tested, may I be there in the furnace with You; … yes, even today! Amen
My Journal for Today: My wife’s favorite live verse is Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 (see below; but you probably have this one memorized; and if you haven’t, I do hope you’ll dedicate yourself to do the memory work on this important passage!) …
SCRIPTURE? Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 ... Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Since we, who claim Christ as Lord and Savior believe that this is God’s truth, it is fair, but most certainly difficult, to ask, … “Do we follow Prov. 3: 5 -6 completely and unconditionally?” In other words, “Do we really trust God – all the way!?”
In today’s passage we see that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, though very young men, were “Proverbs 3: 5 – 6” believers. The depth of their integrity of faith to God was mature … far beyond their years. Their faith was tested, literally by fire, and they trusted God with their very lives. Collectively they are a picture of the ultimate model of Godly integrity, Jesus, Who when His life was on the line, knowing He would be on a cross the next day, said, “Father, … not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”
When someone comes to true faith in Christ, that one will not be like the ones Jesus spoke of in Matt. 13: 20 – 21, who have “head belief,” proclaiming to be Christian, but then, with no “heart belief,” fall away when tested. If we call ourselves “Christian,” we must live it out, knowing the cost of discipleship (see Luke 9: 23 and John 15: 20); and that means to deny ourselves, no matter where it might lead – yes, even if it might lead to a fiery furnace.
So, again we inventory the heart for the integrity we seek as believers of the same God Who saved the four young boys we have read about these past few days. And do we really live our belief in Prov. 3: 5 – 6?
My Prayer Today: O Lord, if tested, may I be there in the furnace with You; … yes, even today! Amen
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
June 15, 2011 … Integrity Walks In Humility
Passage of the Day: Daniel 3: 13 – 15 … 13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
My Journal for Today: Nebuchadnezzar had to learn a hard lesson … the hard way. It was the lesson of Proverbs 3: 34 (repeated in James 4: 6 and 1st Pet. 5: 6) … that God ignores or rejects the proud and only gives His grace (i.e., unmerited favor) to the humble. In today’s passage (Dan. 3: 15), we read how the King’s prideful attitude toward the God of the Hebrews had gone from recognizing the greatness of the God these Hebrew boys worshipped (see Dan. 2: 47) to a prideful/haughty declaration, putting himself above the power of the one true God. His attitude was a human picture of Satan’s declaration that he was greater than God [see Isaiah 14: 13 -14].
But Proverbs 16: 5 declares that anyone with such pride in the face of God will not go unpunished; and if one reads ahead in Chapter 4 of the book of Daniel [linked here in case you want to study it], we read a letter written by Nebuchadnezzar telling of how God brought him down so completely that he, the king of Babylon, could see the greatness of the God to Whom these four Hebrew lads so humbly and faithfully worhipped.
This teaches us a lesson we all must learn … that Christlike integrity walks only as Christ walked … in humility and meekness (see Matt. 11: 29). And if we, by our choices, cannot humble ourselves before God’s throne of grace, He – our Lord – will have to do it for us; and that can be, as it was for Nebuchadnezzar, a very tough lesson to learn. A meditative re-look at Prov. 3: 34 shows believers that God really wants to pour His grace into the life of His humbled servants. However, He can only do so into lives of humble servants who worship Him faithfully and obediently.
May we be those servants?!
My Prayer Today: Be merciful, Lord, in helping me learn to be humble. Amen
My Journal for Today: Nebuchadnezzar had to learn a hard lesson … the hard way. It was the lesson of Proverbs 3: 34 (repeated in James 4: 6 and 1st Pet. 5: 6) … that God ignores or rejects the proud and only gives His grace (i.e., unmerited favor) to the humble. In today’s passage (Dan. 3: 15), we read how the King’s prideful attitude toward the God of the Hebrews had gone from recognizing the greatness of the God these Hebrew boys worshipped (see Dan. 2: 47) to a prideful/haughty declaration, putting himself above the power of the one true God. His attitude was a human picture of Satan’s declaration that he was greater than God [see Isaiah 14: 13 -14].
But Proverbs 16: 5 declares that anyone with such pride in the face of God will not go unpunished; and if one reads ahead in Chapter 4 of the book of Daniel [linked here in case you want to study it], we read a letter written by Nebuchadnezzar telling of how God brought him down so completely that he, the king of Babylon, could see the greatness of the God to Whom these four Hebrew lads so humbly and faithfully worhipped.
This teaches us a lesson we all must learn … that Christlike integrity walks only as Christ walked … in humility and meekness (see Matt. 11: 29). And if we, by our choices, cannot humble ourselves before God’s throne of grace, He – our Lord – will have to do it for us; and that can be, as it was for Nebuchadnezzar, a very tough lesson to learn. A meditative re-look at Prov. 3: 34 shows believers that God really wants to pour His grace into the life of His humbled servants. However, He can only do so into lives of humble servants who worship Him faithfully and obediently.
May we be those servants?!
My Prayer Today: Be merciful, Lord, in helping me learn to be humble. Amen
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