Dare to be a Daniel: Introduction

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  

(Daniel 1:8 KJV)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.  (Daniel 6:10 KJV)

In last week’s post I shared a few thoughts on Daniel and how he abided in the Lord.  How he lived his life was deeply impacted by his relationship with the Lord.  We can learn much from Daniel’s example.  This week I am launching a series of posts Dare to be a Daniel, which is an edited sermon I developed and delivered in 2014.  Much of the sermon was inspired by Beth Moore’s Daniel:  Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy study.[1] 

Starting this week, we are going to consider the life of one biblical hero, Daniel.  What a mighty, godly man of faith he was!  Daniel counted the cost of what it meant to live for God in his society (Judah), as well as the Babylonian society when he was carried off into exile.  He was willing to pay the price—even if that meant losing his life.  That is commitment—a level of commitment I desire to demonstrate.

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Due to Daniel's faithful commitment to God—he was used and mightily blessed by God.  He found favor, not only with God, but also with those above him, making an impact on them—an impact that was long-term (his influence on the wise men caused them to be looking for the coming Jewish Messiah hundreds of years later).  His integrity also “won” him some enemies!  Daniel spent the majority of his life, from his teens on in Babylonia (and at the end of his life, the Persian Empire), working at the highest levels of government—he found favor with those who did not know the Lord; showing them respect.  He interpreted dreams and proclaimed many prophecies—some of which are yet to unfold.

Daniel experienced Isaiah’s prophecy to King Hezekiah: 

"Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."     (Isaiah 39:5-7 KJV)

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What can we learn from Daniel and his life of integrity?  What decisions have we made or still need to make about what we will do when push comes to shove in following the Lord?  These are decisions that we need to make before hand—before we find ourselves in a situation where we need to make a decision in a hurry.  The time to decide is now.  Waiting until a knife is at our throat or a gun pointed to our head is too late.

We cannot live a life of integrity and commitment to the Lord without determining to do so in advance.  The world will see a difference.  As Christians our lives should look different from the world—we are to be in the world but not of the world (John15:19, for example)—in other words, we are not to assimilate to the world’s standards.  And yes, this may mean ridicule at times.  The world does not understand us and our behavior.  (Consider how often Jesus was misunderstood.)

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What changes can we make in our daily lives to predetermine how we will walk with the Lord?  What is holding us back from being like Daniel, from being “all in” when it comes to the Lord?  Fear of (fill-in-the-blank)?  Not seeing the need?  Loving the world too much?

As we continue to consider Daniel and his example, may we seek ways to grow deeper in our knowledge of the Lord and experiencing Him deep within our hearts.  We really do not need to fear those who can only kill our bodies; our fear should be reserved for the One who can kill our bodies and souls (Matthew 10:28).    

To be continued…

Join with me in prayer:

Mighty God, woo us to You, causing us to experience You more powerfully than ever before—seeking Your face more than Your hand.  Direct our attention to faithful witnesses, like Daniel, who demonstrate how to live in a sinful society.  Guide our preparations in predetermining what choices we will make when deciding for You is more costly than we could ever imagine.  Do Your work in our hearts as we learn more about following You when hostility abounds.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] Beth Moore’s Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy (2006, LifeWay Press) was the inspiration for many ideas in this sermon/blog post.

Abiding: Some Thoughts on Daniel

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  

(Daniel 1:8 KJV)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.  (Daniel 6:10 KJV)

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

Over the last several months I have been pondering the word “abide”—what it means to abide in Christ on the vine and abide in the Word of God.  History provides us with many examples of individuals who abided with the Lord, doing amazing exploits in the power of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes they paid the ultimate price—their lives.  They knew the Word—hiding it in their hearts.

In preparing to post a series on the Old Testament prophet, Daniel, (Dare to Be a Daniel [forthcoming]), it suddenly occurred to me:  Daniel abided in the Lord!  He knew the Scriptures.  He was deeply committed to living differently than others, even as a youth.  Others made note of this, sometimes for good, sometimes for bad.  No matter what, Daniel remained faithful to his God in a pagan nation, Babylon.

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

God honored Daniel’s faithfulness—Daniel was “all in” when it came to the Lord—and caused the Babylonians and Persians (his captors) to show him favor.  Daniel was so highly favored that he was promoted to high levels of leadership in the government!  A pagan government!  

Daniel, as we will learn, made a decision at a young age to remain loyal to the Lord, risking all (he surrounded himself with peers who had similar goals).  God honored His servant with supernatural protection (Daniel from lions and Daniel’s friends from the fiery furnace) and supernatural ability in dream interpretation (see Daniel 2).  

While we may not find ourselves uprooted and taken to a foreign land, we still need to immerse ourselves in the Word—allowing it to abide in us—staying close to the Lord, being ready to stand our ground come what may.  Like Daniel we will discover how beneficial it is to determine beforehand what we will do when we find ourselves in a situation that may be deadly.

If we remain faithful to the Lord (not denying Him); He will remain faithful to us, not denying us before the Father.  He will use us for His kingdom work wherever we find ourselves. 

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Since “abide” is my word for the year, it is an interesting exercise to consider how Daniel was faithful to remaining in the Lord.  The fruit produced in his life was amazing!

How are you abiding in Christ this summer?  Which biblical character comes to your mind who abided in the Lord?

Cluster of wild berries. Photo Credit P. Whitlach

Please join with me in prayer:

Awesome God, thank You for the example of your faithful servants who abided in You—prior to the time of Christ—and for all who came after following their example.  Place within us a desire for nothing more than seeking Your face and abiding in You and Your Word.  Empower us to stay true to You even in the face of a hostile world—a world that prefers darkness over light—may our witness, like Daniel’s make a lasting impact on our society.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim 

Freedom in Christ

*Note: This post first appeared last year, July 3, 2015*

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath set us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  (Galatians 5:1 KJV)

From http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Inspirational-Images/large/Galatians_5-1.jpg 

On Monday we (those of us in the United States of America) will be celebrating our freedom, won at a great cost from Great Britain.  On July 4, 1776, many brave men (and women) in an act of defiance stood up against the world power of that day, declaring their independence.  This was an act of war.  Many individuals and families paid a very steep price; because of this, we have the freedoms and independence we now enjoy.  May we never take our freedoms and independence for granted!  

For those of us who are Christians, we are in a war too; a spiritual war, fighting against a spiritual enemy—Satan—who wants our soul.  We do not fight alone.  We fight along side our brothers and sisters in Christ. However, our best and most important help comes from our Savior, Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever considered that our freedom—freedom from sin and death—eternal separation from a holy God was also won at a great cost?  By dying and arising from the dead, Jesus set us free from bondage to sin—we are liberated!  This freedom is fully paid for by Christ Jesus—He asks for our heart. 

Being set free by Christ sends us on an amazing journey—a journey that is unique to each person.  This journey takes us places we never thought we would go; we will likely do things we never thought we could or would do (for me that is preaching in the form of filling in for pastors who are away).  We will meet many people who will teach us, bless us, and challenge us.  And yes, our hearts will break at times for many reasons.     

To read more about freedom in Christ please read my previous posts: Salvation, A New Creation, and Counting the Cost.

Much like the colonists, who were subjects of Great Britain, we are in bondage to sin, until we see our sin for what it is and that we cannot save or free ourselves from the chains of sin.  It is when we acknowledge the work of Jesus Christ and invite Him into our heart that we are set free.

We are free in Christ—this freedom is not freedom to do as we please; it is freedom from the burden of sin and the burden of the Old Testament laws, rules, and regulations (but not the Ten Commandments).  It is freedom to love (agape) others and to serve others. 

Spend some time in the coming days, reflecting on your freedom in Christ.   

What does it mean to you, personally, to be free in Christ?

What has Jesus set you free from?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear God of Love, thank You for setting us free.  We recognize all that You have done for us.  Thank You for the gift of living in America and for those who have stood up for what is right, so that we can live in freedom.  It is in Jesus and Jesus alone that we are saved and set free; thank You Jesus for Your amazing gift of salvation.  Teach us to walk and live in the freedom that we have in Jesus, the One who set us free from Satan’s grasp.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen. 

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Happy 4^th of July to my readers in the United States of America!

Spiritual Nourishment

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  

(Romans 10:17 KJV)

This week, I am sensing a need for a change of pace.  Therefore, I would like to encourage you to take the time to view one (or more of the videos) found on the right side bar under the heading "Spiritual Nourishment".  

While Pastor Richard is not my pastor, he is a dear brother in Christ.  I have found his messages to be meaningful and nourishing.  It will be worth your time.  

Please join with me in  prayer:

Dear Lord, Open our hearts to what You have to say to us through Your Word and from Your servants.  Thank You for the Truth that comes in reading, studying, and hearing Your Word.  Stir up within us a hunger for You and Your Word that cannot be satisfied.  Even in the midst of our struggles we seek You and Your face, simply desiring to know You more fully.  Thank you for those who capably preach Your Word and point us to Jesus.  In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Happy Father's Day!

*Note: This is an edited post from June 19, 2015*

 

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  (Ephesians 6:4 KJV)

This Sunday, June 19, 2016, is a special day.  A day we set aside to honor those special men in our lives who are fathers—biological and/or adoptive—as well as spiritual. 

It has been said that any man can be a father but few can be a daddy.  (Fathers create—and can leave, while daddies are there for their children—they nurture and help their children develop.)  They are the ones who discipline and love and protect.  It takes a special man to be a daddy.  

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1379JxsnhYhv_LoXJSK7WgR3m0VXjSbjYBKl8ubqlAzZ0aahEtHmw795fuTFoDVE8nsHtyCzcCWx_SAi75QKVm7nMm56MfZFtOiqq2ksKW6FxujHHTmXMQtnlKgSouiiUFKRAD793tfE/s320/God+in+Heart.png

At the outset, I realize some reading this post will have had a challenging relationship with their earthly dad, or perhaps a beloved dad has passed away, or a dad is no longer dad due to a variety of health issues and/or dementia. My prayer for you is that you will experience God’s comforting, healing presence in the days ahead.

Moreover, there are some reading this post who had a dad that passed away before they had a chance to know him; this is true for me.  Father’s Day can be challenging, yet it is possible to experience the loving presence of God.  

Thanksgiving 1971

I am thankful for some special men who the Lord brought into my life—some for a short season and others for a long season.  I am especially thankful for my spiritual dad who has mentored me in the faith and taught me so much about living for and serving the Lord over the last several years.  God knew that I needed a godly male role model and brought him into my life at just the right time. 

Who in your life is a spiritual father?  How can you be a spiritual father (or parent!) to someone in your life?

In the Scriptures we read that dads are to teach their children about the Lord and treat them with decency and respect, as we see in the above passage from Ephesians.  However, many times this does not happen; children end up hurting and lost, looking to others for the guidance they need.

Despite our relationship with our earthly fathers, we can have a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  He is an amazing, loving daddy.  For those of you who are not fathers, thank you for being spiritual fathers!  Spend some time thinking about how you can help the fatherless.

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5OQ3CPZ7tBGSJRVHV3SBz77KwhQpvJiLG2a-cib5qNBO9wkSH6yX9XAeRR1pquKxgOGKOcGHu-pRglA8kRivVYalZ7TXdf4pf7SWnUoAnEQwkB26qG4Qs6VC8oYysNmJD0-3vhDI5gY/s1600/Fathers-Day-Poems-002.gif

How can you reach out to those without fathers?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for the fathers who gave us life and love.  We thank You for those fathers who teach their children about You.  Encourage those men who are not fathers in society’s eyes—help them to see how they can be spiritual fathers.  Encourage fathers who only see their shortcomings and failures to see what they do well.  For those who do not have fathers or have a difficult relationship with their father, grant them comfort; help them to find spiritual fathers to guide and direct them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

More Scriptures for Times of Transition: New Testament

This week’s post is a continuation from last week.  Times of transition are inherently stressful; however, by turning to the Word of God we can find comfort, relief.  Here is the link to last week’s post: Scriptures for Times of Transition.  

The verses that follow are a selection and not meant to be exhaustive.

I encourage you to meditate on these verses—letting them sink into your heart and mind.

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Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  

(Matthew 24:35 KJV)

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  

(Romans 15:13 KJV)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

(Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  

(Philippians 4:19 KJV)

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  

(Hebrews 6:19-20 KJV)

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.  

(Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  

(1 John 2:17 KJV)

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.  

(1 John 5:14-15 KJV)

My prayer is that these verses will speak to your heart and provide strength and encouragement on difficult days.  For those of us who have Jesus as Savior and Lord can see difficult days in the light of eternity.  While difficult days come; we have a glorious future awaiting us with our Savior!

Where do you find comfort in God’s Word during times of transition?

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1379JxsnhYhv_LoXJSK7WgR3m0VXjSbjYBKl8ubqlAzZ0aahEtHmw795fuTFoDVE8nsHtyCzcCWx_SAi75QKVm7nMm56MfZFtOiqq2ksKW6FxujHHTmXMQtnlKgSouiiUFKRAD793tfE/s320/God+in+Heart.png

Please join with me in prayer:

Precious Lord, thank You for Your Word that contains solid truth; as we mediate on it, open our spiritual eyes to understand what You are saying to us.  Direct our attention to the Scriptures You want us to meditate upon and apply to our daily lives.  Bring to our minds all the ways You walk with us through all the transitions of life.  Remind us to keep our minds focused on You, especially when things seem to be in constant flux and we struggle to find our footing.  Open our eyes to the new possibilities, the new horizons that come from times of transition.  Thank You for the benefits that come from being Your child; may we share the Good News with those around us who desperately need to hear it.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim  

Scriptures for Times of Transition

Transition is defined as:  “noun transizh'on. [Latin transitio.] Passage from one place or state to another; change; as the transition of the weather form hot to cold. Sudden transitions are sometimes attended with evil effects.”[1] For the complete definition of transition, please see the link below.

For a variety of reasons, I have decided to look to the Scriptures to find comfort and direction for the future.  The Lord prompted me to do this due to my pastor retiring (his last Sunday is June 12), and the new pastor coming (June 26); a friend’s pastor is retiring, and another friend is experiencing a variety of life transitions.

The verses that follow are a selection and not meant to be exhaustive.

I encourage you to meditate on these verses—letting them sink into your heart and mind.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.  (Joshua 1:9 KJV)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 

(Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

(Proverbs 3:5 KJV)

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.  (Proverbs 16:3 KJV)

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.  

(Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV)

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.  (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV)

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  (Isaiah 43:19 KJV)

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  

(Lamentations 3:21-23 KJV)

For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. 

(Malachi 3:6 KJV)

My prayer is that these verses will speak to your heart and provide strength and encouragement on difficult days.  For those of us who have Jesus as Savior and Lord can see difficult days in the light of eternity.  While difficult days come; we have a glorious future awaiting us with our Savior!

Where do you find comfort in God’s Word during times of transition?

Please join with me in prayer:

Precious Lord, thank You for Your Word that contains solid truth, as we mediate on it, open our spiritual eyes to understand what You are saying to us.  Direct our attention to the Scriptures You want us to meditate upon and apply to our daily lives.  Bring to our minds all the ways You walk with us through all the transitions of life.  Remind us to keep our minds focused on You, especially when things seem to be in constant flux and we struggle to find our footing.  Thank You for the benefits that come from being Your child; may we share the Good News with those around us who desperately need to hear it.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim  

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[1] http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/transition