Month: November 2023

⁵ The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, (Same time frame as many University degrees) and after that they were to enter the king’s service. (So long as they passed) Daniel 1

⁸ But Daniel RESOLVED NOT TO DEFILE HIMSELF WITH THE ROYAL FOOD AND WINE, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. ⁹ Now God had caused the official to show favour and compassion to Daniel, …

There may be things that individuals have a conscience about not taking; for Daniel and his friends in exile it was the king’s food and wine. We’re not told what they felt about the food but there was something about it that appeared unclean to the young men.

The chief official was afraid they would appear less healthy than their peers, but Daniel asked that they be fed on a diet of vegetables and water for ten days. At the end of the time the official could review their appearance and judge accordingly. Longer term their restricted diet may have become monotonous, but they appeared healthy. God honoured the young Hebrews for their desire to live righteously, while in the Babylonian culture. This was one of many tests that those in exile faced living in a hostile pagan culture, not too dissimilar to the Church on earth today.

³ For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do – living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. ⁴ They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 1 Peter 4 

There’s an old saying that, ‘sin loves company’. People may become offended if you don’t join with them and sooner or later all believers will face situations where we have to STAND FOR OUR BELIEFS OR FOLD. The good news is that every time we do make a stand, it strengthens our faith in the Lord and puts us more firmly on Heaven’s side, so to speak.

Daniel and his friends were destined by God for high posts in the Babylonian Government, but they had to fight and win their own private battles first. We need to establish our position in the Lord before He can entrust with positions of authority in His Kingdom.

God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.

 

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1

We don’t always realise HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE and the type of King and the Kingdom we serve. It’s interesting to note the calibre and quality of people who were chosen to serve King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon.

³ Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the ROYAL FAMILY AND NOBILITY – ⁴ YOUNG MEN WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL DEFECT, HANDSOME, SHOWING APTITUDE FOR EVERY KIND OF LEARNING, WELL INFORMED, QUICK TO UNDERSTAND, AND QUALIFIED TO SERVE IN THE KING’S PALACE. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. Daniel 1

The bottom line was that ONLY THE BEST would get anywhere near this world leader and it’s just the same today. This world only wants the best, those who will be of use to them. MOST OF US WILL BE REJECTED BY THIS WORLD’S SYSTEM.

On the other hand Paul outlines a very different set of criteria for those who have been admitted to the Kingdom of God.

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. NOT MANY of you were WISE by human standards; NOT MANY many were INFLUENTIAL; NOT MANY were of NOBLE BIRTH . ²⁷ But God CHOSE THE FOOLISH THINGS of the world to shame the wise; God CHOSE THE WEAK THINGS of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God CHOSE THE LOWLY THINGS of this world and the DESPISED THINGS – and the THINGS THAT ARE NOT – to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ SO THAT NO ONE MAY BOAST BEFORE HIM. 1 Corinthians 1

Another long list, but this time it favours of those who don’t have many of this world’s advantages. In fact you’ll have a better chance of getting in if you’re needy. (Jesus words on its easier for the camel getting through the gate than the rich entering heaven Matthew 19:24)

WE OWE MUCH TO GOD that He chose the weak and humble things of this world to build His Kingdom.

³¹ Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ 1 Corinthians 1, Quote from Jeremiah 9

²⁴ but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,’
declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9

God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.

 

BEWARE OF TREATING PRECIOUS THINGS TOO LIGHTLY!

¹⁷ Afterwards, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. Hebrews 12

This verse refers to the transaction between the two brothers, Jacob and Esau at the end of Genesis 25. There was no one else involved in the account when Esau returned to the camp and sold Jacob his birthright as the firstborn for a bowl of stew. I believe that this is a warning for us not to relinquish things of value to others around us. God knew what he’d done and recorded it much later in the Book of Hebrews. Esau trivialised his birthright and scorned something that was his by right.

We all have precious things in our lives, God given things that we should never give to others, even to those closest to us. The warning is clear;

He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. Hebrews 12

Once the door had been closed it couldn’t be opened again, though ‘he sought the blessing with tears’. There are things in this life that have been marked for us alone, don’t be foolish and give them lightly to those around us.

God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.

 

 

 

¹⁹ During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven ²⁰ and said:

¹⁸ The one whose way of life (our WALK) is blameless is kept safe, (Protection) Proverbs 28

¹⁸ Good men (Speaks of Character) will be rescued from harm, but cheaters will be destroyed. Proverbs 28, The Living Bible TLB

I was reading Proverbs 28:18-28, end of the chapter, this morning and noted a number of things we may do to attract God’s Favour and Blessings on our lives. When we align ourselves with God’s will and ways, BLESSING FOLLOWS US!

² All these blessings will come upon you and overtake or accompany you if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28, (verses 1-14, list the blessings of God for Israel and we have a better Covenant.)

If we are diligent to listen and obey God, blessing will come!

¹⁹ Those who WORK their land will have abundant food,

²⁷ Be generous to the poor—you’ll never go hungry; MSG

It is important that we ALIGN ourselves with the the Lord in the days we live in. Many people may fall away through walking carelessly.

Lord give us ears to hear and hearts to obey You today. Amen

God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.

 

¹⁸ THERE IS SURELY A FUTURE HOPE FOR YOU,
    AND YOUR HOPE WILL NOT BE CUT OFF. Proverbs 23

^17-18 Don’t envy evil men but continue to reverence the Lord all the time, for SURELY you have a WONDERFUL FUTURE AHEAD OF YOU. There is hope for you yet! Proverbs 23, The Living Bible 

Despite everything that happened to Israel, God continued to promise them a Future Hope that won’t be cut off. His promise continues to this day for Israel and the Church. The enemy may delay but cannot prevent what God has promised His people. Hallelujah

¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: ‘When SEVENTY YEARS ARE COMPLETED for Babylon, (Israel’s time of captivity) I will come to you and fulfil my good promise to bring you back to this place. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU,  PLANS TO GIVE YOU A HOPE AND A FUTURE. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29

Israel had to endure seventy years of Babylonian rule. There was no alternative, but God gave them His Word that when the time had ended He Himself would restore them to the land of their inheritance – and He did. It’s easy to think that we’re trapped and circumstances will never change, BUT GOD! God will never forget His people no matter how difficult the situation.

¹³ Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
    honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
¹⁴ Know also that WISDOM IS LIKE HONEY FOR YOU:
    If you find it, there is a FUTURE HOPE FOR YOU,
    AND YOUR HOPE WILL NOT BE CUT OFF. Proverbs 24

Heaven’s Wisdom is like Honey; it tastes as sweet to our soul as honey on our lips. Once you’ve found this Divine Wisdom you have a Firm Hope for the future.

¹⁹ Do not fret because of evildoers
    or be envious of the wicked,
²⁰ for the evildoer has no future hope,
    and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. Proverbs 24

In contrast to the Believer’s Hope, those outside of the Father’s Love are without hope. We’re told not to fret when the wicked seem to prosper, it’s all transient and passing. The Believer’s Hope is beyond the realm of time and stretching on into eternity. Thank you Lord.

God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.

 

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, SINCE AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY YOU WERE CALLED TO PEACE. AND BE THANKFUL. Colossians 3 NIV

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, REMEMBERING THAT AS MEMBERS OF THE SAME BODY YOU WERE CALLED TO LIVE IN HARMONY AND NEVER FORGET TO BE THANKFUL  FOR WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU. Colossians 3, Philips NT

This verse from Colossians 3 reminds us that we are all members of one body and there should be Peace amongst Believers. Sadly this is not always the case and even David suffered some of his deepest wounds from those who went up to worship with him. Those closest to us have power to hurt us most, because we trust them most.

4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH THE BOND OF PEACE. Ephesians 4

In the mid 1990s I travelled a number of times to a conference in Jerusalem. Participants were encouraged to sign up to pray in one hour slots around the full twenty four hours each day. The aim was to provide a continuous prayer covering throughout the time of the meetings. I found myself praying late night/early morning with a lovely older German lady and another gentleman I didn’t know. (The lady wrote prophetic updates given her by the Lord and sent them out as an encouragement to believers). Anyway, for some reason, long forgotten now, I became exasperated with the other gentleman who had been praying in the previous hour before he left the room. The German lady told me quietly after he left that when I BECAME AGITATED that God’s Spirit left the room. I was upset and repented that my words had such a devastating impact.

Our words and attitudes are more powerful than we realise, so we must guard ourselves when we’re in the presence of other believers and therefore the indwelling Spirit of God. THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT ISN’T JUST THEORY, IT’S A REALITY IN THAT REALM.

⁹ Do not complain/grumble about one another, brothers and sisters, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door! James 5

The Church has great power in UNITY (Unstoppable) God honours those who honour His body here on earth and the converse is also true.

God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.

¹⁷ But the WISDOM that comes FROM HEAVEN is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3

We Believers are the only people on this earth who have access to the COUNSEL OF HEAVEN! That’s something to be thankful for today AND EVEN BETTER, THE LORD WANTS TO COUNSEL US. There is no counsel anywhere on this earth that matches the Counsel of Heaven.

Recently we had the opportunity to help some Christian friends who had a small but urgent need. I felt led to give them a specific amount of money, which was less than they’d been quoted to fix the problem. However when they went to pay for the service they required, they had exactly the right amount. The Lord blessed them with full sum necessary.

During this time I also had to pay someone to whom I owed money. They were planning to come to do some further work for us but because of an unusual request we received their visit was delayed. (Someone used our driveway for a photo shoot) In the meantime money came in to enable us to make the full payment, including the additional work.

¹⁴ But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is EARTHLY, UNSPIRITUAL, DEMONIC. ¹⁶ For where you have ENVY AND SELFISH AMBITION, THERE YOU FIND DISORDER (OR CONFUSION) AND EVERY EVIL PRACTICE.

This world promises many things, but they’re not always good for us. We need to ask the Lord for His perspective on the things confronting us. We often find Disorder or Confusion, even among  Believers, as a result of the wrong motives mentioned by James.

⁷ I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me. (God often speaks in the stillness of the night) Psalm 16, by David

⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9

One of the Prophetic Names of the Lord in Isaiah, is WONDERFUL Counsellor. We Believers alone are blessed people to have access to His Wonderful Counsel.

The Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us!

 

¹⁹ They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
    but THE LORD WAS MY SUPPORT.
²⁰ HE BROUGHT ME OUT INTO A SPACIOUS PLACE;
    HE RESCUED ME BECAUSE HE DELIGHTED IN ME. 2 Samuel 22

David spent much of the early part of his life being chased and harried by Saul and his troops. He, his wives and those who chose to follow him had to live in caves and even the territory of their enemies, the Philistines. Above all people David knew what it was to live in dangerous and restrictive circumstances. We might almost hear his sigh of relief in his Song of Praise, ‘You brought me into a SPACIOUS PLACE, BECAUSE YOU DELIGHTED IN ME’. Was he boasting when he said God delighted in him? I don’t think so, he’d walked a long time with the Lord and knew it was God alone who’d delivered him in many times of trouble. We would rather avoid the trials but God wants us to TRUST HIM TO HIS DELIVER US IN THE TRIALS AND STILL REJOICE IN HIS GOODNESS. At the end of his life DAVID STILL REJOICED IN HIS GOD.

³³ It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³⁴ HE MAKES MY FEET LIKE THE FEET OF A DEER;
    HE ENABLES ME TO STAND ON THE HEIGHTS.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You give me your shield of victory;
    your stoop down to make me great.
³⁷ YOU BROADEN THE PATH BENEATH ME,
    SO THAT MY ANKLES DO NOT GIVE WAY. 2 Samuel 22

David goes on to speak about his walk and how the Lord enabled  him to ascend the high places. WE ARE CALLED TO GO ONTO THE HIGH PLACES WITH OUR GOD, TO RULE WITH HIM!

God Broadened the path beneath him, good footing to walk on the path he has for our lives. No matter how narrow and confined our path may seem at times, as we go forward on it God will make sure it becomes wider for us. David walked through his trials with God and at the end he rejoiced in his God. Some of us have had to walk through narrow, difficult places in these days, but by God’s Grace the path BENEATH US IS GOING TO WIDEN. Our God is faithful and nothing is too difficult for Him. Hallelujah

May God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.

 

²⁸ In the way of righteousness there is LIFE;
    along that path is IMMORTALITY. Proverbs 12

The Book of Proverbs has many powerful promises for those who are Righteous, not least the promise of eternal life.

The first time the word “righteousness” is used in the Bible is Genesis 15:6, regarding Abram (i.e. Abraham).

⁶ Abram (Abraham) believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15

It wasn’t Abram’s actions, but his faith that was accredited by God as Righteous, he became the father of all who believed. Our Righteous (standing) is through faith in Christ alone, but we still have to walk it out in this life.

The root of the word ṣadiq, is ṣ-d-q ( צדק‎ tsedek), which means “justice” or “righteousness”. Of the biblical figures in Judaism, Joseph is customarily called the Tzadik. Joseph was a Type of Christ, the Bible records no flaw in the character of Joseph.

Seven further promises in Proverbs 12 for those who are willing to live and walk uprightly before God in this life.

¹⁰ The righteous care for the needs of their animals, (KIND AND CONSIDERATE) 
    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

¹² The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
    but THE ROOT OF THE RIGHTEOUS ENDURES.