Read 1 Kings 13
A word from the Lord is never something to take lightly. If it is a message for others, we make sure that it is delivered. If it is a word for meant for us, we cling to it. We find ourselves in eager anticipation of a promise to be fulfilled, or possibly on guard against a danger that would otherwise go undetected. Either way, instruction from the Lord is to be followed. He is our Lord, King of everything. It is ours to do His will.
False prophecy is extremely dangerous. Where a word from the Lord gives us light, a false prophecy can muddy the waters and obscure the dangers that we should avoid. We may suddenly find those very dangers to be quite enticing.
Look at the case of the prophet in this chapter of 1 Kings. The prophet had just delivered a message from the Lord to the king of Judah. At the moment of prophesy there was also a sign from the Lord as confirmation of its truth. Knowing this, and knowing very well his instructions, the prophet chose to listen to the words of another who claimed to have a message from God. He accepted that message, knowing it was contrary to the word that God had given him. Why would he do this? The man was offering him food. He had come a long way, and was surely hungry. He had to know that this man was lying, but it was easier to believe the lie and take the easier path. Some food and drink had to sound pretty good.
Read 1 Kings 22: 1-39
Here we see Ahab willingly listening to a lie. He even seeks out prophets who will tell him what he wants to hear and knowingly ignores the prophet of the Lord. He says it plainly to Jehoshaphat when he asks.
1 Kings 22: 7-8
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?”
The King answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”
“The king should not say such a thing,” Jehoshaphat replied.
Jehoshaphat knows very well that these prophets are unreliable. He asks for a prophet of the LORD. When he hears Ahab’s response he warns him of such talk. They then call for Micaiah and promptly choose to ignore the warning in the word that he gives them from the LORD. He even goes so far as to throw Micaiah into prison and puts him on bread and water until he safely returns.
How often do we find ourselves in the shoes of this prophet and king? We have the Word of God. We have the Bible, God’s word written for us. We have at times a word from God to us, known to be true. The LORD’s instruction isn’t always easy. His words aren’t always telling us things we want to hear. Rest assured though, that His words are the way it is going to be. That other voice, the one telling us what we want to hear, is only trying to lead us astray.
God does not go back on His word. Read the Bible. Study it. Take His word in as the sustenance it is meant to be. When we are filled with His word and His spirit there is no room for the garbage that tries to tempt us and lead us astray. If you know what God has said on the issue, it isn’t all that hard to spot the lies. You also need to pray that you do not succumb to them. False prophecy is tempting. It is also deadly.
We have to make the choice, and there is only one right one. Either God is the Lord of our lives, or he isn’t. He is either the King of all, or he isn’t. We are called to be a part of His kingdom. If we don’t follow His path we will find that we don’t like where the one we have chosen leads, no matter how much more appealing it may be in the beginning.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, October 1, 2010
Who's the Boss?
Read Ephesians 6: 1-9
Verses 1-3 echo in the ears of children the world over. Parents have them committed to memory, ready to recite at a moments notice when their young ones need reminding. Yet the truth remains. We do need reminding, and often. It would also do the parents well to remember the other side of this coin.
Ephesians 6: 4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
God designed the family according to His purpose. Children are called to honor and obey their parents. Parents are to love and nurture their children. They are to grow up with the same loving care and instruction that Christ gives the church. A child should know that in obeying their parents, they will be following rules set for their benefit and protection.
At first glance, Verses 5 – 9 seem a little out of date and easy to skip over. This is far from the truth. It is all in the wording. Take into account the time in which it was written. Men and women labored at their own household or estate. If they worked elsewhere it was as a servant or slave. The modern equivalent would be the employee / employer relationship. Read it now in this perspective.
Ephesians 6: 5-8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
We are called to make every aspect of our lives a testimony to Christ. God places us in people’s lives. He puts us in situations that allow us to shine His light before those who are in need of it. It will not always be easy, but this is God’s will.
Ephesians 6: 9
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
How many of us have had to deal with an impossible boss or supervisor? We know that we are called to be submissive, and do what is required of us, even in these situations. Those of us who find ourselves on the other side would do well to keep this in mind. God has made us the stewards of much. When we are called to lead, it is for the good of others, not just ourselves. In what way are we extending the love of the Lord to those who work for us? Are we being the type of masters that our own expects of us?
1 Corinthians 10: 31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God
We would do well to remember this. We are all God’s children. We are all His servants. No matter our place in the between, these things do not change. We are the citizens of heaven and should be conducting ourselves as such.
Verses 1-3 echo in the ears of children the world over. Parents have them committed to memory, ready to recite at a moments notice when their young ones need reminding. Yet the truth remains. We do need reminding, and often. It would also do the parents well to remember the other side of this coin.
Ephesians 6: 4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
God designed the family according to His purpose. Children are called to honor and obey their parents. Parents are to love and nurture their children. They are to grow up with the same loving care and instruction that Christ gives the church. A child should know that in obeying their parents, they will be following rules set for their benefit and protection.
At first glance, Verses 5 – 9 seem a little out of date and easy to skip over. This is far from the truth. It is all in the wording. Take into account the time in which it was written. Men and women labored at their own household or estate. If they worked elsewhere it was as a servant or slave. The modern equivalent would be the employee / employer relationship. Read it now in this perspective.
Ephesians 6: 5-8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
We are called to make every aspect of our lives a testimony to Christ. God places us in people’s lives. He puts us in situations that allow us to shine His light before those who are in need of it. It will not always be easy, but this is God’s will.
Ephesians 6: 9
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
How many of us have had to deal with an impossible boss or supervisor? We know that we are called to be submissive, and do what is required of us, even in these situations. Those of us who find ourselves on the other side would do well to keep this in mind. God has made us the stewards of much. When we are called to lead, it is for the good of others, not just ourselves. In what way are we extending the love of the Lord to those who work for us? Are we being the type of masters that our own expects of us?
1 Corinthians 10: 31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God
We would do well to remember this. We are all God’s children. We are all His servants. No matter our place in the between, these things do not change. We are the citizens of heaven and should be conducting ourselves as such.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A better Harvest
Read 2Corinthians 9: 6-15
This is a prosperity message if I have ever heard one. Paul is urging the people of the church to give and reminding them of God’s promise. It is very easy to think of this message in terms of money. After all, that is what most often comes to mind when we think of giving and generosity. It certainly plays a role in the description of riches and abundance.
2 Corinthians 9: 10-11
Now he who supplies the seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
We read this and get excited. Who doesn’t like the prospect of having more? We live in a society that thrives on it. The truth is that God wants us to live abundantly. He wants us to have more. This, however, doesn’t mean millions of dollars for everyone. For some, it will be exactly that. There will always be those called to support the church financially. Bills must be paid, and the tools for outreach require funding. We are called to support our pastors financially as they support us spiritually. This however, isn’t the path for all.
2 Corinthians 9: 7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
We all have a calling. We all have something that we know should be given to the Lord. We know what we should give. It has already been decided in our hearts. What remains is to be faithful in this very thing.
Some are called to sing, make a joyful noise. When those with this calling are obedient to the Lord, their talent is multiplied. God makes them rich in talent, that they may share it with others to the glory of His kingdom.
Another may find that he is gifted with the pen, and can write words to reach and inspire others. Through this, the gospel can be shared with those who would otherwise not hear it. Words can uplift those who are not within range to hear.
Still, another may be gifted to paint, to build, to organize resources. There are many callings, many gifts. Every one of these can be utilized to spread the gospel, to reach out and uplift our fellow man. These gifts are meant to further the kingdom. We are called to use them for His glory. We are often called in areas where we feel weak, or without resources. Remember, that He who supplies the seed will increase your store if you trust in Him.
We give our praises to God and so will those who are blessed by our gifts. More are drawn in to the kingdom. The kingdom of God only gets richer as it grows. There is the prosperity my friends. We grow richer as the children of God, the heirs of the kingdom. We grow richer in the gifts that we share. We become better equipped to serve the Lord and to serve one another.
2 Corinthians 9: 12-15
The service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.
Read this again. God has promised us so much more than we could attain on our own. He will multiply the measure of talent and treasure that we share. Our seed will lead to an increase in the harvest. He has promised us His grace. We will also have the prayers of those who are touched by our obedience, by the example that God has called us to live. Prayer is powerful. It is what defines us. The Old Testament tells us over and over again that God’s people were known by their prayer. That we are called to do works that inspire prayer is an amazing thing. There is nothing more powerful.
This is a prosperity message if I have ever heard one. Paul is urging the people of the church to give and reminding them of God’s promise. It is very easy to think of this message in terms of money. After all, that is what most often comes to mind when we think of giving and generosity. It certainly plays a role in the description of riches and abundance.
2 Corinthians 9: 10-11
Now he who supplies the seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
We read this and get excited. Who doesn’t like the prospect of having more? We live in a society that thrives on it. The truth is that God wants us to live abundantly. He wants us to have more. This, however, doesn’t mean millions of dollars for everyone. For some, it will be exactly that. There will always be those called to support the church financially. Bills must be paid, and the tools for outreach require funding. We are called to support our pastors financially as they support us spiritually. This however, isn’t the path for all.
2 Corinthians 9: 7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
We all have a calling. We all have something that we know should be given to the Lord. We know what we should give. It has already been decided in our hearts. What remains is to be faithful in this very thing.
Some are called to sing, make a joyful noise. When those with this calling are obedient to the Lord, their talent is multiplied. God makes them rich in talent, that they may share it with others to the glory of His kingdom.
Another may find that he is gifted with the pen, and can write words to reach and inspire others. Through this, the gospel can be shared with those who would otherwise not hear it. Words can uplift those who are not within range to hear.
Still, another may be gifted to paint, to build, to organize resources. There are many callings, many gifts. Every one of these can be utilized to spread the gospel, to reach out and uplift our fellow man. These gifts are meant to further the kingdom. We are called to use them for His glory. We are often called in areas where we feel weak, or without resources. Remember, that He who supplies the seed will increase your store if you trust in Him.
We give our praises to God and so will those who are blessed by our gifts. More are drawn in to the kingdom. The kingdom of God only gets richer as it grows. There is the prosperity my friends. We grow richer as the children of God, the heirs of the kingdom. We grow richer in the gifts that we share. We become better equipped to serve the Lord and to serve one another.
2 Corinthians 9: 12-15
The service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.
Read this again. God has promised us so much more than we could attain on our own. He will multiply the measure of talent and treasure that we share. Our seed will lead to an increase in the harvest. He has promised us His grace. We will also have the prayers of those who are touched by our obedience, by the example that God has called us to live. Prayer is powerful. It is what defines us. The Old Testament tells us over and over again that God’s people were known by their prayer. That we are called to do works that inspire prayer is an amazing thing. There is nothing more powerful.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Read 2 Corinthians 5: 1–10
We live in a society where nothing is good enough. We seek satisfaction at every turn. We push at work for the next pay bracket, hoping that satisfaction will come with a bigger income. There will be more money. Then, maybe, we can get the right clothes and the right house. Then we will be satisfied. The day comes. We move forward with excitement and are happy at first. It is a change. It is exciting. Then comes the disappointment. The new home isn’t what we were hoping for. Someone spills juice or soda on that brand new sweater and it is ruined. Even worse, we look next door only to find that we are behind again. There is something newer and better out there that we do not yet have. Surely, fulfillment will come with that. Surely, once we are set in the new standard, we will be secure.
People put themselves through all sorts of torment to achieve the perfect body, the perfect look. There are books and magazines showing us how we should look. If we can only make the sacrifice to match the image on that cover, then we will be happy. Then we will have confidence. We won’t be so insecure.
We, as a culture, certainly have it wrong. That yearning inside us all is very real. Every single living person knows deep in their core that they were meant for something more. Every person, day in and day out, deals with the insecurity that comes with having to do without. We feel naked, and unsheltered. We are exposed to the world and all of its harm because nothing we can produce, nothing we can buy, will really protect us. Nothing of this world can cover us like the Lord.
God gave us these bodies. They are our earthly tents. We do well to take care of them. Our bodies are indeed temples to the Lord. We are to take care of them. We are to keep ourselves healthy and in good shape, not to impress our peers, but to enable us to do the Lord’s work in this world. God also has another body that awaits each and every one of us. The day will come when we are clothed in our heavenly bodies. We will be covered by His heavenly house. There will be no need for the worries of this world.
Now think on this. We are born, knowing that there is something better. We are born, knowing that nothing in this world will satisfy. Where along the way do we become disillusioned and begin searching for fulfillment in earthly things?
2 Corinthians 5: 1
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5: 2-3
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
2 Corinthians 5: 5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Remember that. We have this yearning for a reason. God wants us to strive for something better. We are to prepare ourselves, and this world for His kingdom. We have been given the Spirit as a guide, as our deposit. Our place is guaranteed. There is no question, or fear of failure. We have His promise.
We live in a society where nothing is good enough. We seek satisfaction at every turn. We push at work for the next pay bracket, hoping that satisfaction will come with a bigger income. There will be more money. Then, maybe, we can get the right clothes and the right house. Then we will be satisfied. The day comes. We move forward with excitement and are happy at first. It is a change. It is exciting. Then comes the disappointment. The new home isn’t what we were hoping for. Someone spills juice or soda on that brand new sweater and it is ruined. Even worse, we look next door only to find that we are behind again. There is something newer and better out there that we do not yet have. Surely, fulfillment will come with that. Surely, once we are set in the new standard, we will be secure.
People put themselves through all sorts of torment to achieve the perfect body, the perfect look. There are books and magazines showing us how we should look. If we can only make the sacrifice to match the image on that cover, then we will be happy. Then we will have confidence. We won’t be so insecure.
We, as a culture, certainly have it wrong. That yearning inside us all is very real. Every single living person knows deep in their core that they were meant for something more. Every person, day in and day out, deals with the insecurity that comes with having to do without. We feel naked, and unsheltered. We are exposed to the world and all of its harm because nothing we can produce, nothing we can buy, will really protect us. Nothing of this world can cover us like the Lord.
God gave us these bodies. They are our earthly tents. We do well to take care of them. Our bodies are indeed temples to the Lord. We are to take care of them. We are to keep ourselves healthy and in good shape, not to impress our peers, but to enable us to do the Lord’s work in this world. God also has another body that awaits each and every one of us. The day will come when we are clothed in our heavenly bodies. We will be covered by His heavenly house. There will be no need for the worries of this world.
Now think on this. We are born, knowing that there is something better. We are born, knowing that nothing in this world will satisfy. Where along the way do we become disillusioned and begin searching for fulfillment in earthly things?
2 Corinthians 5: 1
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5: 2-3
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
2 Corinthians 5: 5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Remember that. We have this yearning for a reason. God wants us to strive for something better. We are to prepare ourselves, and this world for His kingdom. We have been given the Spirit as a guide, as our deposit. Our place is guaranteed. There is no question, or fear of failure. We have His promise.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Stepping Stone or Stumbling Block
Read 1 Corinthians 8
Our faith in Christ has opened the door for His grace to wash us clean. He has made us strong. Through Christ, we can withstand any test. No obstacle is impassable nor any challenge too great. Nothing of this world can touch us. We who are one in Christ are free to walk in faith with no fear of this world or its trappings.
This does not mean that we can live without consideration for those around us. It is our calling as the body of Christ to lift up those who are our brothers and sisters. It is our desire that all would live in the light of Christ.
Not everyone has the same strength. All men do not share the same weakness. Not all men exercise the same faith. Our faith lets us tread through enemy territory without fear of capture. We must remember to always walk in the Spirit, lest we become the stone that causes another to stumble. We must remember the weakness in our brothers and sisters, as we would expect them to do for us. We would never willing lead a friend to a deadly fall. We pray the Lord’s Prayer. Remember what we ask.
Luke 11:4
“… And lead us not into temptation”
We must be careful as brothers and sisters to not lead one another into the very temptation that we pray God keeps from us. He has granted us many freedoms. We must use them to further His kingdom and not to spread doubt and confusion.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23–33 Paul further explains the responsibility that comes with our freedom. Our faith keeps us safe in situations where one who is new in Christ might falter. One who does not know Christ at all might see the example we set and without understanding, be led further astray. What image do we portray for Christ’s church?
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but seek the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do, do it all for the honor and glory of God.
It is simple when you think about it. We are ambassadors of Christ, and must conduct ourselves as such at all times. We are His body. When people look at us, do they see Him?
Our faith in Christ has opened the door for His grace to wash us clean. He has made us strong. Through Christ, we can withstand any test. No obstacle is impassable nor any challenge too great. Nothing of this world can touch us. We who are one in Christ are free to walk in faith with no fear of this world or its trappings.
This does not mean that we can live without consideration for those around us. It is our calling as the body of Christ to lift up those who are our brothers and sisters. It is our desire that all would live in the light of Christ.
Not everyone has the same strength. All men do not share the same weakness. Not all men exercise the same faith. Our faith lets us tread through enemy territory without fear of capture. We must remember to always walk in the Spirit, lest we become the stone that causes another to stumble. We must remember the weakness in our brothers and sisters, as we would expect them to do for us. We would never willing lead a friend to a deadly fall. We pray the Lord’s Prayer. Remember what we ask.
Luke 11:4
“… And lead us not into temptation”
We must be careful as brothers and sisters to not lead one another into the very temptation that we pray God keeps from us. He has granted us many freedoms. We must use them to further His kingdom and not to spread doubt and confusion.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23–33 Paul further explains the responsibility that comes with our freedom. Our faith keeps us safe in situations where one who is new in Christ might falter. One who does not know Christ at all might see the example we set and without understanding, be led further astray. What image do we portray for Christ’s church?
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but seek the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do, do it all for the honor and glory of God.
It is simple when you think about it. We are ambassadors of Christ, and must conduct ourselves as such at all times. We are His body. When people look at us, do they see Him?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Stoned for Christ
Read Acts 6-7
Stephen was a man filled with the Holy Spirit. That is pretty much all that is said about his qualifications. The apostles chose him as one of the seven lay leaders for this reason alone. He wasn’t an honor grad from some bible college and had not spent a single day in seminary. Stephen was a spirit filled man who loved God with his whole heart.
God isn’t impressed with our earthly accomplishments. We don’t earn extra points for an expensive education or extensive financial backing. God wants our hearts. He demands that we seek after him. This is a requirement that Stephen had in spades.
Acts 6:8 tells us that Stephen was full of God’s grace and power. Many miracles and wondrous signs were performed through him. Elders in the church of the day grew jealous and tried to accuse Stephen of heresy, but no one could match the wisdom that God had given him. Stephen could not be out witted.
In the end, the only thing the enemy could use against him, were blatant lies. Even these he defeated easily with God given wisdom. This only angered his enemies more. They were filled with so much jealousy and raged that they decided to kill him anyway. The masses were ready to stone him to death.
Acts 7:54 – 60
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.
Stephen did not try to run. He did not try to fight, or make excuses for his faith. Stephen was filled with the peace that only Christ can give. He simply told the truth. He shared the message of Christ and prayed for those who were lost. He followed the example set by Christ, even to his own death. If only we all shared his faith and commitment.
Stephen was a man filled with the Holy Spirit. That is pretty much all that is said about his qualifications. The apostles chose him as one of the seven lay leaders for this reason alone. He wasn’t an honor grad from some bible college and had not spent a single day in seminary. Stephen was a spirit filled man who loved God with his whole heart.
God isn’t impressed with our earthly accomplishments. We don’t earn extra points for an expensive education or extensive financial backing. God wants our hearts. He demands that we seek after him. This is a requirement that Stephen had in spades.
Acts 6:8 tells us that Stephen was full of God’s grace and power. Many miracles and wondrous signs were performed through him. Elders in the church of the day grew jealous and tried to accuse Stephen of heresy, but no one could match the wisdom that God had given him. Stephen could not be out witted.
In the end, the only thing the enemy could use against him, were blatant lies. Even these he defeated easily with God given wisdom. This only angered his enemies more. They were filled with so much jealousy and raged that they decided to kill him anyway. The masses were ready to stone him to death.
Acts 7:54 – 60
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.
Stephen did not try to run. He did not try to fight, or make excuses for his faith. Stephen was filled with the peace that only Christ can give. He simply told the truth. He shared the message of Christ and prayed for those who were lost. He followed the example set by Christ, even to his own death. If only we all shared his faith and commitment.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
When life is the pits...
Read Daniel 6
Daniel’s career was on the rise. He was one of only three administrators who managed one hundred and twenty satraps. There was only one position higher in Babylonian government and Daniel was slated for this as well. He would be second only to the king. People grew jealous and things went downhill from there.
We often find ourselves facing this same lot in life. Character bashing isn’t only for politicians. The enemy is eager to use those around us to drag down a believer. It is as simple as this. People will test you. Sometimes it is a temptation. Other times it is a requirement imposed for the sole purpose of causing you grief. The person doing it knows very well that what has been demanded is contrary to your beliefs or even out right impossible to deliver.
When these things happen, we should follow Daniel’s example. He prayed. It was the very thing that he had been told not to do. God always comes first and Daniel knew this. He also knew that God is in control of all things and can turn anything to good if we let him.
Look at things from this perspective. The other satraps and administrators were testing Daniel, but they weren’t the only ones watching. The king realized that he had been tricked and was powerless to stop events from unfolding. Read what he said to Daniel.
Daniel 6:16
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lion‘s den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
King Darius did not know God. He had no relationship with the Lord. He knew Daniel. He knew the things that God had done for Daniel in the past. He also knew that Daniel had faith in God that he was willing to die for. This meant that Daniel’s actions during this time were crucial to his testimony to the power and faithfulness of the Lord. The opportunity was not wasted. The king saw the power of faith first hand. He saw what was possible when serving the one true and living God.
Daniel 6:26-27
“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is a living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed and his dominion will never end. 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.”
Just as Daniel’s enemies tried to trip him up, our enemy attacks us daily. Some attacks are more obvious than others. Sometimes he fails so miserably that we don’t even notice. Other times we fall victim and find ourselves on the brink of despair. We find ourselves thrown to the lions. In these times we need to lean on our faith. We need to take hold of it and trust God. He can use anything for good. It worked out pretty well for Daniel.
Daniel’s career was on the rise. He was one of only three administrators who managed one hundred and twenty satraps. There was only one position higher in Babylonian government and Daniel was slated for this as well. He would be second only to the king. People grew jealous and things went downhill from there.
We often find ourselves facing this same lot in life. Character bashing isn’t only for politicians. The enemy is eager to use those around us to drag down a believer. It is as simple as this. People will test you. Sometimes it is a temptation. Other times it is a requirement imposed for the sole purpose of causing you grief. The person doing it knows very well that what has been demanded is contrary to your beliefs or even out right impossible to deliver.
When these things happen, we should follow Daniel’s example. He prayed. It was the very thing that he had been told not to do. God always comes first and Daniel knew this. He also knew that God is in control of all things and can turn anything to good if we let him.
Look at things from this perspective. The other satraps and administrators were testing Daniel, but they weren’t the only ones watching. The king realized that he had been tricked and was powerless to stop events from unfolding. Read what he said to Daniel.
Daniel 6:16
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lion‘s den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
King Darius did not know God. He had no relationship with the Lord. He knew Daniel. He knew the things that God had done for Daniel in the past. He also knew that Daniel had faith in God that he was willing to die for. This meant that Daniel’s actions during this time were crucial to his testimony to the power and faithfulness of the Lord. The opportunity was not wasted. The king saw the power of faith first hand. He saw what was possible when serving the one true and living God.
Daniel 6:26-27
“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is a living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed and his dominion will never end. 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.”
Just as Daniel’s enemies tried to trip him up, our enemy attacks us daily. Some attacks are more obvious than others. Sometimes he fails so miserably that we don’t even notice. Other times we fall victim and find ourselves on the brink of despair. We find ourselves thrown to the lions. In these times we need to lean on our faith. We need to take hold of it and trust God. He can use anything for good. It worked out pretty well for Daniel.
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