Oh, to be a Daniel!

Daniel 6:4
.. but they could find no occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Oh, to be a Daniel! A man standing strong in what he believed. Living a life without error according to the laws of God and His commandments. We can only admire the integrity and character of this man. The pressure was on for Daniel to let down his convictions and give in to the temptation of human preservation. I don’t believe that Daniel was super human, he no doubt made mistakes of human nature, but when it came to the principles of God’s word, he remained faithful. He knew whom he believed in, and was willing to keep that which he committed unto the end of his days. Oh, to be a Daniel! Determine to stand true, come face to face with pending death and trust God to carry him through. We live in a culture where the word of God has been put aside for perverted thinking and liberal progressive ideology. We are the only Bible that others may see. ”Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men” (2 Corinth 3:2) Oh to be a Daniel! A man living holy and blameless in this present world. Such a life is possible living in these vessels of clay. Submitting daily to God’s will is to daily take up the cross of Jesus and live a blameless life before others, that it may be said of us. “No occasion, nor fault is found, they are true and faithful to the God they serve.” Oh, to be a Daniel! Oh, to be like Jesus!

The Power of His Might

 Eph 6:10
 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

We are no match for the devil. He is deceiving and cunning. He is a powerful foe that seeks to destroy our lives and our souls. He is not all-knowing, but he knows our vulnerabilities and our constitution. In the human, we don’t stand a chance. We dare not think that human resolution and determination is enough to stand against him. Such efforts are important, but fall short when standing up against the evil of this day. When the evil days come, and we are faced with a situation bigger than us, we are not alone. We serve a mighty God who knows exactly what we need. In the power of His might, we can stand and be strong. For, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps 46:1). We do our part and God does the rest. Our part is to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. It is to stand for what is right and good. It is to allow the Holy Spirit to take control and have His way in our lives. When we allow the Holy Spirit to abide in our hearts, Jesus said, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49). His power will enable us to be strong in the face of evil. His power will give us the ability to be a witness to others, and let our light shine in the darkness of this day. His power will give us the determination to live a life that is holy and blameless. Let us submit ourselves to the power of His might, and be strong in the Lord.

Stand for what is Right

 2 Kings 1:10
“If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!”

The boldness of Elijah the prophet in the face of being outnumbered required faith in One who can beat the odds. The odds were against him in every way, but he stood his ground for what he thought was right. I don’t pretend to know why God allowed 102 men to die because of the foolishness of a wicked king, but it does demonstrate to us that our decisions do have an impact on the lives of others. God came through for Elijah and put in the heart of the 3rd captain to honor the prophet and his God. Elijah boldly did what God wanted him to do, and God honored him and his faith. We often face things in our lives that may scare or frighten us, but we serve a big God and He knows the weakness of those that are against us. Let us stand for right and truth and allow God to work the circumstances in our lives.

I Shall Not Be Moved

Psalm 16:8  I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Determination and stability in rooted in a strong faith that God is true and faithful. He will give the strength to stand firm in the face of trouble or persecution. Determination in our own strength and ability will fall short of the goal. Yes, we must be willing to do our part by believing and trusting God. But it is God who will go before us. Determine to stand and not be moved from what is right, not to be moved from the truth of God’s word. Moved away from serving God and living for Him. We live in a day where the fiber of our faith is being attacked and the standard of holy living is being questioned as too old fashion and irrelevant. Cultures may change, but God does not. In the spirit of love and service to our God, we must not be moved from what is right and holy. 

The Whole Armor of God

Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

The devil is out like a roaring lion walking about seeking whom he may devour. Both Paul and Peter realized that there is an enemy out there who wants to destroy everything that is good and righteous. Satan hates Gods and everything that is holy. Satan despises  anyone who will stand for truth and do what is right regardless of the circumstances. Peter tells us to be vigilant, on our toes, be alert that we not be taken unaware. Paul admonition us to be ready to fight and defend what we believe to be true. Put on the armor of God. Have faith that God is able to deliver, protect our minds again false doctrine, gird ourselves with living lives that our unspotted by the world, and stand up for truth when Satan and those who follow him seek to twist what God says. And above all, take the Word and use it not only to defend but to defeat the enemy. We live in world where the prince of the air rules in the minds of all who rejected God’s truth. He uses whatever means he can to destroy the kingdom of God. Let us stand strong in the face of our adversary, not in our own strength, but by putting on the whole armor of God.

Admonitions for the New Year

 Admonitions for the New Year

Philippians 4

Ten Admonition of the Lord

1. Stand Fast in the Lord

In the face of difficult times, hold steady

Hold on to the promise of God’s Word

2. Rejoice in the Lord

Overcome by rejoicing and praising God

Rejoice that your name is written in the Book of Life

3. Do all things in Moderation

The Balance life is to do all to the Glory of God

Conduct your life is a way that you reflect the image of Christ

4. Fret not- Don’t worry about “things”

Be anxious for nothing. Human nature is concern about human comforts

That “problem” you face? Let go and let God have it. “Fear not”

5. Pray that God will supply all your needs

Bring your request to God and trust Him to supply your needs

Ask anything in my name. He knows what is best.

6. Keep your mind and thoughts pure

The thermometer that guides your conduct in whatever you do.

“Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus”- 

7. Apply God’s Word to your life- Doer of the Word

Read the Word of God not only for inspiration, but for practical living

Let the Holy Spirit apply the truth to your heart, and follow.

8. Be content with your station in life

Understand, Life is a rollercoaster- Be prepared to make adjustments

If you are living in the will of God, be at peace with your situation

Happiness is an attitude. Attitude is a choice. 

Don’t let circumstances dictate your happiness

Contentment is gained when we put our trust in Christ to accept our circumstances

9. Don’t be a pessimist – Approach challenges in your life with confidence.  “I CAN”

Godly attitude will focus on what you Can do, and not “I Can’t”

God does use your strengths, but only when then are submitted to Him

In our weakness, He is made strong. Give Him glory.

10. Give liberally to the cause of Christ.

God does not need your money. He is the giver of all things

God has chosen through the sacrifice of giving to spread the Gospel

We miss a blessing from God, when we fail to help others or support those who are willing to give of their time to spread the gospel.

God’s Promises

1. He will supply all our needs
2. The Peace of God will be given to you
3. God Peace will be with you
4. He will keep your heart and mind
5. He will give us the strength to do His will- we can overcome any obstacle or adversity.
6. The grace of God will be with you. The favor of God. He will always be at your disposal when you need Him the most.