Category Archives: Bible Study

What’s In A Name? – Daniel 1:6-7

What’s In A Name?
 
Daniel 1:6-7  “Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.” 
 
What is in a name?
What comes to mind when we say a person’s name?
Bad names: Jezebel, Adolf Hitler
Good names: King David, President Ronald Reagan 
Our names: Elaine Adams, Hilda Repass, Michael Adams, Heleigh Grace
 
Point: 
Our names are what we use to IDENTIFY ourselves.
Our names are a reflection of who we are and how people see us.
Our name, as a believer, is also a reflection of our personal relationship with the Lord.
Our name, in just a few words, IS OUR IDENTITY.
 
Daniel’s Circumstances:
Daniel was over 900 miles from home. (Remember this is not by today’s standards.)
Daniel was away from everything that was an anchor for his faith.
  • His parents and home life.
  • His instruction and learning.
  • His influences.
Daniel was in a position of great influence (upon him), opportunity, and temptation.
Thought: I wonder how many would take advantage of things under the circumstances?
 
Daniel’s Challenge:
Daniel and the others were chosen by the King’s servants for some obvious reasons: they stood out, they were smart, they were special 
Daniel 1:3-4  And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;  4  Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
 
Daniel and the others were chosen to be educated and influenced in the ways of the Chaldeans.
        
They would face pressure from their own flesh, their own peers, and those in authority.
 
Daniel and the others were going to be challenged in both their character and their very IDENTITIES.
 
They would face their very NAMES being changed.  
YOUR NAME = YOUR IDENTITY = WHO YOU ARE
 
As a CHILD of the KING – YOU need to REMEMBER and REMIND YOURSELF of this FACT:
 
The DEVIL will use every influence in the WORLD to:
CHANGE WHO YOU ARE
CHANGE WHAT YOU BELIEVE
                
He will make you question: who you are, what God has done, where you are going, what’s most important, and the very Word of God.
                
He will tear you down, he will discourage you, he will sift you, and he will squeeze you.
 
Luke 22:31-32  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Simon, Simon: Jesus wanted his attention.
Simon, Simon: This is IMPORTANT.
Simon, Simon: Jesus was showing He cares!
 
Satan hath desired to have you
Satan wants to SIFT you LIKE WHEAT
 
I have prayed for thee, that thy FAITH fail not.
FAITH = IDENTITY
 

1 Peter 5:8-9  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

 

Whom resist stedfast IN THE FAITH
FAITH = IDENTITY
 
John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Read Daniel 1:6-7:
Daniel 1:6-7  “Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.” 
 
Daniel: God is Judge
Belteshazzar: prince of Bel
 
HannaniahBeloved by the LORD
Shadrach: Illumined by Sun-god
 
Mishael: Who is like our God
Meshach: Who is like Venus
 
Azariah: The LORD is my Help
Abed-Nego: Servant of Nego
 
False Names:
A false god
A false belief system
A false way of life
Waste your life on things and for things that do not matter in the long term.
 
Daniel’s Identity / Character:
Daniel’s identity was no doubt a result of his relationship with the Lord.
 
Because of Daniel’s choices there is no doubt that God’s hand was upon him.
 
Instead of being influenced Daniel was able to INFLUENCE:
    Those around him – his peers, those in authority, the kingdom, and the King.
 
Do not let the world change who your identity.
 
God is Judge:

Isaiah 33:22  For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

 

Romans 2:16  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
 

1 Peter 1:17  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

 

Reminder:
I am Judged by God
I am Loved by God
I am Helped by God
There is no one like MY GOD
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light

The Difference a Year Makes – Daniel 1

The Difference a Year Makes
Daniel 1
Introduction:
1) Another year has come and gone. 
  • What a year 2016 has been!
  • In spite of everything can we say God is good?
2) Today is the first day of 2017!
  • How many still be writing 2016 for a few months???
3) A time to reflect, review, and renew.
 
The Book of Daniel:
  • Twelve chapters
  • Four Parts
    • Ch1: Introduction to Daniel
    • Ch 2-4: Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar
    • Ch 5-6: Kingdoms of Belshezzar and Darius
    • Ch 7-12: Visions of Daniel
  • Writings of Daniel span 2,600 years before us and we’ll beyond us.
  • Comtempary with the ministries of: Ezekiel, Ezra, and Jeremiah
 
Daniel 1:1-21 KJV
 
[1] In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. [2] And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
 
The Control of God
  • God’s is in Control
  • It is important for believers to remember this truth.
  • God kept Jerusalem protected – 2 Kings 19:32-36
    • Hezekiah was King.
    • One angel destroyed the Assyrian army – 185,000
  • God allowed Jerusalem to be overthrown
 
  • The Book of Daniel is certainly about the man Daniel and how God used him.
  • We do not know what God knows.
  • We do not see what God sees.
  • We are blessed by seeing the complete picture with Daniel not just the beginning.
 
[3] And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; [4] Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. [5] And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 
 
[6] Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
 
The Choices of Daniel
 
Key verse: v. 8
[8] 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. 
 
The Character of God: He is faithful
 
[9] Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. [10] And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. [11] Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. [13] Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. [14] So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. [15] And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. [16] Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 
 
[17] As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. [18] Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. [19] And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. [20] And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. [21] And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

The Heart of the Matter – Daniel 2

The Heart of the Matter

Daniel 2:1-49

When one examines the Life of Daniel and the Book of Daniel and sees the very Hand of God working in Daniel’s life there is a key verse that helps us understand why:

Daniel 1:8 –  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. 

As we examine Daniel 2 – we get to see Daniel’s heart in action.

Daniel’s Predicament – Daniel 2:1-16

Daniel’s Prayer – Daniel 2:17-19

Daniel’s Praise – Daniel 2:20-23

Daniel’s Presentation – Daniel 2:24-47

Daniel’s Promotion – Daniel 2:48-49

Daniel’s Predicament – Daniel 2:1-16

Daniel 2:1-16  And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.  2  Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.  3  And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.  4  Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.  5  The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.  6  But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.  7  They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.  8  The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.  9  But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.  10  The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.  11  And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.  12  For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.  13  And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.  14  Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:  15  He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.  16  Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

 

Daniel’s Prayer – Daniel 2:17-19

17  Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:  18  That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  19a  Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

Daniel’s Praise – Daniel 2:20-23

20  Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:  21  And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:  22  He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.  23  I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

Daniel’s Presentation – Daniel 2:24

24  Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.  25  Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.

26  The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

27  Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;  28  But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;  29  As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.  30  But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

***DO NOT READ – JUST REFERENCE***. VS. 31-45

A Great and Fearful statute:

Head made of Gold

Chest and arms of Silver

Stomach and thighs of Brass

Legs of Iron

Feet of Iron and Clay

It represents the Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar and the many Kingdoms that were yet to come.

The Kings Response…

46  Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.  47  The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Daniel’s Promotion – Daniel 2:48-49

48  Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.  49  Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

Lesson: The HEART of the Matter …

 

1) A HEART that RECOGNIZES the Lord as the PROVIDER of all things. Vs. 17-18.

The KING did not have the answers.

The WISE MEN did not have the answers.

The FALSE gODS did not have the answers.

These GOOD MEN did not have the answers.

But DANIEL and these GOOD MEN knew who DID.

2) A HEART that REACHES up to the God of Heaven in PRAYER. Vs. 18.

Daniel 2:18 “That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret…”

Hebrews 4:16  “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Luke 11:1 “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Luke 11:9-10 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. [10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

3) A HEART that REACTS to the God of Heaven in PRAISE. Vs. 19-23. 

Daniel 2:19b “Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”

Daniel 2:20-23  Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:  21  And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:  22  He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.  23  I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

4) A HEART that RESPONDS to the God of Heaven with HUMILITY.

1 Peter 5:5-6  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Daniel 2:26  The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

Daniel could have very easily taken advantage of this situation by taking credit for this knowledge for a number of reasons.  Look at what he did…

Daniel 2:27-28  Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;  28  But there is a God in heaven

that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

30  But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

We see clearly Daniel’s HEART.

5) A HEART that RESETS/INFLUENCES the WORLD for the Glory of God and the Cause of Christ. Vs. 47

Daniel 2:47  The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Daniel was placed in a position to influence the King and others.

1) A HEART that RECOGNIZES the Lord as the PROVIDER of all things. Vs. 17-18.

2) A HEART that REACHES up to the God of Heaven in PRAYER. Vs. 18.

3) A HEART that REACTS to the God of Heaven in PRAISE. Vs. 19-23.

4) A HEART that RESPONDS to the God of Heaven with HUMILITY.

5) A HEART that RESETS/INFLUENCES the WORLD for the Glory of God and the Cause of Christ. Vs. 47

God’s Grace

Title: GOD’S GRACE
Text:  Genesis 6:1-8  [1] And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, [2] That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. [3] And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. [4] There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. [5] And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. [6] And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. [7] And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

[8] But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Introduction:
What are some of the most treasured words in our Bible (next to the names of our Lord)?  LOVE, FAITH, HOPE, PEACE

There can be no doubt the word GRACE is one of those words.

The first use of the word GRACE is found in Genesis 6:8:  “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

The word GRACE:

  • Used in both the Old & New Testaments.
  • Used 170 times in 159 verses.
    (39 times in the OT – 131 times in the NT)
  • Paul uses it the most of all the writers.
  • Paul wrote 13 of the 27 New Testament books / letters:
    • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • 1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • 2 Corinthians 1:2  Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • Galatians 1:3  Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
    • Ephesians 1:2  Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • Philippians 1:2  Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • Colossians 1:2  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • 1 Thessalonians 1:1  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • 2 Thessalonians 1:2  Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • 1 Timothy 1:2  Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
    • 2 Timothy 1:2  To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
    • Titus 1:4  To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
    • Philemon 1:3  Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Source of this Grace: “…from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Meaning of Grace:  What is Grace?  Bible grace is defined as: God’s unmerited favor

      • The word “God” shows that he is the source of this favor or grace.
      • The word “unmerited” means that this grace this both unearned and undeserved.
      • The word “favor” means a kind or helpful act that is done for someone beyond what is due or usual.

The God of this Grace:  Do you understand what is at our disposal when we seek the one who extends this GRACE???

  • He is the Creator: Colossians 1:16-17  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
  • He is Omnipotent: He is all powerful
    Genesis 17:1  And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

    • The word LORD means: Jehovah – the self existent one.
    • The word Almighty God is: El Shaddi – the all powerful one
  • He is Omnipresent: He is always present.
    Psalms 139:7-12  Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  8  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  9  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;  10  Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.  11  If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.  12  Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

He is Omniscient: He is all knowing.
Matthew 10:29-30  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  30  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Psalms 147:4-5  He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.  5  Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

The Promise of this Grace:

God’s grace is available to EVERYONE
Titus 2:11  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

God’s grace is available through HUMILITY
James 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

God’s grace is available through DEPENDENCY
2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God’s grace is available through PRAYER
Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

God’s Grace is not because of any thing I have done
God’s Grace is totally because of God’s love and what He has done!

God’s Grace is not because of who I am
God’s Grace is only because of whose I am

I need God’s favor: I do not have all the answers and I do not know what tomorrow may bring – but my God does.

 I should desire and pray for God’s favor upon others.

 

Faithful

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 1:1

What does the word FAITHFUL mean to you? This word has in it the idea of being honest, trustworthy, devoted, or true to someone or something. A faithful steward is someone who can be trusted to handle the business affairs of another and does. A faithful friend is someone who stands by you and is true to you through good times and bad. A faithful spouse is someone who is devoted to their partner and trustworthy in every regard in that relationship. Faithfulness, or the lack thereof, is clearly a reflection of one’s character and seen in one’s actions. It can be seen in how one lives, what one does, what one says, and how one responds. Faithfulness is also vital in our relationships and greatly impacts them.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is written to the saints at Ephesus and the FAITHFUL in Christ Jesus. A faithful believer is a person who is devoted and true in their relationship with the Lord. They are trustworthy in the things that matter to Him and that faithfulness can be clearly seen in every aspect of their lives.

Being faithful is important, especially to those with whom we have a relationship. If one truly loves and cares for another faithfulness is vital in that relationship and will be reflected in how we relate and respond to them. Think about the things Christ has done and is doing for you. Do those things matter to you? Do those things affect you? Are you true to Him? Are you devoted to His cause?   If I am honest I must admit I am not always faithful.  I also know that this is common because even the Apostles struggled.  When I take my eyes off of myself and the world around me, and look at Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, I understand and know that He loves me, cares for me, and is faithful to me in every way!!!  I must remind myself that He is certainly worthy of my faithfulness in return!!!

YOU DO MATTER!!!

YOU DO MATTER!!!
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 1:1

We live in a big world with over seven billion people breathing right now on planet Earth. Do you ever feel you get lost in the crowd or that you even matter? If you are a believer, YOU DO MATTER!!

Paul, the writer of Ephesians, addresses his readers as SAINTS. We often overlook this little word but it is filled with importance. This word is used throughout the Bible as one of the many names given for those who are saved. The origin of this word was used to describe a building used for a deity as being set apart because of its purpose or to whom it belonged. A TEMPLE was considered HOLY (The word HOLY is the same word used for SAINT – the Greek word “hagios”).

When God looks at an individual in this mass of humanity He sees one of two things: either you belong to Him or you do not. Because of Christ, a believer is SET APART from the rest of the world. They BELONG to the Lord; and the Holy Spirit of God LIVES within them. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Let me remind you that God loves all of mankind and desires everyone to trust His Son Jesus Christ as their Savior. But the fact remains that the majority of the world rejects Christ and a lot of people despise Him. The city of Ephesus had a lot of false gods and true believers faced a great deal of persecution for their faith in the Jesus Christ. I believe Paul used the word SAINT to remind the Ephesian believers and us that we MATTER to the Lord. The world may not see us but the God of Heaven sees us! The world may not know us but He knows us! The world may not care but our Heavenly Father cares! He lives in us and today we can pray, seek His presence, and request His help because we belong to Him. And one day, because we are SAINTS, we will spend ETERNITY with Him in Glory!!!!

1 Corinthians 13:1-7  “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor , and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. [4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

Love is an important and powerful thing.  Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians covers many topics but at the heart of them all rings the message of genuine love.  An example and description are given in these verses of that love.
Communicating LOVE is more important than HOW YOU SPEAK.
Showing LOVE is more important than WHAT YOU KNOW.
Giving LOVE is more important than WHAT YOU GIVE.
Communicating, gaining and sharing knowledge, and giving are all important elements in the Christian life.  We should do our best in each of them.  The emphasis in these verses however is not these abilities but the love one should possess and share when exercising them. Without love these elements are vain, empty, and meaningless.  Genuine love can be seen, heard, and felt.  For example, if one could speak with the tongues of men and of angels how is it that they sound like sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal?  These two phrases imply, no matter how skilled, polished, or elequent the speaker, the words spoken are empty and without true heartfelt meaning.  Have you ever had that experience with a speaker or someone talking to you?  On the other hand, have you heard someone who maybe wasn’t all that skilled in word usage but their love and caring spirit spoke to your heart in spite of the words used or how they were spoken.  That is what communicating love is all about.  This kind of genuine love cannot be taught.  It is a part of ones life and everything that person says or does.  You can see it, hear it, and feel it.  The same applies to what we know, our abilities, and our giving.  Without genuine love these have no true or lasting meaning.

In Context

I believe the best way to understand the Bible is to study it in context with much prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit our teacher.
  • Context defined:
    • The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.
    • the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning.

In other words, understanding a word, verse, or passage in scripture requires us to view it in light of the verses around it.

A proper understanding of the scriptures also requires one to ask and answer the following five common sense questions. These questions should be applied to every verse or passage one studies.
  • Common Sense Questions:
    1. Who is speaking or writing?
    2. To whom or about whom is he speaking or writing?
    3. About what subject is he speaking or writing?
    4. When or about what time is he speaking or writing?
    5. What is the occasion for the speaking or writing?
Many fail in a proper understanding of scripture because they take passages completely out of context.  This can lead to false doctrine and the embracing of ideas God never intended.  Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  The words “rightly dividing” come from a compound Greek word meaning to dissect correctly.  The idea is to carefully take apart the word of God and examine those parts (word by word) in light of the whole.  The word “study” means to be deligent.  Being deligent means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.  Our study of God’s Word is important.  We must be careful as we consider it’s meaning, principles, and truths.  What a tragidy to miss out on those truths; but what a blessing when we behold the Bible’s precious treasure.

Loving God with all my Mind

Mark 12:29-30 “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is , Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: [30] And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

God has bless mankind with a mind and the amazing ability to think, learn, imagine, create, and remember.   We live in an age where information of every sort is available within seconds.  There seems to be no limit to what we can gain in the way of knowledge whether it is good or bad, right or wrong, true or false.  The believer understands that God is the source of all truth, genuine knowledge, and wisdom (John 17:17; Psalm 33:4; Poverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10).  He created our mind with all it’s abilities.  For us to live life where God is not a part of our thinking, learning, imaginations, and memories is unimaginable.  A life lived without the precious knowledge of a loving, caring, and saving God is truly a terrible thing.  Loving God with all our minds recognizes and honors the God who created and gave us this precious gift. What a blessing it is to know Him and ponder His greatness!